Review: Infinity

Infinity (Chronicles of Nick, book 1) by Sherrilyn Kenyon

Genre: Paranormal Young Adult
Edition Reviewed: eBook
Amazon: Paperback | Kindle
Goodreads: Infinity

At fourteen, Nick Gautier thinks he knows everything about the world around him. Streetwise, tough and savvy, his quick sarcasm is the stuff of legends. . .until the night when his best friends try to kill him. Saved by a mysterious warrior who has more fighting skills than Chuck Norris, Nick is sucked into the realm of the Dark-Hunters: immortal vampire slayers who risk everything to save humanity.

Nick quickly learns that the human world is only a veil for a much larger and more dangerous one: a world where the captain of the football team is a werewolf and the girl he has a crush on goes out at night to stake the undead.

But before he can even learn the rules of this new world, his fellow students are turning into flesh eating zombies. And he's next on the menu.

As if starting high school isn't hard enough. . .now Nick has to hide his new friends from his mom, his chainsaw from the principal, and keep the zombies and the demon Simi from eating his brains, all without getting grounded or suspended. How in the world is he supposed to do that?(

---

Review:

Kenyon's Dark Hunter series is not my favorite PNR series. This spin-off made me nervous. Many readers told me that the Dark Hunter books get better a ways down the line, and I believe that with Infinity Kenyon has come a long ways.

I've only read about two books of her adult series, but I knew enough of the characters to enjoy the over lapping stories. Plus, this is years before the Dark Hunter series and it's beyond fun getting to see Tabitha the High School zombie/vampire killer! Nick fascinated me from Night Pleasures, and I was super stoked to be reading about him. If a reader has never read the Dark Hunter series you might feel like your out of the loop, but the story is still easy to follow with out reading those before hand.

The plot was tons of fun with the "living zombies" and the evil lure of the video game world! It introduced Nick to his Malachai status nicely, though the status of Malachai is never truly explained. Not sure if fans are supposed to already know from the other series, or if the reader is supposed to go off of hints only. So far I know it's a powerful demonic type that easily gives into evil and that somehow Nick is important to the end of the world.

All the characters are fun and I love Nick's relationship with his mother. It shows how much love a poor dirty-dancing mom can provide for her son. It also puts into play how one can over come bullying and become stronger because of it. Also shows that the bully may not be happy with their life.

Infinity is a great way for readers to enjoy the Dark Hunter world, but avoid some of the hang-ups that may have put readers off of the adult series. The time travel twist, cameos, and Nick's "born standing up and talking back" attitude is priceless. This book is great and brains will be spilled.

Sexual Content: Sexual humor. There are strippers and demeaning talk of mothers by bullies.

 
3/5- Adored it, just a few minor details held it back.

---

Previous book(s) in series:
Reviewed on BW:	Amazon:	Goodreads:
Infinity (1) Invincible (2) Infamous (3) Inferno (4) Illusion (5)	Infinity (1) Invincible (2) Infamous (3) Inferno (4) Illusion (5)	Infinity (1) Invincible (2) Infamous (3) Inferno (4) Illusion (5)

Review: The Darkest Whisper

The Darkest Whispers (The Lords of the Underworld, Book 4) by Gena Showalter

Genre: Paranormal Romance
Edition Reviewed: eBook
Amazon: Paperback | Kindle
Goodreads: The Darkest Whisper

New York Times bestselling sensation Gena Showalter returns with her long-awaited next installment of the Lords of the Underworld series…

He is the keeper of Doubt and his entire world’s about to be rocked.

Bound by the demon of doubt, Sabin unintentionally destroys even the most confident of lovers. So the immortal warrior spends his time on the battlefield instead of the bedroom, victory his only concern…until he meets Gwendolyn the Timid. One taste of the beautiful redhead, and he craves more.

Gwen, an immortal herself, always thought she’d fall for a kind human who wouldn’t rouse her darker side. But when Sabin frees her from prison, battling their enemies for the claim to Pandora’s box turns out to be nothing compared to the battle Sabin and Gwen will wage against love…

---

Review:

It was clear that Sabin's love story was going to rock! Come on a guy who basically says that nothing is more important then his war, and doesn't want some woman to turn him into a simpering boyfriend, is going to be gleefully fun to bring to his knees.

The book starts out where the last one left off, the Lords breaking into a Pyramid where Danika's last vision/painting sent them to look for the latest artifact. What they find is even more evil wrong doing by the hunters. Mythical woman are being held and used as "incubators" to make the next superhuman generation of Hunters. Showalter's show of good and evil is refreshing as readers can make up there own mind by seeing the actions taken by both the Lords and the Hunters. It's a mind teaser seeing the Hunters—who think they are the good guys—blame every evil in the world on the Lords and then hurting children and women.

Gwen was a great character! She's a Harpy, a being who is so powerful that even bad girl Anya respects them and at one point she wishes she was one them. They love battle, blood, and all things dangerous. Of course, Gwen doesn't. She's Gwen the Timid! She likes safe boring, things, and wouldn't hurt a fly! Now that part was annoying, seeing a woman with so much strength afraid of herself. Yes, that was the journey of the book. Gwen finally being able to accept herself and deal with her blood thirsty ways. Her fears of her Harpy half are the true causes of her "accidents."

Sabin was an ass, and watching him fall in love really made my day. Seeing him finally come to the realization that he would step away from his all consuming battle with the hunters to be with Gwen was a great touch. Though the twist of who Gwen's father was is such an obvious plot twist that it killed some of the momentum for me.

Again the side stories here are amazing! Paris, Areon, and Torin take time to flesh out the story. Surprisingly, I really enjoyed it when Gideon gets some page time to tell the story. He's going to be a fun character to read later on. Before this I wasn't very interested in him. Areon's Angel starker is clearly going to be tons of fun, especially with his little minion tagging along.

In the end it's decision time, and the results are . . . worth reading. The first book was awful (yes, I keep saying that), but once it's overcome the series reveals it has more to offer than "pairings". The battle of good and evil isn't black and white here, the Lords aren't saints. The Darkest Whisper is just what any reader needs for a nice dose of passion and action (of both kinds).

Sexual Content: Standard PNR love scenes. There are women that have been imprisoned and rape, while it’s never explicitly got into.

 
3/5- Adored it, just a few minor details held it back.

---

Previous book(s) in series:
Reviewed on BW:	Amazon:	Goodreads:
The Darkest Night (1) The Darkest Kiss (2) The Darkest Pleasure (3) The Darkest Whisper (4) The Darkest Passion (5) The Darkest Lie (6) The Darkest Secret (7) The Darkest Surrender (8) The Darkest Seduction (9) The Darkest Craving (10)	Paperback | Kindle Paperback | Kindle Paperback | Kindle Paperback | Kindle Paperback | Kindle Paperback | Kindle Paperback | Kindle Paperback | Kindle Paperback | Kindle Paperback | Kindle	The Darkest Night (1) The Darkest Kiss (2) The Darkest Pleasure (3) The Darkest Whisper (4) The Darkest Passion (5) The Darkest Lie (6) The Darkest Secret (7) The Darkest Surrender (8) The Darkest Seduction (9) The Darkest Craving (10)

Review: The Darkest Pleasure

The Darkest Pleasure (The Lords of the Underworld, Book 3) by Gena Showalter

Genre: Paranormal Romance
Edition Reviewed: eBook
Amazon: Paperback | Kindle
Goodreads: The Darkest Pleasure

Reyes is a man possessed. Bound by the demon of pain, he is forbidden to know pleasure. Yet he craves a mortal woman, Danika Ford, more than breath and will do anything to claim her--even defy the gods.Danika is on the run. For months she's eluded the Lords of the Underworld, immortal warriors who won't rest until she and her family have been destroyed. But her dreams are haunted by Reyes, the warrior whose searing touch she can't forget. Yet a future together could mean death to all they both hold dear....

---

Review:

At this point I can now confirm that my enjoyment of book 2 was not a fluke, and the first book of this series really was THAT bad. Even with my fear that other books in The Lord of the Underworld series might be bad, the fact was I wasn't really interested in Reye's story. His demon is pain, and I kept having this fear that it would be some kind of chains and whips horror fest. Danika is a really interesting character that I've been fascinated with since the first book, and I feared pain would get in the way of that.

Again an author shows me that I have got to stop judging a book before I read it. Instead of Danika coming to a dark realization that she loves hurting people *cue evil laughter*, Showalter spins a tale of love so strong that over coming a necessity such as pain for pleasure is something that someone can overcome. Translation: Danika loves Reyes so much that she wants to help him, even if it means stabbing him every now and then. (Well that and a fantastic orgasms can literally transport you!)

Showalter spins a unique love story that's really sweet and tender, Danika is the first female lead that hasn't been a virgin and I enjoyed that. The trop that sex was never really that good until Reyes annoyed me. The side stories continue and they're amazing! Torin might have a little something starting up! Areon's suffering is truly fascinating, especially since a little scaly demon from hell comes up and seems a little overly infatuated with him . . . .

Paris. Paris. Paris. There is no way I can forget about him. If you thought the torture of book 2 was heartbreaking . . . forget about that! Cause it only gets more intense. He approaches Chronis himself to get his woman back, but things are never as simple as that.

Another great entry into The Lord of the Underworld series. The first book was dark romance, the second adrenaline spiked passion, and now a sweet and tender romance. The best part is all the side stories continuing throughout the book. Unlike JR Ward's work, were it gets overwhelming the bad guys, gods/goddess, and tons of other characters stepping in, the side stories don't overwhelm. Even though each book has a satisfying happy ending, the slow build up of all the side stories tantalizes the senses . . . and the possibilities.

Sexual Content: Steamy, dreamy, scenes! Nothing over the top basic PNR sex. Over course even if is basic, doesn’t mean it’s not hot!

 
3/5- Adored it, just a few minor details held it back.

---

Previous book(s) in series:
Reviewed on BW:	Amazon:	Goodreads:
The Darkest Night (1) The Darkest Kiss (2) The Darkest Pleasure (3) The Darkest Whisper (4) The Darkest Passion (5) The Darkest Lie (6) The Darkest Secret (7) The Darkest Surrender (8) The Darkest Seduction (9)	Paperback | Kindle Paperback | Kindle Paperback | Kindle Paperback | Kindle Paperback | Kindle Paperback | Kindle Paperback | Kindle Paperback | Kindle Paperback | Kindle	The Darkest Night (1) The Darkest Kiss (2) The Darkest Pleasure (3) The Darkest Whisper (4) The Darkest Passion (5) The Darkest Lie (6) The Darkest Secret (7) The Darkest Surrender (8) The Darkest Seduction (9)

Review: The Darkest Kiss

The Darkest Kiss (Lords of the Underworld, Book 2) by Gena Showalter

Genre: Paranormal Romance
ISBN: 0373772327
Edition Reviewed: Ebook
Amazon: Paperback | Kindle
Goodreads: The Darkest Kiss

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:

Ahhhhh, now this is what I’m talk’in about!  The first book was like this dirty little tease.  Bringing me in with the myth, but leaving me wanting for the main couple of the book.  Now I have the best of everything, great mythology, good side characters, and a chemistry-exploding couple!

Anya is what I crave in a female lead; witty, a hard core warrior, and a woman who can handle her own sexuality to the X.  Some might find her personality a little too slutty, but there's more to her then meets the eyes.  The thing is Anya has never needed a man before and she wants everything her freedom can offer her.  Even to the point of standing up to the Titans—who over threw the Greek gods from the last book. (In love with her yet?)

Lucien is the Lord of Death.  He keeps absolute control on his emotions and actions, never letting his control slip.  The secret behind the scars that mar his—obviously once drop-dead—face is pretty shocking, and it’s sad to dig up his past.  It wasn’t just one huge pity party to get the reader teary eyed for the hero.  It’s beyond enchanting watching Anya slowly break through Lucien’s barriers.  When she actually made him smile I found myself fist pumping it and cheering her on.

As mentioned above Anya and Lucien’s relationship is an exploding addiction.  When the other plot elements hit the page their story leaves you gripping the pages and staying up late to finish. Cronus—the new Titan in charge—wants Anya’s All Key, which allows it’s wearer to escape anything and shift to any location in the world by a thought.   Cronus sends Lucien to kill Anya and get the key.  Anya can’t stay away from her killer and Lucien can’t understand the feelings that would make him betray the other Lords.  Anya can’t conceive why she is so obsessed with Lucien—to the point of being his personal stalker.  She can’t imagine ever giving up her free will for a man.  With all of these obstacles in the way it makes for a frustratingly brilliant tale.

To keep the fire burning Showalter adds in the POV of the other Lords. Paris meets a woman that he actually wants to take again—his demon of Promiscuity usually only allows him to take one woman once. Sadly she’s a Hunter and the events that happen are shocking. Reyes—Pain—has to battle his fellow brother to save the woman that has been haunting him since he let her escape. 

This book is on fire!!  If The Darkest Night left you wondering why this series is so popular, read this book before you make your final decision.   When Showalter gets the chemistry right between the hero and heroine it’s an addiction that will eat you up and spit you out.  The story isn’t just stuck on the love plot, the other brothers get enough page time that they become real.  You can root for more than just the current hero.  It’s heady and exactly what I was hoping for this series to have.

Sexual Content:  This book is delightfully dirty.  From Anya’s naughty outfits and sex talk, to Promiscuity hunting down some women for sex.  The sex is hot and this will leave PNR fans with the perfect amount of the two kinds of action we love.

5/5- Fabulous, a beautiful obsession!

---

Other book(s) in series:
Reviewed on BW:	Amazon:	Goodreads:
The Darkest Night (1) The Darkest Pleasure (3) The Darkest Whisper (4) The Darkest Passion (5) The Darkest Lie (6) The Darkest Secret (7) The Darkest Surrender (8) The Darkest Seduction (9)	Paperback | Kindle Paperback | Kindle Paperback | Kindle Paperback | Kindle Paperback | Kindle Paperback | Kindle Paperback | Kindle Paperback | Kindle	The Darkest Night (1) The Darkest Pleasure (3) The Darkest Whisper (4) The Darkest Passion (5) The Darkest Lie (6) The Darkest Secret (7) The Darkest Surrender (8) The Darkest Seduction (9)

Review: The Darkest Night

The Darkest Night (Lords of the Underworld, Book 1) by Gena Showalter

Genre: Paranormal Romance 
ISBN: 0373772467
Edition Reviewed: Ebook
Amazon: Paperback | Kindle
Goodreads: The Darkest Night

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 . . .

Though they carry an eternal curse, the Lords of the Underworld are irresistibly seductive -- and unimaginably powerful . . . Don’t miss this incredible new paranormal series from Gena Showalter!

---

Review:

First up I’m not going to argue which PNR author was “first” or who is better.  Which one had THE idea first and who branched off of it—or stole it.  No. I will say that if you’ve finally cracked and joined all of the hub-a-bulu about it there’s certain authors who’s names just keep popping up.  J.R. Ward, Kresley Cole, Nalini Singh, Karen Marie Moning, Richelle Mead, Jeaniene Frost,  Sherrilyn Kenyon, and Gena Showalter are some of the names at the top of the list.  So far I’ve tried all of them with pretty decent success rates. Except for Gena Showalter. 

One day I picked up DN off of the shelf in the book store and was ready to purchase it.  There was an obscenely long line and I decided to start reading it.  Twenty pages in I was unimpressed.  (Let’s just say I put the book back and bought a better one.)  So when a Ebook copy landed in my lap, the first twenty or so pages where just as unimpressive.

The main character is a the damsel in distress, who has a rare gift that makes here a freak to anyone—except her soon to be mate.   Besides her cute penchant for romance novels, herself doubt, insecurities, and total lack of a personality make for a boring time.   The “soon to be mate” in question also happens to be a cookie cutter guy.  He’s a immortal guardian who’s bonded to the Demon of Violence.  That means a lot of mean words, thoughts, grrs, and basically alpha attitude.   (Basically he could have popped out of any stereo typical romance.)

What did keep me going was the tease of Showalter’s humor that kept popping up, and the wickedly awesome mythology.    The idea of men being the ones to open Pandora’s box amuses me beyond belief!  Especially since it was as something as silly as making a point to the gods that they should be the ones protecting it.  Learning about each warrior and the demon inside them soon became a heady addiction for me. 

At the first of the book the Greek gods are in control and within a matter of page turns the Titans have escaped and the new upper management is already making the Lords lives miserable. Those miserable lives actually interested me more than the main couples.  Reyes, possessing the Demon of Pain, meets his lady love when they kidnap her and her entire family.  The Titans want Arion, Demon of Wrath, to kill them all.  If he refuses he will go insane with the need to kill them.  This makes for a pretty interesting triangle, the lady love, the man who loves her, and the best friend of the man who loves her want to kill her.  So much better than a love triangle!

It’s a fascinating world on one of my favorite mythologies! Taking the old legend of Pandora’s box and giving it a new life.  Sure the main focus of this book left a lot to be desired, but everybody needs to find their footing.  The couple had enough of a “personality” that at times I found them very cute, and of course cheered them on. The mythology, other Lords of the Underworld, and promising twists of the future books are sure to make up for it. 

Sexual Content:  Bad language, dirty talk, and sex scenes.  One of the Lords is promiscuity so you know things are really gonna get dirty.

2/5- Average/disappointing, library check-out

---

Other book(s) in series:
Reviewed on BW:	Amazon:	Goodreads:
The Darkest Kiss (2) The Darkest Pleasure (3) The Darkest Whisper (4) The Darkest Passion (5) The Darkest Lie (6) The Darkest Secret (7) The Darkest Surrender (8) The Darkest Seduction (9)	Paperback | Kindle  Paperback | Kindle Paperback | Kindle Paperback | Kindle Paperback | Kindle Paperback | Kindle Paperback | Kindle Paperback | Kindle	The Darkest Kiss (2) The Darkest Pleasure (3) The Darkest Whisper (4) The Darkest Passion (5) The Darkest Lie (6) The Darkest Secret (7) The Darkest Surrender (8) The Darkest Seduction (9)