Moonstruck (Crossbreed Book 7) by Dannika Dark

ABOUT THE BOOK

Evil forces are at play in this spellbinding continuation of the USA Today bestselling Crossbreed series.

Transporting goods is part of the job, but when Keystone accepts the daunting task of moving precious cargo, the team splits up. Raven has orders to follow, but Christian’s seductive ways draw out her violent soul. Their journey is dangerous, their enemies ruthless, and one misstep could prove fatal. 

When one team member mysteriously vanishes, the rest must choose between cutting their losses in the face of chaos or seeing it through to the bitter end. Will Keystone have the fortitude to complete the mission, or will they fall like dominoes?

United they stand, divided they fall.

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 REVIEW 

Moonstruck by Dannika Dark is book seven in the Crossbreed series. It is not necessary to read other installments to enjoy the current story. As always, I recommend undergoing the complete experience from book one. There is a greater depth to the story that way. Kind of police with a touch of mercenary, Keystone assist the breed world with various tasks that official channels are unable, or unwilling, to manage. In Moonstruck, the bulk of the group is escorting a small group of teenagers to a private school.

What I like:   

As the series gets longer, the stories branch out to include more depth on each member of Keystone. Their evolving ties seem to solidify the desire for penance from their dark pasts. The member's relationships are precarious, but the bonds are slowly evolving.  What began as simple partner pairings in some cases feel like genuine friendships, perhaps even more. With Raven and Christan's relationship on solid ground, the focus is mainly on the storyline conflicts. This fact does not bother me a bit. Urban fantasy can be just as thrilling and enjoyable as a paranormal romance, Dannika Dark is astounding because she does both remarkably well.  

Random Spoilery Thoughts

I go back and forth on whether or not I desire other partnerships to turn into romance.  There are a few couples that I think would be good together, but I really do enjoy these books regardless of the romance. At this point, either way will be just fine for me. And all types of love exist. A family is not always the ones we are born to, and the Keystone members are becoming a wonderful sort of misfit family. I eagerly await more from this team.

Guilty Pleasure An Anita Blake Vampire Hunter Novel by Laurell K. Hamilton

 ABOUT THE BOOK 

Meet Anita Blake, Vampire Hunter, in the first novel in the #1 New York Times bestselling series that “blends the genres of romance, horror and adventure with stunning panache”(Diana Gabaldon). 

Laurell K. Hamilton’s bestselling series has captured readers’ wildest imaginations and addicted them to a seductive world where supernatural hungers collide with the desires of the human heart, starring a heroine like no other...

Anita Blake is small, dark, and dangerous. Her turf is the city of St. Louis. Her job: re-animating the dead and killing the undead who take things too far. But when the city’s most powerful vampire asks her to solve a series of vicious slayings, Anita must confront her greatest fear—her undeniable attraction to master vampire Jean-Claude, one of the creatures she is sworn to destroy...

“What The Da Vinci Code did for the religious thriller, the Anita Blake series has done for the vampire novel.”—USA Today

 REVIEW 

I tried, I really did, but I don't think this is for me. Why on earth would sadistic vampires want to hire a self-professed killer of their kind to help find the being murdering the most powerful among them?  By entrapping her, clearly under massive duress. And then, then, they hold her prisoner after insisting she does it, and let other beings scare the crap out of her and mentally torture her a bit. No, just no. I couldn't make it through.

I have heard others say they like this series, and maybe later I will give it another try. Maybe. For now, I will just cancel one of my audible preorders and keep going with the Charlie Davidson series. Two-week hold at the library be damned. I never would have started this otherwise.

Sorry to those who liked this. And let it be made perfectly clear my opinion is only based on the first 61% of the audiobook. And to be fair it didn't keep my full attention a lot of the time so maybe I missed something... ?

First Grave on the Right by Darynda Jones

 ABOUT THE BOOK 

First Grave on the Right is the smashing, award-winning debut novel that introduces Charley Davidson: part-time private investigator and full-time Grim Reaper.

Charley sees dead people. That's right, she sees dead people. And it's her job to convince them to "go into the light." But when these very dead people have died under less than ideal circumstances (i.e., murder), sometimes they want Charley to bring the bad guys to justice. Complicating matters are the intensely hot dreams she's been having about an Entity who has been following her all her life...and it turns out he might not be dead after all. In fact, he might be something else entirely.

This is a thrilling debut novel from Darynda Jones, an exciting newcomer to the world of paranormal romantic suspense.

First Grave on the Right is the winner of the 2012 Rita Award for Best First Book.

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 REVIEW 

I have found my new binge obsession. In First Grave on the Right by Darynda Jones Charlie sees dead people with a twist. She uses her gifts as a private investigator who also helps lost souls cross over. Charlie is intelligent and capable in the situations she finds herself in. She doesn't cringe in fear expecting rescue when she's in danger, which I love in a heroine. An appropriate amount of tension is present in the story, but Charlie knows how to handle dire circumstances. Nothing feels like it comes so easy it is without risk. The supernatural elements are unique and inventive, which kept me intrigued and guessing the entire time. Topping all of it off is Charlie's fantastic wit and sarcasm. I cannot wait to devour this entire series.

Dark Alpha's Redemption by Donna Grant

 ABOUT THE BOOK 

There is no escaping a Reaper. I am an elite assassin, part of a brotherhood that only answers to Death. And when Death says your time is up, I’m coming for you…

My duty to Death drives me forward. I've never once strayed from my path – not even when the future seemed uncertain. However, Maeve's intelligence, cunning and determination challenges me in ways I never imagined. Finding out what she knows is the key to learning how to conquer our enemy. The Dark Fae breathes new life into me unlike anything I've ever known. For Maeve, I will risk trusting the Dark. For her...I will battle darkness itself.

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 REVIEW 

Dark Alpha's Redemption is the continuing saga set in Donna Grant's Dark World. This far into the series, I highly suggest reading all preceding novels. At this point, several characters are crossing over, and although previous plot points get abridged when relevant, a lot is going on. 

As always, the overall story-line surrounds a couple finding love. Maeve and Bradach begin as wary associates on the hunt for a missing fae. The two have great chemistry, and the discovery of their feelings for each other feels natural. 

In Dark Alpha's Redemption, a stronger comparison continues to unravel regarding the dark and light fae. It is becoming more apparent that the heart of the being is what matters, not their title or where they reside. Seeing them as both make them more relatable, and it also gives a better sense of what they need is a leader who can be both. I have my guesses/hopes on who could fill this role, but we are getting closer to that revelation. 

Alpha's Promise by Rebecca Zanetti

 ABOUT THE BOOK 

To hell and back . . .

Though he has vampire, demon, and Viking blood rushing through his veins, Ivar Kjeidsen’s soul-crushing trip to hell broke him in ways he can barely fathom. One vow keeps the deadly immortal standing: To rescue the vampire brother who had sacrificed freedom for him. To do that, Ivar needs the help of a brilliant physicist with wary brown eyes, fierce brilliance, and skin that's way too soft.

Dr. Promise Williams understands the underpinnings of the universe but has never figured out the human beings inhabiting it. Her function is to think—and not feel—until she’s touched by a vampire who’s nowhere near human. The primal hunger in his eyes awakens feelings in her that defy calculation. As she shows him the way to step between worlds, he brands her with a pleasure that could last more than a lifetime . . .

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 REVIEW 

Alpha's Promise by Rebecca Zanetti is part of the Dark Protectors series. I am quite fond of a good supernatural urban fantasy/ romance, and this one grabbed my attention. It is optional to read the previous books all pertinent information becomes available when necessary. I, however, went back to the beginning in anticipation of reading an early copy of Alpha's Promise, and I am glad I did. Knowing first hand is well worth it.

The Dark Protectors series has a varied preternatural population. Fae, Demons, Vampires, and Shifters all share an alliance. I enjoy varied species working together against a common adversary.  I feel things are more exciting that way it keeps things from getting stagnant.  All the male characters in Alpha's Promise are charming and witty, with a healthy dose of dominance. Some might find that dominance a little over the top, but I find it fits them perfectly. Ivar and Promise are an entertaining couple with great chemistry. I found Promise's emotional awakening intriguing and unique. The mystery/ thriller aspect of the plot plays out very well. The path to their end game is enjoyable, and the next installment sets up nicely. I eagerly await the continuation of these stories.