Marked (Servants of Fate #1)
   by: Sarah Fine

Publication Date: Jan. 1, 2015
Publisher: 47North
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Age Group: Adult
Source: Purchased for Kindle
Page Count: 332 pages
Order Links: Amazon | B&N
My Rating: 4.5/5 stars

In a broken landscape carved by environmental collapse, Boston paramedic Cacia Ferry risks life and limb on the front lines of a fragile and dangerous city. What most don’t know—including her sexy new partner, Eli Margolis—is that while Cacy works to save lives, she has another job ferrying the dead to the Afterlife. Once humans are “Marked” by Fate, the powerful Ferrys are called to escort the vulnerable souls to either eternal bliss or unending fire and pain.

Unaware of Cacy’s other life, Eli finds himself as mesmerized by his fierce and beautiful partner as he is mistrustful of the influential Ferry clan led by the Charon—who happens to be Cacy’s father. Cacy, in turn, can no longer deny her intense attraction to the mysterious ex-Ranger with a haunted past. But just as their relationship heats up, an apparent hit takes the Charon before his time. Shaken to the core, Cacy pursues the rogue element who has seized the reins of Fate, only to discover that Eli has a devastating secret of his own. Not knowing whom to trust, what will Cacy have to sacrifice to protect Eli—and to make sure humanity’s future is secure?

 

I loved Sarah Fine's Guards of the Shadowlands series, so I was excited to see that she had written an Adult Paranormal series as well! I really enjoyed the premise of this one and learning about the Ferrys and Kers. I've always been a bit obsessed with mythology as well as the underworld. The Persephone myth is always a favorite, as well as Dante's Inferno, and more. In Marked Cacia (Cacy) Ferry and her family can traverse back and forth through the veil, which separates the living from the dead. It is their job to ferry souls into the afterlife. It is the job of the Keres to mark humans for death, getting their assignments from the Fates, the sisters of Moros, the leader of the Kers. Moros and the Ferrys have a rather uneasy understanding between them. I really love that the line between good and evil is really blurred here. Just because a Ker marks humans for death, doesn't necessarily mean they are evil. The same goes for being a Ferry. Just because they guide souls to their afterlife doesn't make them good either.

 

The Ferry family is a powerful one in Boston and their names are well known throughout the city. Cacy and her brother Declan both work as paramedics, trying to save lives- not just sending the dead through the portal to their afterlife. It gives them a purpose and I liked how much their job meant to them. Cacy is assigned a new partner named Eli, who has just moved to Boston with his older sister, Galena, who is working as a scientist. Galena has been through some pretty heavy stuff so Eli is quite overprotective of her. It's really sweet and shows you what a good guy he is. I loved him from the start, so naturally I was rooting for him and Cacy to get together.

 

I really liked Cacy and Eli's relationship. Fine certainly knows how to build up the tension between them and there were parts I wanted to scream because I couldn't stand Cacy pulling away from him. She has been afraid to fall in love, especially after her last relationship didn't work out so well. I understand her fears, but she is missing out on this amazing guy! As this is an adult novel, Fine does incorporate some very sexy scenes into the novel and they worked so well with Cacy and Eli's passionate relationship.

 

I will say this about Fine. She isn't afraid to pull a fast one on you. There's a pretty huge turn of events in this book, and I was terrified to see how she would resolve it. This is a series, so we do not get a definitive ending. The next book focuses more on Galena and Declan, but I don't think Cacy and Eli's story is quite over yet. I am really looking forward to seeing where Fine takes us next, especially after everything that happened in this book! You are in for quite the ride in this one- as I said earlier, good versus evil isn't cut and dry and I didn't know who to trust for a good portion of the book! I love Fine's writing style and I couldn't turn the pages fast enough to find out what was going to happen next!

 

 

 

 

Claimed (Servants of Fate #2)
   by: Sarah Fine

Publication Date: Mar. 24, 2015
Publisher: 47North
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Age Group: Adult
Source: e-ARC provided via NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Page Count: 341 pages
Order Links: Amazon | B&N
My Rating: 4.25/5 stars

Galena Margolis, a brilliant scientist with a tragic past, is determined to fulfill her destiny and develop the vaccine that could save millions. Yet when Galena’s test subjects meet with foul play, it’s clear that someone is still determined to stop her, and that Galena herself is a target. As the Ferry empire forges a plan to keep her safe, Declan Ferry, the politics-hating black sheep of the family, steps forward to protect her—but the emotional cost may be more than either of them is willing to pay.

As unknown enemies close in, it becomes terrifyingly clear that they threaten to destroy not only Galena’s lifesaving work but also the very fabric of fate. As Galena and Declan race to uncover the traitor, they also forge a special bond that could save both Galena and those she’s sworn to help. Torn apart by the past and hunted by those she trusted, can Galena find room amidst her fears for a passion that could make her stronger than ever? And even if she and Declan can find their way together, will it be enough to keep the future from coming apart at the seams?

 

 

I have to admit, when I realized this wouldn't be following Eli and Cacy again, I was a little disappointed. I really fell hard for those two in Marked and I just wanted to see them show us that love can overcome all odds. However, Fine does a really good job of switching main characters in this one and still keep the overall storyline moving in the same direction. I ended up loving Galena and Dec and their romance was just what I needed. It was slow and sweet, but sexy and intense at the same time.

 

Dr. Galena Margolis is a critical part of the future with her scientific knowledge that is on the brink of creating a vaccine that will help so many people. However, there are those who do not want her to succeed, and it's her life on the line. The Ferrys and the Keres have agreed to keep her safe, but it is clear there are those who would stop at nothing to see her and her work destroyed. Declan, Cacy's brother, is intrigued by Galena and finds himself wanting to protect her. The lengths he goes to for her for her felt so natural to me and while their relationship might have started out rather unconventionally- they grew into it and it really worked. He is such a good guy and I really loved that about him. Galena becomes his number one priority and I loved his immediate devotion to her. Sigh. He is incredibly patient with her as well, knowing she has been through a very traumatic experience.

 

I really liked Galena. She has been through one of the worst things imaginable and yet she is still determined to fight back. She allows herself to trust in Dec and giving him that trust was such a big step for her. It wasn't easy and that's not to say she wasn't scared, but she sought strength in him and together they were a great pair.

 

There is a rogue Ker that is targeting other Keres, making them feel uncontrollable rage, bringing all the negative to the surface and times it by a thousand. This definitely causes problems, especially since Keres are supposed to have a treaty with the Ferrys. Fine constantly keeps you on your toes as to who can truly be trusted.

 

I thought the development with Moros was quite intriguing and I am really looking forward to seeing how it will be handled in the next book. There is something simmering underneath the surface between him and the eldest Ferry sister, Aislin, and I cannot wait to see where Fine is going to take them and end the series!

 

 

Changing His Game
    by: Megan Erickson

Publication Date: Apr. 28, 2015
Publisher: Entangled: Brazen
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Age Group: Adult
Source: e-ARC provided via the publisher in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Page Count: 172 pages
Order Links: Amazon | B&N
My Rating: 4.25/5 stars

He controls the game, but she’s rewriting all the rules…

Marley Lake is no stranger to awkwardness, but getting caught watching a dirty GIF by the company’s hot new IT guy exceeds even her standards. That is, until she realizes he's as turned on by it as she is. But with a big promotion on the line, she refuses to let her current dry spell be her downfall. Maybe.

Austin Rivers has no business lusting after the irresistible editor of Gamers Magazine. He's a secret partner in the business—and technically Marley’s boss. One look at that GIF, though, and he’s ready to install a whole lot more than just software…as long as she never finds out who he really is.

But reality’s not as virtual as it seems, and when Austin’s identity jeopardizes Marley’s promotion, he has to change his game or risk losing the only woman with the cheat code to his heart.

 

 

The inner gamer in me was going all kinds of crazy upon reading this book. Cosplay? Comic Con? I was all about it! Someday in my life I WILL go to Comic Con in California, as well as Blizz Con. I haven't played video games in awhile, as I went the more MMO route with World of Warcraft, but no matter. I could still relate to Marley and Austin on their nerdy level of awesome.

 

This book is so freaking hot. Let's just lay it out there like it is. Austin is pretty much my dream guy, minus the awkward conversations that could sometimes take place with them. He definitely came full circle and was more comfortable with her by the end. But his sexy talk? Sweet baby Jesus. I am all for an alpha nerd. Marley and Austin had some amazing chemistry and I loved how spontaneous and naughty these two were! Having read many a Brazen, I am happy to say Megan fits in so very well with this imprint!

 

Austin knows he shouldn't let Marley affect him so much, but he can't help but be attracted to her. While there's no policy against inter-office dating, he IS technically her boss which just leads to bad juju. Marley is vying for a promotion and it would obviously look really bad to the rest of the staff if her and Austin are discovered. Then again, Marley herself doesn't even know about Austin, so I was a little irritated with him for not coming clean, as it's not fair to keep such a huge bit of information from her. I do understand his hesitance in telling the truth, as Austin has been cheated before by people close to him. However, when he realized that Marley wouldn't do that to him, he should have opened up. Not to mention, Marley has worked really hard to earn her position and she deserves that promotion. I would hate for her to feel like she only got it because she's been getting down and dirty with the boss.

 

Austin might be an alpha in the bedroom, but Marley is no pushover. I love that. She challenges him and when she realizes the truth about Austin she takes some time to get her head wrapped around everything that happened and whether or not she can trust him moving forward. His grand gesture at the end was perfection and I was a total puddle of melted goo!

 

I also really enjoyed getting to know Grant, Austin's co-owner of Gamers and Marley's boss, his 14 year old daughter Sydney, and Chad, Marley's brother. They were all great additions to the book and I can't wait to read more about them in the future. I especially can't wait for Grant's book and I really hope his is next!

 

Overall, this was a fast, sexy read and I cannot wait for more nerdy steamy awesomeness in the next installment!  

Becoming Rain (Burying Water #2)
    by: K.A. Tucker

Publication Date: Mar. 3, 2015
Publisher: Atria Books
Genre: Contemporary Romantic Suspense
Age Group: New Adult
Source: e-ARC received via NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Page Count: 384 pages
Order Links: Amazon | B&N
My Rating: 4.25/5 stars

Luke Boone doesn't know exactly what his uncle Rust is involved in but he wants in on it-the cars, the money, the women. And it looks like he's finally getting his wish. When Rust hands him the managerial keys to the garage, they come with a second set-one that opens up the door to tons of cash and opportunity. Though it's not exactly legal, Luke's never been one to worry about that sort of thing. Especially when it puts him behind the wheel of a Porsche 911 and onto the radar of gorgeous socialite named Rain.

Clara Bertelli is at the top of her game-at only twenty-six years old, she's one of the most successful undercover officers in the Washington D.C. major crime unit, and she's just been handed a case that could catapult her career and expose one of the west coast's most notorious car theft rings. But, in order to do it, she'll need to go deep undercover as Rain Martines. Her target? The twenty-four-year old nephew of a key player who appears ready to follow in his uncle's footsteps.

As Clara drifts deeper into the luxurious lifestyle of Rain, and further into the arms of her very attractive and charming target, the lines between right and wrong start to blur, making her wonder if she'll be able to leave it all behind. Or if she'll even want to.

 

 

Despite a slower start, this book blew me away! Tucker did an amazing job with the intricacies of the plot and I remember thinking, 'Wow, this is so detailed and well thought out!' I absolutely adored the plot of this one. I know I mentioned a slower start, but I think it's because I was getting antsy with the romance. I wanted things to start happening sooner than they did. But once they do... oh my. I really ended up loving Luke and Rain together and I was heartsick over the fallout you know is eventually coming for them.

 

I think what got me in the beginning is that Luke didn't really notice Rain and it took awhile for her to work her magic on him. I felt bad for her because she's a little confused as to why she's not drawing him in. She's everything he could want, so why so much work? Luke has a lot going on, what with trying to get into his uncle's secretive business. As the blurb states, Luke isn't quite sure of what exactly is uncle is involved in, but knows it will bring him everything he could want, including his respect. Luke's uncle, Rust, is a father figure to him, and while he might not be involved in the most legal of things, he didn't come across as a bad guy- just that of a businessman. This business however, has attracted the watchful eye of the FBI and that is where Clara, I mean, Rain, comes in. It is her job to get close to Luke and hopefully bust open the entire illegal car ring operation.

 

I love how Rain works her way into Luke's life, making him reevaluate his stance on relationships. He hasn't had time for one previously and is happy with his set up with a no strings waitress, Priscilla. However, he likes the way Rain carries herself and how real she is. It's funny that he thinks this, considering Rain is an alias, but still- she does let parts of her true self come out, so I don't feel it was a complete lie. I felt for Rain. As she gets to know Luke, she can't help but hope that he isn't a bad guy- but just a misguided one. The deeper Rain gets with Luke, the more the lines start to blur between the man who is her target and the man she's slowly falling for. Seeing her so torn over what she knows she has to do is heartwrenching and the fact that she is hiding things from her team really worried me because I didn't want her to lose Luke, but I didn't want her to sacrifice her job either.

 

Overall, I really liked this one. I would have liked a bit more from the epilogue, but I feel it was still a fitting way to end the book. I am also so happy we got to see a bit of Alex and Jesse too. It always makes me happy when we get to check up on previous characters and make sure they're doing well together. Even though this book started off a bit slower paced for me, I promise you it picks up and I was completely enraptured with the story, the romance, and the anticipation of what was to come and how it would all end. K.A. Tucker is one of my favorite authors and I am happy to report that this one did not disappoint!