The Blacker the Berry by Lena Matthews

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


I liked it. I liked Tamara as the heroine. She was plus sized and owned it. The entire story wasn't spent on her feeling insecure about her size, and Russell needing to make her feel better. Although I enjoyed the story overall, I felt like Russell's possessiveness was a bit too much too soon. He reminded me of one of those the alpha heroes you read about in a werewolf/ shifter novel with him thinking "mine" all the time. Where did that come from after just meeting each other through mutual friends? At one point, while making love, he even bites Tamara, huh? Some parts were a bit much for me, and had me rolling my eyes, but not so much that I wouldn't read more novels by this author. This was the first novel I've read by Lena Matthews, and I plan on reading more soon.



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The Bad Death by Naima Haviland

My rating: 2 of 5 stars


The synopsis of the book was so interesting that I was excited to read The Bad Death,and had really high hopes. However, it just fell short for me in many ways. The way in which Anika first appears led me to believe that I was in for a good read. But as soon as Anika opened her mouth, I started to have doubts. I kept reading in hopes that I would grow to like her character. As the story went on, I had a hard time feeling anything for Julian, Anika, or Marcus. I believe there's a prequel to this that probably would've filled in some
holes
and I wouldn't have been left with unanswered questions. Out of curiosity, I probably will read Bloodroom at some point.



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Knight by Kristen Ashley

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


I don't know. I just enjoyed the story. I don't normally read erotica/ BDSM-ish novels, but I just couldn't help reading this one after hearing so many good things. I found Knight to be one of the most interesting heroes I've come across lately; especially as the author gave us tidbits about his past. He and Anya made for an interesting read that I couldn't put down, not even during the scenes that had me rolling my eyes. I loved the supporting characters, and would've liked to see the author go a little further in depth with them. I kept hoping Vivica would be the heroine in another book, LOL! I definitely plan to continue with this series.



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Bride of the Water God, Volume 1 by Mi-Kyung Yun

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


I'm not too familiar with manga. For the first in its series, I really enjoyed it, and I'm looking forward to reading more.



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Queen of Shadows by Dianne Sylvan

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


First off, I've never been to Austin, TX, but thanks to this author, I'm dying to take a trip NOW! That said, this is a dark urban fantasy novel that started out great, and I couldn't put it down. Then, towards the middle it slowed down a bit for me, and I found myself struggling not to skim. Aside from the great description of Austin, the overall world-building felt incomplete to me, but I feel like the gaps will be filled in as the series progresses. I love Miranda as a heroine, even though there were a few cheesy scenes, I can't wait to get more into her character in the next book. I loved, loved, loved David! He was one of the few male leads that I've read about lately that's not an extreme alpha that see's the heroine and he's saying "mine!" all the time. I loved the fact that he was geeky too- just loved him! I also hope to read more about Faith, Dev and Jonathan.



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Tempest Rising by Nicole Peeler

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


I think Tempest Rising is a great start to a new series. The world building reminded me of some other series that I've read, but has totally different beings, and a solid mystery that kept me reading. I know some reviewers compared Jane to Sookie Stackhouse, but I just didn't see it. I found Jane to be a unique heroine, with a background different from anything that I've read. There's some more that Jane can do as the series progresses. I'll continue with this series at some point so I can see Jane grow as a character, and get more in the Ryu/ Anyan backstory.



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Iced (Dani O'Malley #1) by Karen Marie Moning

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


I have to say I really enjoyed it. I love world that KMM created, and I loved Dani as the main character. However, there were definitely some eyebrow raising things that took place. I wouldn't want anyone getting confused by Dani being 14years old, and thinking this is YA novel. It most definitely is dark, with sexual references all over the place! I think the "Fever" world KMM tops most of the urban fantasy/ pnr novels I've ever read. I'll admit, I had trouble wrapping my mind around a Christian's growing affection/obsession towards Dani; but he's definitely a troubled individual, that I'm hoping will be redeemed as the series progresses. Ryodan- I'm not exactly seeing that he's in love with, or waiting for Dani growing up, or anything like that. I was beginning to think that, but then the relationship with Jo was introduced into the story. I truly enjoyed Dancer's character, and can't wait to learn more about him. Now, he's the one I'm rooting for to get the girl! In regards to Kat: At first I was thinking that having her narrate was just adding "fluff" to the story, but I was wrong! Definitely added more depth and something more to look forward to in the next book. Even though I feel somewhat cheated by having yet another cliff hanger from KMM, and not getting enough background on Ryodan, and Dancer, I'm definitely looking forward to the next book in the trilogy.




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