Wild Hunger by Chloe Neill

Just released August 14th 

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Wild Hunger is a spin off or second generation of the "Chicagoland Vampires" Series.

Elisa Sullivan has escaped Chicago to Study in Paris, partly for an education and partly to slip away from the notoriety for being the first child ever born to vampires. Her Parents, Merit and Ethan Sullivan are the focus of the original series and Wild Hunger is the first book in the Heirs of Chicagoland series, which introduces us to Elisa, as well as  Lulu the daughter of a very powerful witch, and Connor the son of the Apex to the Shifters.

The storyline starts with a literal bang and a then a jump, when Elisa is forced into the conflict between house and countries, on the eve of a trip home to attend a peace conference, hosted by her parents. Once she arrives home she is faced with one challenge after another, some personal and some public. Elisa is her own character, she does have a great blend of her parents characteristics; bold and fearless but she also views herself as something "other" or a monster, which can also be a throwback to how Merit viewed herself in the beginning of the original series. You are gifted with a small amount of back story between Connor and Elisa, which helps shape your understanding of their relationship. Connor is ever the tormentor but also a protector, and since they haven't seen each other in the last four years they have both matured and grown as people, which sets us the romance portion of the storyline.

A friend, Riley Sixkiller, who is also the former love interest of Lulu, is accused of murder, peace talks are side tracked and there are some not so friendly fae on the loose. Elisa and Conner must make choices between loyalty and friendship to save Chicago and themselves.

If you were a fan of the original series, you'll feel right at home, even though twenty plus years have passed since the ending of the original series, somethings have changed but the characters are the same. If you haven't had the pleasure of reading the original series you can still start here. There are lots of references to prior battles and characters but there are also enough details given that you won't be lost. But I do suggest to pick them up as soon as you can so you can truly enjoy this book. Chloe Neill knows how to write action but the romance, friendship and loyalty still shine through. Strong and smart female leads with some violence but an interesting read for most any age.

I personally can't wait for the next installment comes out, there is a pesky premonition to contend with afterall...

Much Thanks to Net Galley and the Publisher for the free copy in exchange for an honest review.

Bookish Tuesday -Hunted by Meagan Spooner

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I am of a generation before Beauty and the Beast was a Disney Fairy Tale, the version was I given as a child had the snarling dangerous beast, even the pictures scared me, let along the story. However it was one I wanted to read even if it caused nightmares and made hide under the covers at every strange noise outside my window.

This story is of the older version of the tale with a Russian influence. The details are gritty and very true to the time frame. While it does have a romantic flair but closer to the original tale than the watered down version we are giving our children today. I had picked a rainy cool day to read this book and it was the perfect setting for this tale. I almost read it one sitting and hated that I had other things that had to be done, I was so wrapped up in the storyline.

It is a young adult novel but it reads like a fairy tale. Beauty is a strong female character and not so winsome as Belle. She's been allowed by her father to break out of the stereotypical female role, by being allowed to hunt, think for herself and expect a sutor that will treat her as an equal.  Yeva, who's nickname from her father is Beauty, is faced with a the dilemma of staying with her sisters, who aren't the typical evil sister of Disney, or venturing into the woods for her missing father. She chooses the woods to find her father and he fathers killer. She find not exactly what she is looking for but more than she would have expected.

The storyline is filled with duality, Man or Beast, Woman or Hunter, Dragon or Lady, what is expected to make you happy or what will really make you happy. If you are interested in folklore, fairy tales or strong female leads, I'd recommend you add this to your list!

It's good for all ages, some blood and gore but nothing exaggerated and no "adult content", totally suitable for younger readers.

Bookish Tuesday- Wolf Moon By Steve Morris

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Wolf Moon by Steve Morris is the 2nd instalment in the Lycanthropic Series about the Werewolf Apocalypse. While this book is totally awesome you'll need to start with Wolf Blood, book one of the series. The title says it all this really is the rise of the werewolves and it is everything you'd want in a horror/supernatural suspense novel.

Wolf Moon hit the ground running, New Years was a horror and the werewolf infection has turned into a plague and London has been turned into a war zone.

After the nightmare of New Years, London has been turned on its head. Many are still trying to get out of London while others are  digging in  preparing for the worst. Along with the  people who are trying to flee the city, are the infected and the plague is moving right along with them, undetected it has moved on to other countries and the government has to finally admit they have a problem The Prime Minister,  and the military are trying everything the can to stop the werewolves but it is an uphill battle. 

Leanne has declared  herself to be the Queen of the Werewolves and war on everyone who isn't. To facilitate this she has enlisted the help of the Wolf Brothers, a motorcycle gang to help her fulfil her  dream of world domination. Good Luck to anyone who gets in her way.

The government is working to contain the infected in the hospital allowing them to believe they are in control, but it's all another illusion.

Neighbors and Neighborhoods are turning on one another, No one can be trusted, when supply chains are disrupted and necessities are scarce.

The police are doing spread thin and one Liz has survived an attack, what will happen to her the next full moon.

James, the student turned werewolf, has vowed to never kill again. Will he be able to hold on to his vow and his life since he has turned his back on Leanne.

Not everyone will make it out alive and everyone will have lost something.

Great addition to the genre and a great series, I can't wait for the next installment. While it is fantasy, at least we hope, you can totally see how it the story would unfold if it happened in your neighborhood. Not only is the action wonderfully detailed and gory, the characters are rounded out and you feel for their plight.

Get your copy today and you'll want to leave a light on tonight just in case!

Bookish Tuesday- Another One

This is my First book by the Author Tony Faggioli and I try not to jump into a middle of a series but Another One  was definitely worth it.

Is the the fourth book in the Millionth series but the first in the "Parker Trilogy" It follows characters first introduced in the " Fasano Trilogy". It helps to have read the first three but you can start here without any problems.

This book is a heck gives you a heck of a ride, trilling and haunting at the same time. Faggioli manages to bring all of his characters to life inside this book not just as words on the paper you start to see them a people. Not just as cops and criminals, priests and the down and out but people with their own needs and struggles. Nothing is what it seems from the outside looking in. It makes you think about the people you meet in the street and what they might be going through.

While this is a good vs. evil concept it is also more than that. It is a suspenseful tale of a Priest who is losing his faith, a gangster who strives to be more than what's been handed to him, and a military veteran turned police detective. Parker,

The detective has recently lost his partner, which is covered in the prior books, has seen things he doesn't understand and is dealing with the effects of PTSD. He's barely hanging on and has made it his mission to close the case his partner left behind.

 Father Bernadino is dying but must hold on and find the strength to fight his own personal demons and a few others in order to help save a young girl. His last stand will be his most important one yet, if he can just hold on.

Hector has just been released from jail with a little extra baggage that is often held at bay by his love for books.

While these characters are struggling against everyday influences and supernatural odds, they are all parts of an ongoing battle that must be won for everyone's future.

You'll cheer, you'll cry and you just might look behind you to make sure that you're really alone.

Book two of the Parker Trilogy will be coming out soon, but check out the others in the series while you wait, this book and all of the others are available on Amazon.

I did receive an advanced copy of this book because I am part of Tony's Advanced Reader Team but the opinion is all mine.

Bookish Tuesday- Wolf Blood By Steve Morris

Find this on Amazon or request from your local Book Store


Think American Werewolf in London minus the American but redone with a 21st century twist! There's no waiting around for the action to start, from the beginning you're into the quick paced storyline and it just escalates from there.

A Scientist, Norman Wiseman, with a wild idea has traveled to the Carpathian Mountains to do a bit of research into the legend and genetics of werewolves of all things. While we don't get a lot of back story on the research, since it has already happened when the story starts, a bit more does get revealed during the progression of the book, the doctor isn't long for this world but his students and test subjects do keep the story moving along. 

The students have become infected and after the first full moon they've turned on their professor, and once he's been digested the three then return to London. One of the students, Leanne takes up the reins as the leader of the pack, highly intelligent and ready to make over the world in her own image one bite at a time. She and her fellow interns,Adam and Samuel,  set plans in motion for the Werewolf Apocalypse.

Wolf Blood is the first in a series and there are multiple lines that intertwine and follow parallel to the main story line, including a headmaster who devours instead of disciplines, the police force dealing with the dismembered bodies left behind by the building pack, a high priced call girl/thief, a group of very diverse kids who become unlikely friends and the skeptical public, who enable Leanne's plans to move along quickly as the victims travel and spread the horror.

If your looking for a quick paced story line that will make you check that dark corner twice to ensure you're really alone this book should be on your tbr list. The second book in the series; Wolf Moon will be released very soon so gobble this one up and get ready for the next installment.

As for me I'll be over here on the edge of my seat in a well lighted area awaiting my copy of Wolf Moon.

I received a copy of this book for free from the author on a librarything giveaway in exchange for an honest review.

filed under- Urban fantasy, fantasy, horror, paranormal thriller,

Bookish Tuesday- Year One by Nora Roberts

Find Year One at Amazon or your local Books Store

One Drop of Blood and the Doom Starts!

Not your run of the mill Nora Roberts books, this is the first in a new series that creates a whole new world. All of  the normal twist, turns, magic and wonder of a Nora Roberts storyline. I started this book at lunch and hated to have to put it down to head back to work, but managed to finish it early the next day. While I loved the story line and the masses of characters, the time lines seemed disjointed and jumped strangely so that a couple of times I thought I might have missed something in the telling. I did have an Advanced readers copy so this could be corrected in the final version. Over all it is a beginning to series and there is a lot of world building going on and I can't wait for the next book to see where it leads. Most of Ms. Roberts' series generally fall into the threes I'm hoping for much more story than three books could give.

Ross MacLeod was on Holiday at his family's farm, pheasant hunting and with one drop of blood he manages to start a chain of events that will in quick order change the very fabric of the world. This is a dystopian storyline about a virus that kills the majority of people very quickly, the few who are lucky enough survive don't escape unchanged. Those left behind to face to this new world order with failing electrical systems, food shortages and other dark dangers are awaking with new and sometimes wonderful powers. Some of those of course are full of light and wonder and some are dark and dangerous.

The large cast of characters include Max and Lana, who barely escape New York City, Fred, Chuck and Arlys; Techies and journalist who are trying to spread the word to help others and Jonah and Rachel who are both in the medical field combine their skills to help a pregnant mom who has lost everything but her twins. You are right in the middle of these narrow escapes and they somehow all end up together working towards recreating what was and fending off the others who want to rule it all. All have an important part to play but the most important is Lana who will be the mother to "The One".

The ending will leave you gasping, crying and wanting more, just like a great series should.

Thanks to the publisher St. Martin's press for a Free ARC given away on Goodreads. 




Filed under- Paranormal, Fantasy, Suspense, Thriller, Urban Fantasy