The Darkest Kiss - Keri Arthur

I absolutely love this series. I picked up the first book last year on a whim after seeing the cover on the bookshelf. Something about it made me go near and take it. I've not looked back since.

This is Book 6 in the Riley Jenson Guardian Novels and it is smashing! Riley is one of the strongest lead characters I've read and I enjoy her escapades. I enjoy her snippy remarks and her sarcasm, her flirtatious relationships and her hunger for knowledge. This story does not disappoint. It ups the ante by having two sets of serial murders and the whole cast of characters is involved without any overcrowding or overshadowing.

We are entertained by Directorate staff, romanced by past boyfriends and intrigued by coworkers that may or may not become lovers in future. Riley's brother and his soul mate are an integral part of her life and therefore become important to us as well.

I am looking forward to the next book with much anticipation. Keri Arthur, you've got me hooked. :)

Bad Blood - L. A. Banks

This is the first novel in the Crimson Moon Series.

Sasha is a shadow wolf and she works for the US military. Because of certain circumstances, she realizes that the world she lives in is not as it seems and she is not sure she likes it. Being able to trust only a select few, she must work in secret to bring down a threat to humanity.

Bad Blood is not a bad book. Yes, there are steamy scenes between Sasha and Max, the action is fast paced and the twists are interesting, but I felt, at the end, that it was not anything new. Even so, I would like to see which direction the story goes when the second book in the series is released this fall.

This story reminded me in many ways of the Darkwing Chronicles by Savannah Russe and of the Riley Jenson series by Keri Arthur. Of the three, I think Keri Arthur's world is the best one.

Accidentally Yours - Susan Mallery

I needed a break from all the sci-fi, fantasy, and paranormal stuff I have been reading lately. This book was part of a package I received and though it's not something I'd have chosen at the store, I decided to read it anyway. Well, I must say that I had a blast.

The story is about a single mom who needs to get $15 million in funding for research because her son is sick. You'd think that this would be a sad and maybe depressing book but it was fun, light, and interesting, keeping me reading with just a hint of serious stuff, too! Kerri is Wonder Mom (with a superhero outfit and all!) and she is sassy and spunky. Nathan, Mr. Millionaire, doesn't know what hit him! He'd have had a better chance standing in front of a steam train. :)

This is the first book I've read by Susan Mallery. There is a good chance I'll look into her other books when I need some light and heartfelt fun. I'm glad that I picked it up. Now I'm going to send it to a fellow BookObsessor (a surprise) and I hope she enjoys it as much as I did.

Touched by Venom - Janine Cross

Touched by Venom - Janine Cross

9 1/2 stars

I stayed up three nights to finish this book because it had me mesmerized. I hated so much of what was happening yet I kept reading. I didn't want to stop! Some parts had me cursing, some had me frightened, some had me smiling (yes, indeed) and all the while, I was trying to figure out why a story this dark and harrowing, full of anger and depravity, would invoke such passionate reactions in me. The answer is because it is a very well written, incredible story. Zarq's trials scar not only her but the reader as well. Her feelings and actions are understood though not always agreed with. She is in pain mentally and physically, and she is only seventeen at the end of the book. I am eager to read the second book in this saga. It looks exciting (and dreadful!) and I am sure I'll have strong feelings for it, too.

A Bright New Day

So... I caved and started a blog here...

The fault lies with all my blogger friends at BookObsessed. Y'all know who you are... With your books already read, and books to read, and your cool, awesome contests!! Just how is a girl supposed to resist?

Oh my, what have I gotten myself into...