Series: Menagerie #2
432 p.
Publisher: Harlequin MIRA
Published: 5/30/17
Source: From NetGalley and Publisher for review.

In this riveting sequel to New York Times bestselling author Rachel Vincent's acclaimed novel Menagerie, Delilah Marlow will discover that there is no crueler cage than the confines of the human mind… 

When their coup of Metzger's Menagerie is discovered, Delilah and her fellow cryptids find their newly won freedom brutally stripped away as they are sold into The Savage Spectacle, a private collection of "exotic wildlife." Specializing in ruthless cryptid cage matches, safari-style creature hunts and living party favors, the Spectacle's owner, Willem Vandekamp, caters to the forbidden fetishes of the wealthy and powerful. At the Spectacle, any wish can be granted—for the right price.

But Vandekamp's closely guarded client list isn't the only secret being kept at the Spectacle. Beneath the beauty and brutality of life in the collection lie much darker truths, and no one is more determined than Delilah to strip the masks from the human monsters and drag all dark things into the light.

My thoughts:

I loved the first book which honestly caught me by surprise. I had high hopes for this one and I was not disappointed. Those worrying about sophomore syndrome need not worry. While our intrepid cryptids find themselves in similar but in some ways more dangerous circumstances, one which none is expected to survive, we find ourselves once again captured (in a good way) by the story and how it all plays out. There is no cliffhanger but there is a huge open ending which will make you salivate for more of the tale. I, for one, cannot wait to read the next book in this series, *grabby hands*, even though it may not be written yet. Yes, you can safely say I really loved this book.

My only niggle would be with Delilah herself. While I feel that she has placed the bulk of the responsibilities on keeping the other cryptids alive, I also feel that she should share in that responsibility. They have as much or more at stake and it is also a bit of an insult to think that they are not capable of the task of at least helping her out as an equal. That is where I felt she sort of resembled her captors, but I do think she made strides in that area a tiny bit. Still, it is a minor niggle.

I do not want to tell too much or I'll spoil the book (or even the one that came before) but I will say this: I feel you need to pay attention to the prologue in the book. I have a feeling it will play an important role in the coming books and not just this story.

In conclusion, I feel that this series needs to be read in order. It makes sense and this one builds on the first book. You get fully introduced to Delilah who is our protagonist and why she is important to the menagerie. I give this book 4 1/2 stars. I highly recommend this series to those that love a good fantasy.

Series: Kate Daniels #6
Narrator: Reneé Raudman
Unabridged
15 hrs. 6 min.
Publisher: Recorded Books
Published: July 30, 13
Source: Library

Atlanta is a city plagued by magical problems. Kate Daniels will fight to solve them—no matter the cost. 

Mercenary Kate Daniels and her mate, Curran, the Beast Lord, are struggling to solve a heartbreaking crisis. Unable to control their beasts, many of the Pack’s shapeshifting children fail to survive to adulthood. While there is a medicine that can help, the secret to its making is closely guarded by the European packs, and there’s little available in Atlanta. 

Kate can’t bear to watch innocents suffer, but the solution she and Curran have found threatens to be even more painful. The European shapeshifters who once outmaneuvered the Beast Lord have asked him to arbitrate a dispute—and they’ll pay him in medicine. With the young people’s survival and the Pack’s future at stake, Kate and Curran know they must accept the offer—but they have little doubt that they’re heading straight into a trap…

My thoughts:

Series: Jessica McClain #3
336p.
Publisher: Orbit
Published: Oct. 8, 13
Source: NetGalley and publisher for review

Jessica arrives back in town to find her best friend missing and the most powerful witch in the country is blaming her for it. But before they can move to save her, the group is attacked. 

On the run, Jessica and Rourke head to the mountains. Several surprises await them, but in order to save her father they are forced to leave for New Orleans early. 

Arriving on the Vampire Queen's doorstep unexpectedly, and bringing trouble on their heels, the Sects are thrown into an all out war. The vicious skirmish ends up forcing the vamps and Jessica to fight on the same team. 

The Vamp Queen ends up owing Jessica, but what Jessica doesn't realize is just how soon she'll have to cash it in...

I admit that the last books ended with me cursing the author. Mostly because even though it had a full story, it would end in such a way that was a cliffie. I hate those things and trust me, the other two books were so good it didn't need it at all for me to crave the next. Still, crave it I did and so I was happy to get this book in my hot little ereader! :D

In this series if you are sorely lacking any kind of action for your book, you will love this series as a whole. It is JAM packed with action. This book is no different and we are pretty much on the go from the start. With so much going on I began to wonder how this girl was able to recharge. I didn't see much on sleep or even eating so the refueling was at a minimum. I would have thought that there would have been a few scenes where she desperately needed to refuel. Still, if that really is my only complaint I should just shut my mouth because really... magic! I can believe that magic totally did the trick. Mostly because I think those scenes where she refueled would have slowed down the book too much... maybe. :)

We get to know a bit more about Rourke! YEA! Can you cheer? Still an enigma but much better known. Still, don't expect him to take the driving seat in this series. This is all about Jessica and how she is dealing with the supernatural community and what it means. He is in the passenger's seat a bit, but it doesn't bother him unless she is in danger (and she is in danger all the time). Still, he is what feels like the perfect mate for Jessica in all aspects of her life. He might have to fight his protective instincts at times, but he trust Jessica fully. I loved that!

I give this book 4.5 stars. It was just as much fun as the last two and please... can someone get me the next book? Oh and yes, I did curse the author again in the end. The main story is completed but we are left with a huge reveal for the next book. Where is my book???? :D

Series: Kitty Noville #12
305p.
Publisher: Tor
Available: Now
Source: From Tor for review

 As Denver adjusts to a new master vampire, Kitty gets word of an intruder in the Denver werewolf pack’s territory, and she investigates the challenge to her authority. She follows the scent of the lycanthrope through the mountains where she is lured into a trap, tranquilized, and captured. When she wakes up, she finds herself in a defunct silver mine: the perfect cage for a werewolf. Her captors are a mysterious cult seeking to induct Kitty into their ranks in a ritual they hope will put an end to Dux Bellorum. Though skeptical of their power, even Kitty finds herself struggling to resist joining their cause. Whatever she decides, they expect Kitty to join them in their plot... willingly or otherwise.

My thoughts:
Usually I enjoy Kitty stumbling around trying to figure the best way out of a situation thrust upon her. This time, however, I was quite frustrated with her. She became stuck in a situation in where she was the one with the greatest amount of knowledge but with the least amount of influence. I don't see Kitty actually choosing that situation. She did and so my frustration with her rose.

The action was quite good and engaging, but I had a hard time with the players in this situation. I just didn't quite buy Kumbaris as a sage vampire. In fact, he seemed quite juvenile in his behavior. I also had a hard time believing the other weres in the story we so willing to follow him into the unknown. Perhaps there is a backstory there that would explain that fully. However, despite my unusual frustration with this character and the characters surrounding her, I did otherwise enjoy my time back in this world.

I did enjoy the information Kitty did gather about the "Long Game" arc in the story. Information we sorely need to defeat this undefeatable baddie. :) Especially for that information, this book should not be missed with this series. I am looking forward to the next book and I can't wait to see how that Long Game arc plays out. I give this book 3 stars.

Kitty has been tapped as the keynote speaker for the First International Conference on Paranatural Studies, taking place in London. The conference brings together scientists, activists, protestors, and supernatural beings from all over the world—and Kitty, Ben, and Cormac are right in the middle of it.

Master vampires from dozens of cities have also gathered in London for a conference of their own. With the help of the Master of London, Kitty gets more of a glimpse into the Long Game—a power struggle among vampires that has been going on for centuries—than she ever has before. In her search for answers, Kitty has the help of some old allies, and meets some new ones, such as Caleb, the alpha werewolf of the British Isles. The conference has also attracted some old enemies, who’ve set their sights on her and her friends. 

All the world’s a stage, and Kitty’s just stepped into the spotlight.

As you know I've been catching up on my series reading. Unfortunately, the library didn't catch up as fast as I wanted so I have had to mix it up a bit and go with #10 when I should have been reading #8. However, it didn't matter I never got lost and I really enjoyed my time with Kitty and the gang. So, while I wasn't lost, it really is more enjoyable to read these in order. You really get the feel of the characters growth that way. Yes, I did say read in order... don't faint on me. ;)

In this book Kitty goes to London. I thought it was perfect because of the summer Olympic games. Already had London fever, so I slipped into the world quite easily. There is a international conference on the paranormal and Kitty is a guest speaker as well as attendant. And since this is Kitty, you know she finds trouble even when she isn't trying. In this case, she did try a little, but with good cause. All I can say about that without spoiling the other previous books. :)

In this story we also get a few new characters. We get to know more master vampires, lycanthopes, and even faeries (I mean we are in England...). I really enjoyed getting to know them all and found myself eager to learn more of the back story on a couple of characters I missed. Even so, as I said before, I was not lost at all.

In the end, the main story feels complete. The story arc that we have had since book 6 (and hints of it before that as well...) is still not finished, so you know that Kitty will return. I really can't wait.

I give this book 4 stars. I really enjoyed my time in London with Kitty. I loved her compassion for others as well as her banter with her husband, Ben. I really love them as a couple. I suggest it for those that love a good were story as well as those who enjoy UF. Seriously, I recommend the whole series.

He hasn't met a monster yet that could give him a scare. With ice in his veins, silver hollow-points in his chambers, and an innate ability to rise from the dead, what's to fear? The answer may be something he doesn't want to face. 

Deacon Chalk normally has no trouble telling innocent victims from real monsters. So protecting an abused pregnant were-dog is a no-brainer... until a vicious lycanthrope leader and his brotherhood target Deacon, other shape-shifters, and any humans in their way.

Suddenly, Deacon is outnumbered, outgunned, and unsure who--or what--to trust. The only edge he has left is a weapon hungry for his soul and his most savage impulses. And using it will exact a price even this hell-raising hunter fears to pay...

This is the second novel in this series and the 4th book (2 novellas) but you could read this one without reading the others as the back story presents itself when needed. You could fully get a feel for Deacon without the other adventures, but you will probably want to read them anyway.

 Kitty and the Dead Man's Hand (Kitty Norville #5)

Already the alpha pair of Denver's werewolf pack, Kitty and Ben now plan to tie the knot human-style by eloping to Vegas. Kitty is looking forward to sipping fru-fru drinks by the pool and doing her popular radio show on live TV, but her hotel is stocked with werewolf-hating bounty hunters. Elsewhere on the Strip an old-school magician might be wielding the real thing; the vampire community is harboring a dark secret; and the irresistible star of a suspicious animal act is determined to seduce Kitty. Sin City has never been so wild, and this werewolf has never had to fight harder to save not only her wedding, but her very life.

Kitty Raises Hell (Kitty Norville #6)

Sometimes what happens in Vegas doesn't stay in Vegas.

Kitty and Ben flee The City That Never Sleeps, thinking they were finished with the dangers there, but the sadistic cult of lycanthropes and their vampire priestess have laid a curse on Kitty in revenge for her disrupting their rituals. Starting at the next full moon, danger and destruction the form of fire strikes Kitty and the pack of werewolves she's sworn to protect.

She enlists the help of a group of TV paranormal investigators - one of whom has real psychic abilities - to help her get to the bottom of the curse that's been laid on her. Rick, the Master vampire of Denver, believes a deeper plot lies behind the curse, and he and Kitty argue about whether or not to accept the help of a professional demon hunter - and vampire - named Roman, who arrives a little too conveniently in the nick of time.

Unable to rely on Rick, and unwilling to accept Roman's offer of help for a price, Kitty and her band of allies, including Vegas magician Odysseus Grant and Kitty's own radio audience, mount a trap for the supernatural being behind the curse, a destructive force summoned by the vengeful cult, a supernatural being that none of them ever thought to face.

The book starts off where the last one left off. The cult that caused problems in the first is still wrecking havoc on our beloved duo. So, what stays in Vegas... doesn't always stay. A new paranormal problem crops up and they are at a loss of what to do. Good thing they met up with a ally in Vegas and a few new allies made up of paranormal investigators. Ones that feel like they are based on people in those paranormal investigating shows today. This one almost seems impossible to deal with, but you know Kitty, she won't stop until it's over.

I have to admit, I didn't enjoy this one as much as I thought I would. I was a bit put off by the paranormal investigating team and those characters just seemed a mess. However, by the end I was right back with the group and enjoying the ending as I usually do in a Kitty novel. Therefore I give this one 3 1/2 stars. It really came together in the end for me.

Kitty's House of Horrors (Kitty Norville #7)

In the seventh entry in Carrie Vaughn's bestselling Kitty Norville series, a publicity stunt turns into a fight for the popular radio talk show host's life.

Talk radio host and werewolf Kitty Norville has agreed to appear on TV's first all-supernatural reality show. She's expecting cheesy competitions and manufactured drama starring shapeshifters, vampires, and psychics. But what begins as a publicity stunt will turn into a fight for her life.

The cast members, including Kitty, arrive at the remote mountain lodge where the show is set. As soon as filming starts, violence erupts and Kitty suspects that the show is a cover for a nefarious plot. Then the cameras stop rolling, cast members start dying, and Kitty realizes she and her monster housemates are ironically the ultimate prize in a very different game. Stranded with no power, no phones, and no way to know who can be trusted, she must find a way to defeat the evil closing in . . . before it kills them all.

I'd have to say this was one of my favorite Kitty novels. In this one we find ourselves with Kitty on a mountain retreat filming a reality tv show. A host of paranormal advocates and creatures gather to convince on hardened sceptic that they exist. However, we know Kitty so it doesn't surprise any of us that this is more than it seems.

It's a story that reminds me of The Most Dangerous Game in where humans were considered the ultimate prey. Now consider humans with supernatural abilities all gathered in one spot. This book was very much on the edge of the seat kind of reading. You didn't know how it would turn out nor who was in on the conspiracy. Even when all the players are accounted for and sides specifically drawn, you still were wondering who would get out of there alive. Not all make it and it is also heart wrenching to say the least. This is a great addition to this UF series. I give this book 4 1/2 stars. I can't wait for the next.

From the book:
Jaxon Castille: jaguar shifter, warrior, assassin. He has long hungered for the chance to make his former lover, Libby Jamieson, pay for her deadly betrayal. After three long years he’s finally found her. The hunt is over… 

But the Libby that he finds is not what he expected. She has no memory of their tumultuous affair; of her treachery; of anything beyond her own name. A shadowy and deadly clan has marked them both for death, and in an instant the game changes: the hunter has become the hunted. 

On the run, with the ghosts of their past between them and a dark, desperate hunger quickly reclaiming their bodies and souls, Libby and Jaxon must discover the truth behind the dark forces working against them. Together, they must grab hold of a destiny that has the power to either heal them or destroy them. 

But the truth is far more shattering than anyone could imagine…

I have to admit it, but I probably wouldn't have picked up this book because of the cover. I know, don't judge a book by it's cover, right? Other than the black panther, I may not have really given it a second look. It looked like a bodice ripper and although I don't mind reading one once in a long while, it's just not really my thing. However, after reading Fiction Vixen's review of this book, I became interested. Then I actually won the book! Luckily those things happened and I now admit I really enjoyed this book. I'm still no fan of the book's cover as Jaxon is darker and his tats are SO much more interesting. Okay, I'm done talking about the cover since it really doesn't do this book justice. 


In this book Jaxon is alpha male all the way. He decides to give Libby a chance at explaining her treachery before he kills her and that is where the story really gets going. After finding out she was not the woman he expected to find, he sees a shell of a woman she used to be. It tugs at him and he has to protect her and now himself to find out what happened. The simple betrayal has now become a action filled mystery that he must solve to find the real truth of what happened. He finds out more than he bargained for and also finds that he has found his true mate. One who can awaken the love within the hard shell of man/beast. The ending in this book also sets things up for the next in the series. It's not a cliffhanger, but it really makes you want to see what is going to happen next. 


Oh yea, there are a lot of hot lusty scenes in this book, but it doesn't take over. The action in this book is really what takes over and had me turning the pages to see what was going to happen. What I really loved about this book that even in Libby's weakened state, she finds that being a victim is a choice, and it is one that she no longer is willing to choose. She found her strength within herself before she even knew who she was! She was stripped of her dignity, health (both mental and physical), and memory and yet still found the strength to no longer be victimized! To me, that is a strong person.


Do I recommend this adult book? Yes I do. Despite the cover... ;) I give this book 4 stars.  


I won this signed book from Fiction Vixen's blog.

Stray by Rachel Vincent is a novel about werecats. At first, the book starts out a bit slow. I wasn't too happy at first at Faythe', the main character, story. She came across as very whiny. As the story progressed, I did realize that this was actually perfect characterization. She was so obsessed with not being heard, not taken seriously, she didn't do the same to those around her. That is perfect. How many people, including ourselves, do exactly that? How many of us become so blinded by our own lives we forget others? So, I felt, upon reflection, that the characterization of Faythe fit perfectly. As the book progresses, her blinders come off and she starts to grow up. She starts to see that she has been heard more than she thought possible and that she had yet to see those closest to her weren't the monsters she thought they were.