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Showing posts with label Lords of Deliverance. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Lords of Deliverance. Show all posts
Friday, December 28, 2012
Year in Review - 2012
Here we are at the close of another year. This year my goal was to focus more on reading and less on the mechanics of blogging, and I’m happy to report it was a success! Emotionally and mental I was in a much better place, finding time to read and enjoying writing the reviews. I am happy to report that the total number of books read this year was 97 books, up 33 books from last year! My original goal was to read one book per week, but up’d the goal to 65 books (one more than 2011). I blew that goal out of the water!
I had also challenged myself to read new-to-me authors this past year. Originally, I thought about one new author per month, for a total of 12 in the year, but when I realized I would exceed that rather quickly, I up’d that goal to 24 new-to-me-authors. I ended up reading 30 new-to-me authors! I am really proud of this accomplishment and plan to try and get at least 12 more new-to-me authors in 2013.
Having the more relaxed mental attitude also helped with blogging. I am pleased to report that I published over 460 posts in 2012, up over 100 from 2011! My review team kept me busy! We added a new feature in late September called Saturday Conversations, a place where we take the time to chat about the things going on in our lives. On the downside, I finally said goodbye (for now) to my long-running Sunday Snippets weekly post back in October 2012, after the 124th post!
I really have enjoyed blogging and discussing books with all of you. Although visitors were down in 2012, I know I have a great group of loyal readers, and I thank you each of you from the bottom of my heart. My blog is a labor of love, and I’m happy to share it with you all! Below is my TOP TEN for 2012... How did 2012 go for you? What were your favorite reads during the year?
10) My friend and sometime guest reviewer, Ang, came on board as a permanent member of the That’s What I’m Talking About review team. Ang enjoys reading historicals and contemporaries - creating a better balance of romance here at the blog.
9) I enjoy doing giveaways here at That’s What I’m Talking About, and the discovery of Rafflecopter has made giveaways so much easier for me! I love that it manages the entries and picks the winner/s for me, but I also enjoy all of the options, like tweeting about the giveaway.
8) Did anyone else notice the increase in Self-Published Authors this past year? I had the opportunity to read and showcase both newbie authors, but also some of my long-time favorites went the route of self-publishing in 2012. Whether by choice or due to circumstances, the decision to self-publish was a-okay with me. I enjoyed books from Shiloh Walker, Carolyn Crane, Jill Myles and Allyson James - all self-published. And this trend to self-publish was at the center of a question I asked at the Lori Foster’s Reader-Author Get Together, bringing a true cricket moment, but many laughs for my friend Dren and myself!
7) It seems that every year there is at least one big book in a long-running series, one that everyone can’t wait to read (can anyone say Qhuay 2013?!). In 2012, there were two such books for me. First was the climatic conclusion to the (first story arc of) Midnight Breed series by Lara Adrian, and a book for the long-tormented hero, Chase. We finally got to read his book, Darker After Midnight, and it did NOT disappoint! Not only did the book chronicle Chase’s journey of redemption and love, it also ended with an amazing twist that will completely reboot the series when it returns in February 2013. 2012 also was the year that Paris finally finds love in The Lords of the Underworld! Gena Showalter’s keeper of Promiscuity, Paris, has been pining for Sienna since the beginning of the series, and in The Darkest Seduction, Paris finally finds peace.
6) Reading so many New-to-Me Authors in 2012 was not only a huge accomplishment, but also such a joy. I found some great new series that have now become “auto-buys” for me. As I mentioned earlier, I hope to continue adding new authors to my bookshelf, but I won’t do it at the expense of giving up books and series I currently read. I think I will be able to squeeze in a few more - because that’s the best way to discover new favorites!!
5) URBAN FANTASY! When I look back at 2012, I realize that I have been reading a lot more urban fantasy titles and really enjoying them (even a bit more than PNR!). My favorites are ones that have a strong heroine, who may be flawed but believes in herself and those around her, coupled with some romance. Long-time favorites like Kate Daniels (and her partner Andrea, who was the main character in one of my favorite books, Gunmetal Magic), Janet Begay (Stormwalker series), Victory Vaughn (Deadtown series) and Madeline Black (Black Wings series), were joined this year by new-to-me characters like Gin Blanco (Elemental Assassins), Kit Colbana (Colbana Files), Drusilla Jaco (Sentinels of New Orleans), and Justine Jones (The Disillusionists).
4) In 2012, I said good-bye to three of my “auto-buy” series. First, Jill Myles ended her wonderful Succubus Diaries series with Succubi Are Forever in April. In November, Larissa Ione released the fourth and final book in her sexy Lords of Deliverance series. Rogue Rider may have the final chapter for the Horsemen, but the world of Demonica will live on when she returns to UGH in 2013 with Reaver’s book! Finally, December saw the final book Alyssa Day’s Warriors of Poseidon series. Long-time readers FINALLY got Alaric and Quinn’s story in Heart of Atlantis.
3) I finally made time to read The Disillusionist series by Carolyn Crane. What. An. Amazing. Series. I cannot not say enough great things about this trilogy which centers around a group of misfits who learn to use their phobias and insecurities to “cure” true bad guys of their vices. The third book in the series, Head Rush, was one of the best books I read this past year and earned a spot as one of my all-time favorites!
2) It is hard to pick a favorite book for 2012... There were several great reads that came out this past year. My top 3 new releases for 2012 are: Riveted by Meljean Brook, Gunmetal Magic by Ilona Andrews, and Darker After Midnight by Lara Adrian.
1) Getting to hang out with some of the most wonderful women and fellow book lovers at both Lori Foster’s Get Together and Authors After Dark NOLA. Not only did I have to opportunity to check in with some of the friends I’d met in 2011, but I finally got to meet in real life several more of my online tweeps. Plus - meeting and hanging out with some amazing authors. I think I went a bit fangirl several times. Connecting with gracious people and making friends with those I have something in common is truly a blessing! I look forward to doing more of the same in 2013!
Thank you all for stopping by and supporting me and That's What I'm Talking About. Joyous New Year and Happy Reading!! Be sure to check back in January when I’m planning a HUGE book giveaway blow out for my 3rd Blogiversary!
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Friday, November 30, 2012
Contest Winner - Lords of Deliverance
I would like to thank everyone for stopping by for my interview with the awesome Larissa Ione and my review of Rogue Rider, the fourth and final book in her Lords of Deliverance series. I’d also like to thank Grand Central Publishing for sponsoring the giveaway of Larissa’s series.
The winner as selected by Rafflecopter:
CONGRATULATIONS!!
Winner... please email me at twimom227 (at) gmail (dot) com with your full name and mailing address so the publisher can send you the books. You have until Friday December 7, 2012 (end of day) to contact me. If I don’t hear from you by then, I will draw another winner.
Thank you and Happy Reading!
Tuesday, November 20, 2012
Review & Giveaway: Rogue Rider by Larissa Ione
Rogue Rider
Author: Larissa Ione
Release Date: Nov. 20, 2012
Publisher: Grand Central
Lords of Deliverance #4
ISBN: #978-0446574488
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Format(s): Paperback (432 pgs), e-book
Book Source: Publisher/ NetGalley
About the book:
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Jillian Cardiff came to this remote mountain town to forget the demon attack that almost killed her. Instead, she rescues - and falls for - a gorgeous stranger who has no memory of anything other than his name. Handsome, charming and protective, Reseph seems like the kind of man that Jillian can trust. But with hints of a troubling history of his own, he's also the kind of man that can be very dangerous . . .
Reseph may not know his background, or why he mysteriously appeared in Jillian's life, but he knows he wants to stay. Yet when Jillian's neighbours are killed and demon hunters arrive on the scene, Reseph fears that he's putting Jillian in danger. And once it's revealed that Reseph is also Pestilence, the Horseman responsible for ravaging the world with death and destruction, he and Jillian must face the greatest challenge of all: can they forget the horrors of a chilling past to save the future they both desire?
What I’m talking about:
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The final story in Ms. Ione’s Lords of Deliverance paranormal series about the four horsemen of the apocalypse centers around the final brother, Reseph, also known as Pestilence. Pestilence was "created" from Reseph when his "seal" was broken back before the first book in this series. As Pestilence, he brought about hell on Earth, literally, and caused the horrific death of thousands (if not millions) of innocent people.
It's been three months since the events at the end of the third book, Lethal Rider, which concluded with the death of Pestilence. His death allowed for the return of Reseph (the good half of the horseman), who was subsequently released from Sheoul (the demon realm, comparable to hell) where he'd been imprisoned. He was tossed back to Earth with his memories removed by his guardian angel (of sorts), Reaver, who did this in hopes that Reseph would have time to heal and integrate back into his life and family.
It's been three months since the events at the end of the third book, Lethal Rider, which concluded with the death of Pestilence. His death allowed for the return of Reseph (the good half of the horseman), who was subsequently released from Sheoul (the demon realm, comparable to hell) where he'd been imprisoned. He was tossed back to Earth with his memories removed by his guardian angel (of sorts), Reaver, who did this in hopes that Reseph would have time to heal and integrate back into his life and family.
At the start of Rogue Rider, Jillian discovers a very naked and lost Reseph from the snowy hills of her reclusive property. Although Reseph has no knowledge of his past, including all of the unearthly destruction he brought upon the world, Jillian takes him in against better judgement. It’s obvious that Jillian has suffered emotion damage and has chosen a life a solitude, yet she felt a connection to Reseph that tugs on her emotionally.
The opening few chapters of Rogue Rider are sweet and romantic, telling us the story of a couple of lost souls getting the chance to heal and start over. Both Reseph and Jillian sensed in the back of their minds that something bigger was going on, but each chose to embrace the other with blind passion. I enjoyed seeing Reseph free of the horrors from his past and getting a glimpse of the brother we never saw in the previous three books. I also felt the gradual unveiling (at first) of Reseph's memories allowed the couple to deal with pieces of him in a safe way - giving them time to become emotionally invested before the ball drops.
I adored Jillian, who pulled on my heartstrings. Even before I knew the whole hideous truth of her backstory, I had a gut feeling it would end up coming between Reseph and Jillian. But for a woman that hid from the world, I was impressed with how she opened herself up to Reseph. Although she tried to take it slow and keep her distance, she just couldn’t resist this sexy, mysterious man.
On the other hand, Reseph was a total character. He was cocky and arrogant, somehow sensing that it was just in his nature. I loved how he gave people in town descriptive names like “Deputy Dick” for the local officer who rubbed him the wrong way and “Two Packer” for a woman who had a rasp like she smoked heavily. Watching him battle internally between the urges for power and destruction versus taking a calmer, more civilized road was fantastic. Of course, things change drastically once his memories catch up to him, and he is horrified by all of the death and destruction caused at the hand of Pestilence. Seeing him as he once was, but then allowing him the chance to redeem himself from the horrors created a likely character, despite of the evil we witnessed in the first three books.
Together Reseph and Jillian made a good pair. I loved that they both took chances with their feelings - letting the other know how much they really did mean to the other. There were no games between the couple. This also happened even after Jillian learned the truth about Reseph’s history. I enjoyed how pieces of the past were exposed and examined. Both Jillian and Reseph take each event in stride - sometimes pulling them apart, and sometimes bringing them back together.
Once the truth is out of the bag, Reseph must not only earn the forgiveness of his friends and family, but he must also forgive himself, which is no easy task. This story is about both redemption and forgiveness. I feel that Ms. Ione does a good job on the redemption piece, but sometimes I felt the forgiveness was granted a little too easily. While each sibling expressed the pain and betrayal caused by Pestilence in their own individual way, I felt that their collective “about face” from wanting him dead no matter what to finding him a cure from his madness was quick.
Beyond Reseph’s story, Rogue Rider wrapped up a few loose ends from the first three books. I am happy to report that we delve deeper into Gethel, former caretaker of the horsemen. I was unsatisfied with the reasons for her betrayal listed in the last book, and was glad to find out more about this wicked angel. In addition there are a couple of BIG reveals that will have a direct impact on the next book (Reaver’s story, back in the Demonica series). One of which was something I had guessed at a while ago, the other came as a bit of a shocker. Neither had huge impacts on this story, but it was exciting to watch the progress of the overall story arc.
And there were definitely some action-filled and tense moments, especially involving the character Lance and the nefarious branch of the Aegis. I was on the edge of my seat several times wondering who would get to key people or information first: the good guys or Lance et. al. This made for some frantic and intense reading!
In the end, I enjoyed most of this story, especially the first two-thirds of the book. Reseph is definitely a favorite redeemed hero. I was even okay with the speed of forgiveness because each sibling did have their chance to “get it out of their system” and tell Reseph how he did hurt them. However, I felt that the conclusion of the book was a bit too simple and almost anti-climatic for my liking. The book spent a lot of time building up to a showdown of good and evil, and as the battle began, the dangers continued to grow. Yet I felt let down by the way in which it was won and the ultimate battle was suddenly over. Nonetheless, Rogue Rider is still a satisfying conclusion to the Lords of Deliverance series, and I look forward to continuing the tale in the next Demonica book!
My Rating:
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Enjoyed - recommend (A-)
Purchase Info:
Reviews in the Series:
GIVEAWAY: I have one (1) set (one winner) of all four of the Lords of Deliverance books by Larissa Ione to giveaway here at That’s What I’m Talking About. The books include: Eternal Rider, Immortal Rider, Lethal Rider, and Rogue Rider. Thank you to Grand Central Publishing for sponsoring the giveaway. To enter, please use the RAFFLECOPTER entry form, below. As part of your entry, please leave a comment answering the question Who is your favorite fictional demon? Winners restricted to US mailing addresses, only. The contest is open from November 20, 2012 until November 30, 2012 at 12:01 AM EST. One (1) winner will be selected from the eligible entries. Book will be sent to winner by the publisher. You do not have to be a Google Friend Connect to enter, but it is always appreciated.
Also, stop over and read my interview with Larissa Ione.
Also, stop over and read my interview with Larissa Ione.
Author Interview & Giveaway: Larissa Ione
Today I have the honor of bringing to you one of my all time favorite authors, Larissa Ione. I had the privilege of meeting Larissa last summer at the Authors After Dark conference. Larissa, an Air Force veteran, traded in a career as a meteorologist to pursue her passion of writing. She now spends her days in pajamas with her computer, strong coffee, and supernatural worlds. She believes in celebrating everything, and would never be caught without a bottle of Champagne chilling in the fridge… just in case. She currently lives in Wisconsin with her U.S. Coast Guard husband, her teenage son, a rescue cat named Vegas, and her very own hellhound, a King Shepherd named Hexe.
Larissa’s final chapter in her Lords of Deliverance paranormal romance series, Rogue Rider, releases today! Keep reading for information on how you can win a set of all four Lords of Deliverance books, courtesy of Grand Central Publishing. Please help me welcome Larissa toThat’s What I’m Talking About.
Twimom: Larissa, welcome and thank you for stopping by. It’s always a pleasure to chat!
Larissa: Thanks for having me! It's always fabulous to be here, and now that I've met you in person, it's even better!
Twimom: First, I need to ask... How did Demon Ducky start?
Larissa: I've always loved ducks. So much so that I even used to hatch them in an incubator in my bedroom (I grew up on a farm.) So one day I saw some rubber duckies that had little demon horns, and at the time I was working on the first Demonica book...and, well, it just all came together. Demon duckies!!!!
Larissa: The series is a continuation of the Demonica series, though it features the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse as the main characters. The first book, Eternal Rider, kicked off because of events in the fifth Demonica book, Sin Undone. Rogue Rider is the fourth book in the Four Horsemen (Lords of Deliverance) series, and it's all about forgiveness and recovery. The hero, Reseph, who was a bad guy named Pestilence for the first three books, must find his way back to being a good guy...and he must also work hard to right the wrongs committed against his family -- and the world.
Twimom: Oh yes, Pestilence was very, very bad!
You’ve said before that you will be returning to the Demonica world starting with *MY* dear Reaver *squee*. Will the next book pick up after the conclusion to Rogue Rider or will you back track some? Do you have a tentative release date? Do you have any other plans for the series you can share?
Larissa: Reaver's book will start exactly where Rogue Rider left off. Since Reaver's memory of everything except the last 30 years is gone, there will be a lot of backtracking in order to get that background, but that'll be done over the course of the story and much of it told through others' eyes. Tentative release date is late fall/early winter 2013. I can't really discuss plans beyond that yet, because things are still stewing in my little brain!
Twimom: Here at That’s What I’m Talking About, we are a team, so I asked the ladies what they would like to know. Nima asks what is your emergency method when you are out and about and the creative lightening strikes? Napkins? Back of hand with a sharpie? Lipstick on the mirror?
Larissa: I try to carry a notebook with me, but I usually end up typing notes into my iPhone.
Twimom: VampBard wonders what your favorite kids' cartoon character is and why.
Larissa: I always loved Shmoo. He was just so cute! I'd also be willing to bet that few readers will even know about Shmoo. That's how old I am!
Twimom: *whispers* I remember Shmoo... Team member Una asks how do your characters come to you? Are they based loosely on people you meet? Possibly from a dream or your past?
Larissa: I honestly don't know how they come to me. They just...do. Usually as I'm writing a book. A new character will just appear on the page. I know that's not a great answer, but it's accurate!
Twimom: Finally, fellow reader and blogger, Rum, would like to know if it is hard for you to write from the male point of views and then switch back to female POVs?
Larissa: Nope, not at all. The key is to know the characters well. If I know the characters, it's as easy to go from male to female as it is to go from male to male or female to female.
Twimom: I always like to ask authors about their reading habits... What types of books do you enjoy reading? What is your favorite read so far in 2012?
Larissa: I read everything, but unfortunately, I don't have a lot of time to read anymore. I'd say my favorite reads are either paranormal romance, fantasy, or historical fiction. My favorite read of 2012 is Lionheart, by Sharon Kay Penman, which actually came out last year but I didn't get a chance to read it until this year.
Twimom: What upcoming releases are you most excited to read?
Larissa: So many! I've got so many books pre-ordered that I can't even keep track of them all. But I know I've got books by Lynn Viehl, Lara Adrian, Stephanie Tyler, Kresley Cold, Jill Shalvis, Maya Banks, Shiloh Walker, Michelle Willingham, Gena Showalter, Britt Bury, and Robert Jordan on my list!
Twimom: Larissa, thank you so much for taking the time to tell my readers a little bit about yourselves and your writing. It was wonderful chatting with you.
Larissa: Thanks again for having me!
You can find Larissa Ione on line at
About Rogue Rider:
The prophecies were there but no one listened. Until now. They are the Lords of Deliverance and they have the power to ward off Doomsday . . . or let it ride.
Jillian Cardiff came to this remote mountain town to forget the demon attack that almost killed her. Instead, she rescues - and falls for - a gorgeous stranger who has no memory of anything other than his name. Handsome, charming and protective, Reseph seems like the kind of man that Jillian can trust. But with hints of a troubling history of his own, he's also the kind of man that can be very dangerous . . .
Reseph may not know his background, or why he mysteriously appeared in Jillian's life, but he knows he wants to stay. Yet when Jillian's neighbours are killed and demon hunters arrive on the scene, Reseph fears that he's putting Jillian in danger. And once it's revealed that Reseph is also Pestilence, the Horseman responsible for ravaging the world with death and destruction, he and Jillian must face the greatest challenge of all: can they forget the horrors of a chilling past to save the future they both desire?
Be sure to stop by for my review of Rogue Rider.
GIVEAWAY: I have one (1) set (one winner) of all four of the Lords of Deliverance books by Larissa Ione to giveaway here at That’s What I’m Talking About. The books include: Eternal Rider, Immortal Rider, Lethal Rider, and Rogue Rider. Thank you to Grand Central Publishing for sponsoring the giveaway. To enter, please use the RAFFLECOPTER entry form, below. As part of your entry, please leave a comment answering the question Who is your favorite fictional demon? While you are not required to be a Google Friend Connect, it is always appreciated. Winners restricted to US mailing addresses, only. The contest is open from November 20, 2012 until November 30, 2012 at 12:01 AM EST. One (1) winner will be selected from the eligible entries. Book will be sent to winner by the publisher.
BE SURE TO LEAVE A COMMENT as well as use the Rafflecopter form TO BE ENTERED!
Saturday, November 10, 2012
Saturday Conversations 11/10/2012
Today I'm short on time, so no lengthy conversations! But I do have a simple question for you... I'm wondering what book/s you are most looking forward to in the next couple months. For me, I'm excited to read the final book in Larissa Ione's Lords of Deliverance series, Rogue Rider (Nov. 20, 2012, Grand Central). Also, Alyssa Day is finishing off her Warriors of Poseidon series with The Heart of Atlantis (Dec. 4, 2012, Berkley). I've been long-time fans of both series and look forward to see how they conclude (look for reviews of both to come!)
What about you? What books are you looking forward to in the next couple of months?
Thursday, May 17, 2012
ARC Review: Lethal Rider by Larissa Ione
Lethal Rider
Author: Larissa Ione
Release Date: May 22, 2012
Publisher: Grand Central
Lords of Deliverance #3
ISBN: #978-0446574501
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Format(s): Paperback (464 pgs), e-book
Book Source: Publisher
About the book:
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Thanatos, the most deadly Horseman of the Apocalypse, has endured thousands of years of celibacy to prevent the end of days. But just one night with the wickedly sexy Aegis Guardian, Regan Cooper, shatters centuries of resolve. Yet their passion comes with a price. And Thanatos must face a truth more terrifying than an apocalypse-he's about to become a father.
Demon-slayer Regan Matthews never imagined herself the maternal type, but with the fate of the world hanging in the balance she had no choice but to seduce Thanatos and bear his child. Now, as the final battle draws closer and his rage at being betrayed is overshadowed by an undeniable passion for the mother of his child, Thanatos has a life-shattering realization: To save the world, he must sacrifice the only thing he's ever wanted-a family.
What I’m talking about:
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Lethal Rider opens roughly 8 months after the exciting conclusion of the second Lords of Deliverance book, Immortal Rider. We are quickly brought up to speed on the state of Regan Matthews, long-time Aegis demon hunter who is 8 months pregnant with the child of the fourth Horsemen of the Apocalypse, Thanatos aka Death. In the previous book we followed Regan as she was tricked into believing that a child by Than would stay the impending Demon Apocalypse. At the end of the book, Than’s brother and sister put him into a coma-like state and did not tell him about the child. Now Than has escaped his catatonic state and tracked down Regan. He is hell-bent on revenge until he finds out she is carrying his child, after which Than experiences an array of emotions and isn’t certain which direction he should take.
First of all... I LOVED this book. I tell you, each subsequent book of Ms. Ione’s series gets better. The opening chapters of Lethal Rider are superb. The story seamlessly moves into the next phase of the story while bringing the reader up to speed on pertinent events from the previous book. The details from the past are woven into this story in a manner that doesn't seem intrusive.
Regan and Than have a lot to overcome, and it’s not a smooth ride. She was brought up to hate demons and although she knows they aren’t all bad, it’s still tough for her to trust in and believe them. Yet she also has a major guilt complex over what happened to Than (she tricked him into having sex with her), even though she was mislead and drugged. Finally, she has low self-confidence, believing that once the baby is born, she will be unwanted by her Aegis family. Than... well, he’s an immortal half angel-half demon, and harbinger of death. He lead a celibate life for roughly 5,000 years, believing if he had sex, his seal would break and he would become the demon, Death. He is alternately lusting after and admiring Regan, then hating her for her part in his “deflowering.”
I will say that I felt sorry for both characters - my heart ached because I felt that they were both victims, and they were both hurt by the situation. I felt that there slow journey to love was well-played and extremely sensual. Although even I had a rough time in the beginning when Than was determined to use Regan as a sex slave to “make up” for the 8 months he was placed in a coma. The section of the book when this issue comes to a confrontation made me very nervous. There is a very fine line -- although, Than may have said to himself he's not going to force Regan to have sex, his words are very much to the contrary. It made me squirm, even with Regan refusing to beg and taking charge of her situation.
Although this is Regan and Than’s story, the supporting characters all play significant rolls. Pestilence, the first Horseman and only sibling to turn evil, is gaining power and control over the Earth. Several times while reading the book, I wondered what an average human was experiencing during these dark days. We see what the demon population is going through, but what about someone like me? I would love to read about that! Pestilence is still utterly wicked and the perfect villain.
There are also a wide array of characters that will continue to be significant in the next book. Some of the Aegis brethren are of particular interest. They make some (in my opinion) really bad decisions and draw a line in the sand. I cannot wait to see what happens next! Plus we have the heavenly watchers Reaver and Harvester... knowing that Reaver’s book is coming out after the final Lords of Deliverance, I am already putting pieces of the puzzle together trying to figure out what will happen. Finally there is an unknown “baddie,” someone helping Pestilence, and WOW - will there be some fall out in the next book. Although I like the twists that lead to some of the actions in Lethal Rider, I was not entirely on board with the reasons behind the biggest one. Unfortunately, I can’t discuss much of that without major spoilers, so you get cryptic here.
Finally, I have to say that the humor in these stories is incredible... Dry, witty and fantabulous!! Sarcasm is infused into almost every character’s persona... Here is a little sample from Regan:
Hanging out with her colleagues in her spare time would be about as fun as unclogging a toilet with a spoon.
In conclusion, Lethal Rider truly is the best book yet from the series. The story had me on the edge of my proverbial seat almost the whole book. The plot was fantastic, the twists and turns suspenseful, and there is still so much to be resolved. I can only imagine where Ms. Ione will take us from here!
My Rating:
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Loved it - enthusiastically recommend (A)
Reviews in the series:
Immortal Rider (Lords of Deliverance #2)
Thursday, December 1, 2011
Review: Immortal Rider
Immortal Rider
Author: Larissa Ione
Release Date: Nov. 22, 2011
Publisher: Grand Central
Lords of Deliverance #2
ISBN: #978-0446574471
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Format(s): Paperback (414 pgs), e-book
Book Source: Publisher
About the book:
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Arik Wagner, a soldier with the U.S. Army's paranormal unit, the R-XR, kissed a girl and liked it. And then he went to hell as punishment. Where he's spent weeks being tortured…and plotting revenge.
Limos, Horsewoman of the Apocalypse, isn't your average girl. She's immortal, dangerous, and her fiancé is Satan himself. In a moment of weakness, she gave in to her desire and kissed Arik, triggering her fiancé's wrath – and his claim on her. In order to save Arik, and the world, Limos must make a dangerous pact with her recently turned evil brother, Pestilence. A deal that might just cost her her soul…and her heart.
What I’m talking about:
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Immortal Rider is the second book of Ms. Ione’s Demonica Series spin-off series, Lords of Deliverance. This series tells of the pending apocalypse by following the Four Horsemen as they struggle to maintain a balance between good and evil. Each is cursed with carrying one of the four Seals of Armageddon (if all four break... hell on earth). Immortal Rider focuses on the only female rider, Limos, aka Famine. Limos is betrothed to the evil Lord Satan, who can claim her if she ever gives in to lust for another. In a moment of weakness she does just that - kissing Arik as she never has any other. This sends Arik to the demon realm to be tortured, and sets of a chain of events which ultimately could break Limos’ seal, setting free Famine.
As events unfold and our hero and heroine are brought together, I am amazed at the intricacy of the storyline and richness of the characters. Ms. Ione has added a whole new level onto her already amazing Demonica world. And unlike the first book, Eternal Rider (review HERE), there isn’t a steep learning curve in Immortal Rider, so the book is less confusing and a smoother read.
One thing I love about this story is that the players are gritty and raw - even the heroes/heroines aren’t always good. This gives the characters complexity and intensity. Limos is a prime example. As a horsewoman raised by demons in the underworld, she longed to marry Satan and bring about the apocalypse. Even after meeting her brothers, she continues to work to bring them down, but over time, she learns to love them and chooses not to marry Satan. Yet, even in the current day and age, when she is “good,” she continues to lie and hurt those around her. She has to own up to her mistakes, which creates a more emotionally driven storyline.
Arik and Limos are HOT. If you haven’t had the pleasure of reading any of Ms. Ione’s work... Well, have a fan, ice water, cold shower, etc. near by. But it’s not all about the hot smex (really, it’s not!). The bonds created around these two characters heightens the emotional satisfaction and HEA conclusion. And let me tell you... it wasn’t just them. I am already head-over-heels in love with Thanatos (aka Death) and Regan... what a cliff-hanger of sorts. Their story comes up next in Lethal Rider (June 2012).
There really wasn’t much I didn’t enjoy about this story. I did feel that there are a few too many “I’m not gay, not that there is anything wrong with that” references, but it didn’t diminish the overall enjoyment of the book. There is some graphic violence, but once again, it’s value-added for the story and not filler for added action. I highly recommend Immoral Rider to all paranormal fans... but I do suggest you start with Eternal Rider first.
My Rating:
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Loved it - enthusiastically recommend (A)
Sunday, April 3, 2011
Sunday Snippets #52
from Eternal Rider by Larissa Ione
Grand Central Publishing
March 29, 2011
**NOTE: this except comes from an uncorrected ARC copy of the book**
One thought dominated his mind as he gated himself back to Greece: She wore Victoria’s Secret boyshorts.
He could so easily envision her lush curves contained in the sexy underwear. Yeah, thongs and lacy panties and crap were nice, but for some reason, the mix of masculine and feminine of the boyshorts worked for him. Really worked.
He’d love to hold her against him while his hands slipped down the back of the boyshorts to cup that tight ass... and fuck, he was obsessing over freaking panties.
Feeling like the Webster’s definition of loser, he stalked through his house, halting at the bedroom door. His heart did something weird against his sternum, a spastic flutter of anticipation. Was he actually looking forward to seeing Cara again? The fucking goofy way his lips were curved into a smile said yes, and horror of horrors, he realized he was experiencing some sort of crush. What the fuck?
He needed to kill something. Needed to get his head back in the battle, reacquire his target, and go on the offensive, because he was doing exactly what he used to berate other men for. Hell, he’d actually arranged for women to seduce enemy commanders, and then he’d waited for their dicks to lean them to distraction and destruction.
Cara must be the ultimate karma.
Monday, March 28, 2011
ARC Review: Eternal Rider
Eternal RiderAuthor: Larissa Ione
Release Date: March 29, 2011
Publisher: Grand Central Publishing
Lords of Deliverance Book #1
ISBN: #978-0446574495
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Format(s): paperback (432 pgs), e-book
I received a copy of this book from the PUBLISHER for the purposes of an honest review.
From the author’s website:
They are here. They ride. The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse.
His name is Ares, and the fate of mankind rests on his powerful shoulders. If he falls to the forces of evil, the world falls too. As one of the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse, he is far stronger than any mortal, but even he cannot fight his destiny forever. Not when his own brother plots against him.
Yet there is one last hope. Gifted in a way other humans can't-or won't-understand, Cara Thornhart is the key to both this Horseman's safety and his doom. But involving Cara will prove treacherous, even beyond the maddening, dangerous desire that seizes them the moment they meet. For staving off eternal darkness could have a staggering cost: Cara's life.
What I’m talking about:
Although new, the Lords of Deliverance series is set in Ms. Ione’s amazing DEMONICA world. Many of the characters and locations from her previous series are present and active participants of this new book. The mythology and rules follow suit. It’s a great continuation for fans of the Demonica series, but it’s also a wonderful place to “jump in” if you are new to Ms. Ione’s work.
The series centers around the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse, but this isn’t your run-of-the-mill retelling. Ms. Ione creates here own version of these biblical characters, two of which made an appearance in Larissa’s fifth Demonica Series book, Sin Undone. In fact, this book takes place shortly after the conclusion of Sin Undone.
Eternal Rider features the second horseman, Ares aka “War.” He is over 5,000 years old and has been living a fairly quite existence along side his sister and brothers after being cursed to carry the Seals of Armageddon. In Sin Undone, the Seal of the first horseman, Pestilence, broke, turing Ares’ fun-loving brother into a pure evil demon hell-bent on breaking the Seals of his siblings, therefore bringing about the end of days. Each horseman has an “Achilles heel” that can cause his/her Seal to break. For Ares, it happens to be the life of a human woman, Cara.
Cara’s solitary life is going nowhere, and she is a shell of her former self. When she happens to get mixed up with a hellhound and mistaken for a demon, her life is forever changed. Soon she comes under the protection of Ares and his “good siblings,” for her death would mean the fall of the second horseman and rise of War. As Cara learns about the paranormal world she never knew existed, she regains her inner strength and becomes more alive.
Ms. Ione has another winner with Eternal Rider! She takes the already magnificent world from her Demonica Series and adds more layers without creating unnecessary rules or confusion. The mythology flows naturally from one series to the next. For those that haven’t read the Demonica Series (YOU SHOULD!), there may be a bit of a learning curve when it comes to the terminology and characters, but it is worth the time (she even includes a handy glossary in the front).
One thing that I love about Ms. Ione’s writing is that she doesn’t follow any “preset patterns” for paranormal romances. For example: Ares and Cara are a great couple. One thing that I adore about them is that they are not a pre-destined pair. They meet, they get to know one another, they deal with life-and-death situations and they fall in love - even though neither of them is looking for it to happen. And I adore Ares wonderful sense of self-humor. I love his self-berating diatribes over his sometimes silly teenager-like obsessions over Cara.
Another example of how this story goes it’s own way is found in “turned” brother Reseph aka “Pestilence.” He. Is. Evil. In a genre filled with “happy endings,” I kept hoping, like the siblings, the Reseph would have a moment of compassion, but there are no redeeming qualities to this demon. Pestilence is to Reseph what Angelus is to Angel (from the Buffy the Vampire Slayer TV series): a pure evil soul trying to wipeout the memories of the “good guy” he once was. A character you truly hate.
This tale is full of fast moving action and steamy romance. A warning - there is some graphic violence, but it’s not added for shock value--it’s an intricate part to the telling of the story. And I will admit, for most of the book I felt the smex wasn’t on par with the erotic tellings in the Demonic books, but Ms. Ione comes through in the end with some steamy stuff! *blushes* This story is a MUST for Demonica Series fans and worth the read for anyone else!
My Rating:
Really enjoyed - strongly recommend (A-)
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