Icy Temptation introduces us to Gannon, Jalen, Keiran, Malik and Trae. Not only are they the five members of the rock band Soar, but they are also Alte. The Alte have lived alongside humans for thousands of years. Although they are equipped with ways to hide their true selves, they have been seen by humans in past. Because of their wings and ability to fly, the humans who have seen them mistake them for angels. After surviving a virus that killed off their race, these sole survivors are now immortal. They live out their lives rocking the masses. When Arwen's best friend, Natalya invites her to a Soar concert she cannot refuse. Though she spends her time either training and coaching competitive figure skaters or at home alone, she considers herself one of Soar's biggest fans. She's dying to see the lead singer, Gannon, she's been crushing on in person. As Gannon sings the band's love song, their eyes meet and neither can deny the strong connection they felt. Brushing it off as a night to remember, Arwen returns to her life on the ice. Gannon, however, cannot leave Kalamazoo without meeting the first woman to intrigue him in over 1,000 years. When he shows up at the Skate Club, Arwen cannot believe her eyes. The two begin their whirlwind romance, which is more than either could have expected, when a surprising evil appears and threatens everything. I enjoyed this short introduction into Marisa's Angels of Rock series. At times, the story felt a bit rushed. It definitely had insta-love factor often found in erotic paranormal romance novels, but this didn't bother me because the two seemed to be good for each other despite their differences. I also enjoyed meeting the other members of the band and look forward to their books in the future.

Outcome sets the stage for Edward Robertson's Breakers series. When Ellie Colson, an agent with the Department of Advance Analysis, sees the rate of infection she knows if she doesn't make it to NYC now she may never see her ex-fiancé again. So, against orders, she heads out in hopes that she's able to find him in time to get to safety. Meanwhile, in NYC, Chip and his adopted daughter are shuffled off the Metro into quarantine. Separated from his daughter and with no one answering his questions, Chip is beyond confused and frustrated when Ellie bursts in his cell to break him out. Can the two find Dee before it's too late? Ellie knows the virus progresses quickly, but Chip will not leave the city without his daughter.I really enjoyed this short. I like Edward's style of writing, although it's a bit King-esque in parts (which I consider a positive and a negative at times). I also like his characters sense of humor, strength, and determination. I may continue the series, which begins with [b:Breakers|13485992|Breakers|Edward W. Robertson|http://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/books/1337276129s/13485992.jpg|19022257].{Rating: 3.5★}

Three friends are excited to run in a zombie flag football type marathon when things go from "wish these zombies were real" to "oh, shit, this is for real" very quickly. This short was a quick, entertaining read. But, it would benefit from some editing.

{3.5★}

All Over You introduces us to Lucas Wolfe, the arrogant lead singer of a popular rock band and the attractive yet timid wardrobe assistant, Sienna. Lucas, known for his one-night stands, is used to getting exactly what he wants when he wants it. Now, it's Sienna he wants. Aware of his reputation but drawn to Lucas, Sienna accepts his dinner invitation. Fearful of what will happen if Lucas' controlling ex, Sam, catches him with Sienna, he freaks out and yells at her to leave. Understandably upset and humiliated by the experience, Sienna does more than leave his house - she disappears from his life completely. He's quick to realize his mistake, but will Sienna be willing to give his rocker another shot?According to the blurb, All Over You is a prequel, which takes place two years before the events in [b:Devoured|15981894|Devoured (Devoured, #1)|Emily Snow|https://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/books/1347063810s/15981894.jpg|21734801]. I may have enjoyed this short a bit more if I'd read it after the first book instead of before it. Sadly, I could not connect with Lucas in the way I'm sure the author intended. His egotistical behavior overshadowed the sexual appeal and intensity I'd hoped to find. That said, I may continue the series to see how their relationship evolves. {Undecided rating: 2.5-3★}

Spasibo, Roxie, for creating a series based on sexy Russians. I have many Russian friends and, once they welcome you into their lives, they are nothing if not loyal and protective. The same is true in Ivan, the first in the author's Her Russian Protector series. At first, it seemed a bit odd that Erin would risk the unknown when she walked into the fight club training center looking for the man who might be able to help her locate her missing sister. But, Roxie did a great job of providing enough of the characters' past life experiences and friendships to make it believable. In 99 pages, we learn about Erin, her sister, and her girlfriends' past as well as a bit about Ivan, Nikolai, Yuri and Dimitri, the Russian protectors who are spotlighted in other books in the series. Ivan got me interested in the world and the lives of the characters. I look forward to reading more about these men.Reading Order for Her Russian Protector [bc:Ivan|18047887|Ivan (Her Russian Protector #1)|Roxie Rivera|http://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/books/1374636864s/18047887.jpg|25329157][bc:Dimitri|17728691|Dimitri (Her Russian Protector, #2)|Roxie Rivera|http://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/books/1365007666s/17728691.jpg|24800107][bc:Yuri|17728718|Yuri (Her Russian Protector, #3)|Roxie Rivera|http://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/books/1365008229s/17728718.jpg|24800142][bc:Nikolai|17728721|Nikolai (Her Russian Protector, #4)|Roxie Rivera|http://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/books/1365008282s/17728721.jpg|24800151]

Too bad this one wasn't a full-length novel. Despite it's length, I really enjoyed the story and the characters. Some authors have difficulty with shorts - they often lack a beginning, middle and end. That was not the case here. The author did a good job of introducing the characters and setting the scene for the story. I look forward to reading more by Cynthia Eden.

Trail of Dead picks up a couple of months after the events in [b:Dead Spots|16037696|Dead Spots (Scarlett Bernard, #1)|Melissa F. Olson|http://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/books/1356384244s/16037696.jpg|21811778]. Since then, Scarlett has been trying to find answers. She returns home only to be cornered at the airport by Jesse, the human LAPD officer who helped her with the last case. He's got another crime scene to show her and he wants answers. She's been gone and hasn't had a chance to check in with Dash, Will, or Kirsten since landing, so she doesn't have much to offer. But, at the scene, it is clear that someone's cleaned it and Jesse's not happy. He continues to struggle for a balance between his morals and desire for justice and what he knows Scarlett does to keep Old World secrets.She is once again tasked with working along side Jesse to solve a case. During their investigation, connections form between the crimes that are happening and Scarlett's former mentor, Olivia. She wants Scarlett and will stop at nothing to have her.Urban fantasy fans are sure to love this series. It has Old World mysteries, a mix of supernaturals, a morally-conflicted, warmhearted, human cop and a touch of romance. I am anxious for the next adventure with Scarlett.

With Dead Spots, Melissa has created a closed world where supernaturals, those with Old World magic (vampires, werewolves and witches), do what they can to keep their existence hidden from humans. LA is one of the rare cities where the Old World creatures share territory more or less in peace ... where Dashiell, cardinal vampire, is in charge. But, the weres take care of their own while the witches do the same. Dash takes charge if/when things overlap. Scarlett Bernard is a null - a "dead spot in the supernatural world". If any supernatural enters her "little circle of peace", which ranges about ten feet around her, "... they lose whatever was supernatural about them." Most of the wolves don't mind because when they're around her, their wolf calms and they are at peace. The vampires are another matter. They regain their humanity around Scarlett; they must breathe and they can be harmed. So, it makes sense that not all of them would willingly enter her field. She keeps her distance, whenever possible, to be respectful of this. There is one vampire, however, Molly who was turned young and wishes to age. She spends as much time as possible with Scarlett and enjoys being human while she can.As a null, Scarlett works for Dash, Will (the werewolf leader) and Kirsten (the witch leader) as a cleaner. She cleans sites of supernatural traces before the police become involved. At least, that's the plan. But, in the case of this particular crime scene, Scarlett arrives too late and is spotted by Officer Jesse Cruz before she can do any cleaning. Thankfully, for Scarlett, a werewolf bounds into her field and is instantly returned to his human form, which shocks Jesse long enough for her to get away.It doesn't take him much time to track her down and start asking questions. Scarlett, given permission to read him in on Old World issues, does what she can to help him understand what happened. He's struggling with her job and the consequences of knowing about the supernatural. He wants justice, human justice, for the crime that has been committed, but he quickly learns that may not be possible. "We sort of have our own justice system. And in the system, everyone can tell if you're lying, and smell where you've been, or do a spell that recreates the whole scene. Physical evidence just isn't important. For that, the only thing that matters is getting rid of it before it draws attention in your {human} world." I really enjoyed Dead Spots. Melissa has done a fantastic job on her debut and I look forward to reading more about Scarlett and gang. It's clear that Scarlett has a lot to learn about a null's abilities. I look forward to learning along with her. The only downside for me ... a budding love triangle, which I dread. Especially when, much like these three, I like all of the characters involved.

Embattled Hearts, the first full-length novel in Madden's Lost and Found series, focuses on John Palmer. Since his medical discharge from the USMC due to an incomplete spinal cord injury, the former Gunny has become a part of the Lost 'N' Found Investigative Service with his buddies. He handles the online crimes and technological side of the business. Six months ago, Shannon Murphy was hired to be the agency's office manager. Shannon's appearance has reignited something in John. Similarly, Shannon "finds herself hopelessly attracted to the sex-on-wheels former Marine". When an old threat reappears in her life and John insists on protecting her, the two find it difficult to hide their feelings for one another. Shannon, accustomed to being around someone in a wheelchair, has a warm heart and slowly breaks through John's rough exterior. It's time he let go of the anger and embrace what is right in front of him. While the suspense was not necessarily super suspenseful for me, I love these guys and want to see them all find the love they so richly deserve. I felt Shannon was a perfect match for John. Whenever I had to step away from the book, these characters were always on my mind. Madden writes them so well; you begin to picture them and their lives. I am anxious to read more in the series. Book 2, [b:Embattled Minds|17725791|Embattled Minds (Lost and Found, #2)|J.M. Madden|http://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/books/1364905513s/17725791.jpg|24794680], which tells Zeke's story, is out now. Although is it not necessary to read the prequel [b:The Embattled Road|16283298|The Embattled Road (Lost and Found, #.05)|J.M. Madden|http://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/books/1354976843s/16283298.jpg|22386578] first, I would recommend you read it. It offers insight into the main characters and their fight to go on and rebuild their lives following devastating wartime injuries and subsequent medical release from the military.Of note ~ a portion of the proceeds from this book will be donated to the Wounded Warriors Project.

Final Thoughts:I enjoyed learning more about Volusian more than anything. I didn't feel a desperate need for certain outcomes, probably because of how long I waited to read this one. And, while there were loose ends remaining, I think I am okay with how the series ended.

Parasite was a disturbingly engrossing (and just plain gross) read. Mira takes her time introducing the readers to Sally Mitchell. She has just woken up to a room full of bright lights and odd sounds. Those odd sounds are gasps of surprise and tears of joy. You see, Sally was declared brain dead following a major car accident and her family was just about to pull the plug. Only the thing of it is, Sally doesn't remember anything about the person she used to be - she's a clean slate, in fact, with no memories whatsoever. Fast forward six years and now she's just Sal. Sal who is forced to undergo therapy sessions with a doctor who's grin shows too much teeth. She lives with her parents and a sister who keep waiting for her to regain her memories. She has a job she loves working with animals at a local shelter. She has a caring boyfriend who loves her for who she is. She just wants to be. Though her body is older, she's only six years old, so everyone's over protection of her is somewhat understood. She's struggling to prove that she's achieved a lot - she's now able to read, take care of herself, maintain a job, and form healthy relationships - but they see her differently. She is different, so much so that, apart from her boyfriend Nathan, they can't help but think she's hiding something. That alone would make for an interesting story - an amnesiac looking to build a new life. But, this is the year 2027 and most of the world's population have had parasitic implants called Intestinal Bodyguards, which were developed by a corporation called SymboGen. A decade in the future, humanity thrives in the absence of sickness and disease.We owe our good health to a humble parasite - a genetically engineered tapeworm developed by the pioneering SymboGen Corporation. When implanted, the tapeworm protects us from illness, boosts our immune system - even secretes designer drugs. It's been successful beyond the scientists' wildest dreams. Now, years on, almost every human being has a SymboGen tapeworm living within them. Sal owes her life to SymboGen because without her parasite she would have died. Since she woke, she's been "under the care" of SymboGen. The bonus is that all of her medical care is paid for by them. The downside is that she is subjected to a number of tests twice-yearly including ongoing mental health therapy sessions.When people begin suffering and dying from what's being called the "sleeping sickness" and Sal and her boyfriend, Nathan, who is a parasite-free parasitologist, are caught in the middle of it all they work to try to find out the cause and how to stop it. Sal's father, an Army Colonel and director of the local medical research center, is looking for answers as well. What they discover is bizarre, intriguing, and just plain scary to contemplate. "It was for science, and as long as something is for science, it's worth doing. It's just not necessarily worth repeating." Throughout the book, Mira incorporates snippets from books and interviews to feed the reader some history about the creation of the Intestinal Bodyguard and the scientists behind it. The whole time I kept asking myself, would people really jump at the chance to swallow a parasite pill? Would I? Would the benefits outweigh the fact that a tapeworm* was swimming in your gut? (* beware what you Google after reading this book)The mysteries may have been riddles the characters worked hard to solve, but the reader will find many of them less of a challenge. Be that as it may, it did not take away from the overall enjoyment of the story, in my opinion. The anticipation, as we wait for the characters to come to the same realizations we have, was part of what made the story. What I wasn't expecting, however, was the TO BE CONTINUED ending. I am not a fan, but we did learn just enough to hold us over until [b:Symbiogenesis|13641108|Symbiogenesis (Parasitology, #2)|Mira Grant|/assets/nocover/60x80.png|19255873] comes out, though no word on when that will be. Thank you to NetGalley and Orbit Books/Hachette Book Group for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of the book for an honest and fair review. Further reading on the hygiene hypothesis:Scientific American's "Can It Be Bad to Be Too Clean?: The Hygiene Hypothesis"UCLA Health's "Why are Allergies Increasing?"

As a Marine wife, I'd like to thank Ms. Madden for writing a story that reminds us all of the effects of war - both physical and mental - on our serving men and women. OORAH!I was extremely moved by Duncan, Chad and John's back story. And, I'm super excited about their individual stories as they build their investigative business and rebuild their lives.

Gravity grabbed me from the start and wouldn't let go. I read this baby in one sitting. The year is 2133 ...❉ A human and alien treaty is in place From that moment on {the signing of the treaty}, we were no longer just human beings - we were hosts. We provide them with antibodies through the Taking so they can survive on Earth, which is the only reason we're alive. Had their bodies responded to Earth as they had hoped, we would all be gone. Genocide of the human species. Instead, they needed us - and we needed them. Our planet was destroyed, and they alone possessed the ability to terraform Earth back to health. ❉ At age 10, children are given their Patch and told about the Taking {Because of the patch} ... our bodies don't feel the Ancients receiving our antibodies ... our daily supplements guarantee we have plenty ... our assigned Ancient will come into our room at midnight ... the Ancient will Take for thirty minutes before returning to Loge, their planet ... When we first meet Ari Alexander, she's 10 and about to receive her patch. After we learn a little about the Patch, the Taking and the events following World War IV, the story jumps ahead seven years. Ari is peering out of her window, in hopes of spotting her Ancient (alien), when she realizes her Patch is missing. Fearing punishment, execution or a dose of a 24-hr memory serum, she does everything she can to prepare herself for her patchless Taking. What happens next makes Ari question everything she's been taught and believed about the world she lives in. Other than what felt like an overuse of the word composite throughout the book, I thoroughly enjoyed this story. It was hard, at first, to remember that these kids are growing up in a world where certain things are taken as a given and not to be questioned. Later, when they finally did begin to question things, we really get to know more about what's going on behind the scenes and the intensity of the story picks up. Ari has a big decision to make - continue on and do what she's always been told is right or trust her instincts and do what she knows is right?Some readers may be turned off by the insta-love factor, but I was not. I enjoyed getting to know each of the characters and, for me, their relationships felt real and understandable considering the world they live in. It's like gravity disappears when he's around and I'm lost, no longer sure of anything.It's as though chaos and perfection slammed into each other and he's the result. Certain realizations will be clear to the reader before they become clear to Ari, but not unrealistically so. She is a strong, fierce and courageous. I am glad that I waited to read this book because I have little time to wait for the next book, [b:Hover|16032322|Hover (The Taking, #2)|Melissa West|http://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/books/1354511362s/16032322.jpg|21802937] due out in Aug, which takes us Loge.

It is always sad to see a long-time series come to an end. And, yes, for me, Sookie is no different. Along with millions of others, I started reading this series over ten years ago. We've witnessed all sorts of magical mayhem in Bon Temps over that time. We've seen Sookie discover and romance vampires. So, it was no surprise that she was hurt when Eric said he'd always planned on making her vampire. Or that he planned on making her a vampire. I would have been surprised if he hadn't planned on trying to turn her. Still, it was sad to see them split and instead become the queen's consort. Bleh. I'm sure Pam will do a great job filling his now empty shoes. We've met shifters, witches and fae. Throughout the series, Sookie has had several different love affairs. Some I wished would end and some I wished would endure. In the end, Charlaine chose the boy she felt best suited Sookie. When I took into consideration all of the frustrations Sookie has faced throughout the series, this relationship choice made sense. That said, Sookie and Sam's enthusiastic "mating" felt oddly uncomfortable to me. They'd been more like brother and sister to me - always able to rely on each other no matter what, but with no romantic feelings from/for either. Yuck. I love Sam. Really. He's a great guy, but I just never saw him as a good choice for Sookie. Sadly, I had no real interest in the "mystery" in this book. It surprised me that after all these characters have been through together, Charlaine would choose to go this route. While we were reunited with some of Sookie's magical friends, I wanted more interaction between long-time characters instead. It's the last hoorah, the big finale, yet I didn't feel, well, anything. Rather, much of this book felt like just another installment in the series with more to come. I'm hoping that [b:After Dead: What Came Next in the World of Sookie Stackhouse|17239876|After Dead What Came Next in the World of Sookie Stackhouse (Sookie Stackhouse, #13.5)|Charlaine Harris|http://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/books/1364533931s/17239876.jpg|23766743] really does answer some of the lingering questions that remain following this finale.

Sanctum tells the story of Ryan, Sanctum's manager and Dom-in-Residence. While he's been in previous installments, he's always been a bit of mystery - until now. This Dom, who discovered the lifestyle early in life, gave up the submissive he cannot forget when his professional life took a turn for the worse. Since then, he's been unable to move on. ... sex is on the menu at Sanctum every night. That didn't mean he had to partake. He was on a diet. A starvation diet. "Second chance romance" appears to be Lexi's current theme (as seen in [b:On Her Master's Secret Service|16169141|On Her Master's Secret Service (Masters and Mercenaries, #4)|Lexi Blake|http://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/books/1353807822s/16169141.jpg|22015453], [b:Sanctum|17906937|Sanctum (Masters and Mercenaries, #4.5)|Lexi Blake|http://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/books/1368544726s/17906937.jpg|25088955], and upcoming in [b:Love and Let Die|16205936|Love and Let Die (Masters and Mercenaries, #5)|Lexi Blake|http://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/books/1368558820s/16205936.jpg|22155075]) for her Masters. I wouldn't have guessed I was a fan. But, when you have two people who were torn apart because of either their own or outside actions and they are so clearly meant for each other, you cannot help but cheer them on and hope they find a way to rebuild their relationship. Other than being a bit too short, I loved this story and look forward to more Masters and Mercenaries.