In My Mailbox (10)

In My Mailbox is a meme that is hosted by The Story Siren. It's a fun way to share what books we got for the week. They can be from publishers, the library, bought, or whatever.

Another great week in books for me! I think having a book blog kind of makes me want to buy more and more books. LOL! Hey, I try to buy them on sale or the cheap mass market ones, so there. :P

So here's the Vlog (or you can just scroll down and see the pictures instead). Sorry that the quality isn't the greatest. I'm having a hard time getting my good camera to do what I want it to do :

See one of my kitties down there? That's Isabelle. :)

For Review:

Wildefire | Karsten Knight

Goodreads | Amazon

Aaaaah!!! I can't even tell you how freakin excited I am for this one!! I got it on the Simon and Schuster Galley Grab (a program for reviewers for those of you don't know). I'd love a hard copy, but if the only way I'll get to read this is on my computer screen, I'll do it! I can't wait to dig into this! Yes!!

Cinder and Ella | Melissa Lemon

Goodreads 

This one sounds cute! I got it from NetGalley.

Losing Beauty | Johanna Garth

Goodreads | Amazon
I'm a follower of Johanna's blog, Losing Sanity. She asked me if I wanted to review her book, and I said as long as it doesn't ruin our blogger friendship! LOL.  Thanks Johanna! I'm almost done with it and I will have a review up sometime this week I think!

Bought:

Wicked Enchantment | Anya Bast

Goodreads | Amazon

I totally bought this one because I love the cover of the newest book (Dark Enchantment). I figured I should start at the beginning of the series. ;) (even if I don't really love this cover as much).

The Darkest Kiss | Gena Showalter

Goodreads | Amazon

Once I started book one, I knew that I HAD to pick up the second book in the series.I just posted the review yesterday.

Divergent | Veronica Roth

Goodreads | Amazon

I had a 40% off coupon for Borders, so I ran out and bought this one!! Yay!!! I can't wait to get it signed at the Dark Days of Supernatural Tour! 

Free:

 The Girl Who Loved Historical Romance | Multiple authors

Goodreads

My friend Tina saw this sitting out at Powells. It was free! It's a sampler of first chapters from some historical romance novels. It's even signed by Courtney Milan! Yay for free. :)

Review: The Darkest Kiss - Lords of the Underwolrd #2

Title: The Darkest Kiss - Lords of the Underworld #2
Author: Gena Showalter
Publisher: Harlequin Books
Goodreads | Amazon

Description (from Goodreads): 

She has tempted many men...but never found her equal. Until now.

Though she has lived for centuries, Anya, goddess of anarchy, has never known pleasure. Until Lucien, the incarnation of death--a warrior eternally doomed to take souls to the hereafter. He draws her like no other. And Anya will risk anything to have him.

But when the merciless Lord of the Underworld is ordered by the gods to claim Anya herself, their uncontrollable attraction becomes an anguished pursuit. Now they must defeat the unconquerable forces that control them, before their thirst for one another demands a sacrifice of love beyond imagining...

 Review:

This series is awesome!

This time the book focuses mostly around Lucien and Anya. While I didn't attach to these characters as much as I did to Ashlyn and Maddox (from the first book), this book was still equally great. This is quickly becoming one of my favorite series!

Anya was a bit annoying at times with the way she talks (think valley girl teen speak "like, oh my gosh" kind of stuff), but I soon forgot about her annoying ways and grew to truly like her. She is completely misjudged by all of those around her as promiscuous because of her mothers reputation. It's no wonder she acts the way that she does!

Lucien was a great character! He is one of the warriors that are inhabited by demons - his being Death. He has to usher souls to their final resting place. I loved reading the suspenseful turmoil he goes through as he fights himself about doing what is commanded of him, and what he wants. His background is heartbreaking and I was completely engulfed in his and Anya's struggles throughout the whole book.

So, this is random, but I love that Lucien has one blue eye and one brown. It makes him all that much more mysterious and alluring.

The Darkest Kiss was all about a forbidden love, and it was just as yummy as The Dark Night. I am eagerly looking forward to the next book!

The books in this series:

The Darkest Fire (a mini prequel)
The Darkest Night (you can read my review here)
The Darkest Kiss
The Darkest Pleasure
Dark Beginnings (bonus material and a few short stories)
The Darkest Whisper
The Darkest Passion
The Darkest Lie
The Darkest Secret
The Darkest Surrender (to be published later this year)
The Darkest Facts (a series companion)

Up next in this series: 

The Darkest Pleasure | Gena Showalter
Goodreads | Amazon
This one is about Reyes, keeper of the Demon of Pain. I can't wait!

Review: The Darkest Night - Lords of the Underworld #1

Title: The Darkest Night - Lords of the Underworld #1
Author: Gena Showalter
Publisher: Harlequin Books
Goodreads | Amazon

Description:

His powers -- Inhuman

His passion -- Beyond immortal . . .

All her life, Ashlyn Darrow has been tormented by voices from the past. To end the nightmare, she has come to Budapest seeking help from men rumored to have supernatural abilities, not knowing she'll be swept into the arms of Maddox, their most dangerous member -- a man trapped in a hell of his own.

Neither can resist the instant hunger than calms their torments . . . and ignites an irresistible passion. But every heated touch and burning kiss will edge them closer to destruction -- and a soul-shattering test of love. .

Review:

I am really loving paranormal romance! I believe the Sookie Stackhouse series is the only other paranormal romance I have ever read before this one and Dark Lover, and I've been missing out! I love a good young adult book, but sometimes it's nice to add in something a bit more mature. This book is definitely for adult readers, as nothing is really left to the imagination. ;)

I loved this book from the very first sentence!

Ashlyn was such a neat character! I really liked her. She has the ability to hear what every person has ever said at the the spot she is currently standing. It's completely overwhelming and has taken up her whole life, making her lonely and somewhat of an outcast. I felt scared and alone right along with her.

The warriors were fascinating! Each one has a different demon that he shares his existence with, and is constantly battling to not let it over take their life and destroy everything around them. The Darkest Night centers mostly around Maddox, who shares his body with the demon Violence.

When Ashlyn and Maddox meet, the chemistry is captivating! I loved every minute of their stories as they intertwined. It was steamy and forbidden... and just yummy!! Love, love, loved it!

What a fantastic fantasy world Gena Showalter has invented! I must read every single book! Each one centers around a different warrior, and I'm eagerly anticipating reading about each of their fates! 

The books in the Lords of the Underworld series. There are a few mini stories as well :

The Darkest Fire (a mini prequel)
The Darkest Night
The Darkest Kiss
The Darkest Pleasure
Dark Beginnings (bonus material and a few short stories)
The Darkest Whisper
The Darkest Passion
The Darkest Lie
The Darkest Secret
The Darkest Surrender (to be published later this year)
The Darkest Facts (a series companion)

The next book in the series:

The Darkest Kiss - Lords of the Underworld #2

Goodreads | Amazon

I'm reading this one right now, and it's just as awesome so far!