Destiny Unchained, Shadows of Destiny #3 by Leia Shaw

Today, Bona Fide Reflections is continuing to celebrate the Release Day of Destiny Unchained by Leia Shaw. At the end of this post, please complete the Rafflecopter to win a $20 gift certificate from Amazon or B&N. 

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Author Bio:

I began my writing journey while I was stranded at the airport waiting for my delayed flight. I browsed the Border’s kiosk and grew frustrated that I couldn’t find the “it factor” — the perfect combination of alpha male-ness, ass-kickery, strong females, magic, and sex.

So I spent the next four hours on an airplane writing my first book on scraps of paper and an airsick bag (which thankfully I didn't need to use).

Now I spend too much time in my head, plotting evil villains and the hot men (and women) who ruthlessly kill them. I think far too much about fae politics, dragon power games, and how fast werewolves can change forms. But writing my paranormal romance series has given me a productive place to express those dark places in my mind.

I live in New England with my husband and two kids. Though I will go to my grave denying it, my husband insists I would be thrilled if he suddenly sprouted fangs.

Leia Shaw can be found here: 

Twitter: @LeiaShaw

Website: http://www.leiashaw.com

Blog: http://leiashaw.blogspot.com

Bona Fide Review:

Book 3

Fantastic Paranormal Romance

Destiny Unchained by Leia Shaw is a jaunty tale of a determined alpha werewolf and a lethal vampiress known as The Huntress who is emotionally aloof. The start of the story is not ideal for Natalia, our vampire huntress; but, she is able to extricate herself from the situation and leaves the situation physically unscathed; but, emotionally she is touched and she soon she finds herself in the arms of one of the creatures she hunts down. Not only emotionally compromised, she find herself in need of his help to hunt down her current mark.

Cristian is the leader of his pack and has been unattached since losing his mate decades ago. However, after meeting Natalia, his wolf and his libido sit up and take notice. As the story progresses, Cristian realizes that his territory and is pack are under attack by the rogue werewolf Natalia is tracking for extermination. In order to be successful at accomplishing their goals, Cristian and Natalia will team up.

This story was such a fun read. I liked the way the male/female role was juxtaposed. Usually in romances the man is the one with the steely unreachable countenance and the woman is usually the one who is able to break down the walls built around his heart. In this paranormal romance, Natalia is the dispassionate one and Cristian is the one who is receptive to his feelings and acts accordingly. Natalia is does not know how to handle her feelings for Cristian and makes some emotionally difficult decisions where she has to re-think her whole way of life.

Destiny Unchained by Leia Shaw was a very delectable read. Cristian is adorable and Natalia is worth the effort it takes to forgive and love. The journey they take together is amusing and austere at times. Ms. Shaw has created a paranormal romance series that is worth reading because her delivery of her mythos, character building and sense of humor are original, charming and  compelling. You need to give this author a chance to regale you with her narratives because you won’t regret it.  Her novels have personality, spice, action, and an HEA.

You can find Destiny Unchained at:
Amazon

Smashwords

Leia Shaw's other books in her Shadows of Destiny Series are (click on the cover to read a Bona Fide Review):

Shadows of Destiny, Book 1

Shadows of Destiny, Book 2

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Never Enough by Lauren Dane

Excellent Reading

Never Enough by Lauren Dane is the fourth installment in the Brown Sibling Series. This novel is Adrian’s story and HEA. His female counterpart is Gillian Forrester. She is a complicated heroine who has escaped a nasty past and is ever-hopeful that it will not catch up to her. Adrian is the Brown sibling who we have followed through the series who the successful famous musician who offers sage advice and, despite his fame and career, is the character that has remained consistent throughout the series. It is about time he found his happiness.

I like the way Lauren Dane connected the two main characters through Miles, Gillian and Adrian’s son. Gillian adopted Miles when he was an infant from her sister who wanted nothing to do with him aside from peripheral status due to her selfishness and life style choices. When Gillian’s sister is on her death bed she reveals who the father of Gillian’s child is after keeping this fact a secret from the time Miles was born.

Gillian attempts to do the right thing by Miles and Miles’ father (Adrian) by attempting to contact him with his paternity. However, the news is not received well by Adrian since he has been on the receiving end of a costly and unjust paternity suit in the past, not to mention the many loonies who have tried to get to him and use him because of his star status. However, the sparks between Adrian and Gillian ignite immediately despite or in addition to the situation.

This relationship is full of heat, genuine emotion and the need for acceptance by a partner who is the perfect complement to the other. I absolutely loved this story and the interaction of Adrian’s family dynamics which make this series so addicting. The way Ms. Dane made Gillian’s friends into a surrogate family for her and Miles was equally touching and important to the plot in Never Enough. The only thing that was off-putting was that the advent of the ending occurred too quickly. I am on pins and needles until Ms. Dane’s next book in this series comes out next year. I cannot wait to read about the Brown Siblings and what is going on in their lives. If you are a fan of the Brown Siblings and have followed this series from the beginning, you will not want to miss this installment.


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Nauti Nights by Lora Leigh

Nauti Nights by Lora Leigh is Leigh-eroticism at its best with suspense entwined in the the story arc. Crista and Dawg (a.k.a. James McKay), a former Marine, had a one-night stand eight years ago when Crista was eighteen. She helped him out one night when he ran his truck into a ditch and was too inebriated to get home on his own. Once she got him home, their passion took over and she lost her virginity but had the night of her life. That fated night is seared into her heart and soul. So much so, she runs away from the situation because her feelings toward Dawg are overwhelmingly strong and she does not know how to handle her emotions where he is concerned. Dawg, being schwasted that night has blurry memories of Crista as “dreams” and strong, passionate feelings. However, he has never forgotten her.

Eight years later Crista has been back in town for a year. During this time, Dawg and Crista have been playing a game of cat and mouse with each other. Then one decisive night, Dawg saves her from a very dangerous situation in which she unknowingly plays an intricate part. In order to protect her and insure her innocence, Dawg’s possessive, alpha male side dominates and blackmails Crista into staying with him so he can keep an eye on her. The extortion element in the situation sounds sinister; but, they both are looking for an excuse to connect again and allowed the situation to progress.

After years of being apart, their feelings have intensified to the point that both of their souls have been affected. Their predominant emotions boil over into some explosive bedroom (and office) antics. The passion and heat Dawg and Crista create is powerfully and emotionally well-written by Lora Leigh. Adding to that is the suspenseful story arc which unfolds into an intricate whodunnit adventure that makes reading this erotic novel worth while. To further your enjoyment of this story, I highly recommend reading Nauti Boy, the first book in this series. Nauti Nights is a great bookshelf addition to any fans of romantica suspense.

Some of my favorite lines from the book:

• Fiery sweetness. Spicy ice. She was every contradiction in the world, and his blood raced at the defiance, the challenge, and the sheer response he felt radiating from her.
•  “Dawg, don’t you think—” “I never think around you,” he muttered as his lips moved back along her jaw. “All I do is feel.”
• It was a hunger he recognized because it was the same hunger that had tormented him for too long. So many years dreaming of her, and she was better than the dream. Sweeter than passion, hotter than lust.
• She was summer lightning, striking hot and swift to the center of his soul. She was a hot summer day and a cool, easing breeze all at once.

My rating: 


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Rode Hard, Put Up Wet, Rough Riders #2 by Lorelei James

Rode Hard, Put Up Wet by Lorelei James

My rating: 4 Hearts


Lorelei James does it again in her second installment of the Rough Riders series. She offers sensual cowboy delight with true emotion. This story is about two couples - Gemma and Cash, Macie and Carter. Basically you get two delectable tales of passion and love. Gemma and Cash's story offers the insight of love for a couple that is more mature in age than most stories of the romance genre offer. I found this aspect of the story very satisfying because this is not an age group that is exploited when it should be. Love transcends age. It should be more glorified than it is. The other romance paralleling Gemma and Cash is juxtaposed against Carter and Macie who are two old introspective souls in their twenties whose passion leads to finding love and acceptance in each others arms. Rode Hard, Put Up Wet was a really good contemporary narrative of love from different perspectives with a lot of spice fused into the stories. Whoo-ee! For those of you who love your romance extra spicy, put on your cowboy hat on and hang on for the ride! You won't regret it.

Here are some of my favorite lines from the book:

•  Her head spun like a windmill. The way her skin vibrated, it seemed he was touching every inch of her bare flesh, yet his hands hadn’t strayed. He took his own sweet time exploring her mouth. Gauging the change in her heart rate with just a flick of his thumb as the deep kiss became wetter. Hotter.
• He kissed her like she was air, like she was food, like she was everything.
• Macie had never been so scared or so hopeful or so paralyzed by emotion in her life. Carter began to walk toward her. “Be brave, Macie. Fight for me. Love me. Accept what I’m offerin’ you. Take a chance on me.”

Happy Reading from Bona Fide Reflections!!

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The Shadow Wolf by Bonnie Vanak

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


The Shadow Wolf by Bonnie Vanak is the fourth book in the Draicon Werewolves series. Megan Moraine and her younger, twin cousins - Jillian and Jenny - have fallen on hard times since they escaped imprisonment from an island where they were confined for being a different, “inferior” type of Draicon (werewolf). They are rare Shadow Wolves which are wolves that can turn invisible. Because of their unconventional talent, they are ostracized by the Draicon community. Megan is prepared to protect her cousins and has done everything she can to ensure their safety.

While on the run to Louisiana to seek refuge and connect with a relative of Jillian and Jenny’s, the trio desperately endeavor to avoid the Enforcers who will apprehend them and return them to the island they left. Tired, dispirited and in desperate need of assistance to get to their destination, they are taken into custody by Gabriel Robichaux who has a reputation for being brutal and unforgiving against the Shadow Wolves.

Interest flares between Megan and Gabriel immediately upon their meeting; but, neither one knows what to do with the attraction. Despite her feelings toward Gabriel, Megan is bound and determined to see that her young cousins get to Louisiana at any cost. Regardless of his reputation, Gabriel is not what he seems. He has a few secrets of his own he agonizingly attempts to keep hidden from the world and Megan.

As the Gabriel and Megan spend more time together, their attachment deepens. The biggest obstacle to their relationship emerges in the need to have complete trust in each other. They will need to obtain this high level of mutual certainty in order to accomplish their mission to keep Jillian and Jenny safe. Megan's safety depends on this, as well.

This story has many good elements that make a paranormal romance worth reading. The plot and love story mesh well with each other and offer a cohesive, believable adventure. I would recommend The Shadow Wolf as a good summer read to enjoy at the beach or the pool.

Happy Reading from Bona Fide Reflections!!

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Kiss of Snow by Nalini Singh

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Kiss of Snow by Nalini Singh is more than I could have hoped for. The tension that has been building between Sienna and Hawke in the previous books comes to a glorious consummation and the other story arcs are galvanizing to the overall plot.

Hawke has always thought that his childhood friend who died was his mate which led him down a desolate path in his personal life when it comes to accepting a permanent, meaningful relationship. However, since Sienna entered his pack, Hawke has felt a passionate connection with Sienna that tugs at his loins and heart.

Their relationship has been contentious from the beginning because they both have been fighting an attraction they are not prepared for. He has been resisting her allure for years since she came into his pack at a very young age. In addition to their age difference, he feels he cannot offer her a relationship she deserves if he were to get involved with her.

In this story, Sienna is all grown-up and is tired of hiding her feelings for Hawke. She has always cared for Hawke but has been fearful of letting him know how she feels. She wages a campaign to gain his attention, affection and heart. By doing this, Sienna ignites feelings in Hawke he never thought he would feel for another woman.

As the reader deals with the relationship between Hawke and Sienna, the Psy are ramping up their efforts to wage war against the Changelings. The situation becomes very tenuous as the Changeling packs in the area try to remain a step ahead of their unknown enemy.

To add to the drama unfolding, Sienna is also dealing with her X Psy powers that are growing exponentially. X Psy are very rare and deadly in the close knit Psy Community. So rare, there is no documentation to refer on how to handle the powers. What is known is that most X Psy die a young age from their powers burning out, literally, and they are lethal as fighters.

Sienna’s family tries to obtain a long lost document written by a human researcher to help unearth any help as to how she can control her X abilites better.  Meanwhile, they and the pack have to deal with the problems Sienna’s powers as they come. Sienna attempts to keep the powers controlled on her own since she does not hurt the people she loves or, for that matter, give away the fact that she is still alive. The Psy community believe she and her family are deceased.

To add to the mix, Walker and Lara’s romance is a backstory to the novel. I am telling you this novel was worth the wait. It is full of drama and romance. I highly recommend this book. Nalini Singh weaves a awesome tale that will leave you panting for more. The next book is highly anticipated on my part.

Before I conclude, I want to make one more recommendation to you if you have not read any books in this series. You need to start with A Slave to Sensation, the first book in the Psy/Changeling series. The emotional investment you gain will make reading this book all the more significant. This book was definitely worth the wait.

Happy Reading from Bona Fide Reflections!!

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Hard Bitten by Chloe Neill

Hard Bitten by Chloe Neill

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Warning: Hard Bitten is not the book you want to pick up if you are new to the Chicagoland Vampire series. You really need to start with Some Girls Bite and read the series in order to truly appreciate this story.

That being said, Hard Bitten is the best installment yet of the Chicagoland Vampire Series by Chloe Neill. There are so many elements in this book that collaborate together to make this story the most exciting one yet. The novel affords, mystery, love, politics, a secret vampire society, friendship and, sadly, heartbreak. These elements are evident in the previous books; but, they are combined in this tale in a more arresting elocution. The reader will have to hold onto his/her chair as Chloe Neill takes the reader on a harrowing roller coaster ride through the life and times of Merit, the heroine.

The most frustrating situation, for me, is waiting for next book, Drink Deep, to be released November 1, 2011. I am definitely pre-ordering Drink Deep when it becomes available on Amazon.

Happy Reading from Bona Fide Reflections!!

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Emraced by Blood by Laurie London

Embraced by Blood by Laurie London

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


Embraced By Blood by Laurie London is a sweet vampire love story with good plot development that meshes well with the romance. Before this novel began, Alfonso Serrano was working as a double agent by joining the Darkbloods and working for the Guardians which, of course, was a highly guarded secret by the group he truly held his allegiance -- his family, friends and co-workers.

In this installment, Alfonso knows he is being pursued by a vengeful, deadly Darkblood assassin due to his past actions. He has managed to evade his enemy’s relentless pursuit and keep his love interest, Lily DeGraff, out of the assassin's cross-hairs. Lily is a smart, beautiful, sexy vampire who has the job of being the top Tracker with the Guardians.

As the plot blossoms, it becomes clear Darkbloods are seeking out Trackers to pursue special blood-typed humans known as Sweetbloods whose blood is addictive to vampires. By obtaining a tracker, it would be easier to find Sweet, potentially making the sale and disbursement of the blood more lucrative. When it is apparent Lily could be in danger, Alfonso steps back into her life to help keep her safe. Their re-union is bittersweet since both still have strong feelings for each other; but, they attempt to safeguard their true feelings from one another. However, the irresistible pull they have between each other makes tamping down their true feeling nearly impossible.

This is the second book in the Sweetblood series; but, my first time to read this author and this series. In my honest opinion, this book very smoothly and I did not feel like I missed out on any crucial points in the book due to not having read the first book, Bonded by Blood. I really liked the tentative friendship and love Lily and Alfonso are apparently rebuilding in this installment. The sexual tension between the two is enough to make the reader spontaneously combust. In addition, the sweetness of the love they feel for each other is truly touching.

Alfonso and Lily’s love story is a good example of how love can heal emotional wounds and make deeper in-roads into the heart once the healing starts. Their love for each other also makes it possible for Lily and Alfonso to find “home” in each others arms and hearts with a special bonus to strengthen their tie to each other. This is a wonderfully gratifying vampire love story driven by an action packed story arc that Paranormal Romance readers should not pass up.

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Dark Enchantment by Anya Bast

Dark Enchantment by Anya Bast

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Dark Enchantment by Anya Bast starts off with Charlotte Bennett being manipulated through her dreams and compulsion by Kieran to cajole her into making a journey to Piefferburg, a Fae stronghold created to keep the Fae separated from the human population. The manipulation of Charlotte is integral in aiding the Fae in obtaining the third and final piece of the bosca fadbh because she possess memories that hold the clues on how to procure the third charm. Once all three pieces have been acquired, the Fae will be able to obtain a spell from the Book of Bindings to bring down the magical wall that separates the Fae from the human world. Along the way there are many obstacles that must be overcome to achieve the Fae's end goal.

Anya Bast has a gift for weaving passion and action into her stories that always fulfill the romance lover's need for a "fix" with her original style of entertainment. Her novels never fail to entertain me and deliver a wonderful HEA. In addition, the author's story-telling ability can always be counted on to assimilate her reader into her ingenious world building and plots.

Happy Reading from Bona Fide Reflections!!

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Friday Nite Bites by Chloe Neill

Friday Night Bites by Chloe Neill

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

In this installment of the Chicagoland Vampire series by Chloe Neill, Master Vampire Ethan and Merit must try to keep vampire raves from being discovered by humans because of the bad press that would be peppered against the vampires that have recently disclosed their presence among humans. To aid in keeping the raves under wraps, Merit must re-enter the circle of Chicago's affluent circles by reconnecting with her family and their powerful connections.

While on this campaign, a family of shifters plays a pivotal role in forcing Merit and Ethan to discover a plot orchestrated by their vampiress arch nemesis who carries a deep seeded animosity toward Merit for interfering in her previous diabolical plans. Along the way, Merit and Ethan's attraction heats up another notch while Merit tries to balance out her relationship with another vampire, Morgan. Merit's relationship with her best friend Mallory becomes more frayed as they both try to assimilate into the world of the supernatural.

The Chicagoland Vampire series offers a great view into an original urban fantasy where the vampire heroine is more human than monster. Chloe Neill has a snarky, comedic way of relating the tale through Merit's point of view. The author's portrayal of her heroine pulls the reader into a very imaginative world of the supernatural and has the reader pulling for Merit every step of the way. The only complaint I have is that Merit and Ethan's potentially smokin' hot relationship is not moving along fast enough for me. I am starting to tire of Ethan's hot and cold attitude toward Merit.

Happy Reading from Bona Fide Reflections!

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City of Bones, (Immortal Instruments, #1) by Cassandra Clare

City of Bones by Cassandra Clare

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I am going to keep this review short and sweet...

This book starts out with teen-aged Clary Fray witnessing a murder in the Pandemonium Club. From there the action is non-stop. Clary and her best friend, Simon, are thrown into the world of Shadowhunters, Vampires, Werewolves, and Demons. This tale supplies mystery, a budding romance, excellent character building, and heart-stopping revelations. Cassandra Clare is a phenomenal writer! Her imagination is amazing. This YA novel can stand against any Adult Paranormal Fiction offered on any bookshelves.

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Lover Unleashed by J.R. Ward

Lover Unleashed by J.R. Ward

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

OMG! This book was very good. I would go into a synopsis of the story; but, it has been done many times over since the recent release of this book. The double story of V and Jane & Manny and Payne was excellent. The back story of Quinn and Blay is heartbreaking but promising. When the book was over, all I could think was: "That was it? Where is the rest of the story?!" There are a few details that need to be fleshed out more. I am extremely eager to read the next book, as usual....

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Rush of Darkness by Rhyannon Byrd

Rush of Darkness by Rhyannon Byrd

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Rush of Darkness by Rhyannon Byrd is the seventh book in the Primal Instinct Series. This story picks up from the ending of Touch of Temptation. The heroine, Raine Spenser, is a dhampire whose father was a vampire and her mom’s human lineage gives her strong psychic powers. Because of her powerful psychic powers inherited from her mother and her vampire heritage, Raine was held prisoner by an evil brute. During the time she was held, Raine suffered unspeakable emotional and physical horrors. Now that she is free, she is out for vengeance.

Seth McConnell, former Vampire Hunter, is a human member of the Watchmen - a group of shape-shifters who assist in keeping order in the supernatural community. Seth is one of the members of the Watchmen who rescued Raine from her torturers. His attraction to Raine is strong and his need to protect her just as powerful. However, his past is leveraged by deep emotional scarring, as well.

Raine and Seth team up to take down the monsters who hurt her. This adventure pits the hero and heroine head on with both of their tragic histories. On this joint mission, these two allies draw closer together and are entrenched in their common passions. The attachment they share aids in healing deep emotional wounds for both by allowing for a complete catharsis which in turn, allows them to trust in their true feelings for each other.

Rhyannon Byrd does a wonderful job of putting together a memorable adventure and romance. To enjoy this novel, it is not necessary to have read the previous books in this series. The reader will be enmeshed in a powerful tale full of action, love, and emotional healing. I encourage you to pick up the book, curl up in your favorite chair, and the this story take you away to a unique world of supernaturals. You will not regret this paranormal experience.

Happy Reading from Bona Fide Reflections!

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Dreamfever by Karen Marie Moning

Dreamfever by Karen Marie Moning

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Dreamfever begins where Faefever ends. Mac is in the sexual clutches of three Unseelie princes thanks to the Lord Master's conniving actions. She is rescued by Dani and eventually Barrons intervenes. He is able to cure Mac of the sexual addiction she contracts from having sex with the three Unseelie princes. She surfaces from this experience stronger than she was before.

The story continues with the search for the Sinsar Dubh in the wake of the devastation caused by the walls falling between Faerie and the mortal world. Mac also has to confront Rowena and her purposes toward the Sidh Seers. Dani and Mac forge a partnership to hunt the Unseelie that have infiltrated the world with weapons of power. They also dig for information on the Sinsar Dubh with the help of a faction of the Sidh Seers.

The Lord Master declares a challenge to Mac in order for her save her parents back home in Ashford, Georgia. To get there, Mac has to travel through the mirrors. Traveling through the mirrors is an unknown since one cannot be sure they will end up where they are intending to travel. This mode of transportation lands Mac in places unknown. The ending of this book takes your breath away. Leaving your psyche screaming "OMG....no! NO! No!"

Karen Moning continues this story with her talent for melodic prose. She paints a story from the point of view of Mac with a few glimpses into the thoughts of Dani. Mac's internal musings lend themselves to thoughts that invoke deep thought on behalf of the reader. Moning's aptitude for weaving an unforgettable tale is profound and does not disappoint in this addition to her "Fever" series.

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