PNR Review: Acheron (Dark-Hunter, Book 12) [Deckle Edge] [Hardcover]

I've finished "Acheron" the 12th book in her Dark Hunter series by Sherrilyn Kenyon.

Product Description

The most anticipated story in the blockbuster Dark-Hunter series. The never-before-revealed story of the Dark-Hunter leader, Acheron. He was made human in order to escape death, but in death he was reborn a god.

Eleven thousand years ago a god was born. Cursed into the body of a human, Acheron spent a lifetime of shame. However, his human death unleashed an unspeakable horror that almost destroyed the earth. Then, brought back against his will, Acheron became the sole defender of mankind.

Only it was never that simple. For centuries, he has fought for our survival and hidden a past he’ll do anything to keep concealed. Until a lone woman who refuses to be intimidated by him threatens his very existence.

Now his survival, and ours, hinges on hers and old enemies reawaken and unite to kill them both.

War has never been more deadly or more fun.

Product Details
Hardcover: 736 pages
Publisher: St. Martin's Press; First Edition edition (August 5, 2008)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0312362153
ISBN-13: 978-0312362157

My Review:

I have always had a soft heart for Ash the sexy and mysterious leader of the Dark Hunters.  I'm glad that he didn't end up with Artemis because she is a piece of work and I truly think she can't love anyone).

The first part was very heart retching to read because of all the abuse, mentally, psychically and sexual that Ash had to endure in his human life beginning at a young age.  I really felt for him!  Man to train at the age of seven to service both men and women in every aspect.  I'm really glad that Ash had his half-sister Ryssa and his nephew who loved him unconditionally.

The second part revolves around Ash and Artemis and their relationship.  This is where we learn about his brutal death and his rebirth as a Dark Hunter.  I found this part kind of sad too because Artemis wouldn't stand up to her brother Apollo about Acheron or defend him or protect him when Apollo went after him.

The third part deals with the present day and the romance between Ash and Tory (from the Dream Hunters).  I didn't feel any chemistry between Ash and Tory and I believe their relationship was too fast.  I'm happy that Ash has finally found his HEA but I don't think Tory was the one for him.

We get brief glimpses of Nick and Jaden and I can't wait to read their storylines.

4.5/5

Bunny Express Saturday 2013 (May 18)

Bunny Express Saturday is hosted every Saturday at Paranormal and Romantic Suspense Reviews.

I received these in the mail this week.

For Review:

Dead Ever After: A Sookie Stackhouse Novel (Sookie Stackhouse/True Blood) [Hardcover]

Product Description

THE FINAL SOOKIE STACKHOUSE NOVEL

There are secrets in the town of Bon Temps, ones that threaten those closest to Sookie — and could destroy her heart.

Sookie Stackhouse finds it easy to turn down the request of former barmaid Arlene when she wants her job back at Merlotte’s. After all, Arlene tried to have Sookie killed. But her relationship with Eric Northman is not so clearcut. He and his vampires are keeping their distance and a cold silence. And when Sookie learns the reason why, she is devastated.

Then a shocking murder rocks Bon Temps, and Sookie is arrested for the crime.

But the evidence against Sookie is weak, and she makes bail. Investigating the killing, she’ll learn that what passes for truth in Bon Temps is only a convenient lie. What passes for justice is more spilled blood. And what passes for love is never enough. 

Silken Prey [Hardcover]

Product Description

Murder, scandal, political espionage, and an extremely dangerous woman. Lucas Davenport’s going to be lucky to get out of this one alive.

Very early one morning, a Minnesota political fixer answers his doorbell. The next thing he knows, he’s waking up on the floor of a moving car, lying on a plastic sheet, his body wet with blood. When the car stops, a voice says, “Hey, I think he’s breathing,” and another voice says, “Yeah? Give me the bat.” And that’s the last thing he knows.

Davenport is investigating another case when the trail leads to the man’s disappearance, then — very troublingly — to the Minneapolis police department, then — most troublingly of all — to a woman who could give Machiavelli lessons. She has very definite ideas about the way the world should work, and the money, ruthlessness, and sheer will to make it happen.

No matter who gets in the way.

The Officer and the Secret (Semper Fidelis. Always Faithful.) [Mass Market Paperback]

Product Description

If There's One Thing He Hates, It's a Secret

Coming home after a rough deployment, Captain Dwayne Robertson wants some stability in his life, and finds it in the friendship he's forged with Veronica Gibson while he was away. But her past is a well-guarded mystery, and Dwayne doesn't know if he can deal with a woman who has something to hide.

And She's Filled with Them

Veronica Gibson doesn't want anyone to know about her bizarre upbringing. She's finally escaped her missionary parents and would be enjoying her independence if she didn't feel so insecure about fitting in. She can easily envision a glorious future with Dwayne — but can she build a new life on a web of lies?

A Spy to Die For [Mass Market Paperback]

Product Description

When Spy Meets Spy

Agent: Skylight
Profile: Seasoned Assassin Guild Super-Sleuth. Talented enough that she can write her own rules.
Budget: Unlimited.

Agent: Jack
Profile: Main investigator for the loosely federated Rover Assassins. Guided by a strict moral code, fierce loyalty, and a sense of duty.

More Than Sparks Will Fly

On opposite sides of a high-stakes game, lust lures two spires together in a passionate encounter. Little do they know that they heat of the moment would bind them, turning their worlds upside down. Hunted by deadly assassins, can the pair and their love withstand the onslaught?

Paradise Valley [Mass Market Paperback

Product Description

"Stop! Or I'll shoot your hat off."

Maggie Tucker has just gone through hell. Outlaws murdered her husband, looted their camp, and terrorized Maggie before leaving her lost and alone in the wilds of Wyoming. She isn't about to let another strange man get close enough to harm her.

Sage Lightfoot, owner of Paradise Valley ranch, his hunting for the men who killed his best ranch hand. But what he finds is a beautiful, bedraggled woman digging a grave. And pointing a pistol at his heart.

From that moment on, Sage will do anything to protect the strong-yet-vulnerable Maggie. Together, they'll embark on a life-changing journey along the dangerous Outlaw Trail, risking their lives and their love.

Thanks Penguin Canada and Sourcebooks!

YA Review: Inferno: Chronicles of Nick [Hardcover]

I've finished "Inferno" the 4th book in her Nick Gautier series by Sherrilyn Kenyon.

Product Description

The heat is on, and a new threat to humanity has risen

Nick has his driver's license and he's not afraid to use it. But turning sixteen isn't what he thought it would be. While other boys his age are worried about prom dates and applying for college, Nick is neck deep in enemies out to stop him from living another day. No longer sure if he can trust anyone, his only ally seems to be the one person he's been told will ultimately kill him.

But life spent serving the undead is anything except ordinary. And those out to get him have summoned an ancient force so powerful even the gods fear it. As Nick learns to command and control the elements, the one he must master in order to combat his latest foe is the one most likely to destroy him. As the old proverb goes, fire knows nothing of mercy, and if Nick is to survive this latest round, he will have to sacrifice a part of himself. However, the best sacrifice is seldom the sanest move. Sometimes it's the one that leaves your enemies confused.

And sometimes, you have to trust your enemy to save your friends. But what do you do when that enemy is you?

About the Author

In the past three years, New York Times bestselling author SHERRILYN KENYON has claimed the #1 spot sixteen times. This extraordinary bestseller continues to top every genre she writes. With more than 25 million copies of her books in print in more than one hundred countries, her current series include The Dark-Hunters, The League, Chronicles of Nick, and Belador.

Product Details
Age Range: 12 and up
Hardcover: 464 pages
Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin; First Edition edition (April 9, 2013)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1250002834
ISBN-13: 978-1250002839

My Review:

Nick Gautier is now 16 years old and he has gotten his drivers license.  He is bummed out because he has just learned his girlfriend Kody was sent to kill him so he breaks up with her.

Then Casey a cheerleader starts coming onto him and his confidence starts going up and it looks like they might hook up romantically.  It looked like Brynna was interested in him as well.

Acheron played a big role and it was great to see their friendship grow though it's sad that we know what happens in the future.  We learn more about the background of some of the characters Kody and Caleb and we are introduced to some new characters like Tiyana another Devereaux sister.

The book ended with a cliff hanger and I can't wait to read the next one to find out what happens!

4/5

Thanks St. Martin's Press for sending me this book to review, greatly appreciated!

Follow My Blog Friday #148

If you are new to the FF fun, Feature and Follow Friday is a blog hop that expands your blog following by a joint effort between bloggers. Feature & Follow Friday is now hosted by TWO hosts, myself of course and Alison of Alison Can Read. Each host will have their own Feature Blog and this way it'll allow us to show off more new blogs!

How does this work? First you leave your name here on this post, then you create a post on your own blog that links back to this post (easiest way is to just grab the code under the #FF picture and put it in your post) and then you visit as many blogs as you can and tell them "hi" in their comments (on the post that has the #FF image). You follow them, they follow you. Win. Win. Just make sure to follow back if someone follows you!

Now to make this FF interesting we do a FEATURE blogger. If you are interested in becoming a Feature click on the drop down link above FEATURES and Features and Follow Friday and get on the waiting list!  It is also required, that if you participate you must follow the hosts (Parajunkee and Alison Can Read) and the two Feature blogs.

This Meme is hosted by Rachel from Parajunkee's View and Alison from Alison Can Read on Fridays.

To join the fun and make now book blogger friends, just follow these simple rules:

1.  (Required) Follow the Follow My Book Blog Friday Hosts {Parajunkee and Alison Can Read}

2.  (Required) Follow our Featured Bloggers

3.  Put your Blog name and URL in the Linky thing. You can also grab the code if you would like to insert it into your posts.

4.  Grab the button up there and place it in a post, this post is for people to find a place to say “hi” in your comments and that they are now following you.

5.  If you are using WordPress or another CMS that doesn’t have GFC (Google Friends Connect) state in your posts how you would like to be followed

6.  Follow Follow Follow as many as you can, as many as you want, or just follow a few. The whole point is to make new friends and find new blogs. Also, don’t just follow, comment and say hi. Another blogger might not know you are a new follower if you don’t say “HI”

7.  If someone comments and says they are following you, be a dear and follow back. Spread the Love … and the followers

8.  If you’re new to the follow Friday hop, comment and let me know, so I can stop by and check out your blog!


Our Feature is Picture Me Reading 








When did you start blogging?

I started blogging in July of last year. The reason I started was because my husband already had a Dr. Who blog and it looked like lots of fun to interact with other fans. I knew I wanted to blog but I wasn’t sure what about, my husband suggested combining my love of reading with my love of art and Picture Me Reading was born!

What is your favorite part of book blogging?

I like so many things about blogging it is hard to name just one. I love drawing the pictures for my reviews and coming up with new ways to illustrate how I felt about them. I also love meeting other bloggers and interacting with them, seeing their thoughts on books and reading!

What type of books do you mainly blog about?

I tend to focus a lot of science fiction, fantasy and YA books because I love reading those genres. I also love the classics and my all time favorite book is Jane Eyre. I also enjoy Graphic Novels and sometimes audiobooks.

What is your favorite book(s)?

My all time favorite book is Jane Eyre. As for books I have read recently I love Daughter of Smoke and Bone, Shadow and Bone, Masque of the Red Death and Eleanor & Park.

What has been the best thing that has happened to you because of book blogging?

I love all the awesome people I have met through blogging! I have met some fabulous bloggers and read some absolutely amazing books.

Our Feature - The Bookish Confections

1. When did you start blogging?

I started blogging last April 10 this year.

2. What is your favorite part of book blogging?

My favorite part of book blogging is connecting to people who have the same book preferences with me.

3. What type of books do you mainly blog about?

I review and feature Young Adult books or New Adult books mainly. But there's Middle Grade books and Adult (not the erotic ones) books occasionally, depending on the synopsis.

4. What is your favorite book(s)?

Whew. Tough question! The Fault In Our Stars, Before I Fall, Delirium series, Something Like Normal, Pushing the Limits, Colleen Hoover's books, Dear John, Divergent series and more!

5. What has been the best thing that has happened to you because of book blogging?

I don't really know. It's only been a month and 6 days. But as of now, maybe it's the fact that I'm having this schedule as to what books to read. It keeps me organized in a way. And I'm not like that before. So I guess, thanks to book blogging. :)
This weeks Question:

Q: School is out! What is your favorite Summer Reading book?

I don't have a favorite Summer Reading book but I have few now "Dance With the Devil" by Sherrilyn Kenyon, "Lover Awakened", "Lover at Last" and "Lover Mine" by J.R. Ward.

18 and Over Book Blogger Hop #67

18 and Over Book Blogger Follow is a weekly feature that begins on Fridays and runs through the weekend hosted by Crystal from Reading Between the Wines. 

The 18 Over Book Blogger Follow is a Friday blog hop with the objective to find and visit other book blogs that share the same interest as you, namely books geared towards the 18 and over crowd, and make new friends!

How to join in:

You should run a book blog that features and reviews mostly adult reads, some Y.A.’s are okay but 18 and  Over adult reads should be your majority.

Make a separate post for the 18 and Over Book Blogger Follow on your blog.

Copy the html for the button above and place it at the top of your post.

List and answer the ‘Question of the Week.’

Place your name and blog title in the linky below and the url for a direct link to your post

Visit the other blogs on the list. If you like what you see make sure to leave a comment and follow so the blog owner knows you stopped by and can return the favor. Following each blog is not mandatory but I know it is always appreciated, and if someone comments saying they’re a new follower it’s polite to follow back. It’s always nice to spread the 18 and Over Book Blog love!

Question of the Week: You just walked into your bedroom to find your favorite book boyfriend lying on your bed with three naughty gifts. Who is it and what are they? 

Hmm can we have two because I'm having a hard time picking between Zarek or Zsadist.

My naughty gifts would be:

1.  Ties or handcuffs
2.  Chocolate
3.  Toys (kind of scared about these)

RS Review: Taking Eve: An Eve Duncan Novel [Hardcover]

I've finished "Taking Eve" the 15th book in her Eve Duncan series by Iris Johansen.

Product Description

#1 New York Times bestselling author Iris Johansen is back with the first book in a chilling new Eve Duncan trilogy that asks the question: will Eve survive what lies ahead?

Forensic sculptor Eve Duncan’s mission is to bring closure to the families whose loved ones have vanished. She knows their anguish — her own beloved daughter, Bonnie, was taken from her when Bonnie was just seven years old. It is only recently that this mystery was resolved and Eve could begin her journey to peace. Now, Jim Doane wants the same kind of answers that Eve always longed for. His twenty-five-year old son may or may not be dead and he has only burned skull fragments as possible evidence. But he cannot go to the police for answers without risking his own secrets and dark past, so instead he chooses a bold step to find the truth — a truth that takes Eve down a twisted path of madness and evil and into the darkest heart of her own history. Doane needs Eve Duncan’s skills and he’ll do anything to get them.

Even if it means taking Eve.

About the Author

IRIS JOHANSEN is The New York Times bestselling author of What Doesn't Kill You, Bonnie, Quinn, Eve, Chasing The Night, Eight Days to Live, Blood Game, Storm Cycle, and Silent Thunder (with Roy Johansen), Deadlock, Dark Summer, Pandora's Daughter, Quicksand, Killer Dreams, On The Run, Countdown, Firestorm, Fatal Tide, Dead Aim, No One To Trust and more.

Product Details
Hardcover: 352 pages
Publisher: St. Martin's Press; First Edition edition (April 16, 2013)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1250019982
ISBN-13: 978-1250019981

My Review:

Detective Joe Quinn has to appear at an important trial so he asks Jane MacGuire Eve's adopted daughter to come stay with her.  As Jane is on her way to visit Eve she gives her a call to let her know that her dog Toby is critically ill.  Jane decides to drop him off at an experimental facility to see if they can figure out what is making Toby ill.  Before she arrives at the facility she finds out the person she thought would be there isn't and she has figure out if she wants to entrust Toby's care to Margaret (a new character that is introduced) a Dog Whisper/Animal Whisper ( a person who can talk and understand how dogs are feeling by communicating with them).  She learns from Toby that he was poisoned by the scruff of his neck by a man who petted him at a Doggie daycare.  As she is waiting for Eve to arrive she is stopped by an sharpshooter and with the help of Caleb she is on a mission to find out who kidnapped Eve and who poisoned Toby.

We learn from Venables who has kidnapped Eve - one Jim Doanes who wants her to reconstruct his son's Kevin's skull.  Kevin was a sadistic child killer who really enjoyed killing little girls with the help of his father who lured them in.  Jim looks like a nice guy but hides a sick personality under his friendly facade.

Jane has her own romantic problems to deal with two men vying for her affections when one of her suitors returns Mark Trevor (one of my favorite characters) to help her find Eve and Caleb the enigmatic and mysterious man who can kill someone by using their blood.

This book was a page turner with non-stop action with a cliff-hanger ending to set up the premise of the next book.  We learn who Eve's father might be or might not be!

4.5/5

Wednesday Wish List

Please list the books/manga/manhwa/yaoi manga from your wishlist that you are hoping to add to your shelves in a comment, thanks.

Books, Manga, Manhwa, Shonen-Ai and Yaoi I'm Waiting For:

Noble V: Greylancer [Paperback]

Product Description


Greylancer, a Noble (vampire) from the world of the Vampire Hunter D series, pushes his own immortality to the limit in a millennia-long battle against the Outer Space Beings.

It is the year 7001 by Noble reckoning, and the vampire rulers of the world have grown complacent. When the Outer Space Beings invade, the Noble warrior Greylancer must pit his skills and magic against the technology of the OSBs, quash an anti-Noble rebellion, and, when he is critically injured, turn to mere humans for help. The Three Thousand Year War of Vampire Hunter D begins here! 

Product Details
Paperback: 280 pages
Publisher: VIZ Media LLC; Original edition (May 21, 2013)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1421554178
ISBN-13: 978-1421554174

Manga Review: Doubt, Vol. 1 [Paperback]

I've finished "Doubt Vol. 1" by Yoshiki Tonogai.

Product Description

Rabbit Doubt - a mobile phone game - has taken Japan by storm. In it, players are rabbits who must uncover the wolf in rabbit's clothing before falling prey to its mistrust - sowing wiles as well as its teeth. When a group of teen players decides to meet offline for fun, the last thing they expect is to lose consciousness and wake up trapped in an abandoned building, mysterious bar codes tattooed on their bodies, and a corpse strung up in front of them. To stay alive and find a way out, they have but one option - to sniff out the lying wolf in their midst. Will these virtual acquaintances be able to pull it together in the real world and figure out what's going on in time to avoid ending up as the wolf's dinner?

About the Author

Before making his manga debut with Doubt, Yoshiki Tonogai was an assistant to Soul Eater creator Atsushi Ohkubo. Tonogai followed up his hit horror series Doubt with another survival horror title called Judge, and has also contributed to the Higurashi When They Cry series.

Product Details
Paperback: 400 pages
Publisher: Yen Press (April 23, 2013)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0316245305
ISBN-13: 978-0316245302

My Review:

Rabbit Doubt is the newest game rage which is a mobile phone game.  Players are rabbits and they must flush out the wolf disguised as a rabbit before falling prey to them (killed).  A group of teens decide to meet offline for fun but didn't expect to lose consciousness and wake up trapped in a warehouse with mysterious bar codes on their bodies and a hanging corpse in front of them.

I really enjoyed this manga because of the well drawn illustrations, the intriguing storyline and the graphic details of the murders (not to graphic) that implies what happened to the victim.

4/5

Thanks Hachette Book Group Canada/Yen Press for sending me this manga to review, greatly appreciated!

New Manga and Yaoi Releases 2013 (May 14)

 

New Releases

X, Vol. 5: 3-in-1 [Paperback]

Product Description

The fate of the world as at stake in this lavishly

Reads R to L (Japanese Style)

X, the epic series from CLAMP, is now available in this deluxe collector’s edition. The pages have been recomposed in the original right-to-left reading order and restored to the highest quality. Each volume contains three of the original graphic novels, along with gorgeous, full-color illustrations never before published outside Japan!

Duality is a fact of Kamui’s prophecy-driven life, but he’s not the only one — as the battle between the Dragons of Heaven and the Dragons of Earth heats up, the warriors begin to realize who their opposite numbers are. The members on both sides of the conflict all have their reasons for wanting to save the world or destroy it, and the greatest of those is love. For the sake of loved ones long lost, and of those still living, decisions are made that will move heaven and earth.

07-GHOST, Vol. 4 (07-Ghost (Viz Media)) [Paperback]

Product Description

One evil god, two rival empires, three unlikely bishops and seven brave ghosts make for one fantastic adventure!

The paths of one evil god, two rival empires, three unlikely bishops and seven brave ghosts converge in the destiny of Teito Klein, a boy who vows to master a powerful artifact known as the Eye of Mikael in order to lay bare the secrets of the world’s — and his own — murky past.

When Ayanami storms the Barsburg Church in a ruthless effort to drive the Eye of Mikael from Teito’s body, Frau is forced to make a terrible choice: let the Eye fall into Ayanami’s hands, or abandon Teito to die. But Teito may be powerless to accomplish his search for truth without it…

Reads R to L (Japanese Style) for teen audiences.


Yaoi:

Bond of Dreams, Bond of Love, Vol. 4 [Paperback]

Product Description

Ryomei has been steadily refusing Ao’s advances, but when Ao says this could be the last time they see each other for a while he decides it’s time to make a move. Unfortunately, unforeseen circumstances halt their night of passion, and things get even more complicated when Ao perceives Ryomei’s sudden interest as pity.

What will it take to convince Ao that this time it’s the real deal? This story of not-so-unrequited love reaches its climax in the final volume of Bond of Dreams, Bond of Love!

Reads R to L (Japanese Style) for mature audiences.

Blue Morning, Vol. 1 [Paperback]

Product Description

At only ten years of age, Akihito Kuze suddenly inherits the Kuze viscountship after his father’s death. The family's capable butler, Tomoyuki Katsuragi, takes over the task of raising the boy, serving as his tutor. However, the handsome and intelligent Katsuragi, well respected even among the aristocracy, remains cool towards his charge. Akihito finds himself relentlessly drawn to Katsuragi, frustrated by the distance between them and driven to discover the reasons why.

Reads R to L (Japanese Style) for mature audiences

Manga Review: Alice in the Country of Hearts: My Fanatic Rabbit, Vol. 2 [Paperback]

I've finished "Alice in the Country of Hearts: My Fanatic Rabbit Vol. 2" by QuinRose.

Product Description

In a dangerous country where every resident brandishes a weapon, Alice has been invited to stay at Hatter Mansion, home of Mafia boss Blood Dupre and his right-hand man, Elliot March. The more time Alice spends at the mansion, the more attached Elliot becomes to Alice. But will his affections prove dangerous for Alice's other Wonderland friends or for Alice herself?  In volume 2 of this all-new Wonderland manga, the March Hare has finally arrived!!

About the Author

QuinRose is a Japanese game developer that produces dating-sim games for girls, including the bestselling Alice in the Country of Hearts. Many of their other productions are also loosely based on works of fiction.

Product Details
Paperback: 192 pages
Publisher: Yen Press (April 23, 2013)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0316234923
ISBN-13: 978-0316234924
My Review:

This is the last volume in this series and it goes out with a bang!

Alice is currently living at the Hatter Mansion with Mafia boss Bloode Dupre and his Elliot March his right-hand man.  Elliot has developed feelings for Alice which he has never felt before but it has endangered her other friends. 

Elliot is quite the jealous bunny and he is trying not to resort to violence in front of Alice since he knows she doesn't like it.  It gets in quite a predicament with Peter White but lucky for him Blood Dupre saves him.

The illustrations were well drawn and detailed and the storyline was very interesting and engaging especially the fight scenes between Elliot and his enemies.

3.5/5

Thanks Hachette Book Group Canada/Yen Press for sending me this manga to review, greatly appreciated!