A LOVE UNTAMED BY PAMELA PALMER

A LOVE UNTAMED BY PAMELA PALMER (FERAL WARRIORS #7) ~V^^^V

BLURB:  The newest member of the elite Feral Warriors brotherhood, Fox is eager to prove himself on the front lines of battle against the Daemons. When paired with the legendary Ilina warrior, Melisande, he expects the fierce beauty to quickly fall under the spell of his quite considerable charm. Instead, he finds himself spellbound by a woman who's his match in every way.

Beneath Melisande's brittle exterior lies centuries of pain and a violent hatred of all shape-shifters—a hatred that slowly crumbles after they're caught in a deadly and cunning Mage trap and she glimpses a surprising depth in her far-too-seductive partner. Their survival demands unconditional trust—and their salvation surrender to a wild, untamed love

MY THOUGHTS: The reason I gave this book three stars was because of the side stories. I was far more interested in Kara being found and the situation with Grizzly. I haven't liked Melisande since the first time I read of her. That didn't change in this book. Yes I felt sympathy for her but the book failed to convince me to care about her. I also didn't like Fox from the start either. He was and is far too arrogant and just plain annoying. I hated that he called Melisande, "Pet" and pretty much everything else about their romance. It was just a gateway book for me, just a link between old characters and new. I REALLY hope the next book is more romance and less action. ~MICHELLE 

POISON PRINCESS BY KRESLEY COLE

POISON PRINCESS (ARCANIA CHRONICLES #1) BY KRESLEY COLE ~V^^^^V

BLURB:  She could save the world—or destroy it.

Sixteen year old Evangeline “Evie” Greene leads a charmed life, until she begins experiencing horrifying hallucinations. When an apocalyptic event decimates her Louisiana hometown, Evie realizes her hallucinations were actually visions of the future—and they’re still happening. Fighting for her life and desperate for answers, she must turn to her wrong-side-of-the-bayou classmate: Jack Deveaux.

But she can’t do either alone.

With his mile-long rap sheet, wicked grin, and bad attitude, Jack is like no boy Evie has ever known. Even though he once scorned her and everything she represented, he agrees to protect Evie on her quest. She knows she can’t totally depend on Jack. If he ever cast that wicked grin her way, could she possibly resist him?

Who can Evie trust?

As Jack and Evie race to find the source of her visions, they meet others who have gotten the same call. An ancient prophesy is being played out, and Evie is not the only one with special powers. A group of twenty-two teens has been chosen to reenact the ultimate battle between good and evil. But it’s not always clear who is on which side

MY THOUGHTS:  This book was REALLY hard to review. Here are my issues first and foremost. This is definitely a teen book. The characters act very immaturely and they thought patterns made me want to strangle them. Of course in the case of all teen book series, this has to end with a cliffhanger. That is my NUMBER 1 BIGGEST ISSUE with YA! I think these books could be ended better, all of them. My last thought was that I picked this up thinking it was Teen Urban Fantasy but it is really more of a horror novel. 

So setting my issues aside I will say that the story was pretty good. I found parts a bit slow and other parts vaguely covered. I was very lost until nearly the end as to why were had this other point of view. I will say that the way it was dialogued by the male character I felt very much like it was copied from American Psycho, Patrick, which bothered me. But back tot he point, I think the concept, world, characters and story have a great potential. I am hopeful that they will all become a little more likable soon and if Evie, is going to be the main character, she needs to toughen up. ~MICHELLE 

INTO THE WOODS KIM HARRISON

Into the Woods by Kim Harrison ~V^^^V

BLURB:  For centuries, the woods have been a pivotal part of the wonder and danger of fairy tales, for once you enter anything can happen. Elves, druids, fairies - who knows what you will find once you dare step into the forest?
And now, New York Times bestselling author Kim Harrison ventures into these mysterious, hidden lands of magic and mystery in her first short-story collection. Into the Woods brings together an enchanting mix of brand-new, never-before-published stories and tales from Harrison's beloved, bestselling Hollows series.
The tales her include an original Hollows novella, Million-Dollar Baby, about Trent Kalamack's secret elven quest in Pale Demon; two original short stories, "Pet Shop Boys" and "Temson Woods," that explore just what happens when humanity and the supernatural collide; and two novelettes, "Spider Silk" and "Grace," set in new worlds of imagination and adventure. Into the Woods also contains all of the previously published Hollows short stories - together in one volume for the very first time.
Step into the woods and discover the magic for yourself. Original.

MY THOUGHTS:  I read some of these anthologies in their previous releases and some I read for the first time. I am going to give a review of all the Hollows stories old and new but I am skipping the other stories for now. 

The Bespelled- This was the story of how Ceri came to be in Algaliarept's keeping for such a long time. I enjoy a peek into Al's mind as well as the little glimpse as to how it all went down. This was quite short and still enjoyable. 

Two Ghosts for Sister Rachel (Holidays are Hell)- This story gives us insight into young Rachel's family relationship. We see how she interacted with her brother and mother. We are also first introduced to Pierce, who has many appearances in later stories. The setting is Christmas and a bit whimsical and light for Rachel Morgan really. I liked this one.

Undead in the Garden of Good & Evil (Dates from Hell)- This story is an Ivy story, her life as an investigator with the I.S before she left with Rachel. Though I really am easily confused by the vampires in this series, I liked this story. The glimpse into Ivy's life and with her voice was very interesting, it really opens up a new level of understanding in her and Rachel's relationship. 

Dirty Magic (Hotter Than Hell)
This is the first introduction to the Mia, the banshee. She is struggling to raise her baby, Holly. Its really a rather sad story and to be honest it really didn't do to much for me. 

The Bridges of Eden Park (For a Few Demons More)- This was just a little side story of Kisten and Rachel together. They try to help Kisten's sister with an ex-boyfriend who is trying to get custody of their son. There really wasn't a whole lot to this story, just felt like a side note. 

Ley Line Drifter (Unbound)- Who doesn't love a Jenks story? This is merely a side story with some insight into Jenks beyond Rachel and Ivy. It was a fun story.

Million Dollar Baby (Pale Demon)- This is the story of Jenks and Trent going to recover Trent's daughter. The story takes place along side Pale Demon and is really more of a deleted scene. Nonetheless I felt that this story really added depth to Trent's character and was very heartfelt. I would almost say it is a must read. ~ MICHELLE 

Kate Daniels World by Ilona Andrews

Magic Gifts (Kate Daniels #5.4) by Ilona Andrews ~V^^^V

I liked this quite a bit. Kate and Curran are awesome together. Seriously they crack me up. Anyway the mystery and action was quick and intense. The novella is not too short and the introduction of Ascanio Ferara was very cool. I expect good things from him.







Gunmetal Magic (Kate Daniels World #1) by Ilona Andrews ~V^^V

I went into this totally unaware. I thought this was going to be another Kate story. Took me a couple pages to figure it out. LOL OK so that said it really started out great. THEN, it went flat. The story dragged and the whole thing was a bit long for me. Don't get me wrong I love Andrea, I think she kicks ass, literally. So in my opinion this read like an early Kate Daniels story and I had a bit of trouble getting into the series early. I was just bored, sad to say. =( ~Michelle 

Myth and Magic by Keri Arthur

 Myth and Magic Series by Keri Arthur ~V^^^^V



Destiny Kills ~V^^^^V
I really enjoyed this book. It was my first look at dragons as shifters and I have to say I liked it. The mythology of the Loch Ness Monster really helped put it over for me. I love all things unexplained, so it was fantastic. The action and romance/steam were excellent as well. Though I was a little lost in the beginning my like Destiny herself, I soon found myself immersed. I can't wait for the second book.



Mercy Burns ~V^^^V
I didn't like this one nearly as much as the first. I think the first one intrigued me with the Nessie story, where this one had none of that. Mercy tended toward a personality that got on my nerves. She was obviously upset over the death of her friend and the prejudice against half dragons, so I will allow some character flaws due to stress. What I didn't care for was her utter instance to not hurt or kill those who were intending to do the same to her. Damon tended to not be as kind as I would have liked either. I know he was an assassin and that would be his personality but I wished he pulled some kindness toward Mercy out sooner then he did. The most enjoyable part of the book for me was the last chapter, with an appearance of characters from the previous book, albeit too short. ~Michelle