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Showing posts with label Guardian Series. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Guardian Series. Show all posts
Tuesday, October 9, 2012
Cover Love: Guardian Demon by Meljean Brook
After totally flipping out over this cover, I calmed down and want to share it with you. I. JUST. LOVE. IT.
Directly from Meljean's site:
May 7, 2013
In this thrilling conclusion to the Guardian series, New York Times bestselling author Meljean Brook delivers another stunning page-turner, in which the fate of humanity depends upon a tortured warrior winning the trust—and heart—of the woman he wounded…
After a terrifying encounter in Hell destroys her trust in Michael, the Guardian’s powerful leader, former detective Andromeda Taylor is ready to call it quits as one of the angelic warriors and resume her human life again. But when demonic forces threaten her closest friends and she uncovers a terrifying plot devised by Lucifer, Taylor is thrown straight into Michael’s path again…
To defeat Lucifer, Michael needs every Guardian by his side—and he needs Taylor more than any other. The detective is the key to keeping his own demonic side at bay, and Michael will do anything to protect her and keep her close. And when Taylor manifests a deadly power, her Gift might tip the scales in the endless war between Heaven and Hell…or it might destroy them both with a single touch.
I don't think I'll make it until May... How about you?
Wednesday, August 31, 2011
Review: Demon Marked
Demon MarkedAuthor: Meljean Brook
Release Date: September 6, 2011
Publisher: Berkley Sensation
The Guardians #7 (does not include novellas)
ISBN: #978-0425242698
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Format(s): Paperback (336 pgs), e-book
Book Source: Publisher
About the book: |
Nicholas St. Croix is familiar with the evil of demons. After his father’s death, a demon took over his mother’s body and raised him. Six years ago, his “mother” was responsible for the disappearance of the woman he loved, and Nicholas swore he’d find her—even if he had to go to Hell and back. Except she finds him first—and with one tormented kiss, he knows she too is a demon. Now he is determined to take his revenge…
Ash is a half-demon with no memory of her past or how she got to Hell. All she knows is that Nicholas St. Croix holds the key to her identity. And though he’s clearly drawn to her, Nicholas makes no secret of his distrust of her. Yet one kiss at a time, he breaks down her defenses as they battle an array of demons and Guardians. But is Ash’s greatest enemy the man at her side?
What I’m talking about: |
For those that don’t already know this... I adore the Guardian Series and Meljean Brook. I have been anxiously awaiting Demon Marked, not because of the primary characters, but rather because I know the series will be ending after the next book and I wanted to see where Meljean went with this one. Let me tell you, this book was better than I hoped!
Ash isn’t really sure who or what she is - she doesn’t remember Before, only After. Something unknown happened to Ash and now she only recalls that for three years she was locked in the Nightingale House, living each day without experiencing any emotions, never eating nor sleeping. After her escape, she begins to track down clues that might help her learn her history, the biggest clue being Nicholas St. Croix.
Nicholas has his own agenda - finding the demon, Madeline, that impersonated his mother and ruined his life. He lives for the sole purpose of revenge. Thinking he can use Ash as bait to bring in Madeline, Nicholas agrees to help Ash, even though he doesn’t trust her. Together they begin to piece the puzzle together, learning that there are exceptions to every rule.
I was immediately drawn into this story from the get go. Thanks to Meljean’s amazing ability to create engrossing, detailed worlds and plots, I became wrapped up with finding out about Ash’s past. Who is/was she and how did she become this way? The story unfolds at the perfect pace, mixing the mystery-solving with action and romance.
Ash is a great character. She is different from any of the other heroines in the series. Like Lilith, she is a half-demon, but unlike Lilith, Ash is an “infant” and has no idea what’s been done to her. She has none of the typical demon personality traits (lying, scheming, out to ruin humans). Ash’s development from an emotionally-void creature to the warm and loving demon is a delightful journey. I loved watching her discover feelings and try to logically process the world around her. She never gives up and has an innocent faith that things will work out.
We first met Nicholas St. Croix in Demon Blood (review HERE, purchase information: Demon Blood (The Guardian Series)
) He didn’t have a huge roll in the book, and you don’t have to have read it to enjoy Demon Marked. Nicholas has lived his entire adult life trying to bring down his mother. It is no wonder that he cannot trust Ash when he realizes Madeline may be responsible for creating Ash. Yet, Ash continually challenges his perceptions, and he gradually learns to accept Ash for all that she is. He is flawed, but caring and I adore his love for Ash.
) He didn’t have a huge roll in the book, and you don’t have to have read it to enjoy Demon Marked. Nicholas has lived his entire adult life trying to bring down his mother. It is no wonder that he cannot trust Ash when he realizes Madeline may be responsible for creating Ash. Yet, Ash continually challenges his perceptions, and he gradually learns to accept Ash for all that she is. He is flawed, but caring and I adore his love for Ash.Although this book isn’t one of the more sex-filled romances in the series (and I like smut in my romances!), it really works for Demon Marked. The story moves at such a natural pace, I never felt cheated in the romance. Both Ash and Nicholas had hurdles to overcome to be able to give their heart to each other and they each do so without games or leaning too heavily on each other.
When I met Meljean at AADPhilly (more HERE), she mentioned that it was hard to write this book because she had to set up the next (Michael’s) book (have I mentioned how much I’m looking forward to that book?!). I have to say that I as I read this book, I complete forgot about looking for clues for the next one. Michael became just a character that supported Ash and Nicholas’ story. Demon Marked stands on its own as being one of my favorite Guardian novels.
My Rating: |
Loved it - enthusiastically recommend (A)
Monday, June 13, 2011
Series... love them or hate them?
I'm a series girl. I've stated this before, probably several times, but I enjoy a good series - whether it be romance, sci-fi, fantasy, mystery... There is something reassuring about seeing the same characters and settings book after book. My love for series started young - when I read Trixie Belden, Little House on the Prairie and the Three Investigators. Series are a staple of the books I read. I have several "auto reads" or "auto buy" series. Here are my top favorites - these I recommend above all others (but I love so many more):
1) The Kate Daniel Series by Ilona Andrews.
Heroine: Kate Daniels - magical, powerful, great with a sword, all-around kick-ass
Hero: Curran - Beast Lord, lion shifter, sexy, powerful, makes me purr
Book Titles -
MAGIC BITES
MAGIC BURNS
MAGIC STRIKES
MAGIC BLEEDS
MAGIC SLAYS
My series rating 5 stars.
2) The Psy-Changeling Series by Nalini Singh.
This paranormal romance takes primarily takes place in San Francisco, CA. For those unfamiliar with this incredible series, the world is made up of 3 races: Psy: cerebral and emotionally void people that hold most political and financial offices; Changeling: shifters of many different species, in-tune with nature, emotionally fierce and loyal; and humans: the supporting race in the middle. The books focus primarily on two dominant Changeling packs: SnowDancers, which are wolves and DarkRiver, which are leopards. Ms. Singh has created an overall story arc dealing with the breakdown of the Psy "silence" and how the Changelings are coming into power. Book Titles -
SLAVE TO SENSATION
VISIONS OF HEAT
CARESSED BY ICE
MINE TO POSSESS
HOSTAGE TO PLEASURE
BRANDED BY FIRE
BLAZE OF MEMORY
BONDS OF JUSTICE
PLAY OF PASSION
KISS OF SNOW
My series rating: 5 Stars.
3) The Stormwalker Series by Allyson James.
Is it paranormal romance or urban fantasy? I don't care because it is incredible writing and storytelling! I just finished the third book in this amazing new series and I cannot wait for more. Taking place in Arizona, the stories follow the crazy life of Janet Begay, a Native American with earth-based storm magic and an evil goddess for a mother. She lives with the most amazing magic man, Mick and together they fight the evil that seems to follow Janet's every step. Each book has suspense, mystery, action, and romance. Perfect!Book Titles -
STORMWALKER
FIREWALKER
SHADOW WALKER (review to come this week!)
My series rating: 5 Stars.
4) The ACRO Series by Sydney Croft.
Erotic romance meets paranormal adventure... Think X-Rated X-men! Authors Larissa Ione and Stephanie Tyler have created an amazing, action packed world of covert ops, complete with complex good and bad guys. Each story revolves around several couples and keeps them coming back book after book. This series contains on of my favorite, so emotionally charged scenes I have read in a book. The sixth and final installment comes out later this month. If you want hot smex and action... this is a MUST READ!Book Titles -
TAKEN BY FIRE (review later this month!)
My series rating: 4.5 Stars.
Another wonderful paranormal romance series that is full of story and light on fluff. Meljean is one of the best world-builders writing today. The Guardians are a race of protectors, each created when, as a human s/he sacrifices her/himself to protect the human race. They are like angels, but not quite. They fight evil demons and other "creatures from hell," while trying to remain a secret to the humans around them. Book Titles -
DEMON ANGEL
DEMON NIGHT
DEMON BOUND
DEMON FORGED
DEMON MARKED, coming 2011
My series rating: 4.5 Stars.
HONORABLE MENTIONS:
These series are also on my auto-read list:
Iron Seas by Meljean Brook (only one full book so far, but best read of 2010)
The Breeds by Lora Leigh (my guilty pleasure)
SO... which series can't you live without?
Labels:
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Monday, February 21, 2011
Celebrating... Meljean Brook
Today I want to tell you about another one of my favorite authors: Meljean Brook. I don’t even know where to start other than to say Meljean ROCKS and you really need to read her stuff! Her Guardian Series includes one of my ALL TIME favorite books: Demon Moon. The main couple, Savi and Colin, make my heart melt. The book is that perfect mixture of romance, emotional upheaval, action, adventure... And the great thing is - every book in the Guardian series is just as wonderful.
But wait... that’s not all! Meljean’s new steampunk-romance series is amazing. The first full-length novel, The Iron Duke, is also one of my ALL TIME favorite books. If you have not read this book - you really must add it to your list NOW. Click HERE for my full review of The Iron Duke.
I could go on and on about how much I *heart* Meljean’s writing. But I wanted to let you know what a cool chick she is as well. Who else do you turn to when you want to discuss Wonder Woman or Nickelodeon's The Last Airbender (the REAL Avatar)? She is one of those geeky-chic gals, and I totally crush on her! And have you seen her book-pr0n post?! Her sense of humor is outstanding.
Meljean has been a big part of my first year blogging. She always answers my questions and spreads the word on my reviews. Her support has picked me up when I’ve felt a bit blue about blogging. She takes the time to chat on twitter and has been uber-generous by writing a guest-post, doing an author interview, and giving me great stuff to giveaway, all during my first year! I look forward to stalking finally meeting her this August in Philadelphia at the Authors After Dark convention.
To help me celebrate my one year BLOGIVERSARY and my upcoming 40th birthday, Meljean has generously donated a signed SET of ALL SIX of her Guardian Series full-length books!!! Thank you, Meljean!! (rules for giveaway are below)
I hope you all are enjoying my MONTH OF CELEBRATING! I know I am!! Be sure to enter my $40 Birthday Gift Card giveaway as well. For more information, please go HERE. Once again, thank you all for making my first year of blogging such a success!
Rules for the giveaway:
1) Contest is open from Monday February 21, 2011 to Friday February 25, 2011 at 11:00 PM EST.
2) In order to enter, you must leave a comment telling me which romantically-linked couple from literature is your favorite. (The couple can come from any genre.)
3) Please also leave your email address so that I may contact you if you win. (If you prefer not to leave your email, you may send it to me confidentially.)
4) You do not have to be a follower of my blog, but it is appreciated.
5) Winner must be 18 years of age.
6) Each person that leaves a comment and follows the rules for the giveaway will receive an entry for the giveaway - only one entry per person.
7) Winner will be selected from all eligible entries using random.org.
8) The winner will be announced on my blog on Saturday February 26, 2011. Winner will have one week to contact me or another winner will be selected.
9) The contest is open to US, Canadian and INTERNATIONAL mailing addresses.
Labels:
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Tuesday, December 14, 2010
Cover Love
LOOK WHAT JUST CAME IN...
Meljean Brook has released the cover for her 7th GUARDIAN SERIES book (and the 11th story in the series)... I give you Demon Marked.
Here is a little bit about the story (taken from Meljean's website):
Recently escaped from a mental hospital where she spent the past two years, Ash is searching for answers, trying to discover who she is…and what she’s become. Tattoos mark her skin – which is sometimes crimson. Her eyes glow when she’s angry. And icy fear is a constant companion, along with a desperation she doesn’t understand, and a torturous pain that she can barely remember. Fueled by vague memories and newspaper reports, she searches for Nicholas St. Croix – a man who, five years ago, was suspected to have murdered a human woman…who looks exactly like Ash.
Nicholas St. Croix doesn’t know if he can trust the demon wearing the face of the woman he once loved – but if he wants to find out, he’ll have to keep her alive. Because the past is catching up to Nicholas, in the form of a demon commanded by Lucifer himself to sacrifice Ash and open a gateway to Hell. Protecting her means that Nicholas will find himself irrevocably changed, body and soul – and unaware that if he saves Ash’s life, Nicholas might be eternally damning the only woman he’s loved…
So awesome!! I love the colors and the tattoos rock! This is one of my absolutely favorite series and I cannot wait for the release of Demon Marked in August 2011 (*sobs* that's such a long wait!). For more about the Guardian Series, please visit Meljean's website HERE.
Sunday, August 8, 2010
Sunday Snippets #20
From Demon Night by Meljean Brook
Two feet of bench seat was apparently nothing when a man had a reach as long as Ethan’s. His hands slid around her waist and he hauled her against him so quickly that she prepared herself for an onslaught on her mouth, but the first touch of his lips was soft and searching.
That sweet heat slipped through her again, warming and melting her from the inside, leaving her skin hot and tight. He groaned, and it sounded like a denial, but then his big palm curved up from her stomach, and the light brush of his fingers over her breast was followed by a possessive stroke of his tongue past her lips.
And it imploded, the burning ache sweeping from her skin to her core. His fingers tangled in her hair. He shifted, turned until he was half-lying on top of her, never relinquishing her lips. The seat cushioned her back, but there was nothing soft about Ethan’s body above hers.
She could hardly breathe, he was so heavy and he was practically f*cking her mouth with each deep lick, and then blazing a hot trail of need to her womb when she returned the penetrating thrust and he caught her tongue in a suckling kiss.
Jesus. Excitement tore through her in an erotic wave, pushing her hips up, arching her back. Her fingers clenched on his waist. He was tilted awkwardly, his legs still beneath the wheel, but she pushed her foot over his thighs to grind closer, trying to kick and pull and do anything to have him big and hard between her legs.
A flat, loud honk split the air. Ethan jerked his head up and away from her, turning to check each of the windows.
“The horn,” Charlie gasped. “I hit it.”
Thursday, July 15, 2010
Demon Blood - Review
Demon Blood
Author: Meljean Brook
Release Date: July 6, 2010
Publisher: Berkley Sensation
Guardian Series Book # 6 (story 10 if include the novellas)
ISBN: #0425235475
Genre: Paranormal Romance
From the author’s website:
Long before she was transformed into a Guardian and trained to fight demons, Rosalia knew darkness all too well. Raised by a demon, Rosalia learned to guard her heart—and her soul—until she found a man worthy of her love. Once, she thought that man would be the powerful vampire, Deacon…until he betrayed the Guardians.
After losing everything to the lies of a demon, Deacon lives only for revenge—and is taken aback when Rosalia offers to help. A vampire who has nothing—who is nothing—isn’t worthy of her attention. But Rosalia wants to do more than just look, and the explosive need between them can’t be held in check. And when Deacon’s vengeful quest creates a dangerous alliance of their enemies, she will be his only hope…
What I’m talking about:
I’m going to state up front that I LOVE the Guardian series. The mythology is interesting and unique, the story lines are exciting, the romance is sizzling, and Meljean does such an amazing job with character development that I am sad to say good-bye when I finish reading each story. Demon Blood is no exception to this.
Picking up where Demon Forged ended, we find Guardian Rosalia recovered from her “abduction” and back in her own territory fighting demons. She runs into vampire (and traitor) Deacon once night, 6 months after she saved his life. She begins to formulate a detailed plan that will get rid of several mutual enemies and begins to convince Deacon he needs to join her.
Immediately I was drawn to this couple. They each have a longing and ache to be with one another, but their individual and mutual pasts block the way. Their story is heartbreaking and I was routing for them to get together right away. And when I finally thought it was going to happen, my heart was ripped out. [MILD SPOILER] In an intense scene that emotionally crushes both characters, Deacon assumes that Rosalia will allow him to sexually use her just to get him to help her with her plans. Oh, the drama! I was in tears for both characters.
But as much as I was cheering for Rosie and Deacon, I became a bit annoyed with their constant “misunderstandings” and his assumption that she would only use him, never love him. When Rosalia hints about her mutual past with Deacon, he immediately assumes she means some other man, even though the story matches his own life. I was relieved when FINALLY Rosalia walked away and said “no more.” (Relieved because it was action, but it broke my heart.) In the end, they do get their HEA (happily ever after), but it was a long road to travel. Even the ending that brings them together included yet another misunderstanding and more assumptions. That did taint their story a bit for me. However, their romance was smokin’, and Meljean continues to write some of the hottest smex scenes around.
I enjoyed the side stories as well - mostly seeing a Guardian as a parent. The story dealt with some bigger “life” issues that have not been discussed from a Guardian point-of-view before. The scenes between future daughter-in-law, Gemma, son, Vin, and Rosalia were excellent. I also enjoyed the progression of the overall story line with the nephil and demons. I missed seeing most of my favorite characters (including the lovely Savi and Colin), but I loved the focus on new Guardian, Taylor. I cannot wait to see where Meljean takes the story next.
My Rating:
Thursday, January 28, 2010
What I'm Reading... Guardian Series By Meljean Brook
So right now I am reading Meljean Brook's Guardian series. I am currently reading the 3rd book: Demon Night. 
From Meljean's website:
Charlie Newcomb worked hard to get her life back together. But all that is shaken when she’s set upon by three vampires desperate to transform her beauty into something evil. Because Charlie is the vital link to something they want—and need. It’s Charlie’s flesh and blood sister, a medical scientist whose knowledge could be invaluable to the predators.
But to get to her, they must first get to Charlie, now under the intimate protection of Ethan McCabe. As her Guardian, Ethan is attracted to her vulnerabilities—as well as her strengths. The closer he gets, the more protecting her becomes not just his duty, but his desire. But will it be enough to save Charlie when the demon night falls?
I just finished the second book in the series: Demon Moon. After a slow start in the first book (and two novellas), the series rapidly picked up with the second book. Now I said I wouldn't write reviews, but I am going to tell you what I thought of the book!
What I'm Talking About:
Some books are good and make me feel happy (Twilight), some are well written and cause me to feel strong emotions (Time Traveler's Wife) and some are just so good - they are classics I'll read over and over (Dune). And many are so fun to read and down-right sexy (Nalini Singh, Gena Showalter, Larissa Ione... I love paranormal romance). For me, this book is all of those in one. I was just blown away.
Colin and Savi are truly a match made in heaven (or Caelum). Meljean has developed two wonderful characters, which individually did nothing for me, but together stirred every emotion within me. I cried tears of sorrow and joy while reading this book. The precise manner in which she detailed their thoughts, feelings and encounters is amazing. And I loved that she didn't put unnecessary conflict in front of Colin and Savi - no "misunderstandings" to keep them apart. They had to work their way through tough situations and emotions, and it was well worth it!
Although the storyline is second fiddle to the love story (for me), it was also well constructed and planned. I never felt that Meljean wrote in dialogue or actions that did not hold purpose or give life to the story. It is a big book, but there is no fluff. I anxiously await to start the next book. I give Demon Moon 5/5 stars! It is one of my favorites.
For more information about Meljean Brook and her Guardian Series, please visit her website at: http://meljeanbrook.com/
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ETA: in April I started a new feature called "My Favorite Books" and Demon Moon is definitely one... So I'm adding it in here:
From Meljean's website: Charlie Newcomb worked hard to get her life back together. But all that is shaken when she’s set upon by three vampires desperate to transform her beauty into something evil. Because Charlie is the vital link to something they want—and need. It’s Charlie’s flesh and blood sister, a medical scientist whose knowledge could be invaluable to the predators.
But to get to her, they must first get to Charlie, now under the intimate protection of Ethan McCabe. As her Guardian, Ethan is attracted to her vulnerabilities—as well as her strengths. The closer he gets, the more protecting her becomes not just his duty, but his desire. But will it be enough to save Charlie when the demon night falls?
I just finished the second book in the series: Demon Moon. After a slow start in the first book (and two novellas), the series rapidly picked up with the second book. Now I said I wouldn't write reviews, but I am going to tell you what I thought of the book!
What I'm Talking About:
Some books are good and make me feel happy (Twilight), some are well written and cause me to feel strong emotions (Time Traveler's Wife) and some are just so good - they are classics I'll read over and over (Dune). And many are so fun to read and down-right sexy (Nalini Singh, Gena Showalter, Larissa Ione... I love paranormal romance). For me, this book is all of those in one. I was just blown away.
Colin and Savi are truly a match made in heaven (or Caelum). Meljean has developed two wonderful characters, which individually did nothing for me, but together stirred every emotion within me. I cried tears of sorrow and joy while reading this book. The precise manner in which she detailed their thoughts, feelings and encounters is amazing. And I loved that she didn't put unnecessary conflict in front of Colin and Savi - no "misunderstandings" to keep them apart. They had to work their way through tough situations and emotions, and it was well worth it!
Although the storyline is second fiddle to the love story (for me), it was also well constructed and planned. I never felt that Meljean wrote in dialogue or actions that did not hold purpose or give life to the story. It is a big book, but there is no fluff. I anxiously await to start the next book. I give Demon Moon 5/5 stars! It is one of my favorites.
For more information about Meljean Brook and her Guardian Series, please visit her website at: http://meljeanbrook.com/
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ETA: in April I started a new feature called "My Favorite Books" and Demon Moon is definitely one... So I'm adding it in here:
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