Waiting on Wednesday: Heart on Fire by Amanda Bouchet

"Waiting On Wednesday" is a weekly event, hosted by Jill @ Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

Heart on Fire by Amanda Bouchet
Publisher: Piatkus
Publication date: 01/02/2018

The riveting conclusion to the Kingmaker Chronicles, available January 2018!

Who is Catalia Fisa?
With the help of pivotal figures from her past, Cat begins to understand the root of her exceptional magic, her fated union with Griffin Sinta, and Griffin's role in shaping her destiny.

Only Cat holds the key to unlocking her own power, and that means finally accepting herself, her past, and her future in order to protect her loved ones, confront her murderous mother, and taking a final, terrifying step--reuniting all three realms and taking her place as the Queen of Thalyria.

What doesn't kill her will only make her stronger...we hope.

This series is one of my favorites. I just can't say enough about how much I love this series.  The first 2 books earned high praise from me. You can check out my review of the first book, A Promise of Fire here.

So this is my pick. What are you waiting for?

Review: Etched in Bone by Anne Bishop

**Spoiler Alert - Do not read Synopsis if you have not read the previous books!

Etched in Bone by Anne Bishop
Publisher: Penquin Publishing Group
Series: The Others, #5
Publication date: 03/07/2017
Source: Bought

New York Times bestselling author Anne Bishop returns to her world of the Others, as humans struggle to survive in the shadow of shapeshifters and vampires far more powerful than themselves… After a human uprising was brutally put down by the Elders—a primitive and lethal form of the Others—the few cities left under human control are far-flung. And the people within them now know to fear the no-man’s-land beyond their borders—and the darkness… 

As some communities struggle to rebuild, Lakeside Courtyard has emerged relatively unscathed, though Simon Wolfgard, its wolf shifter leader, and blood prophet Meg Corbyn must work with the human pack to maintain the fragile peace. But all their efforts are threatened when Lieutenant Montgomery’s shady brother arrives, looking for a free ride and easy pickings. 

With the humans on guard against one of their own, tensions rise, drawing the attention of the Elders, who are curious about the effect such an insignificant predator can have on a pack. But Meg knows the dangers, for she has seen in the cards how it will all end—with her standing beside a grave.

At last, Etched in Bone is the final installment in this series but not the last in this uniquely wonderful world that Bishop has created. I’m a huge fan of Anne Bishop. I’ve read most of her other books and enjoyed them immensely. She has a way of putting a different spin on the characters and worlds that she creates.

I’m so addicted to this series and I love these unforgettable characters.  I never know what to expect when reading these books. After the last book, Marked in Flesh ended, I didn’t know what to expect. I mean, there were dire consequences for the humans and the Others’ communities. I couldn’t imagine where this series would go from there. Let’s just say, one mistake could cost everything when it comes to what side the humans choose. This kept me turning the pages to see how it would all end. For better or worse. I also have to admit that I’ve been waiting forever for Meg and Simon to get together. Well, did it happen? Sorry, no spoilers here. You’ll have to read it to find out.

I’m going to miss this motley crew. I just hope the spin-off is just as good. If you’re looking for something different, you should definitely give this series a go.

Rating: 4 out of 5 Stars

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Waiting on Wednesday: Feverborn by Karen Marie Moning

"Waiting On Wednesday" is a weekly event, hosted by Jill @ Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

Feverborn by Karen Marie Moning
Publisher: Delacorte Press
Series: Fever, #8
Publication date: 01/19/2016

Featuring fan favorites MacKayla Lane and Jericho Barrons, the sensational Fever series picks up where Burned leaves off in this highly anticipated new novel from #1 New York Times bestselling author Karen Marie Moning.

I've said it over and over again that this series is my OBSESSION. Do not get between me and this series - you WILL lose! If you have not read this series, you should. Everyone that I have recommended this series to, has fallen in love with it. It is adult - you are warned.

So this is my pick. What are you waiting for?

Review: Blood Bound by Rachel Vincent

BLOOD BOUND by Rachel Vincent
Pub. Date: August 2011
Publisher: Mira
Format: Mass Market Paperback, 400pp
Series: Unbound Novel Series
Source: Author - ARC

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…

In this thrilling new series, Vincent has created a nonstop, action-filled plot with twists and turns that will keep you glued to the pages. Set in a gritty world where the Skilled are bound by blood, Liv has to hold her own to stay at the top of her game. After all, she is one of the best blood trackers, which unfortunately for her, is the source of her problems. Mystery and action ensues as Liv and Cam join together on a hunt for a murderer.

I'm a big fan of Vincent's works and I was all too excited to get a crack at her new series. Vincent has created a whole new world with complex characters whose lives are encompassed with oaths and rules that they live and die by. Told in perspectives by both Liv and Cam, I really got down and dirty with these characters and the myriad of circumstances that played a part in their lives. I was highly intrigued and impressed with the blood bound oaths that dominate this world. It was interesting and entertaining to delve into the complexities and trickery rooted within these oaths. How far would the characters go to forsake an oath? This question kept me turning the pages.

This first installment packed a punch and opened up a whole new world to immerse myself into. I'm looking forward to seeing what the next book has in store for the characters. Overall, BLOOD BOUND exceeded my expectations and introduced me to a whole new cast that I can't wait to get to know better.

Rating: 4.5 out of 5 Stars

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Check out the book trailer!

Review: Hard Bitten by Chloe Neill

HARD BITTEN (Chicagoland Vampires Series #4) by Chloe Neill

Pub. Date: May 2011

Publisher: Penguin Group (USA)

Format: Paperback , 368pp

Series: Chicagoland Vampires Series , #4

Meet Merit, a "wonderfully compelling vampire heroine" (USA Today bestselling author Julie Kenner).

Chicago is beset by supernatural tensions, and Merit-vampire protector of a safe haven called Cadogan house-is worried that the humans will be reaching for their pitchforks any minute. It doesn't help that yet another vampire rave is broken up by the mayor, and a new inhibition- reducing drug is circulating through the community.

It's up to Merit to put her house in order-literally. And if that takes getting a little blood on her hands, so be it.

Mini Review
Well, I don't think I can say much more than what other readers are saying about the ending. I for one did not cry but found myself rationalizing what should have happened when you think about the fighting skills of the ones involved. Hmm...I pondered it for a few minutes and came to the conclusion that had there been more action and then it led to the same ending, then I would have given this book 5 stars. With that said, I love this series. I too am invested in the characters and their well-being.

Now, I don't think I would have been satisfied if every thing was all rainbows and butterflies. Ms. Neill needed to shake thinks up a bit and that she did. Again, I would have been screaming to the rafters if that particular scene wasn't so sudden. If only there could have been more leading up to that - I'm talking about a test of skills and see who comes out on top. Oh well, I'm going to take Ms. Neill at her word and trust that DRINK DEEPER is going to come at us with a vengeance with a capital V.

4.5 out of 5 Stars

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You can read the first chapter here!

Order HARD BITTEN

Review: Alpha by Rachel Vincent

ALPHA (Shifters Series #6) by Rachel Vincent

Pub. Date: October 2010

Publisher: Mira

Format: Mass Market Paperback, 472pp

Series: Shifters Series , #6

SPOILERS IN SUMMARY IF YOU HAVE NOT READ THIS SERIES!

The unscrupulous new Council chair has charged Jace, Marc and me with trespassing, kidnapping, murder and treason. Yeah, we've been busy. But now it's time to take justice into our own hands. We must avenge my brother's death and carve out the rot at the heart of the Council.

It's not going to be easy, and loss seems unavoidable, but I have promised to protect my Pride, no matter what. With a target on my back and Marc at my side, I'm heading for a final showdown that can—that will—change everything forever. A showdown I'm not sure I'm ready for.

But life never waits until you're ready.

So it’s come down to this…THE END

ALPHA is the last book in this mind-blowing series and I’m so so sad to see this series end. I can’t talk about ALPHA without giving praise to the other books that led up to this final installment. This series has become one of my favorites - let's just say it's in the top 3. I remember when I first started this series.  After I read the excerpt of STRAY online, I was hooked and it only got better from there.

I purchased STRAY & ROGUE together, so I kind of started this series when it was new. I grew to love this series and the characters as if they were real. It’s unbelievable to get to experience the growth of the characters in this series and the growth of the author’s writing. With each book that I devoured, I felt that much closer to the characters. This series took me through so much. This is a testament to Rachel’s writing that I laughed, got angry, and balled my eyes out with this series. Is it wrong for me to not want this series to end? I’ve become that attached to these characters. I think Rachel could do a spinoff in the Shifter world. I’m just saying.

I didn’t know what to expect coming into reading ALPHA, oh I had some guesses but I could have never predicted the pain that it would cause me to actually read this book. Faythe and her Pride have been through so much and I couldn’t wait to see some payback. Not to mention what us Shifter fans have been on pins and needles waiting for: Who will Faythe pick? Will it be Marc or Jace? My heart went out to both of the men vying for Faythe’s love. In the end, I couldn’t have agreed more and that’s all I’m going to say on that. Rachel did a fantastic job and even I didn’t know who she would end up with. Both of these men are great in their own way.

The outcome of the events from the previous novel that led up to the oncoming war was brutal. I didn’t see it coming. The surprises and twists kept knocking me off my feet. I couldn’t have asked for a better cast, plot, or ending. I could go on and on about this series but all I can say is, if you have not read this series, you don’t know what you are missing. This series has everything: Action, Romance, Suspense, Humor, and the best Shapeshifting cast I’ve ever read about.

Brava to Rachel for creating an unforgettable series! I’m going to miss it!

Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars