Category Archives: 5 Flames

BLOOD BOUND
Unbound #1
Author: Rachel Vincent
Source: Author
*I received this ARC free of charge in exchange for an honest review*

Mass Market Paperback: 400 pages
Publisher: Mira (August 23, 2011)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0778312550
ISBN-13: 978-0778312550

By blood, by word, by magic…

Most can’t touch the power. But Liv Warren is special— a paranormal tracker who follows the scent of blood.

Liv makes her own rules, and the most important one is trust no one.

But when her friend’s daughter goes missing, Liv has no choice but to find the girl. Thanks to a childhood oath, Liv can’t rest until the child is home safe. But that means trusting Cam Caballero, the former lover forbidden to her.

Bound by oath and lost in desire for a man she cannot have, Liv is racing to save the child from a dark criminal underworld where secrets, lies, trauma and danger lurk around every corner…every touch…every kiss.

And more blood will be spilled before it’s over…

I am speechless for my review of Blood Bound.  I did not know what to expect since the only books I have read by this author are her young adult Soul Screamer series.  I knew it would be excellent writing, but I didn’t realize how well she could execute an adult themed genre book until now.

I will be honest though in the fact that if you aren’t prepared for some puzzle solving, you can easily get lost in the first couple chapters.  I was scratching my head several times trying to figure out what the heck was going on.  Even though I was confused and starting to get frustrated, I kept reading and  I am so happy I did.  Once I got through the initial scene set-up chapters, the book took off.  I found myself sucked into the Skilled world and was secretly wishing I had some of those Skills without the contracts!  Imagine having the powers to track someone with either a name or sample of blood.  Imagine stepping from one place into another by just walking though a shadow.  Imagine seeing into the future and knowing all sorts of possibilities with different decisions. Just sit and imagine what it would be like.

The romance between Cam and Olivia is written perfectly.  It isn’t over done with a lot of sex scenes, but you can still feel the chemistry pull between the two and you find yourself looking for the loopholes for them to be together.  I even found myself cheering and hoping that one particular bad guy would turn out not to be so bad.  While I still can’t stand his wife, the bad guy does have some redeeming qualities if you look close enough. 

Now don’t even get me started on that ending!  I was so frustrated on the last page.  I looked at my book closely to see if it was missing pages and then my frustration only grew when I finally accepted that the author left the ending this way for a reason.  I could have screamed and thrown my book against a wall, but I realized it just makes me more anxious for the next book in the series to arrive.  I now NEED the next book in the series just as much as I need my next breath!  When an author can leave you hanging at the end, but leave you satisfied enough to want to continue the series, you know the author has done a beautiful job in a novel.  Author Rachel Vincent has now been bumped to my always list for adult themed books and I can’t wait to get my hands on her other series!

Outstanding Book That Will Stay On My Bookshelf
For Rereading!

SOPHIE & CARTER
Author: Chelsea Fine
Source: Author
*I received this book free of charge in exchange for an honest review*

Paperback: 128 pages
Publisher: Acacia Publishing, Inc. (June 20, 2011)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1935089447
ISBN-13: 978-1935089445

While other high school seniors are dreaming about their futures, Sophie and Carter are just trying to make it through each day. Carter is overwhelmed by issues at home as he struggles to support his mother. Meanwhile, next door neighbor Sophie is left to care for her three younger siblings in place of their absent and troubled mother. All that holds these two best friends together is each other, and knowing that each night they’ll sit together on Sophie’s front porch swing and escape from reality, if just for awhile. But as their relationship reaches a turning point and high school graduation nears, will their friendship become something more?

If you are looking for your next young adult romance that has sweet charm and innocence in it, then look no further!  Sophie & Carter was such a surprise read for me and I finished this book in thirty minutes after nonstop reading.  


Carter and Sophie live next door to each other and have been friends ever since.  They both come from dysfunctional families and know secrets about each other that no one else does.  Carter grew up in an abusive household and now takes care of his Mother who has mental disabilities after being beaten so many times by her long gone husband.  Sophie is busy raising her 3 younger siblings while their Mother is busy being strung out on drugs and being a prostitute.  After school ends and the pretending of being normal comes to an end each day, they both have to go home to real life.  They go through the daily routine of taking care of what needs to be done.  When the day begins to come to a close, they sit outside on the front porch swing and just be there for each other.  


With alternating points of view for each chapter, the reader gets to take a glimpse into the mind of each character.  While Carter is scarred on the outside, he is sweet, gentle and protective of everything he loves on the inside.  I loved his character and found myself falling for him along with Sophie. While Sophie has had a hard life as well, she is a strong and brave girl who finds the strength everyday to take care of her siblings and be a role model for them.  She is kind, patient and strong with a devotion to her family that was wonderful. 


This is a quick read, but an outstanding read that will touch you.  I loved the ending and I couldn’t have been happier.  I do hope the author writes a sequel to this book because when it comes to Sophie & Carter, “I LOVE THEIR GUTS!”

Outstanding Book That Will Stay On My Bookshelf
For Rereading! 5 STARS

NIGHTSHADE
Author: Michelle Rowen
Source: Personal Purchase

Paperback: 352 pages
Publisher: Berkley; Original edition (February 1, 2011)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0425239829
ISBN-13: 978-0425239827

Jillian Conrad never believed in vampires-until she was unwillingly injected with a serum that was supposed to act as a deadly poison to them. Now, tormented half-vampire Declan Reese wants her blood to destroy the undead kingdom. Unfortunately, the serum has also made her blood irresistible to all vampires-including Declan, whose desire for Jillian is more than mere hunger.

I have always been a big fan of author Michelle Rowen! I loved her feisty and fun Demon Princess series, but I also fell in love with her Immortality Bites series that was full of romance and quirky humor.  When I noticed she was starting a new and darker series, I jumped on the fan band wagon and purchased a copy to read!  The author did not disappoint even if the series is darker than her other books.


Jillian finds herself held captive during a stand off between Declan — a vampire assassin — and a scientist.  When the scientist injects a poison called Nightshade into her neck, she doesn’t realize she is now a pawn in a vampire war.  Declan is not only a vampire assassin, but he is also half vampire himself.  He takes a serum to keep his vampire side suppressed  but it also makes him a cold robot of a man.  When he takes Jillian with him to his compound, he realizes that her blood is different and she has an addictive scent to her now.  The Nightshade that is poisoning her system is the ultimate weapon to destroy vampire’s.  They can’t resist her blood, but it kills them within minutes of drinking it.  Together, they have to find a way to cure Jillian of the poison, but they also have to fight their growing attraction.  


I loved Declan and Jillian.  She was strong and determined, but she also had a soft side.  She didn’t fall fast for Declan as most heroines of a book do.  She couldn’t stand him for a bit.  Declan is horribly scarred and cold.  He is not your typical and gorgeous hero.  He has flaws, but ones that make him into the hero we want.  He protects Jillian with everything he can and his only fault is trusting the wrong people.  When they confront the King of the Vampires, I thought there was going to be a huge show down.  What you get is not what you expect though.  The author pulls the rug out from underneath you and leaves you not knowing who is the bad guy, the good guy, or who to cheer for!  I loved the way it ended even if there were some tears in my eyes.  It leaves you craving the next book in the series so we can see what will happen next, but it also leaves the reader satisfied at the conclusion of the book.


Another great series to add to my obsession with this authors writing!  I can’t wait until I get my hands on the next book in the series!

Outstanding Book That Will Stay On My Bookshelf
For Rereading! 5 STARS

FATEFUL
Author: Claudia Gray
Source: Publisher
*I received this book free of charge in exchange for an honest review*

Reading level: Young Adult
Hardcover: 336 pages
Publisher: HarperTeen (September 13, 2011)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0062006207
ISBN-13: 978-0062006202

In Fateful, eighteen-year-old maid Tess Davies is determined to escape the wealthy, overbearing family she works for. Once the ship they’re sailing on reaches the United States, she’ll strike out on her own. Then she meets Alec, a handsome first-class passenger who captivates her instantly. But Alec has secrets….

Featuring the opulent backdrop of the Titanic, Fateful’s publication is poised to coincide with the 100-year anniversary of the ship’s doomed maiden voyage. It is sure to be a hit among Titanic buffs and fans of paranormal romance alike.

I was a little worried about reading another book involving the Titanic because we all know how that story ended — the boat sinks and people die.  Even though I knew what to expect with the Titanic and its voyage,  I had no idea the author would suck me into such a wonderful story involving Tess and Alec!


Tess has been a maid servant for the Lisle family for years.  She is maid to Lady Irene and the only nice one of the Lisle family.  She plans on resigning from her position once the Titanic docks in America unbeknownst to the Lisle family.  She wants to start a new life in a new country doing things her own way.  During the voyage, she meets the stranger that rescued her from a wolf attack the night before the ship sails.  He is handsome and mysterious which leads you to believe that it is going to be a sweet romance.  Unfortunately, Alex warns her to stay away from him for reasons Tess can only imagine being because she is a servant and he is rich.  What she doesn’t know is the secrets Alex is hiding along with danger at every turn!


I fell in love with the sweet and tender romance between Alec and Tess.  I loved how it progressed and the mystery and suspense that is involved.  I admit, I kept waiting for Jack and Rose to appear, but I settled with Astor and Ismay.  The author did a wonderful job detailing the ship without going overboard and I felt myself wandering the ship along with Tess in my mind.  It was nice to see the life of a servant aboard the Titanic instead of just the rich and famous.  We get a peek into the life that they lived and how much they went through aboard the ship and in life. 


Even though we know how the Titanic ends, you won’t see the ending of Fateful coming!  I loved how it ended and I do hope that the author will find some way of continuing this story!  With the 100 year anniversary of Titanic approaching, Fateful is a book that help you remember the people of Titanic of all classes.  Throw in some love, suspense, destruction and supernatural and you have a book to keep you afloat all day and all night!

Outstanding Book That Will Stay On My Bookshelf
For Rereading!

BOUND BY NIGHT
Author: Amanda Ashley
Source: Author Submission
*I received this book free of charge in exchange for an honest review*

Paperback: 320 pages
Publisher: Zebra (August 30, 2011)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1420104454
ISBN-13: 978-1420104455

A VAMPIRE’S KISS IS FOREVER…

Once featured in a horror movie, the crumbling Wolfram estate is said to be haunted by ghosts, witches, and worse. But Elena doesn’t believe a word of it—until she spends the night and wakes up in the arms of a compelling stranger…

Tall, dark, and disturbingly handsome, Drake is the most beautiful man Elena has ever seen. For centuries, he has lived alone, and Elena is the first woman to enter his lair—and survive. And Drake is the first man to touch her heart and soul. By the time she discovers who he really is—and what he craves—it’s too late. Blood lust has turned to love, and Elena is deeply under Drake’s spell. But forever comes at a price for each of them.

Author Amanda Ashley has done it again.  She has swept me back into the world of Vampire Romance in its true form. She takes the root of Vampire Paranormal Romance and puts it into a story to captivate the reader.


I loved the characters of Drake and Elena.  While Elena was pure and innocent, Drake was her balance in danger and mystery.  After living with her drunk Uncle, Elena flees to the castle called Wolfram Estate on the hill.  She has heard numerous stories of it being haunted and abandoned, but she feels she has no choice to hide away in the castle and leave the abuse of her Uncle.  She discovers that the house indeed has someone living there and he is the most gorgeous man she has ever seen.


Drake has lived for a long time and humans barely interest him anymore except for nourishment.  Yet when he sees the lovely Elena at his castle, he is intrigued by her.  He develops feelings for her that he has never felt before.  Even though he is suppose to marry another woman to secure his rightful place in the Vampire Royalty, he has no desire to be with anyone but Elena. Together they share a love that is deep and true even if there is danger to come. 


Both characters were great in Bound By Night.  I loved how Drake treated Elena like a princess and cared for her well being over his own.  Elena handled the supernatural better than most people would have.  Her courage was just as great as Drakes, but in her own way. 


Again, Amanda Ashley has delivered an amazing paranormal romance that will quench your thirst of vampire lore!  I can’t wait to see what happens in the next book which is suppose to be based on a character you will discover in this book! 

Outstanding Book That Will Stay On My Bookshelf
For Rereading! 5 STARS