Early Review of When the Marquess Falls (Hellions of Havisham, #3.5) by Lorraine Heath (Novella)

Title: When the Marquess Falls
Classification: Adult Fiction
Genre: Historical Romance
File Size: 1332 KB
Print Length: 128 pages
Publisher: Avon Impulse (March 14, 2017)
Publication Date: March 14, 2017
Sold by: HarperCollins Publishers
ASIN: B01C2NNX5Q
Author's Website: http://www.lorraineheath.com/
Notes:  I received an eARC loan from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. I am also an Avon Addict which means I love the books that Avon publishes enough to volunteer to read as many ARCs and books as they can send my way. So you'll be seeing a lot of books reviewed by me from this publisher. Please note, however, that if I don't like a book, it will be truthfully reflected by a low rating.

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George William St. John and Linnie Connor first came across one another on the day of his father's funeral. He was twelve and she was six. On that day the two formed an unlikely friendship and have been best friends ever since. As he's a Marquess and she's the daughter of a Baker nothing other than friendship could ever be, and so they never breached that friendship.  Linnie always dreamed of one day attending one of the balls George's family had hosted and this year George has decided to make that dream come true. He's promised his mother he'd chose a bride in exchange for Linnie being allowed to attend. Her opinion of the women in attendance would be helpful, or so he's said. George has always fancied Linnie and as a child thought he'd one day marry her. Dare he defy what both his mother and the ton expect and give them something to talk about? After all, when the Marquess Falls, there's no telling what can happen...

This was a bittersweet romance. If you haven't read any of the previous books of the series, I recommend you at least read The Viscount and the Vixen first. While some may say this one could be read as a standalone, I don't recommend it.The romance is a bit unconventional and you'll like it more if you know the how this story came to be and by reading The Viscount and the Vixen you can do just that. Sorry for the vagueness, but I'm trying not to reveal any spoilers.

I found it very interesting that both George and his future son, Killian, have decidedly different views on marriage each being influenced by their own father's choices. I love finally seeing the love behind what others deemed in The Viscount and the Vixen as being madness. The story of Linnie and George was short and sweet without any big surprises, but I thoroughly enjoyed it none the less. It gave the reader a unique perspective of the Marquess of Marsden and made me more sympathetic to his actions in the previous novel. I still feel he was a bit underhanded, but I now understand where he was coming from.

Overall, I gave this one 4 out of 5 roses. As I stated before, this was a bittersweet unconventional romance that tugged at my heartstrings. It had high points and lows which made for a very emotional read. I'm so glad the author decided to write it, and knew from the moment Ms. Heath announced she had this one in the works that I wanted to read it. I was not disappointed. While this is a Novella, Ms. Heath still managed to put a lot of heat into the story. On the Lisarenee Romance Rating Scale, this one earned a STEAM rating--too hot for a fan, but you still have a handle on things. You should use extreme caution when reading a book with this rating in public. People may inquire as to why you looked flustered and flushed.This one was definitely worth reading.

Order of the Hellions of Havisham series:

One Snowy Night (Heartbreaker Bay #2.5) by Jill Shalvis (A Novella)

Title: One Snowy Night: A Heartbreaker Bay Christmas Novella
Classification: Adult Ficton
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Series: Heartbreaker Bay Christmas
Format: Paperback; 160 pages
Publisher: Avon Impulse (November 8, 2016)
ISBN-10: 0062463578
ISBN-13: 978-0062463579
Author's website: http://jillshalvis.com/
Notes: This is a novella. I received an eARC (electronic Advanced Reader's Copy) of it from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. I am also an Avon Addict which means I love the books that Avon publishes enough to volunteer to read as many ARCs and books as they can send my way. So you'll be seeing a lot of books reviewed by me from this publisher. Please note, however, that if I don't like a book, it will be truthfully reflected by a low rating.

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Rory and Max have known each other for years. They went to the same high school and grew up in the same town. She stayed in the shadows while he basked in the limelight of being the school's golden boy who excelled at basketball, baseball, and football. He is also the guy Rory once had a huge crush on, but he had never really noticed her. Now, years later, they're both living in San Francisco and when offers to give he a ride back home to Tahoe things get interesting. Will one snowy night change everything or will the past come between them?

This was a short but sweet short story that is perfect for the holiday season. If you're craving to read a book, but don't feel you have enough time between cooking, backing, decorating, traveling, and present hunting give a novella like this one a try. They'll fill that sweet spot and ease your craving.

While I wish this had been a full blown story, it is a novella so keep that in mind when you purchase this one. It's only 160 pages long and there are two excerpts from the previous books in the series at the end. This one can be read out of order, and you won't feel you missed anything. It'll just give you a tiny taste of what the series as a whole is like.

In the previous book of the series, 'The Trouble With Mistletoe', we got a hint that something was going on between Max and Rory, but we didn't know exactly what. In this book we finally find out their backstory and why it took so long for Max to make a move. Interestingly enough, Rory is a bit clueless about all that happened as she skipped town shortly before the proverbial sh*t hit the fan. Max, on the other hand, thinks he knows everything, but he doesn't know the half of it.

Rory has not had an easy life, and has only recently climbed out of her shell. Willa who pretty much rescued Rory, is attempting to set her up with just the type of guy she needs--someone who is trustworthy, reliable, and the kind of person Rory can lean on. Max is all those things, and his being gorgeous doesn't hurt matters at all. While Willa's tendency to stick her nose in where it doesn't belong can at times be annoying, her persistence in this case will finally pay off big time.    

Overall, I gave this one 3 1/2 out of 5 roses. I loved how the issues/misunderstandings between these two were resolved when they got stranded overnight together. I also liked how Rory made peace with her family after so many years. My main issue with this one was that it was too short--I wanted more. *sigh* There also appeared to be some slight inconsistencies between what we were told about Rory in 'The Trouble with Mistletoe' and what we were told in this one. I don't know if they'll be corrected before publication, but, at least for me, they didn't detract from the story. On the Lisarenee Romance Rating Scale, this one earned a STEAM rating--too hot for a fan, but you still have a handle on things. You should use extreme caution when reading a book with this rating in public. People may inquire as to why you looked flustered and flushed.

Order of the series:

Early Review of 'Twas the Night Before Mischief (Daring Hearts #2.5) by Nina Rowan

Title: 'Twas the Night Before Mischief (A Daring Hearts Novella)
Series: Daring Hearts
Classification: Adult Fiction
Genre: Historical Romance
File Size: 304 KB
Print Length: 103 pages
Publisher: Forever Yours (December 10, 2013)
Sold by: Hachette Book Group
ASIN: B00FKAGNGK
Author's Website: http://ninarowan.com/
Notes: Received and eARC loan from the publisher.

Christmas is not Penelope Darlington's favorite time of year and hasn't been for the past 10 years. Her mother, whom she loved and still misses, died on December 18th and with her went Penelope's own love of the season. Now her father has done the unthinkable--he's planned an elaborate Christmas feast on the 18th without even realizing the significance of the day. Penelope is looking for a means of escape, for something more than her seemingly boring life, and thinks running off and eloping with Simon Wilkie will achieve it. Little does she know the person who can provide her with what she's looking for has been right in front of her all the time.

This was a great intro to the Daring Hearts series if you haven't read any of the books yet. It can be read as a standalone and will give you a nice taste of Ms. Rowan's writing style and the series. To me the holidays are the perfect time to indulge in novellas because at such a busy time they allow you to bake your cake and read a story too, all while curbing your hunger and need to read.

Penelope is afraid that like her mom, she'll be forgotten and unseen. While she knows her father loves her, she misses the quality time she spent with her mother. In a way, I feel her rebellion is, in a way, a misguided tribute to her mom whom she describes as having been bold, something she'd always admired and wished to be. After all, if someone like her mother can be forgotten, what chance does she have?

Darius Hall is described by Penelope as the serious twin who doesn't know how to smile. Unbeknownst to her, he's had his eye on her for quite some time. The quiet, soft spoken man has always seen her, but ironically it's her who hasn't ever really seen him as he truly is. I loved how we get a glimpse of how she'd first viewed him and how she finds she's totally misjudged him as he finally gets the chance to explain himself. This is one man who truly does have a way with words but in a truly unexpected way. You see he's been contracted by a publisher to create an encyclopedia of scientific and literary terms. I have to admit at first I thought his tendency to recite words in his head might equate him to Raymond Babbit of the movie Rain Man, but as his dictionary project was revealed, I quickly realized it was just his way of dealing with his unease, nervousness and an upcoming publishing deadline.

Overall, a sweet and touching novella that warmed my heart. I wondered if Penelope inspired Darius to create an encyclopedia when she asked if there was a word that describes a feeling that is bigger than ordinary happiness? Plus, I adored Darius' explanation as to why he started talking of the atmosphere (of all things) when she said she didn't wish to be invisible. A totally unexpectedly romantic answer that made me smile. This one gets 4 1/2 out of 5 roses. On the Lisarenee Romance Rating Scale, this one earned a STEAM--too hot for a fan, but you still have a handle on things. You should use extreme caution when reading a book with this rating in public. People may inquire as to why you looked flustered and flushed.

Notes to keep you in the know:
tumshie - a stupid or foolish person. Etymological Note: Originally jocular or colloquial Scots for ‘turnip.’ Common insult tumshie-head and other comparisons of a head to a turnip probably preceded the stand-alone tumshie. (source: Double-Tongued Dictionary)

Order of the series:

 And coming in May of 2014: 

Entwined (Darkest London, #3.5) by Kristen Callihan

Title: Entwined (Darkest London)
Series: Darkest London
Classification: Adult Fiction
Genre: Historical Romance/Paranormal
File Size: 1072 KB
Print Length: 120 pages
Publisher: Forever Yours (November 5, 2013)
Sold by: Hachette Book Group
ASIN: B00CRMATNW

Author's website: http://www.kristencallihan.com/

Notes: Received an eARC loan from the publisher.

It all started with a simple request by his brother to answer a letter for him...

'Dear Sir,

It has come to my attention, by way of a most distressing yet undeniable order, that we are to be married. As I find arranged marriages to be goth archaic and tantamount to a glorified stud service...'

But what started off as a ploy for Eamon to persuade the chit to marry his brother, Aidan, had grown into something more. Eamon started falling for the beautiful young woman whom he had befriended while conversing through letters while pretending to be Aidan. A woman now, thanks to him, was happily engaged to marry his brother and there was nothing he could do about it.

This book is the second novella from the Darkest London series and, if I do say so myself, a nice introduction to the series if you haven't had one yet. It is definitely a standalonestory, but it also satisfies the curiosity of a person like myself who has read the previous books. In Entwined we learn where Isley acquired Alden's mechanical arm (mentioned in Winterblaze) as well as a little about Ms. Holly Evernight's family. Holly's the gadget and gizmo guru--think Alfred of Batman or Q from 007--in Winterblaze and Shadowdance. I can't help but wonder if the next book in the series after Shadowdance will focus more on Holly Everbright. If so, this is definitely a novella fans will want to read.

Eamon is a complex character. He's been shunned by his father and all but disowned. He and his brother are very close, but it is very clear who their father favors. Eamon's father believes he is marked by the devil because of his red hair. We, through his letters to Lady Luella, see a gentle, smart, and sweet man who challenges Luella with every letter. Something she finds very attractive and appealing.

I've read several books which have letters as part of its main dialogue, and sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn't. In Entwined, Ms. Callihan uses the technique to perfection endearing both characters to us as she reveals their personalities. I loved watching these two converse with each other and then seeing the one thing Eamon hadn't foreseen in the writing of them--that he would fall in love.

Overall I thought this was a great novella and gave it 5 out of 5 roses. It's a fun short story with a lot of twists and a touch of drama thrown in. I can't help but wonder if the novella was little inspired by the play Cyrano de Bergerac--where one friend gives another the words to say to a love interest. Luckily for Eamon, however, his brother wasn't in love or infatuated with Luella. On the Lisarenee Romance Rating scale, this one gets a STEAM rating--too hot for a fan, but you still have a handle on things. You should use extreme caution when reading a book with this rating in public. People may inquire as to why you looked flustered and flushed.

Order of the series:

Accidentally...Evil? (Accidentally Yours #3.5) by Mimi Jean Pamfiloff (Novella)

• Title: Accidentally...Evil? (Accidentally Yours)
• Classification: Adult Fiction
• Genre: Paranormal Romance
• File Size: 316 KB
• Print Length: 118 pages
• Publisher: Forever Yours (April 30, 2013)
• Sold by: Hachette Book Group
• ASIN: B00BOTU4AW
• Author's Website: http://www.mimijean.net/
• Notes: I received an eARC loan from the publisher for review purposes.

Margaret O'Hare had never found the 'one' and conceded she probably never would. Just when she'd decided something was broken within her, the unexpected happened. She found him. Perhaps he was the reason no other man had never been able to stir her emotions. 

Backlum Chaam had spent seventy thousand years without a mate which was ironic as he was the God of Male Virility. Gods, however, didn't have mates as a rule only humans did. His fellow gods paid him little respect, but he knew the importance of his job. Without copulation a species couldn't survive, and sex was one of the necessary ingredients to help "cement the bond between two souls."

Over the years he'd hoped one day he'd obtain a mate. He'd seen many relationships develop over the years and longed to have a meaningful relationship of his own--to have a mate and end his loneliness. When he comes across Margaret O'Hare and she can see and touch him he's overjoyed. He assumes she is the Creator's gift to him for his many millennia of hard work ensuring everyone but himself and other gods had sex. 

But as fate would have it, the universe can be cruel, and just as many men have succumbed, she may prove to be his greatest downfall or at least weakness....

This is a lighthearted,  fun, not to be taken seriously good time romp of a read. I was smiling, laughing, and shaking my head as I made my way through this novella. It served as a nice contrast to the book Gone Girl, which is notably the exact opposite of this book. I was simultaneously reading the two and I so needed the counterbalance this one provided.

Backlum Chaam, as I mention in my teaser synopsis, is the God of Male Virility. He's a prime example of an alpha male and about as sexy as they come. He was also a seventy thousand year old virgin. So imagine if you will a man, er, god who's craved a mate and intimacy for that long. He is not about to let her go and feels in his gut that fate has brought them together. Whether that is true remains to be seen as he realizes she is what she claims--a human. But humans aren't supposed to be able to touch or be touched by the gods. Is she truly a gift from the universe or could she be a ploy sent by the Maaskab to destroy him? That is the dilemma he must face.

Margaret O'Hare had been looking for her father who had been excavating an ancient site when he'd disappeared. Unsure what exactly had happened to herself, she'd woken up to find herself staring at a beautiful but naked man who was toweling himself dry after a swim. A man claiming to be a god and telling her, "I know exactly what I'm doing. I know exactly what you want." Was she dreaming or had she hit her head on something? If she was/had, she wasn't sure she wanted to wake up or stop the hallucination. One touch, one kiss, however, made her see he was telling the truth. With her father's life potentially on the line can she keep him at bay and resist his charms long enough to find her father? That my dears is one of many questions.

Overall I gave this one 4 out 5 roses. This was a very well written novella that didn't feel rushed like so many short stories that I've read. I didn't feel lost even though I hadn't read the previous 3 books to the Accidentally Yours series. I  felt I got a wonderful introduction to the world Mimi Pamfiloff has created, however, the novella ended with a huge cliffhanger that had me wondering what would happen next. So be forewarned--you'll probably be wanting to read the next book to find out how things will wrap up. On the Lisarenee Romance Rating Scale, this novella receives a STEAM rating--too hot for a fan, but you still have a handle on things. You should use extreme caution when reading a book with this rating in public. People may inquire as to why you looked flustered and flushed. If you haven't read any of Ms. Pamfiloff's books, this would be a great way to get a taste. A very fun and steamy series that would be perfect to read on the beach during the lazy days of summer.

Order of the series:

How to Misbehave (Novella) by Ruthie Knox

• Title: How to Misbehave (Novella)
• Classification: Adult Fiction
• Genre: Contemporary Romance
• File Size: 909 KB
• Print Length: 121 pages
• Publisher: Loveswept (January 28, 2013)
• Sold by: Random House Digital, Inc.
• ASIN: B00AP2VVVK
• Author's Website: http://www.ruthieknox.com/
• Notes: Quotes will need to be checked against the final copy as I read the eARC.

She was waiting to lock up the community center when the sirens started to go off. They were the only two left. As they meandered down the stairs to the shelter of the basement to wait out the threat of a tornado, she felt a little apprehensive. She'd been harboring a crush on the guy since the day they'd met. She'd been warned he was nothing but bad news and to stay far away from him because he was nothing but trouble.

After spending time together in a darkened basement talking about this and that. He began to tease her...

"So you used to be Catholic, and your're sort of a Nazzie. What does that make you now?

"A great disappointment to my mother?"

"Ah, you're nothing but trouble these days, huh?"

She snorted, still inspecting her toes. "Hardly. But I don't go to mass twice a week, and I'm not married yet, so she's not sure what to do with me anymore."

"That does sound disreputable--working seven to five, driving that little yellow car around, doing lines of cocaine in the bathroom."

Her head snapped up.

"What, no cocaine?" he asked.

"I don't even drink."(...)

He needed to stop playing with her, but by the time her wide brown eyes finished meandering their way up his legs, past his crotch, and over his chest, he was feeling so bulletproof, he couldn't resist. "Honey, somebody's got to teach you how to misbehave. You're doing it all wrong."

That's when the lights went out in the room and another one started lighting up within Amber's brain. She wanted to misbehave. And she wanted to misbehave with him.

According to Ms. Knox in the Author's note, this is the first of a series of novels and novellas about the Clark Siblings--Amber, Caleb, and Katie and their adventures finding love. In How to Misbehave, we are introduced to Amber, a typical girl-next-door type. For most of her life she's played the part of a good girl, but something about Tony, the guy she's stuck in the community center's basement riding out a storm with, brings out the bad girl side of her nature. But what girl in her right mind wouldn't be tempted by a good looking guy who can pull off the bad boy look with style? I mean after all, opposites attract.

Tony Mazzara is a nice guy wrapped in a bad boy facade. Not only do others believe he's bad news, but Tony himself believes it of himself. He'd never been good at school and dropped out before he graduated. He doesn't really have plans for the future as he lives in the moment. But when she looks at him he feels like he could do anything--be who she wants. While he'll never be a saint, something in her brings out the good guy buried within him. Will he be the one to show her how to misbehave? Will she be able to reform him? You'll have to read to find out. My lips are sealed.

Overall this one gets a 4 out of 5 roses. A very fun, lighthearted and enjoyable Novella (aka short story). It had a steamy love scene and didn't feel rushed. If you've never tried one of Ruthie's books, this would be a great way for you to sample her writing. On the Lisarenee Romance Rating Scale, this one earned a STEAM rating--too hot for a fan, but you still have a handle on things. You should use extreme caution when reading a book with this rating in public. People may inquire as to why you looked flustered and flushed.

Early Review of Turn to Darkness: A Novella (Offspring 5.6) by Jaime Rush

• Title: Turn to Darkness: A Novella
• Classification: Adult Fiction
• Genre: Paranormal Romance
• Format: Paperback, 208 pages
• Publisher: Avon Impulse (October 9, 2012)
• ISBN-10: 006221814X
• ISBN-13: 978-0062218148

Author Website: http://www.jaimerush.com/
Notes: I got a free eBook copy of the book via Edelweiss from the publisher.

Twenty three years ago beings from another dimension, Surfacia, walked among us. They infiltrated the city of Las Vegas and were fruitful and multiplied. Now, years later, after a murder that held signs of being committed by one of their own, they're back in an attempt to clean up the mess that was left behind. They want to ensure that what happened in Vegas stays in Vegas and never gets out. This is one secret they want to make sure is dead and buried before they leave again. They're looking for their offspring and they'll leave no survivors.

Six years ago Shea Baker had a life altering experience of the bad variety which left her only a sliver of the person she'd once been. She'd been raped and no one seemed to care or believe her, not even her mom. She'd left home and was living on the streets when Tucker found her and took her in. That's when she first found out she wasn't fully human. She was something more. Her father had come from another dimension and she and others like her were the offspring of those beings who had crossed dimensions. That is how she'd inherited her ability to move objects with her mind. Shea wasn't the only one of their kind that Tuck had found, there were several others who had all ended up living together.  

Now, at age twenty two, she's turned her life around and owns a successful landscaping company. She's moved out and is attempting to stand on her own to feet and to get away from two of the men who were both vying for her attention. One she holds a mutual attraction for, while the other she feels nothing but friendship toward. Additionally a third, unknown man, is stalking her. When her stalker turns up dead, the police find a disturbing letter addressed to her which leads them to her door. The past is about to come back to haunt her in more ways than one. Luckily for her, history won't be repeating itself. But her stalker's murder will set off a series of events that will once again change her life leaving Shea and those like her fighting for their lives. 

________________

This was a great example of how a novella should be written. Usually I'm disappointed when I read novellas because the end seems rushed. Well, leave it to an author whose last name is Rush to not rush the ending. How ironic. *giggle* This one grabbed my attention from the first page and held it. There's plenty of action, drama and romance. It's definitely a novella worth buying.  

Shea Baker is wary of men. She dresses modestly in baggy shirts, baggy pants, and baseball caps in an attempt to stay under the male radar. Unfortunately, an accidental encounter with one of her former house mates made her go from a blip on his radar to the front and center of it. In Turn to Darkness, she'll be forced to come to grips with her past and the feelings she's experiencing for Greer. Additionally, she and her friends will end up on the radar of those from the other dimension. They don't want the population to know they exists, so they've sent a team to seek and destroy any and all of their offspring, hence the series name of Offspring.

Greer was a fun character. He's also one of the offspring of the men who came from Surfacia. He holds Darkness and decided long ago not let himself get emotionally attached to a woman because of it. He's sees Shea as someone whom he wouldn't have to hide his origins from and could build a lasting relationship with. I enjoyed watching him try to convince her to take a chance on him. I really loved the way he handled her when he found out what had happened to her in the past.

Why is the book entitled Turn to Darkness? Well, Darkness is a power, somewhat similar to, yet different from dark magic that some of those from Surfacia and their descendants can tap into. It allows individuals who possess it to be able to morph into black beasts of their choosing. They also can move around in a dark mist form not unlike a genie. If one is not careful, it can control the individual using it. Hence, I believe that is where the books name comes from. One of those who possess Darkness, will 'turn' to it.

Overall I gave this one 5 out of 5 roses. I've been wanting to try one of Jaime's books for a while and this was a great introduction to her Offspring series. I definitely will be reading more of her books. Ms. Rush created a fun and unique world for her characters. I'm interesting in finding out more about the workings of Darkness and the people of Surfacia. I look forward to finding out how Tucker came to know about his other dimension DNA, and how a group of individuals who possess that DNA but knew nothing of their fathers banded together. On the Lisarenee Romance Rating Scale, this one gets a STEAM--too hot for a fan, but you still have a handle on things. You should use extreme caution when reading a book with this rating in public. People may inquire as to why you looked flustered and flushed.

Order of Series:

Please note that Bitten by Cupid is an anthology which contains a Offspring novella and The Darkness Within and Turn to Darkness are both novellas.

Early Review of Wrong Side of Hell: A League of Guardians Novella by Juliana Stone

• Title: Wrong Side of Hell: A League of Guardians Novella
• Classification: Adult Fiction
• Genre: Paranormal Romance
• Mass Market Paperback: 176 pages
• Publisher: Avon Impulse (March 27, 2012)
• ISBN-10: 0062136275
• ISBN-13: 978-0062136275
• Author's Website:  http://julianastone.com/
•                        

"For millennia the struggle between light and dark, between the upper and lower realms, has been policed by a secret group of warriors culled from every fabric of existence. They are both otherworld and human, male and female. They are known to each other as the League of Guardians. Their pledge, to protect the line between dominions and make sure neither side grows too powerful. If they fall, so shall the earth, the heavens and hells. And there will be no more."

Logan Winters is a hellhound. His job was to retrieve and escort the souls of individuals who are beyond saving to hell so they can be sentenced. "His hunting capabilities were legendary, his sensory skills unparalleled." But everything changed after he agreed to be a member of the League of Guardians. He was asked to save a little girl from the depths of hell, and escort her back to the human realm. That was in defiance of his orders and led to him being sentenced to the Pit, one of the worst places in hell, fifteen years ago. Once again he's being asked to help the same girl, now a woman, to escape hell's clutches. Her fate could tip the balance of power in one direction. What Logan wasn't aware of was that Kira's fate and his were closely intertwined...

This is the prequel to the new A League of Guardians series. If the rest of the series is like this novella, then I think I may have a new series to add to my lists of  favorites. I'm enjoying the world Julia Stone has created. A world where hell has several levels and purgatory (known as the gray realm) doesn't seem like all that pleasant of a place to be. A world of vampires, hellhounds, and other creatures that go bump in the night. A world where there is a constant battle between light and dark. A world where a group of guardians led by Askelon (aka Bill), attempt to keep everything in balance.

Kira is definitely a damsel in distress. She's suffered unbearable abuse which led to her death--something that shouldn't have happened. Through it all she somehow managed to keep her sanity, although upon meeting Logan in purgatory, a very strange and confusing place, she starts to wonder. While her sanity might still be intact, it will take her time to heal from what she's been through. While still vulnerable, she's a survivor.

Logan is still upset about his incarceration in the Pit. He came out of his confinement not wishing to do anything that could land him right back where he just was. Bill (aka Askelon), however, blackmails Logan into doing what he wants. Bill is the head of the League of Guardians and he knows who Logan's mother is. He'll milk that knowledge for all it's worth. Unfortunately we don't know who she is and don't learn it by the end of the story.

As a couple, Kira and Logan seem good for each other. He's a definite alpha male complete with the "You're mine" option added. Romantically, the two sizzled. On the Lisarenee Romance Rating Scale, this one scores a STEAM rating-- too hot for a fan, but you still have a handle on things. You should use extreme caution when reading a book with this rating in public. People may inquire as to why you looked flustered and flushed.

Favorite Quotes:
-"You pulling a Vader and crossing over to the dark side, Bill?"
-"We all have scars, Kira. Some are visible, but the most painful ones are hidden. Don't be embarrassed to show your weakness.You're alive and that kind of strength trumps the sh*t out of whatever this represents."

Overall, this one got 5 out of 5 roses. A nice combinations of action, suspense,  drama, and romance. I just wish it would have been longer.