Audiobook Review: Crouching Tiger, Forbidden Vampire by Kerrelyn Sparks

The last couple of books were rough. I wasn't sure I wanted to finished the series. I'm glad I did, because this one was worth it. We finally got Russell Hankleburg's story. He did go a little AWOL in the series. However, he's out to find Han. Yet, he's not the only one out for Han, Jia wants Han too. Jia is a were-tiger princess, who watched her family murder by Han.

I actually enjoyed Crouching Tiger, Forbidden Vampire. I wasn't sure after the last couple of books, but this story made up for the last couple. Over the course of the series the tone of the series did change, but I did like the tidiness of this story. Kerrelyn was able to close up the loose ends of the story, and we were able to find out who's Han. Towards the middle I made a guess who Han was, and I waited and see who he was. By the way I was right. We watch a relationship blossom between Russell and Jia. We also see everyone get back together, I guess this was a good way to say goodbye to the gain. Overall, it was a pretty good listen. Even though there were some stories that weren't stellar they still helped move the story along, and I didn't feel like this a waste of time.

Copy provided by local library

Rating:
5 Stars

Audiobook Review: How to Seduce a Vampire (Without Really Trying) by Kerrelyn Sparks

Let me start by saying it's probably a good thing that I listened to How to Seduce a Vampire (Without Really Trying), because I would probably would have stopped. I was so close to the end of the series. The story had a lot of potential with Zoltan Czakvar. Zoltan could talk to animals, and he was funny about it in previous story. There is still some humor, but we didn't see that as much. Then he stumbles upon a secret association of women, which they are trying to protect the dragons. He meets Neona, she's daughter of the queen of their group.

I struggled with this story, and I was listening to it too. There were points I had to stop go, "Okay, I'm done for today." I would get frustrated with Neona basically saying there are to be no men in Beyul-La. I felt that book was there to give Zoltan a love interest, and it kind of moved the plot forward. However, I probably could have skipped this one. There are some things that helped with some situations in the story, but I would have survived without them. Now its time to get to the end of the series.

Copy provided by local library

Rating:
2 Stars

Audiobook Review: The Vampire with the Dragon by Kerrelyn Sparks

The Vampire with the Dragon Tattoo was an okay listen. I kind of struggle with the story. However, I felt that I have invested so much time in the series, and I was almost done with the series. This is where I was when I got to Dougal's story.

Okay, the story wasn't bad, but it wasn't great. I struggle with Leah, because she was so analytical, and it was hard for her to believe in things. Dougal was drawn to her, because she reminded him of someone else. There were a lot of things that happen, but it did help push the story towards the end of the series. Would it be something I would re-listen to, probably not. There were a few in this series I totally would, but this isn't one of them. Overall, The Vampire with the Dragon Tattoo was an okay listen.

Copy provided by local library.

Rating:
3 Stars

Ancient Protector by Katie Reus (Review)

I finally got a chance to read Ancient Protector by Katie Reus. Now this is a spin-off of the Darkness series. At the end of that series we saw an end, but we saw a beginning to something new which happens to be Ancient Protector. Now we have Lachlan and Star.

Lachlan is an ancient dragon who has awoken after a long time. He's ancient. Then we have Star who is a rockstar, and she's trying to rescue her sister. Lachlan gets a whiff of Star and must have her. He would do anything to get her.

First off, it's cool that we are seeing the ancient creatures coming out of the book. However, by the end I wasn't really sure which direction the series is going. Are we following Lachlan and his clan or are we following Star and her crew. Even at the end I'm still not sure. It's going to be interesting how this will all play out. I mean Star has a sister, and her sister seems interesting.

Anyway, it was a interesting start to a new series. There is a still a lot of clean up to what has happen to the world, and I wonder how the ancients are going to help them. It's kind like a brave new world to some of them.

Copy provided by author

Rating:
3 Stars

Audiobook Review: Wild About You by Kerrelyn Sparks

I got a chance to listen to know Wild About You by Kerrelyn Sparks. I have to say that it was a pretty good listen. I absolutely adore Howard, I love that he is a were-bear. He's super shy, loves bear claws, and he has a huge crush on Elsa Bjornberg. Elsa does a home renovation show, and was invited to fix up a home that Shanna and Roman own. Shanna has the idea to fix Elsa and Howard together. However, we find out Howard and Elsa are tied together.

Wild About You  continues with the troubles from the last book. We have Rhett continuing cause problems in the were-community. Again, you probably should read/listen in order, because they all tie together and build upon one another. Anyway, it was a pretty good listen. I really enjoyed their story. I fell in love Howard even more.

Copy provided by local library

Rating:
4 Stars

Audiobook Review: Wanted: Dead or Alive by Kerrelyn Sparks

If you love extra cheese in your romance you have found your read in Wanted: Dead or Alive. I didn't think it could be bad, but it was pretty bad. If you can survive the cheestastic time, it does get pretty good towards the end. I did struggle with this story. Don't get me wrong I love Phinneas McKinney aka the Love Doctor. During the series he has so much growth. He started out with the bad guys and  decided that he didn't like that kind of life. He joins the Vamps to help them defeat the Malcontents. Anyway, he sees everyone hooking up, and he wants a true love too. If you have been following the series he had been chasing after LaToya. I'm glad he didn't ended up with her, because she's a terrible person. However, he has been developing feeling for Brynley Jones (Phil's sister). Yet Phil's sister is a no go, because of bro-code. Yet they both feel an attraction for one another, but trying hard to ignore.

There is a lot going on in this story. We  have Brynley who feels the urge to go home, but danger lurks there. Phinneas needs to go to Wyoming, and he drags Brynley with him. The story does get a little better the longer we stay in Wyoming. Overall, Wanted: Dead or Alive wasn't terrible, but it wasn't the greatest. It was an okay read, and it progresses the overall story. What happens in the end kind of makes me wonder about other things about the story, but we are going to leave them alone. It continues the progress of the story.

Copy provided by local library

Rating:
3 1/2 Stars

Audiobook Review: Vampire Mine by Kerrelyn Sparks

Vampire Mine wasn't a favorite of mine. It was an all right listen. We have Marielle who happens to be a fallen angel, and is trying to get back to heaven. Then we have Connor Buchanan. He has a few issues going on in this story, but he feels needs to help Marielle. There are few complications with Marielle that makes Roman distrust her. 

Connor has feelings for Marielle, but he's willing sacrifice them so he can help Marielle return to heaven. Anyway, the Vamps are style trying to defeat the Malcontents. However, another player in evil is introduce Darifer (not sure if thats how spell his name audiobook) the demon is added to mix. Marielle does a lot a crying in the story, but it makes sense he loves being a heavenly host. I would be crying about everything if I was in her position. 

Anyway, Vampire Mine was an okay listen. It wasn't like I have to listen. There were times where I was like I need a break. However, I will continue with the series. 

Copy provide by local library.

Rating:

3 Stars

Audiobook Review: Eat, Prey, Love by Kerrelyn Sparks

I got a chance to continue the series, and I have to say that  Eat, Prey, Love was a pretty good listen. I strongly encourage to listen to previous stories, because there is some things that happen in the story that knowing background is a little funny. Especially, when one of his friends believe his believes he's gay. Yeah, he gets in a pickle with a friend.

Anyway, Carlos is a were-panther and is in search of a mate. He's looking in all the wrong places. Haha. Actually, he's been searching for years for a mate, and he heard a rumor that there might be some in South East Asia. The plan is set, but at the same time kind of thwart by an attractive Caitlyn Whelan. Caitlyn happens to be Shawn Whelan's daughter, and he doesn't want he involved with her older sister life. Anyway, they both feel an attraction to one another, but Carlos needs to find a were-panther. Adventure ensues, but bad things happen. Fortunately, they realize they need one another. More bad vampires are found.

Overall, a pretty good listen. The narrator wasn't bad. They are a pretty good couple.

Copy provided by local library

Rating:
4 Stars

Audiobook Review: The Vampire and the Virgin by Kerrelyn Sparks

I got a chance to listen to The Vampire and the Virgin by Kerrelyn Sparks. If you have been following the series you would remember Robby McKay was in pretty bad shape. He's barely recovered from his abduction, and it's affecting his performance. So, his grandfather sends him on a four month vacation. Forced. He's not feeling it, but he likes his job. Anyway, he goes to Patmos to recoup. He's not liking his forced exile until he meets the lovely Olivia Sotiris. Now Olivia is on vacation visiting her grandmother.

The Vampire and the Virgin was a pretty good listen. Both Robby and Olivia are suffering from a little PTSD. However, they help one another overcome their issues. I really enjoyed the story, but there were a couple of times where Olivia needed to be smacked. Yet, it was a pretty good. We have the romance, and we also move the story along with the Vamps and the Malcontents. I will continue with the series.

Copy provided by the local the library.

Rating:
4 Stars

Audiobook Review: Forbidden Nights with a Vampire by Kerrelyn Spark

Let me say that I love Vanda Barkowski throughout the series. She has a fierce love her friends and would do anything to make sure of their safety. She's pretty tough, but she does fear that she's not strong enough. She's fiercely independent, so why does she need someone to watch over her; she can protect herself. Phil Jones used to be a guard at the townhouse when Vanda was part of the harem. He had a crush on Vanda, but he felt that she was toying with him.

In the Forbidden Nights with a Vampire we learn that Vanda has a fear of shifters. She has good reason, they killed someone she fiercely loved. There is a distrust. Funny thing is Phil has a secret that could destroy any chance for him and Vanda to be together, he's a shifter. Vanda has to overcome her fear to accept Phil. Can love conquer all in the story?

Anyway, both are loyal, and will help their friends. Phil will protect Vanda no matter what. They were a fun couple to watch. Yes, there is the heated scenes between these two, and also battles against the bad guys. There are a few surprises that popup in the story too. Overall, a pretty good listen.

Copy provided by local library.

Rating:
4 1/2 Stars

Audiobook Review: Secret Life of a Vampire by Kerrelyn Sparks

Finally finished Secret Life of a Vampire by Kerrelyn Sparks. This was a pretty good listen, but there were some parts that absolutely drove me bonkers. I do love Giacomo Casanova, but his friends call him Jack. He's adorable. He's one of the children of Casanova. Anyway, he's sweet. He meets Lara Bouche who is police officer trying to make her way to detective. Jack's are little too rowdy at the bachelor party, and the cops are called. He tries to make them go away, but Lara's mind blocks Jack's mind control. He definitely left an impression, that she comes back to investigate the next day, but no one remembers the situation.

Anyway, Lara hunts Jack down and wants answers. Jack being a vampire can't give straight answers cause bad things might happen to him and his friends. We basically watch Lara and Jack develop a tentative friendship that develops a little more. Jack is trying to keep Lara safe, but Lara is strong independent woman can do this herself. However, bad things happen Lara realize she needs Jack's help.

Overall, I did like Secret Life of a Vampire. I really did like Jack. Lara got on my nerves, but her best friend really got on my nerves. I'm not going to lie, I was hoping the friend would get eaten in the story. Wishful thinking. Even towards the end I didn't really warmed up to the friend. Lara didn't understand the danger she was in until it was almost too late. Ugh. However, Jack really won me over in the story. He was definitely the hero here.

Copy provided by the local library

Rating:
4 Stars

Audiobook Review: All I Want for Christmas is a Vampire by Kerrelyn Sparks

I got a chance to finish listening to All I Want for Christmas is a Vampire by Kerrelyn Sparks. I have to say I did enjoy this story a little more than the last story.

We get Ian MacPhie's story. Now if you have been reading the series you would know that Ian was a vampire that was stuck at the age of 15. No one wants to be with a lad, so in the previous story he did some aging. Again you would have had follow the series to know how this was possible. Now Ian looks like a man that he felt to be. However, no one believes that he's Ian they knew. Eventually, they realize its Ian. Anyway, Connor hires a new daytime guard Toni Davis. No one believes that Connor would hire a female to be a guard.

Toni has a hidden agenda when she took the job. Ian doesn't trust Toni, because she's hiding something. Of course, he needs to know. Like in previous story we get know more characters. Eventually, they aren't really important to the overall story, but you kind of want to know more about them. Oh well.

Anyway, All I Want For Christmas Is A Vampire is a better read. I did enjoy the story. I was a little frustrated with Toni's hidden agenda. I understand why she needed to keep it a secret. Eventually, she does gain Ian's trust, and they fall for one another. They are pretty good together. There were a couple of times where I thought Toni was going to end up dead, but I was wrong. Like a said a better read, and enjoyable.

Copy provided by local library

Rating:
4 Stars

Darkness Rising by Katie Reus (Review)

We have finally come to the end of the Darkness series. We have seen a lot happening in this series. We have seen couples find love, and bad things happen from time or time. However, we have come to last chapter in this series with Darkness Rising. With a title like that it doesn't seem like it's ending, and in a sense you are right and wrong. We do see end of a chapter of things happen here, and the beginning of something knew. You know what that means, yep spin-off. Which I'm happy, because it's sad to see these guys go, but we get to see something new happen with Reaper and Greer.

Finally Greer finds a mate, but it's a powerful dragon that happens to be one of the ancients. Which totally conflicts with her healer side. Reaper never went for healers before he went to hibernation. He tended to stick with powerful warriors. However, there's something different about Greer.

Anyway, Darkness Rising is the end to a series, and like I said it's beginning to a new series. You get a taste of where it's going to be in the story. Things are about to change and you see that. However, it does closes the Darkness books nicely. I can't wait to see what the new series will entail. However, the world is going to change. Exciting stuff.

Copy provided by author.

Rating:
4 Stars

Jaguar's Mate by Katie Reus (Review)

In Jaguar's Mate, this quick little novella has a lot jam packed into the story. One of the things I like about this story is you don't have to read the previous book. Seriously, you are good to go, because the story focuses on Sapphire and Eli's relationship. He wants her, and she believes she's curse. It takes them saving her friend's daughter to realize she really wants him.

Yes, we have a love story, but we also have a serious issue that needs to be dealt with before they can have any kind of relationship. Yep, this a quick read, and can be done within a few hours. Great for just needing something to read, but not ready for a novel kind of read. You have love and action going on in Jaguar's Mate. So, if you are in need a quick little read look no further.

Copy provided by author

Rating:
4 Stars

A Very Dragon Christmas by Katie Reus ( Review)

At the very beginning of A Very Dragon Christmas there is a warning that this isn't a standalone novella, and that's a true statement. If you haven't read any of the Darkness books go back and start with book one. This is one of the series you have to read from the first book. With that said, I think this is a fun little story that hits all the emotional points. Again, you can't start with this story, because a lot has happen.

Victoria and Drake are expecting there little guy, but he's taking his sweet little time. Yes, in the previous books she has been pregnant. He finally decides to come. Poor Victoria. There are hints of more things too happen, and I can't wait for them. I need them. Anyway, things happen in the story that you are like NOOOO!

Overall, it's a nice little holiday piece. It tidies up Victoria's pregnancy, and we might eventually see more having baby fever. A Very Dragon Christmas also gives a glimpse of things to come. Again, I can't say anymore, because you have to read the previous stories to understand the intricate details. If you have been keeping up with the series, this is a good one.

Copy provided by author

Rating:
4 1/2 Stars

Audiobook Review: How to Date Your Dragon by Molly Harper

I tend to listen to Molly Harper books on audible books, mainly because they are hilarious. When I saw that she had a new book on audible I had to grab it. Plus, it had dragons. Well, this story is a little different from her previous book. I didn't laugh out loud from the get go. It took little time to get into the story. I did listen to the story for the second time to see if I still felt the same way, and I did. It was a little easier to get into the story the second time, but it wasn't as funny as the Jane Jameson or Half-Moon Hallow books. 

We have Jillian Ramsay, and she's an all right character. Kind of quirky. Then we have Bael Boone who happens to be the sheriff of the town. We see that Molly tries to make these characters be light and fun, but it kind of falls flat. There are a few characters I think would be fun to read, like the Mayor Zed Berend. 

There are some good parts, but it wasn't like the previous stories I have read and listen to in the past. I hope the series gets a little better. It wasn't bad, but it wasn't great. The other thing I had an issue with was with the dual narration. Which I understand, because it has a dual point of views. Amanda Ronconi does a great job like always, and Jonathan Davis doesn't do a bad job. Yet, I'm so use to Amanda reading these books, so he was okay. I think those who have read Molly previous books might be a little disappointed. 

Rating:

3 Stars

Wolf's Mate by Katie Reus (Review)

Wolf's Mate is a quick read. If you are in the mood for something quick with little drama and a quick romance, Wolf's Mate is a good pick for you. We have Erica and Hudson, they have a quick thing. They seem good together, but the lack actual communication causes them issues. They are together, but Erica doesn't know where she stands with Hudson. A lot of their problems could be solved with communication.

Wolf's Mate is perfect for that moment you don't know what you should read next, but not sure if you want to dive into a novel yet. It's the perfect little pick me up read, that can be read in a day. If are in need of something that isn't too heavy and drama filled, this is your read. Don't worry if you haven't the previous stories, you will be fine. This story focuses on Erica and Hudson.

Copy provided by author.

Rating:
4 Stars

Guardian of Darkness by Katie Reus (Review)

I have enjoyed the Darkness books. They have been interesting. I know it shouldn't surprise me, but Katie seem to every time. At first I thought this was going to be the end of the series, to find another door open. A lot happens into Guardian of Darkness that leaves me to believe there will be more. SERIOUSLY, a lot happens. We actually see why Gabriel backs away from Vega, and why he was willing to sacrifice his happiness to ensure Vega survives. However, fate is a fickle creature and decides to take things into her own hands.

Anyway, I had a hard time getting into the story at first. I like both Gabe and Vega, but I couldn't jump into the book. However, once the story started to move along I couldn't stop reading. I mean things were popping up that I wasn't expected. I also found things that leads me to believe that the series going on, which I would be so excited to see.

Overall, I enjoyed Guardian of Darkness, it's a great addition to the Darkness books. I can't wait to see what happens next.

Copy provided by the author

Rating:
4 Stars

Audiobook Review: Nice Girls Don't Have Fangs by Molly Harper

I actually listened to Nice Girls Don't Have Fangs before jumping into book two, but I have somehow missed the writing the review. Okay, Jane Jameson just living her life until, she got fired, and then it got turned upside down and inside out. I mean she was plain old Jane, until she got turned into a vampire. Once she was turned she ends up getting framed for murder, and she doesn't understand why Gabriel wants her. Her life hadn't been all that interesting until she turned to a vampire.

Molly brings us into Jane's new world and we get join her on the wild ride. Nice Girls Don't Have Fangs is hilarious journey of Jane Jameson as she learns to navigate the world as a vampire. At the same time try to figure out why someone is trying to get her framed for murder, and keep her secret hidden from everyone she knew prior to her rise. This story is light and fun, and a great escape from the real world. I absolutely loved this book. I only had one issue about the story, and that was the ending was a bit awkward. I thought I actually had an abridged audiobook, but I didn't. Truly an awkward ending, then again it kind of fits Jane's awkward situation. However, the other books in the series didn't have that feeling. It could have been this was the first book in the series. That was my only issue to the story. Amanda Ronconi did a fabulous job and this book. I'm telling you I laugh so hard with her style of narration for this book. If you have a chance to checkout the Jane Jameson books, I highly recommend reading/listen. Plus, you want to start from the beginning. Granted Jane does a lot of recapping in the next books, but it's a lot more fun to start with Nice Girls Don't Have Fangs.

Rating;
5 Stars

Audiobook Review: Nice Girls Don't Date Dead Men by Molly Harper

The Jane Jameson books are the reason I have decided to keep my audible books membership active. Seriously, Molly Harper knows how to make a girl laugh out loud. Well, we continue with the perils of being a vampire with Nice Girls Don't Date Dead Men. Good lord, the antics in this story. Jane's still a vampire, but she finds herself getting in danger. Before her undead life she had a completely staid life. However, undead life is an adventure. A lot happens in this story, that continues to turn her life upside down. Her sister is  still pretty pissed at her. Her grandma Ruthie has met her male counterpart. However, that's not all. Oh no; we have Zeb and Jolene's wedding. What kind of wedding didn't have a problem or two. Anyway, as we read/listen we see Zeb start to get cold feet in a way, and starts manifesting in weird ways.

A lot is going on in Nice Girls Don't Date Dead Men. We have Jane who is adjusting to being a vampire, and getting a hang of her life. She doesn't know where she stands with Gabriel, but he still loves her. There a wedding planning from hell. I mean when your best friend starts hitting on you it gets a little awkward. You finally get a chance with the boy you have had a crush on since grade school and find out he's a douche. Seriously, there's a lot going on in this story. Overall, this was a great escape from the real world. Plus, Amanda Ronconi does a fabulous job on narrating. Molly Harper does write a fun story, but Amanda seems to bring these character personality to life with her narration. Need a break from life, I would recommend to visit Jane's life, and she would make you feel about your life. Plus, I would recommend reading the first book in the series.