Deathtrap (Crossbreed #3) by Dannika Dark

Author’s synopsis

For Raven Black, hunting criminals is second nature. So is denial. It’s not easy moving forward with one foot stuck in the past. But a new case offers her a much-needed distraction when Keystone accepts their toughest assignment yet—to track down an elusive criminal who’s selling children on the black market.

Their investigation leads them deep into the underbelly of the Breed world, a place both treacherous and enticing. With no room for mistakes, Raven makes a tough decision to lock the door to her past before it interferes with her job. The only trouble? Christian holds the key.

The stakes are high, and a shocking twist turns everything on its head. Will they catch this criminal before more lives are lost? Find out in the latest edge-of-your-seat instalment of the Crossbreed series.

My Views

Addictive; this is how I would describe this series and this story is no exception. The hint of romance between Raven and Christian is the perfect accompaniment to danger, adventure, and the multitude of breed issues that surround them. In this instalment, we really start to get to know other members of Keystone which only adds to the addictive quality of this series.

Raven is the kind of character you can forgive anything. She can act like an idiot but that’s okay because the reader already loves her. Christian getting on your nerves? You still want him to pair up with Raven. It’s the magical mixture of flawed human nature, vulnerability, and an exceptionally well-built world that lures us in and Dark is the master of this kind of chemistry. Yes, I am fangirling right now.

http://www.gothic-mansion-books.com/

RNWMP Bride for Theodore (Mail Order Mounties #0.5) by Kirsten Osbourne

Author’s Synopsis

Jessica Sanderson knows what it means to love unconditionally. She has doted on the same man for over a decade, and she’s in her early twenties. When that man’s mother asks her to be her traveling companion, she gladly accepts. She doesn’t want to spend the rest of her life sitting in a bank, after all. When the plan changes to something a bit crazy, she drags her feet, but finally agrees, only to have her heart broken in two.

Theodore Hughes remembers Jessica from when they were younger, but he hasn’t given her a second thought in years. When she comes to visit him as his mother’s traveling companion, he’s shocked to find out what his mother has up her sleeve. It doesn’t take him long to think that his mother might be right. But could Jess give up the comforts of city life to be a Mountie’s wife? Or will they spend the rest of their lives alone?

My Views

This sweet romance is the beginning of a nice little series. Jess is a typical mail-order bride but Theo is a little more interesting. The story could do with some action in between Jess trying to show Theo how perfect a housewife she is and Theo eating like there’s no tomorrow but the story certainly sets up a whole host of new characters waiting for love.

http://www.gothic-mansion-books.com/

Ravenheart (A Crossbreed Novel #2) by Dannika Dark

Author’s Synopsis

Two weeks after joining Keystone, Raven Black is ready to take on the world as a criminal hunter for hire. If only her partner wasn’t a bloodsucking Vampire with a penchant for getting under her skin. Despite her lavish surroundings, Raven misses the freedom of life without rules. And Keystone’s next assignment is about to test her self-control in more ways than one.

Dead bodies are popping up in the human district, and all signs point to a Breed serial killer. In order to catch him, Raven and Christian embark on a mission that takes their partnership into uncharted waters. Lives are at stake. Can Raven trust her instincts, or will she fall into a web spun from lies and deceit?

Time is running out in this pulse-pounding tale of dark secrets, murder, and forbidden desires.

My Views

I am hooked. This series just gets better which is exactly what I’ve come to expect from Dark’s work. Raven is a strong female lead who is not only capable of exploring her own emotions but is happy to share them with us. Christian is funny, charming, and annoying in equal quantities and I can’t wait to hear more from him. No spoilers, just wow. Best read via audiobook with Nicole Poole.

http://www.gothic-mansion-books.com/

Perfect Husband: A Fake Marriage Romance by Leslie Johnson

Author’s Synopsis

Met another girl. Sorry, Tiff. It’s over.

My ex dumped me with a text. That’s okay, I met a hot blonde. Yep, he was hot all right. Enough to make me forget about Andy as I ran my gaze over his godlike features. Strong jaw. Muscles that were evident even beneath the expensive material of his suit. He needs a favor. What do I have to lose?

My Views

This is a sweet romance with good lead characters but somewhere in the middle, I fell out of love with the story. When the couple stopped talking and gave themselves some time out I no longer related to the characters and the story fell flat. It made for an uncomfortable read for a while but it did get back on track. I’m a big fan of conflict in romances but this felt too uncomfortable for my liking. I’ll still give the book a four-star rating though.

Http://www.gothic-mansion-books.com/

The Fourth Sacrifice (The China Thrillers #2) by Peter May

Margaret’s heart is broken but unable to leave China she immerses herself in her work which happens to bring her in close quarters to Li Yan once more. His jealousy when she starts seeing an American archaeologist confuses her but things quickly become more complicated.

Li Yan really shines in this book and his complex personality, restricted by his work and the Chinese way, pushes through the boundaries. His personal troubles, heartbreak, and work mingle until he can’t see what is before him.

I am really enjoying this series as it gives a rare insight into a culture I know little about but I think Li Yan’s character really makes the story, and I can’t wait to read the next in the series. I highly recommend the audio version of this book because Forbes’ voice is a real treat to listen to, combine that with May’s poetic language and you have a winner.

http://www.gothic-mansion-books.com/

The Thief (Black Dagger Brotherhood #16) by J. R. Ward

Author’s Synopsis

Having allied themselves with the Band of Bastards, the Brotherhood is committed now more than ever to eradicating the Lessening Society. Recovering from their most recent battle against the last of the lessers, the Brotherhood comes to realize that the fight against their enemies is far from over.

Throe, Xcor’s former second in command, is using an ancient tome to summon a new army engineered by a force more dangerous and evil than the Omega.

And now the brothers of the Black Dagger Brotherhood will be tested both at home and on the battlefield.

My Views

This series just gets better: the vampires get hotter, the strong female leads get sassier, and the plot continually evolves into something more satisfying. Readers may be forgiven if they start to think of the Black Dagger world as real.

Sola may be a strong woman but her grandmother is stronger so when she’s called back into the danger zone how can she say no. It might destroy her but the chance to say goodbye to the love of her life is something she can’t deny. While Vishous’ life is spiralling into a dark abyss but with a new threat on the streets, he has no option but to deal with it the only way he can.

This latest instalment in the Black Dagger world made me laugh, cry, and feel completely lost when I’d finished it. Book hangovers have never been so prevalent; roll on the next instalment.

http://www.gothic-mansion-books.com/

The Alamo (John Milton #11) by Mark Dawson

Author’s Synopsis

John Milton has finally found a place to escape the bloodshed: off-season Coney Island. No tourists. No special ops. Just peace and quiet. But when a local boy witnesses a grisly murder, Milton can’t resist investigating.

Milton uncovers a vicious drug kingpin and a group of crooked cops from a notorious precinct known as “The Alamo.” Against such dangerous foes, Milton’s quest for redemption could come to an end.

My Views

No matter where John goes he always runs into trouble and this time is no exception. Wanting to help a family suffering from a bad neighbourhood he begins to root out the evil but pretty soon he’s the one being questioned and he’s not sure who he can trust.

I’m a big fan of the John Milton series but my favourite of the stories are the ones which involved children. John Milton maybe a hard-arsed killer but there’s still a soft centre in there and the innocent bring it out. Milton is a strangely likeable character and I am kind of hoping he gets some romance further down the line – hint, hint Dawson…

http://www.gothic-mansion-books.com/