Blog Tour: The Devil's Triangle by Toni De Palma

Title: The Devil's Triangle (The Devil's Triangle, #1)
Author: Toni De Palma
Published by: Crescent Moon Press
Pages: 218
Source: Author
Format: ebook
Rating: 2.5 stars

Summary from Goodreads: When 17 year old Cooper dies in an attempt to burn down his school, he finds himself in the afterlife. Lucy, the Devil's sister who has crossed party lines, decides to give Cooper another shot at heaven. The deal? Cooper returns to Earth and has to find a girl named Grace. The rest is up to him.

While Cooper figures out his mission, he's thrown into the life he's always wanted. Great parents, a spot on the Varsity football team and a real future are all within reach. But what he really wants is Grace, a feisty girl with an abusive boyfriend who can pound Cooper into pulp if he doesn't watch out.

While Lucy plays demonic-puppeteer, clues to an unknown past between Cooper and Grace start to unravel. Cooper discovers that what's keeping him and Grace apart is far more sinister than anything this bad boy could have ever imagined.

An original story about what's in store for you when you deal with the devil, or his sister for that matter.

I have read stories about angels and demons, but I'm not sure if I've ever read one that dealt with the devil.  I liked that this story was a bit different than what seems to be mainstream YA right now.  It was unique and the idea of getting a second chance was hopeful, and yet Toni De Palma didn't make Cooper's journey a ride in that park.  He had to go through many obstacles and while at times I thought maybe his mission was hopeless, there seemed to be some subtle divine intervention at the perfect moments.

The characters in this story were a bit hard for me to like.  First, a lot of the characters were quite evil and vindictive.  This always rubs me the wrong way when someone gets controlling and hurtful.  Toni De Palma did a great job at making me dislike these bullies and even at times fear them...we are talking about the devil and his minions so some fear is to be expected.  However, I didn't feel like we knew enough about the 'good' characters to like them.  Cooper and Grace are the main characters and yet we see little into Grace's life, and Cooper's life is kind of jumbled so that makes it a bit hard to connect to him.  My favorite character ended up being Cooper's brother Ryan.  He seems like a genuinely great guy who has had a horrible hand dealt to him, yet he seems to take it all in stride.  I wish we got to see more of him.

With Cooper's life being as convoluted as it was, I had a hard time following what was going on.  I wish I would have gotten a little more back story to understand Cooper and Grace's past and the events that led them up to today.  The missing information made it hard for me to read The Devil's Triangle at times, because I wasn't sure what was going on.  Eventually most of it plays out by the end of the novel, but I'm still a little confused about a couple of things.  Maybe they will be explained more in the next novel.

I really enjoyed the unique plot of The Devil's Triangle, but with the hard time I had connecting to the characters and following the plot left me wanting more....hopefully the sequel will fill in some blanks for me. 
   

Review of Fire Burn and Cauldron Bubble

Title: Fire Burn and Cauldron Bubble (Jolie Wilkins, #1)
Author: H.P. Mallory
Pages: 304
Source: Obtained Free from Amazon (7/3/12)
Format: ebooks
Rating: 4 stars

Summary from Goodreads: Life isn't bad for psychic Jolie Wilkins. True, she doesn't have a love life to speak of, but she has a cute house in the suburbs of Los Angeles, a cat and a quirky best friend.

Enter Rand Balfour, a sinfully attractive warlock who insists she's a witch and who just might turn her life upside down. Rand hires her to help him solve a mystery regarding the death of his client who also happens to be a ghost. Jolie not only uncovers the cause of the ghost's demise but, in the process, she brings him back to life!

Word of Jolie’s incredible ability to bring back the dead spreads like wildfire, putting her at the top of the underworld’s most wanted list. Consequently, she finds herself at the center of a custody battle between a villainous witch, a dangerous but oh-so-sexy vampire, and her warlock boss, Rand.

Witches, Vampires and Werewolves...oh my.

Fire Burn and Cauldron Bubble is a hilarious paranormal romance you won't want to miss.  H.P. Mallory created a heroine that jumps off the pages and has you silently (and sometimes not so silently) cheering along. 

Jolie Wilkins lived a happy, quiet life until a sexy warlock came along and discovered her true potential and the powers she possess as a witch.  Now she's a hot commodity in the paranormal world and everyone wants a piece of her.  Jolie kept me laughing and entertained throughout the entire novel.  Even though she was a witch and is whisked away into the underground world of the paranormal she is so real.  Jolie feels like the friend you've had since you were young and can't wait to spend some time with and catch up on all the good gossip.  And gossip she has with a great number of male creatures wanting more than just a piece of her.

With Jolie having such unique gifts, certain people in the community are hell bent on possessing her and her powers.  This seems to spark the idea of a war that has been brewing for awhile; Jolie was just that catalyst it needed.  While this book was packed with action, it also seemed to be the perfect setup to a series...that being said, it seemed quite a few things were left unresolved.  I kept waiting for a main conflict and then resolution, but it was all sort of intermixed with the introduction to this series. 

Besides that though, the story was great and very entertaining.  If you're looking for some laughs and something a little lighter this holiday season try Fire Burn and Cauldron Bubble.   

Reviewed of Lover Avenged by J.R. Ward

Title: Lover Avenged (Black Dagger Brotherhood #7)
Author: J.R. Ward
Published by: Penguin Group
Pages: 672
Source: Purchased
Format: ebook
Rating: 3 stars

Summary from Goodreads: Rehvenge has always kept his distance from the Brotherhood-even though his sister is married to a member, for he harbors a deadly secret that could make him a huge liability in their war against the lessers. As plots within and outside of the Brotherhood threaten to reveal the truth about Rehvenge, he turns to the only source of light in his darkening world, Ehlena, a vampire untouched by the corruption that has its hold on him-and the only thing standing between him and eternal destruction.

With another installment of the Black Dagger Brotherhood our knowledge of these deadly and sexy creatures grows.  While Rehvenge may not be part of the brotherhood and was always seen as the big bad drug lord, Lover Avenged brings out a completely different side of this warrior and what he'd do for love.

Ehlena and Rehvenge made quite the couple.  I think out of all the mates I have liked Ehlena the most.  She's down to earth and willing to fight for what she thinks is right.  She's determined and carries herself with a dignity that far surpasses those of the glymera.  Along with this couple we get to see more into the lives of the other brother especially Wrath and Beth and John Matthew and Xhex.  I love how intertwined each of the brothers stories are and it's kind of a treat when they make a larger reappearance in the later books.  I've missed some of them greatly and wish we'd get more glimpses into their lives.

The pace of this novel was a little off for me.  I found it quite slow at times and I didn't enjoy any of the scenes with the lessers.  In fact, I kind of skimmed over those because I couldn't connect to them at all.  Even though this wasn't my favorite book in the series, J.R. Ward left us with a cliffhanger that makes me eager to read the next book. 

Review of Kiss of Midnight by Lara Adrian

Title: Kiss of Midnight
Author: Lara Adrian
Published by: Dell

Pages: 402
Source: Bought
Format: Paperback
Rating: 3 stars

Summary 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.

 While some people are over vampires, I still love them.  I think it's amazing that an author can take this classic idea of vampires and change the lore to make it their own.  We have born vampires, blood-made vampires, sparkly vampires, men only vampires, warrior vampires and a personal favorite...hot and sexy vampires.  Maybe I came upon this series too late, but for me something was missing.  I wanted more from Kiss of Midnight and the start of the Midnight Breed series.  

Gabrielle is a character that even after reading the book I don't fully feel like I know.  I never really connected with her.  I loved that she was a photographer and she seems to have a unique ability (or curse depending on how you see it) of her own, but what about who she was as a person?  The one insight into her personality was her reaction to vampires.  she wasn't all accepting at first when she found out about vampires. She was shocked and a bit horrified, but was willing to listen to reason.  I felt her reaction was better than some I've read in literature of instant acceptance and worship.  

Lucan on the other-hand is mysteriously sexy and I want to know more about him.  He was kind of aloof and protective which I feel is why we didn't get to know a lot about him until the end of the story.  However, I did feel that Lucan and Gabrielle made a wonderful couple.  I thought their personalities complimented each other well and I liked how despite the early physical relationship it took them a little bit to realize their feelings for one another.  

The writing in Kiss of Midnight was good.  The action scenes were fast-paced and exciting while the intimate scenes were steamy and sexy.  Even though I didn't connect to the story right away, the ending left me shocked.  I can see how this series could become addicting if all the books end the way Kiss of Midnight did.  

Review of Deadlocked by Charlaine Harris

Title: Deadlocked (Sookie Stackhouse #12)
Author: Charlaine Harris
Narrator: Johanna Parker
Published by: Recorded Books Inc.
Length: 8 sound discs (9 hr., 30 min.)
Source: Libary
Format: Audio
Rating: 3 stars

Summary from Goodreads:  With Felipe de Castro, the Vampire King of Louisiana (and Arkansas and Nevada), in town, it’s the worst possible time for a body to show up in Eric Northman’s front yard—especially the body of a woman whose blood he just drank.

Now, it’s up to Sookie and Bill, the official Area Five investigator, to solve the murder. Sookie thinks that, at least this time, the dead girl’s fate has nothing to do with her. But she is wrong. She has an enemy, one far more devious than she would ever suspect, who’s out to make Sookie’s world come crashing down.

Sookie, Sookie, Sookie...we are on the 12th book and people are still trying to kill you.  Don't get me wrong, I love this series.  I've read and listened to all the books, however, they are all starting to sound the same. 

After Sookie is summoned to Eric's house to entertain Felipe de Castro, all hell brakes loose when they find a dead girl on Eric's front lawn.  After the last book I expected the wrath of Felipe de Castro to be a little more terrifying.  He is supposed to be this big bad vamp and yet a lot of the book didn't focus on that.  In fact, it didn't focus much on vampires at all much to my disappointment.  I wanted some quality Eric time and this book didn't deliver that, instead it focused mostly on Sookie.

Sookie is her typical self; a little flighty, quick tempered, and forced into awkward and dangerous situations.  However, she does seems to be doing a little soul searching in this novel.  She looks over her life and all the things and people in it.  I think this may be leading up into the big decision that the next (and last) book in the series will hold.  Who does Sookie really belong with? Eric, Bill, Sam, Alcide or someone completely new and human? 

The plot was pretty much the same as all the rest of the books in the series.  Though the ending does bring a bit of a surprise that I wasn't expecting.  Overall, I felt like this book was pretty much setting up everything for the final installment of the series.  It wrapped up a couple of loose ends and set up some decisions Sookie will have to make about her life. 

Even with its predictability and typicality's it was still a fun book to listen to.  I enjoyed listening to Johanna Parker read as Sookie.  I know she's narrated some Meg Cabot and Jennifer Weiner books, but to me she will always be Sookie. 

Review of Bitten by Kelley Armstrong

Title: Bitten (Women of the Otherworld #1)
Author: Kelley Armstrong
Narrator: Aasne Vigesaa
Published by: Brilliance Corporation
Length: 11 Compact Discs / 13 hours
Source: Library
Format: Audio
Rating: 3.5 stars

Summary from Goodreads: Young, beautiful, and successful, Elena Michaels seems to have it all. Her happy, organized life follows a predictable pattern: filing stories for her job as a journalist, working out at the gym, living with her architect boyfriend, and lunching with her girlfriends from the office. And once a week, in the dead of night, she streaks through a downtown ravine, naked and furred, tearing at the throats of her animal prey.

Elena Michaels is a werewolf.

The man who made her one has been left behind, but his dark legacy has not. And though Elena struggles to maintain the normal life she's worked so hard to create, she cannot resist the call of the elite pack of werewolves from her past. Her feral instincts will lead her back to them and into a desperate war for survival that will test her own understanding of who, and what, she is.

I must admit that it took my a while to get into this book.  I think part of the reason was Elena.  While I admired her strength and spunk, I wasn't a huge fan of her need to pretend to be someone she's not.  I felt like she was putting on an act for her boyfriend and his family.  She was portraying herself as a person she knew he wanted her to be.  If you can't be yourself in a relationship than I don't think that is a real relationship.  She was so much more fun when she was smart-mouthed and feisty with her pack.   

The pack itself was quite interesting.  I really enjoyed hearing about each member and their relationship to Elena.  I fell for Clay hard, but then after hearing what he did, I held a little grudge.  If I was Elena I don't know if this would be something I could get over.  I don't want to give anything away but it was really interesting pulling pieces of Elena's history out and seeing how I would have reacted or handled the situation differently.  She led a difficult life and that definitely contributed to her choices. 

The plot kind of confused me a little.  I'm guessing this has to do with listening to the audio though.  I liked Aasne Vigesaa and thought she had a beautiful voice, I just think that I messed up the characters a lot because of how many there were.  I was confused on who was who and what each person wanted.  I don't think this would have happened if I read it, but the audio itself was really well done.  For me, there was just too many people and too much going on for me to keep it straight while listening to the story.

I am intrigued by this series now and I can't wait to find out what happens next and who I will meet. 

Review of Father Mine: Zsadist and Bella's Story by J.R. Ward

Title: Father Mine: Zsadist and Bella's Story (Black Dagger Brotherhood #6.5)
Author: J.R. Ward
Published by: New American Library
Pages: 91
Source: Bought
Format: ebook
Rating: ★★★

Summary from Goodreads: Readers met and fell in love with Zsadist and Bella in J. R. Ward-s third New York Times bestselling novel in the Black Dagger Brotherhood series, Lover Awakened. As a former blood slave, Zsadist bore the scars from a past filled with suffering and degradation until Bella came along and helped heal his emotional wounds. Now, though, with the birth of their child, the demons of his past have been resurrected, called forth by the innocent eyes of his beloved daughter, Nalla. Unless Bella and Nalla can bring him back with their love, he may be lost to them forever.

Can you go through a slump when reading about hot, fierce, deadly, and drop dead sexy vamps?  Apparently I have.  This book and the last book just were not up to par for me.  I'm sure it had something to do with Father Mine being a novella, but I really hope the rest of the series goes back to being as fabulous as the first couple books were.  I must admit that never really been a huge fan of novellas because I don't think you're given enough time to really get into the story or the characters.  That being said, I probably need to go into a novella with a different style of thinking than when starting a book.  Enough senseless rambling...on to the story.

In Father Mine, Bella and Zsadist are going through a rough time.  Zsadist can't quite connect with his child and in fact won't touch her.  His past is taking over his future and torturing him by making him think he isn't enough for his daughter.  This breaks my heart.  A child is so innocent with no prior judgement and to think that Zsadist is already scared of what Nalla's going to think of him is heartbreaking. 

As always I love the little tidbits we get about the "other" brothers in each story.  It's nice to get little flashes of their lives even when the book is not solely based on them.  One of the things I really enjoyed about this book is part of the ending.  I loved the scenes with the new doctor and what Zsadist endures for his daughter. 

Father Mine was a really short read that somehow still packed in action (of both kinds *blushes*), romance, and lots of love.  J.R. Ward creates these characters that you can't help but become attached to and it was nice seeing a little bit more of Zsadist. 

Review of Lover Enshrined by J.R. Ward

Title: Lover Enshrined (Black Dagger Brotherhood #6)
Author: J.R. Ward
Published by: Signet Book
Pages: 560
Source: Bought
Format: ebook
Rating: ★★★

Summary from Goodreads: In the shadows of the night in Caldwell, New York, there's a deadly war raging between vampires and their slayers. And there exists a secret band of brothers like no other?six vampire warriors, defenders of their race. And now, a dutiful twin must choose between two lives... Fiercely loyal to the Black Dagger Brotherhood, Phury has sacrificed himself for the good of the race, becoming the male responsible for keeping the Brotherhood's bloodlines alive. As Primale of the Chosen, he is to father the sons and daughters who will ensure that the traditions of the race survive and that there are warriors to fight those who want all vampires extinguished. As his first mate, the Chosen Cormia wants to win not only his body but his heart for herself- she sees the emotionally scarred male behind all his noble responsibility. But while the war with the Lessening Society grows more grim, and tragedy looms over the Brotherhood's mansion, Phury must decide between duty and love.

Another one bites the dust. I'm starting to get a little worried that there won't be a Black Dagger Brother left for me as J.R. Ward keeps mating them off.  She must be waiting for Vishous to come to his senses, banish that ghost, and come sweep me off my feet.  A girl can dream right? 

In Lover Enshrined we get to see a whole different side of Phury.  What is more complex than a celibate primale...try one whose past demons haunt his every thought.  Phury kind of goes on a tale spin in this novel.  He can't seem to handle the pressure.  While he's trying to keep it together he ends up relying on the red smoke more than he should and neglects his first mate who sits next door and builds structures out of toothpicks and peas (no joke, yea I didn't get that part either).  Maybe I'm being cynical but his self-destruction got a little old to me.  I understand that addiction can easily take over a person's life, but I felt Phury didn't even want to try. 

The plot line for me was a little confusing and I found myself skimming over the 'lesser' parts.  They have never really interested me in the story.  Obviously they are a huge part of this series but for me they are just creepy, stalkerish beings.  Though their extremeness hit a whole new level in this book and they upset the brothers something fierce.  It's officially war time...watch out you baby powder smelling, pale skinned, bleached hair, impotent creepers.  Some big scary men are out for your blood. 

And of course no one can mention this book and not mention Qhuay.  I personally feel that Butch and Vishous should have been an item, even though I'm madly in lust with Vishous myself, but I have high hopes for Qhuay.  Hopefully I won't be disappointed and there will be a book for them in the future!   

Adult Review of Lover Unbound by J.R. Ward

Title: Lover Unbound (Black Dagger Brotherhood #5)

Author: J.R. Ward

Published by: Penguin Group
Pages: 528
Source: Bought
Format: ebook
Rating: ★★★★

Summary from Goodreads:  The ruthless and brilliant brother Vishous possesses a destructive curse and a frightening ability to see the future. As a member of the Brotherhood, he has no interest in love or emotion, only the battle with the Lessening Society. But when a mortal injury puts him in the care of a human surgeon, Dr. Jane Whitcomb compels him to reveal his inner pain and taste true pleasure for the first time-until a destiny he didn't choose takes him into a future that does not include her...

Hot, sexy and completely yummy.  Vishous has lived a hard life.  Harder than many could even imagine.  I was quite surprised when I learned about his background.  I really shouldn't have been because it seems that each of the brothers led a harsh life before they came into the Black Dagger Brotherhood, but still after the shock of Zsadist's story I thought all the horror was behind us.  Vishous not only lives with the memories of his past, but also has to live everyday with a curse that could hurt those around him.

After a couple of crazy surprises and mixed emotions, Vishous is seriously injured and left in the hands of Dr. Jane Whitcomb.  Jane is strong willed, determined, and a great match for Vishous.  (Though I'm definitely thinking I would have been the better match.) They have the greatest chemistry because it's not all lovey and sappy.  They challenge each other, which seems to only add fuel to their already smoking fire.  While the other couples of the Black Dagger Brotherhood were hot, Vishous and Jane were Apocalyptic, burning meteor scorching.   

I came to really care about Vishous in Lover Unbound.  His story was one of overcoming challenges and finding out his true identity.  While Zsadist's story was heartbreaking and amazing, Vishous is my vampire though and though.  I take him and everything that come with his life including his past, Butch, his penthouse, and his mother.  That leaves me with the ending of Lover Unbound.  Seriously, seriously, seriously.  Are you flipping kidding me?  So ridiculously upset by this ending.  I felt it was more than a tad bit cruel.  Hasn't he been though enough?

So may I serve as a warning.  Lover Unbound is simply amazing, but watch out for the ending.

Adult Review of Lover Revealed by J.R. Ward

Title: Lover Revealed (Black Dagger Brotherhood #4)
Author: J.R. Ward
Published by: Penguin Group
Pages: 332
Source: Bought
Format: ebook
Rating: ★★★★★

Summary from Goodreads: Butch O'Neal is a fighter by nature. A hard-living ex-homicide cop, he's the only human ever to be allowed in the inner circle of the Black Dagger Brotherhood. And he wants to go even deeper into the vampire world-to engage in the turf war with the lessers. His heart belongs to a female vampire, Marissa, an aristocratic beauty who's way out of his league. And if he can't have her, then at least he can fight side by side with the Brothers.

But fate curses him with the very thing he wants. When Butch sacrifices himself to save a civilian vampire from the slayers, he falls prey to the darkest force in the war. Left for dead, he's found by a miracle, and the Brotherhood calls on Marissa to bring him back, though even her love may not be enough to save him.

Another wild ride with the Black Dagger Brotherhood.  This time around it's Butch's story.  I always liked Butch because he's a little ruff and rugged around the edges.  He somehow incorporated his human butt into the dangerous mix of the brotherhood.  Because of his human strength and abilities he was always around to help, but yet never really became part of the action. 

Even though Butch isn't a brother or even a vampire, that doesn't mean he didn't fall for one.  Butch and Marissa have seemed to dance around their attraction for a while.  I'm glad that in Lover Revealed it is faced head on.  I thought it was sweet that even though they come from two different worlds (literally and figuratively) that they still care for one another and are willing to risk it all to be together.  Marissa is so polite and refined and I love how tenderly Butch treats her.  He seems to transform around her and she definitely softens those edges.

Though all of the Black Dagger Brotherhood books involve a vampire and it's soon to be mate (along with lots of steamy scenes that will leave you feeling quite toasty) they have a huge theme of brotherhood and loyalty.  This is what I love most about the series.  In Lover Revealed it explores the bond between Butch and Vishous.  In fact, I never really thought much about Vishous before and now I'm obsessed.  Good thing the next book Lover Unbound is his story.  I can't wait!

Adult Review of Lover Awakened by J.R. Ward

Title: Lover Awakened (Black Dagger Brotherhood #3)

Author: J.R. Ward

Published by: Penguin Group

Pages: 464

Source: Bought

Format: ebook

Rating: ★★★★

Summary from Goodreads: A former blood slave, the vampire Zsadist still bears the scars from a past filled with suffering and humiliation. Renowned for his unquenchable fury and sinister deeds, he is a savage feared by humans and vampires alike. Anger is his only companion, and terror is his only passion—until he rescues a beautiful aristocrat from the evil Lessening Society.

Bella is instantly entranced by the seething power Zsadist possesses. But even as their desire for one another begins to overtake them both, Zsadist’s thirst for vengeance against Bella’s tormentors drives him to the brink of madness. Now, Bella must help her lover overcome the wounds of his tortured past, and find a future with her...

When I asked people what was their favorite Black Dagger Brotherhood novel almost everyone responded that it was Lover Awakened.  For some reason the resident bad boy of the brotherhood was the one that melted everyone's hearts.  Did I end up agreeing with everyone...YES (though I may be kind unqualified to answer this because I've only read three of the books so far).  This novel invoked so many unexpected emotions and had more depth then the usual paranormal romance. 

Zsadist flat out scared me in the other novels.  Don't get me wrong, I found him extremely sexy and hot as hell, but he was one to look at and not touch.  While other novels hinted at his past as a blood slave this novel really told us the down and dirty of what went on.  There is no glossing over the horror in this novel and Zsadist's background is one to make you understand his tough exterior.  If that doesn't melt your heart on Zsadist than the ending will.  Zsadist and Bella's story is one of change and hope.

Bella knew she wanted Zsadist from the minute she saw him.  No matter how much he scared her and mistreated her, she knew there was more behind the hard exterior and scared face.  I really admire her.  She knew what (or should I say who) she wanted and went after it.  She saw something good and pure in Zsadist that not even his brother could find.  She never gave up hope and for that I think she is a saint.

This is one steamy book.  I'm sure I was blushing multiple times while I was reading this book.  J.R. Ward sure knows how to write scenes that will leave you feeling more than a little warm and breathless.  She also knows how to write huge unexpected twists.  There is one part in Lover Awakened that I'm extremely sad and upset about.  I don't want to give too much away, but I felt heartbroken and angry that she overturned a wonderful and pure situation.  I'm sure it will lead to a future story line of importance but at the time it seemed unnecessary.

If Lover Awakened doesn't make you addicted to this series than I don't know what else will.