Isadora (Masters Among Monsters #2) by Ella Frank

A TRAGIC BEGINNING…

Isadora Nikitas understands what it means to be betrayed. That lesson was taught to her in the prime of her life, and when she is offered a chance to exact revenge, she finds it difficult to refuse.
Instead, she entrusts her survival to a mysterious vampire known only as Diomêdês, a male who wants nothing in return but to watch over her—in every way imaginable.

Gifted with speed, strength, and immortality, she determines that her life will no longer be governed by the needs and wants of a mere man. She has cowered for the last time, and with her Ancient by her side, she thrives and blossoms into the most formidable female vampire in existence.

But, once upon a time, like all little girls, Isadora believed in love. She believed it because she once had it. So, when it comes along a second time, she knows that it’s possible—but when you love someone, they become your weakness. Unless, in fact, they become your enemy instead…

A MYSTERIOUS PAST…

Fulfilling your life’s prophecy should be empowering. At least, that’s what Elias Fontana always believed. But, as he stands guard over the beautiful vampire he’s taken hostage, his convictions start to crumble. Made to believe by his creators that he and two others have been designed to destroy a dangerous race, he has difficulty connecting his current reality to the woman he once loved.

A TANGLED TALE TO UNRAVEL…

When friends become enemies and enemies become lovers, who can you trust in the webs of lies and despair? And, when your life is at stake and blood has been shed, how much are you willing to sacrifice to fulfill your destiny?

Wow!

Isadora picks up right where Alasdair left off, but it's not the end.

No, this intricate web keeps on weaving and it tangles you up with it!!

More! I crave more!

I am salivating for Thanos and the finale to this trilogy!!!!

Vampires, Gods, Family, Lust, Chemistry....... Death.

Freaking loved!!!!!!!

In Alasdair we're introduced to pretty much every main character. Relationships are established, questions arise and interests are piqued.

In Isadora the story continues. Not only do we find out what has happened to her, but the characters from book 1 are all over this book as well.

Isadora is a gorgeous, tough as nails vampire. But what happened in her past? What shaped her into the woman she is today?

All I can tell you is.. bravo Ella Frank!

This world of vampires and gods is all Greek to me! <- hee hee

But I am so in love and so immersed in it that I want more. I need more!!!

This tale is erotic, depraved, voyeuristic, and sensual.

Along with all of that is a kind, and sweet love. There's tragedy and grief and there's also sarcasm and jokes!?

I love the relationships they have with each other and their close familial bond.

Ella continues to amaze me with how she keeps me on my toes craving more!

Warning: These books MUST be read in order!

AMAZON

Breaking Through by D. Nicole King

Two years after her brother Nate died during a Navy operation, aquator Nautia Olson’s nightmares began, and her ability to manipulate water became erratic. Anger, fear, joy, desire—they all trigger disaster.

Now, the Navy wants her for a top-secret mission, but Captain Riley Barton has his reservations. He’s read her file. He knows the damage she’s capable of, and yet—

She's powerful.

If he can harness her ability—break through her walls—

She’ll be unstoppable.

I first read the first half of Breaking Through in the Beneath The Cape Anthology.  

It had me really intrigued and interested for more! 

I really enjoyed the easy going story with a hint of mystery.

Have you ever seen the movie Sky High? (I have a kid, don't judge me) It reminded me of a slightly more adult version of that!

A group of Superpower young adults learning to hone their abilities at a special/super academy are recruited into a secret mission for the Navy.

There's action, mystery and danger along with unforeseen twists.

Along the way of course is friendship and a budding romance.

This was a quick and light read with a paranormal/supernatural twist. 

I'm happy I finally got to read the ending because I wasn't expecting things to turn out they way they did! Great twist!

This was my first read by Ms King and I look forward to more in the future!

Amazon US / UK

Alasdair (Masters Among Monsters #1) by Ella Frank

Blurb

A DANGEROUS ALLURE

Bestowed with eternal life by the Ancient Vasilios, Alasdair Kyriakous is one of the most feared and ruthless vampires in existence. His name carries weight across all of the seven continents. 

But he is a mystery to his kind, an anomaly among the self-indulgent. While he enjoys the pleasures of the flesh, he is exceptionally particular in his choice of partners and prides himself on his ironclad self-control.

Yet with one look his control will become a thing of the past, and Alasdair will discover that eternal life doesn’t always last forever…

A DEADLY ATTRACTION

Thrust into a world he could never have imagined, Leo Chapel awakens in his worst nightmare. Taken hostage by the dangerously mesmerizing vampire, Alasdair, Leo must rely on his intelligence to escape before he reveals a secret he isn’t even aware he’s hiding.

A FORBIDDEN DESIRE

Unaware that they’ve been brought together by an outside force and are little more than pawns to a higher power, Alasdair and Leo spend time trying to uncover the other’s secrets, the attraction between them growing stronger all the while. 

But enemies are watching and preparing to act against them. When decisions that will alter lives and destinies have to be made—can a dead, grey heart learn to beat again?

My Review

Only Ella Frank could have me so immersed in a genre I wouldn't usually go for, that while on vacation I made my husband sit in the hotel room for hours while I finished reading her book!!

Vampires. Forbidden. Overwhelming animalistic desire!

The fixation and fascination they had for each other was overwhelmingly erotic. 

There was something in the air. 

I could feel it. 

I wanted to touch it. 

I wanted to be bitten!!!

"An arrogant as fuck smile stretched across Alasdair's lips, and he went from sexy to downright fucking dangerous in seconds."

Such a different world. Very different from what I'm used to reading.

I love M/M. I love Ella's erotic/sensual writing.

So add to that mystery and intrigue and I was hooked! I couldn't put it down!!!

I want more!!

I need more!!

Designated Alpha by Crissy Smith

Blurb 

Piper’s happily ever after has been postponed. Destiny is funny like that.

In Last Call, Piper Maxwell revealed her true self to her mate, Jace Anderson. After fighting to survive the night on which her biggest secret was exposed, Piper believed she’d get her happily ever after. Too bad fate had other plans.

Jace would do anything to protect Piper. Finding out who and what Piper truly is seems like the best way to help. Unbeknownst to Jace, though, the more he seeks answers, the bigger the risk he’s putting Piper and himself in.

All Piper wanted was to run the bar Jace owned and make her home with the man she loves. Now she’s being stalked by a scared young man, Jace’s best friend is looking into her past while staying with them, and they have a meeting with a stranger who shares Piper’s abilities. Things are changing rapidly and Piper finds herself struggling to understand what is really going on with her.

Nothing is what it appears to be as Piper and Jace are captured and held hostage. The only way they’ll be able to survive this time is if Piper can keep her newest and largest secret yet from the man who holds their lives in his hands. 

Publisher's Note: This book follows the events in Last Call by Crissy Smith and is best read in sequence.

Review

This was my first read by Crissy Smith and also only my second ever shifter/werewolf book.

I enjoyed it!

Piper is struggling with what she is. A werewolf.

Along with her boyfriend Jace, they embark on a journey of knowledge. They need to know more, yet who can they trust?

Along the way they run into many dangers and well as new allies. 

There's action and suspense.

There's also a strong sense of family, love, friendship, and devotion.

There was a lot of sexy time going on too. 

A tad too much for me.. I know, even I can't believe I said it, but there was! 

Piper and Jace are bonded and so in love that I get it, I do,  but I got it the first 5 times!

What I didn't know was that this is book 2 in a series, so this is the book I read first. 

Yes, heed the *publishers note. I didn't see that and I don't read blurbs! So that was on me.

But I was ok. Yes, I felt like I had missed something, how they met and how their connection was established.. but bits and pieces were given so it was easy to follow along.

BUT, if I'd have known, I would have definitely read the first book first!

AMAZON

Beneath the Cape—The Superhero Anthology by Angela McPherson, Cheryl McIntyre, Christine Zolendz, D. Nichole King, Laura Thalassa, Lynn Vroman, Magan Vernon, Sunniva Dee

Beneath the Cape—The Superhero Anthology

Created with the sole purpose of benefiting the Wounded Warrior Project.

Only available July 1st - October 1st.

Superheroes.

Save the world and protect mankind.

But what’s beneath the cape? Behind the mask? Under the steel-plated façade?

Eight bestselling New Adult romance authors have come together to bring you seven stories about superheroes and what it takes to win their hearts. From the skies, to the cities, to the ocean, our superheroes face death, fight villains, conquer evil and—

Find love.

The world is full of heroes. Every-day men and women who risk their lives for the sake of others—for life, liberty, freedom, and justice. Often these men and women are wounded—physically or mentally—in the line of duty. Therefore, we have created this anthology with the sole purpose of benefitting theWounded Warrior Project.

Because heroes should never be forgotten.

Reading Anthologies are a great way to discover new authors. 6 of these authors are new to me, and I am so excited to read more from them!!

Each of these stories are completely different. 

Heroes come in many different shapes and forms and in these stories you get several varieties.

heroes ~ shifters ~ ghosts

In all honesty I had no clue what I was getting myself into! 

Christine Zolendz is one of my favorite authors. She said she was writing a story for an anthology raising money for Wounded Warriors and I didn't hear or read any further. 

Sign me up, I said!

So when I started the first story and it was about actual villains vs superheros, 

I thought... oh.. duh....I get it... CAPE! hee hee

BLURB

Reaping Angels by Laura Thalassa:
The Executioner’s touch can kill.
Angel’s can heal.
A villain and a hero. One who stood for death, and the other for life. Mortal enemies until the impossible happened. 
A touch. 
A kiss. 
And now, a manhunt.

REVIEW

This was my first read by Laura Thalassa and I loved it! This was the first in line and was about superheroes and villains! 

It was cute and too funny, sexy and so entertaining! 

I really loved it!

BLURB

Cat Love by Sunniva Dee:

A sexy thriller about the animal in all of us. 

Aidan uses his superpower to stabilize minds at the Hollyreed Specialist Hospital. Ulani uses hers to chase rats on rooftops. Until she’s caught and deposited in Aidan’s care. 

At the hospital, Aidan finds Ulani's room empty—save for a cat, whose fur retracts in favor of silky skin and a vamp-gorgeous femme fatale. 

Aidan’s obsession with Ulani grows, while patients go missing.

Making the couple use their powers to bring criminals to justice.

REVIEW

This was my first time reading anything from Sunniva Dee.

This story has a bit of a mysterious touch to it and it also ends on a cliffy! 

I liked how her human form resembled her feline form. Slinking and sashaying around!

BLURB

Gypsy Love by Angela McPherson & Lynn Vroman:
For two hundred years, Adrian vowed to seek revenge against the Gypsy woman who bound his spirit for eternity. 
Until her.
The one man Mia wants only exists in dreams. 
Until he doesn’t. 
The curse may be broken, but not without a price. 
One love must end for another to begin.

REVIEW

OMG this was my favorite!!! It is also my first read by both these authors.

I thought it was sunny, sexy, and EMOTIONAL! I cried!!!!

I absolutely loved it!!! I can not wait to read more!!!!

Although I was literally bawling on the last word, I was happy and satisfied. BUT, lucky for me, there's another 2 books to continue the story! I can't wait!

BLURB

The Only Difference by Magan Vernon:
The Only Difference between a hero and a villain is what they do with their power. 
Leonel "Short Stack" Garcia-Shapiro's life changed the night he decided to stop one of his fraternity brothers from taking advantage of a girl. Now he can't stop thinking of that girl and how he can save her.

REVIEW

This story was a very quick one and more of an everyday hero rather than an actual cape wearing one. 

BLURB

Heroes by Christine Zolendz:
Kelly Black can’t believe she’ll be the new teaching assistant to Alexander Masters. The Alexander Masters—the head of the entire biology department. As soon as they begin to work together sparks fly and danger swirls around them.

REVIEW

At first, this story started off pretty funny and with a student/teacher type feel. Then came the moment their electrifying chemistry hit and all the action happened!

BLURB

Breaking Through by D. Nichole King:
Two years after her brother Nate died during a Navy operation, aquator Nautia Olson’s nightmares began, and her ability to manipulate water became erratic. Anger, fear, joy, desire—they all trigger disaster.
Now, the Navy wants her for a top-secret mission, but Captain Riley Barton has his reservations. He’s read her file. He knows the damage she’s capable of, and yet—
If he can harness her ability—break through her walls—
She’ll be unstoppable.

REVIEW

Breaking Through had me really intrigued! I was enjoying the easy going story with a hint of mystery and was really getting into it when I was hit with a cliffy!!! All i can say is... give me more please! I need to know what happens!!

BLURB

Villain by Cheryl McIntyre:

How can you tell a hero from a villain?

If you’re Ember Willis and the villain is Lanely Frost, you can’t.

How can you tell a superhero from a delusional young woman?

If you’re Lanely Frost and the woman is Ember Willis, you don’t care.

For both, finding the balance between right and wrong and love and lust are not the only battles they’ll face.

REVIEW

I enjoyed this read very much. I loved the funny, easy going banter between the two. Their chemistry was hot and it was an awesome little story.

BUY LINKS

AMAZON US

AMAZON UK

Sight and Sinners (Men of London #2) by Susan Mac Nicol

THE MEN OF LONDON

From Charing Cross to Waterloo, there’s no escaping love.

SEEING THROUGH…

28-year-old Draven Samuels has a tragic past, but as an investigator with a high-profile London company he now gets what he wants. Tough, sarcastic, and sceptical, he has no patience for lies and even less for people who waste his time. Even if they’re as beautiful as the wild and dark-haired Taylor Abelard. Especially when they’re talking over the body of a murder victim.

THE DARKNESS

Psychic Taylor Abelard is used to people calling him a freak. He can see past events and feel the ghostly vibrations of people close to him who've passed on. It’s why he doesn't get too close to the living. But this time, against his better judgment, despite Draven’s mocking rejoinders, Taylor will get closer than ever before. The mystery surrounding a dead friend will lead the two men down a dark and seedy trail of blackmail and lies. Add in the heartbreak of a family tragedy, and events lead them straight into each other’s arms. By the end of this night, all their demons will have risen—and been banished with the dawn. 

I always enjoy Susan's mix of cheekiness and wit in the middle of a story filled with love, sex and delicious men.

This one had not only mysterious twists, but also paranormal activity.
No, not ghosts....
Taylor is psychic.
He sees and feels according to those that are close to him.
Those he's come in contact with.
His gift is creepy at times but very intriguing!

There were some emotional moments not only having to do with Taylor's abilities, but also with Draven, the usually tough, no nonsense investigator. His story broke my heart.

We also got to revisit with Eddie and Gideon as well as Leslie from book 1.

Amazon

Temperance (The Arcanian Chronicles #1) by Ella Frank

“Tell me about this place. This…Arcania.” 

What if your life as you knew it ceased to exist? 

 That is the question Naeve Brannigan and her three sisters are faced with on the eve of their 25th birthday. Continuing a tradition they’ve hidden from their mother for years, the four women arrive at a tarot shop to have their futures told. Only this time their futures aren't predicted—they’re forever changed. 

 They've awoken in a strange time and place with no knowledge of how they got there. All they have to go by is the word of a man who claims to be family—a family they've never heard of. He tells them of a world they could never have imagined. One that has been cursed by an Empress fueled by old revenge—revenge their mother appears to be at the center of. 

 As they fight to survive the people and dangers of an unknown land, they slowly begin to unravel its mysteries to find that they hold the key to saving this world…this Arcania. 

 The question that remains for each of them is: Who do you become when the you that you always were is no longer? 

 Fantasy is not a genre I usually read. That being said, when Ella Frank writes a book... I read it. 

No Questions Asked!!

When I first started reading the ancient tale of Arcania, I'll admit, I was a little confused.. but as I read on, things started to click into place, questions were answered, other questions arose. I was so intrigued! Ella has woven the perfect blend of present day with a mystical, magical world we know nothing about. 

It's told in multiple points of view, which I absolutely love. 

This story contains several main characters (which you fall in love with almost immediately) and by the time I finished reading, all I could think of was.. 

"What happens now? What's next? Whose book is next?" 

I can see many books in the future and I am super excited!! 

 Family bonds, sisters, love, lust, acceptance, death, betrayal, sacrifice... sex!! 

(It's Ella Frank, there's gonna be sex involved!!) It's all there! 

 This first book is full of unknown, the characters don't know what is happening, the reader doesn't know what is happening... but what I do know is that I am now 100 percent immersed in this new world of fantasy and I WANT MORE!


Amazon

Just Labels Part 1