The Persephone Alcmedi series keeps getting better and better with each book! Robertson has created characters that stay with you even after you have put the book down. The witches want her out of the picture. They have some power behind them, enough to worry Seph and her grandma. Not to mention the two men in Seph’s life. She needs them both, yet circumstances have changed.
Menessos died at her hand, now he lives by her blood. Is this a step towards a deeper connection between Menessos and Seph? He sure hopes so. After all she knows his secrets and he sees in her someone he loves.
Johnny is the Domn Lup, or he will be confirmed king as soon as he gets the nod from the Romanian head honcho. There is much more to the shifters than we know, Robertson gives pieces of information here and there but you are left with the feeling that there is more. Seph makes promises and gives Johnny all she can. Is it enough to keep him in her life?
Arcane Circle is awesome! A great addition to the series, bring on book five!
*copy courtesy of publisher
Separate review posted at Reading Between the Wines:
http://readingbetweenthewinesbookclub.blogspot.com/2013/01/review-arcane-circle-by-linda-robertson.html
Witches, weres, and vamps are a good combination. Plenty of arguing and finger pointing going around. Then Robertson decides to add another element to the mix, the fairies have declaired war! Fatal Circle, book three in the Persephone Alcmedi series steps up the action!Menessos actually did something that appears selfless. Now the fairies are demanding his life, and Seph wont willingly give him up. Loyalty is a good attribute, though it is going to cost her.
Johnny continues to be sucked into the politics of the weres. A reluctant leader is what he would be, yet he is on a slippery slope he can’t get off of and that means Seph is left behind.
What urban fantasy series is complete without an all out brawl. Bring in everyone, throw in some magical creatures and see who is still standing in the end. High action and tough choices is what you will find in Fatal Circle.
*copy courtesy of publisher
Separate review posted at Reading Between the Wines:
http://readingbetweenthewinesbookclub.blogspot.com/2013/01/review-fatal-circle-by-linda-robertson.html
Shadow City is the third book of the Horngate Witches series and brings all that you expect from this urban fantasy series...plus some answers and insights!Scooter! Now this is a character that is well written and puzzling. From his first introduction you knew he was more than he appeared and let on, now you finally get to find out what it was about him that had you scratching the back of your mind.
Scooter needs Max, really needs her. She is to be his champion in the otherworldly Shadow City. Lucky for us she is able to drag along all her ‘friends’ and Alexander. Everyone needs friends...and Max most of all. Now if this girl would only let down her emotional guard. The ending gives some hope. Lets see what Francis lets happen with book four.
Robertson gives us book two in the Persephone Alcmedi series, proving that this is an author and series to follow!Johnny, the irresistable tattooed alpha were is now Seph’s boyfriend. Who else is glad that she got over her prejudices and saw the man behind the tattoos? He has her best interest at heart, but in true alpha male form he makes some choices that benefit him without considering what his actions could mean for Seph. Too bad for Johnny he brings Menessos a little closer to Seph in the process.
Menessos...Menessos. Do you love him, his Arthurian aura, charisma and all. Or do you hate him, he is controlling and does something only when he can be benefitted. At times you will feel a little of both, and as frustrating it is as a reader it is so much more for Seph. Robertson does a wonderful job of writing Menessos, giving and pulling at the right moments.
All the men drama aside, Seph has her hands full trying to compete for the position of High Priestess. A position that she wants to pass up, but can’t. It is interesting to get a view into the inner workings of the witches. There are some powerful old ladies here, and lots of political inner-workings.
Robertson writes a great ending for Hallowed Circle. Wraps up the storyline of the High Priestess and leaves you hanging waiting for more.
*copy courtesy of publisher
Separate review posted at Reading Between the Wines:
http://readingbetweenthewinesbookclub.blogspot.com/2013/01/review-hallowed-circle-by-linda.html
Have you been feeling like your urban fantasy series are lacking? Characters undeveloped and story lines stale? Then you will want to check out the Persephone Alcmedi series by Linda Robertson!Vicious Circle introduces you to a young witch, Persephone or Seph to her friends. She has a destiny, and no matter how inconvenient and messed up it will make her life she accepts it and gives it her best try.
She needs to be the balance, the meter of justice. Though she isn’t sure how to do this when she isn’t sure who the bad guys are. You meet some weres, one incredibly sexy bad boy Johnny. You meet some vamps, Menessos who is the epitome of ancient and gallant. Add in the fact that Seph is a witch and she has a connection to each world.
A great start for the series, incredible characters, and enough action without taking away from the ground work of the series.
*copy courtesy of publisher
Separate review posted at Reading Between the Wines:
http://readingbetweenthewinesbookclub.blogspot.com/2013/01/review-vicious-circle-by-linda.html
Crimson Wind picks up right where Bitter Night left off..with you frantically turning the pages to keep up with the action. Francis has a knack for writing fast paced scenes. With book two you get a glimpse into the mind of Alexander, the potential love interest for Max. Well, he could be if the world would stop falling apart and need rescuing and if Max could swallow her fears and take a chance. He is a character that really begins to grow on you, will have you rooting for him.
Diana Pharaoh Francis introduces us to the Horngate Witches series with an intriguing book one. She sets the bar high with non stop action fueled by a variety of characters and personalities. Bitter Night brings you along for the ride into Max’s world. She is a Shadowblade, yet a very unconventional one. She is stronger than she or anyone knows, which will come in handy if the end of the book is any indication of how the rest of the series will go...with her constantly in trouble.
A few hiccups with the writing. But overall a very entertaining urban fantasy. It will be fun to see where Francis takes us with the series.
2.5 StarsCarr had a superb idea when she wrote the plot for Ripe for Seduction. A drunken bet turning into blackmail...which eventually turns into two people finding love. What isn’t there to like about that situation?
Roland is the unlucky (or lucky?) gentleman who finds himself over the barrel and at the whim of Olivia. Olivia only wants freedom, if only she would realize that freedom does not have to be a life of spinsterhood in the country. Roland puts effort into seducing the lovely lady, and it is fun to see him try his hand.
The third book in the League of Second Sons fell flat for this reader. The characters never clicked and the numerous characters parading through the book failed to make lasting impressions. A struggle to get through, but maybe you will like it? It might be enjoyable for you, who knows.
If only every girl growing up had a guy like Cameron around to get into mischief and scrapes with. Because what better person to grow up and fall in love with. Too Dangerous To Desire is that perfect storm, two trouble magnet children who grow up and find love (along with more serious situations). What a fun historical romance! There are some situations that might make you say, that would never happen back then. But to have such a strong heroine who is willing to tackle lifes situations you have to roll with it. Elliott's writing style keeps the story moving so it is easy to slip into the characters lives you will hardly notice. If you have not tried this author and enjoy historical romance you should check her out!
See my full review here:
http://readingbetweenthewinesbookclub.blogspot.com/2012/12/review-too-dangerous-to-desire-by-cara.html
(copy courtesy of publisher)
Dark, tortured, and hauntingly beautiful. Trust in Me is an amazing work of dark erotica. It will make you squirm. It will make you gasp. It will make you re-read sections. And in the end you will feel like your heart was left bleeding on the floor.Skye Warren is one author to watch.
Lord Midnight is a classic historical romance. Sweet, cute, the perfect villain, and a hero and heroine made for each other. The story may drag a bit in the middle, but the action picks back up for the ending. Lord Midnight is a masked highway man after all, how can there not be some action?
If you are in the mood for a straight up HR, uncomplicated, and quick to read this is a fine choice.
3.5 StarsThe Loyal Heart is sweet, funny, and has all the key characters you want in a Robin Hood story.
Reading The Loyal Heart will make you feel like you are watching characters straight from Kevin Costner’s Robin Hood. Farmer must have been channeling Maid Marrian and the evil sheriff from that movie version. And it works! All of the characters are fun to read, see them interacting and breaking some of the typical Robin Hood molds.
If you enjoy the tale of Robin Hood you will not want to miss this. Farmer has even written a sequel to it, maybe we will get to see what happens after the HEA. At least for a few memorable characters.
Even better than book one! Colt is one survivalist you would want to be stranded with, even if he is making you walk through mud and sleep in the cold. At least he was willing to heat up the heroine with his body heat. A great addition to the Bluebonnet series, and one that will hook you into wanting more of this small town and colorful occupants.Full review posted at Reading Between the Wines blog:
http://readingbetweenthewinesbookclub.blogspot.com/2012/10/review-care-and-feeding-of-alpha-male.html
copy courtesy of publisher
3.5 StarsAs You Wish is a delightful debut. The characters are fun and real, making you feel like you are reading about your friends. The plot is cute and full of things you may find yourself doing.
Aubry is a great character. The rocker who lost, survived drugs and alcohol, is working at repairing his bridges, and is ready to grab onto his second chance at love. He is also sarcastic and funny, the kind of guy you want to rescue you from the roadside.
There are a few editorial errors, but easy enough to gloss past them because the story is so cute. It will be fun to see what Elyssa comes out with next. A great start for this author if you are looking for a sweet contemporary love story, the cover portrays the feel of the book perfectly.
A Not So Respectable Gentleman is an enjoyable historical romance. It brings a little bit of mystery, some misunderstandings, and a hero who works to be redeemed in his ladies eyes. The plot is well laid out and the characters full of wounded emotions. Leo is a great hero, wanting to aid the woman he believes tossed him over for a titled gentleman. It is nice that Leo and Mariel figure out the miscommunication that occurred early on in the book, then they can get on with moving past it and opening up to future possibilities.
While fun to read it was a little bogged down in the middle, the pace slowed and the characters were at the point of move on or give up. Still, good enough to spend a few hours reading some afternoon.