Book Review: Treacherous Temptations by Victoria Vane

Treacherous Temptations 
By Victoria Vane
Release Date: January 21st, 2013
Format: Ebook (ARC)
Rating: ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

Blurb from Goodreads:

NOW AVAILABLE!
A reluctant heiress resigned to her fate… Mary Elizabeth Edwardes has one of the largest fortune's in England, but has no desire to leave her quiet country existence… and even less to acquire a husband she cannot choose for herself.

A dissolute nobleman bent on retribution… Trapped in a duplicitous existence since scandal destroyed his fortune and family name, Lord Hadley Blanchard has spent the better part of a decade posing as a disaffected exile while spying and seducing in the service of the English Crown.

A dangerous game of seduction, and intrigue… When summoned from abroad by a former lover, Lord Hadley perceives an opportunity for vengeance at last. By employing the full measure of his seductive charm, he woos the ward of the man who destroyed his life, little knowing that winning Mary's fortune will mean risking his own treacherous heart.

**AUTHOR'S NOTE
TREACHEROUS TEMPTATIONS was very much inspired by the dark and romantic novels of the 18th century in which virtue vs. vice and plots to despoil virgins were very popular themes, books like Clarissa Harlowe by Samuel Richardson or Les Liaisons Dangereuses by LaClos. Similar to these classic tales, my story features an innocent country girl who, unlike the former heroines, is neither insipid nor naive, but still inadvertently becomes a pawn in a deadly game of revenge and intrigue.

My Review:

A very big thank you to Victoria Vane and Entangled Publishing for providing me with an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

*SQUEALSSSSS!! Another Victoria Vane book......WEEE!!*


As all of you know well by now, I am a big fan of Victoria Vane and her impressive Devil DeVere series. So, when I heard that Treacherous Temptations will be her first full-length novel, I was equally excited about it.

The atmosphere of Treacherous Temptations was more grim, darker and sober compared to her DD series. Although it wasn't as hilarious and witty, it still was very captivating. The story is richly painted with historical facts, engaging characters and a crisp plotline.

I am amazed at the elaborations and details that went into building the Treacherous Temptations world. I can't imagine the hard work of research that went into giving birth to this story. I salute you Miss Vane!

My only quibble was that the epilogue wasn't long enough. I'm truly looking forward to her next novel. Bring it on!

Book Review: Demon's Curse (Imnada Brotherhood #1) by Alexa Egan

Demon's Curse (Imnada Brotherhood #1) 

by Alexa Egan

Release Date: December 26th, 2012

Format: Ebook (ARC)

Rating: ♥ ♥ ♥

Blurb from Goodreads:

A fast-paced and captivating debut—the first in the dark and sexy Imnada Brotherhood series about shape shifters in Regency-era England.

A rising star on the Covent Garden stage, Bianca Parrino believes she has everything she wants. Independence. Wealth. And a life finally free of her violent, abusive husband. But when her close friend, Adam, is murdered, and Bianca is suspected in his death, she is unwittingly drawn into the search for his killer, and soon must question everything she believes—about her friend, about herself, and about a world she never knew existed.

A member of the mysterious race of shape-shifting Imnada and part of an elite military unit, Captain Mac Flannery gathered intelligence during the Napoleonic wars. As a result of a savage massacre, Mac and the men he served with are cursed. Now one of them has been found murdered, and Mac suspects the existence of the Imnada has been discovered at last. His only link to unearthing the truth is the beautiful actress who turns up unexpectedly at Adam’s funeral.

Before long, Mac has more to contend with than Bianca’s overt mistrust, his ill-fated attraction to the haughty and beautiful actress, and his ongoing search for an end to the curse. Because Adam’s killer is back, and Mac is next on his list.

My Review:

A very big thank you to Edelweiss and Pocket Books for providing me with an ARC of this book.

Demon's Curse by Alexa Egan was brought to my attention when my fellow book buddy Maria did her weekly meme, Stacking the Shelves. I saw the sexy and gorgeous cover and was attracted to it. I further went to investigate by browsing Goodreads. I was further pulled in by the blurb and premise of the story. I was really exhilarated when my request for a copy of it was approved by Edelweiss. It was like Christmas. LOL. 

The fey and shapeshifter mythology and ideas surrounding the story were actually really good and great. I always had a penchant for historical settings and was intrigued that Demon's Curse will be set in this Regency era. The prologue was interesting and mysterious. Surprisingly, I had to slow down a bit while reading the prologue because all the information and jargon were being revealed. I was really intrigued by all of it.

I enjoyed reading about Mac, David, Gray and even Adam. Mac was the typical hero. Handsome, brooding, dangerous, brave and cloaked in mystery and pain. Who could ask for a better hero?

Bianca was a interesting heroine. One who survived a terrible marriage but came out with her spine of steel; masking herself in a cool and arrogant facade to avoid from further pain and hurt.

Unfortunately, the pacing was kind of slow. Even though many things were revealed rather quickly, I still felt like it was hardly moving at all. There was no excitement and anticipation while reading. I applaud the author for her unique idea but I thought the execution was rather dull. 

I was rather disappointed by Adam's murder. I was expecting it to be one of the main arcs of the story but it was obvious who murdered him. The villains were introduced and unmasked right from the beginning. There goes the suspense. The characters were actually pretty good but at times they appeared kind of stiff and I really couldn't be bothered by Renata's repetitive "I will have my revenge!" mantra. That is just my opinion anyway.

Although I did not enjoy it as I wanted to, I will still recommend this title to anyone who loves a historical suspense and romance in the supernatural setting.

Book Review: Archangel of Mercy by Christina Ashcroft

Archangel of Mercy 
By Christina Ashcroft
Release Date: December 4th, 2012
Format: Ebook (ARC)
Rating: ♥ ♥ ♥

Blurb from Goodreads:
Between an angel and a desperate woman comes salvation and a raw passion that challenges them at every turn…

When Aurora Robinson attempts to open a rift between dimensions to embrace her true heritage, an arrogant Archangel is the only one who can save her from the jaws of hell. And while she owes Gabriel her life, she's determined not to fall at his feet-despite the desire she feels whenever they're together.

After his wings were brutally destroyed millennia ago, Gabriel has no compassion for humans like those who ruined him and betrayed the ones he loved. But when he inexplicably finds himself defying ancient protocols to rescue a woman from a fate worse than death, he is shocked by the searing attraction he feels for a mortal.

As the ancient forces that seek to punish Aurora for her actions close in, Gabriel offers the tempting woman protection at his private sanctuary. But as they both succumb to their desires, they discover an even deeper connection-one that threatens to consume them.

My Review:
After reading
A very big thank you to Netgalley and Berkley Heat for providing me with an ARC of this book.

As you see from the GIF below, I was really ecstatic over the approval I got plus Christina is such a nice author. I had fun tweeting with her and she actually mailed a swag to me all the way from Australia. So sweet. Now, back to what I think of the book.

Gabe has the whole package. He is the tortured Alpha hero that I didn't fall in love with at first read. He was too alpha for my taste - at first. He was so rude, dismissive of Aurora, so snobbish and I just couldn't stand his bastardness. He is the type that needs some getting used to. He is an acquired taste. To me, he is like bitter gourd. I didn't like and fancy it at first but I grew to like it as I consumed it more. Gabe is just like that.

 Aurora is the heroine I love. Tough, courageous and possesses a sheer force of will. She isn't easily intimidated and daunted by anything or anyone. She has a mind of her own, doesn't shrink from speaking what she thinks and doesn't allow anyone to trample all over her.

I like the concept behind the angels mythology. It veered from the usual religious based background. It is a great touch to the whole thing. Overall, Archangel of Mercy is a story that you need to plough through and then you'll find that it is enjoyable after all as it does suffers the first-in-a-series syndrome.

Before reading
My request for this was finally approved yesterday after waiting for a month. Feels like Christmas!!!
                                                

Book Review: City of Lost Souls (The Mortal Instruments #5) by Cassandra Clare

City of Lost Souls (The Mortal Instruments #5) 
By Cassandra Clare
Release Date: May 8th, 2012
Format: Paperback
Rating: ♥ ♥ 1/2

Blurb from Goodreads:
Don’t miss The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones, soon to be a major motion picture in theaters August 2013. The New York Times bestselling Mortal Instruments continues—and so do the thrills and danger for Jace, Clary, and Simon.

What price is too high to pay, even for love? When Jace and Clary meet again, Clary is horrified to discover that the demon Lilith’s magic has bound her beloved Jace together with her evil brother Sebastian, and that Jace has become a servant of evil. The Clave is out to destroy Sebastian, but there is no way to harm one boy without destroying the other. As Alec, Magnus, Simon, and Isabelle wheedle and bargain with Seelies, demons, and the merciless Iron Sisters to try to save Jace, Clary plays a dangerous game of her own. The price of losing is not just her own life, but Jace’s soul. She’s willing to do anything for Jace, but can she still trust him? Or is he truly lost?

Love. Blood. Betrayal. Revenge. Darkness threatens to claim the Shadowhunters in the harrowing fifth book of the Mortal Instruments series.

My Review:
Well, the scenes I enjoyed were basically Simon and Izzy's as well as Jordan and Maia. I didn't really care for the J.S.C trio. I was rather ambivalent about Magnus and Alec. I just thought that both of them were too stunted emotionally to be in a committed relationship. Alec was too insecure while Magnus was holding back something somehow.

I feel so relieved to have finally finished this book. I had to practically drag myself through it. I thought the series ending at CoB was just perfect because my interest started waning from CoFA onwards. The plot wasn't as solid and exciting anymore; it was like watching a soap opera. Without Simon, I don't think I would have pulled through this melodrama.

Book Review: Beautiful Redemption (Caster Chronicles #4) by Kami Garcia & Margaret Stohl

Beautiful Redemption (Caster Chronicles #4) 

By Kami Garcia & Margaret Stohl

Release Date: October 26th, 2012

Format: Paperback

Rating: ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

Blurb from Goodreads:

Is death the end . . . or only the beginning?

Ethan Wate always dreamed of leaving the stifling Southern town of Gatlin.

But he never dreamt that finding love with Lena Duchannes would drive him away. Lena is a Caster girl whose supernatural powers unveiled a secretive and cursed side of Gatlin, so powerful it forced him to make a terrible sacrifice.

Now Ethan must find a way to return to Lena - and Gatlin - as she vows to do whatever it takes to get him back. Even if it means trusting old enemies or risking their loved ones' lives.

Can Ethan and Lena rewrite their fate and their spellbinding love story in this stunning finale to the Beautiful Creatures series?

My Review:

"Here Endeth The Caster Chronicles". 

I think my heart just broke a little when I finally turned the page, saw the words and finally accepted the fact that this crazy journey has indeed finally come to an end. 

It has been a crazy and roller-coaster ride and I loved every second and minute of it. The Caster Chronicles is one of the weirdest and eccentric yet very creative series I've ever read. 

The ending was bitter sweet. All I have to do now is to keep pressing the replay button on the movie trailers and wait for it to be released.

Book Review: Devil in the Making (Devilish Vignettes #1) by Victoria Vane

Devil in the Making (Devilish Vignettes #1)
By Victoria Vane
Release Date: November 6th, 2012
Format: Ebook (ARC)
Rating: ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

Blurb from Goodreads:
Every devil has a beginning...
A rebellious young nobleman's prank with the king's lion goes comically awry, leading to a startling chain of events.

A riotous Georgian romp in the tradition of Fielding's Tom Jones and a prequel to the Devil DeVere series.

**This title is NOT a romance**

A Note from the Author:

When I first conceived A WILD NIGHT'S BRIDE, a Georgian set, Hangover-inspired romantic comedy, I had no idea that one devilish secondary character would spawn an entire series, but Ludovic, Viscount DeVere, proved to be a dream come true. This larger than life character has captured the hearts of so many fans who have begged for more DeVere.So without further ado…. Here is how it all began….

My Review:
A very big thank you to Victoria Vane for providing me with an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. You know I love you lots ♡

This is a short story/novella reliving the younger days of DeVere, Ned and the introduction to Simon, our hero in the forthcoming Jewel of the East. I enjoyed getting to know Simon and his lewd poetry writing skills.

DeVere was insolent and as devilish as ever and we get a glimpse into how his father was like. Terrible. Worst than terrible and he deserved to go rot in the depths of hell. I mean, virgin cleansing to cure pox? What more with a mere child? Thank god DeVere was back in time to prevent this abomination.

I'm on the fence regarding his mother though. I don't approve of what she did, abandoning her children to seek her own happiness but can't really blame her as how she got married to DeVere's father was another horror all of its own.

The episode with the lion and Freddie were cute and funny, especially at the end. DeVere was sure daring, defying the king like that.

As always, it is a pleasure to read Ms. Vane's works and I'm seriously looking forward to Jewel of the East and The Trouble With Sin. Imagine the hallelujah feeling I had when I found out The Devil's Match was not the end of DeVere and Co.

I recommend reading the Devil DeVere series first before starting on this one as it'll guarantee to enhance the reading enjoyment.

Book Review: Kiss of Midnight (Midnight Breed #1) by Lara Adrian

Kiss of Midnight (Midnight Breed #1) 

By Lara Adrian

Release Date: May 1st, 2007

Format: Ebook

Rating: ♥ ♥ ♥

Blurb from Goodreads:

He watches her from across the crowded dance club, a sensual black-haired stranger who stirs Gabrielle Maxwell’s deepest fantasies. But nothing about this night—or this man—is what it seems. For when Gabrielle witnesses a murder outside the club, reality shifts into something dark and deadly. In that shattering instant she is thrust into a realm she never knew existed—a realm where vampires stalk the shadows and a blood war is set to ignite.

Lucan Thorne despises the violence carried out by his lawless brethren. A vampire himself, Lucan is a Breed warrior, sworn to protect his kind—and the unwitting humans existing alongside them—from the mounting threat of the Rogues. Lucan cannot risk binding himself to a mortal woman, but when Gabrielle is targeted by his enemies, he has no choice but to bring her into the dark underworld he commands.

Here, in the arms of the Breed’s formidable leader, Gabrielle will confront an extraordinary destiny of danger, seduction, and the darkest pleasures of all. . . .

My Review:

The introduction/prologue was really good. It gave off a mysterious and creepy feeling. I had high hopes for it. Although Midnight Breed was duped to be similar as Ward's BDB series, it has its own mythology and unique world building.

Unfortunately, KoM lacked the oopmh and hilarity. I didn't like Gabrielle at all. She was the dullest and uninteresting heroine I've read to date. I couldn't see what Lucan saw in her. I know that he connected to her lonely and lost soul. Other than that, she did not shine out at all. She was so utterly boring and I just couldn't stand her. She had no character.

I didn't enjoy this as much as I wanted to. I didn't see as much interactions between the Breed warriors as I would have like. I couldn't see the closeness between them. There were hardly any LOL moments. Everything was grim.

I'm sad to say that I'm not really that eager to delve into the rest of the series.