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Review: Dark Debt (Chicagoland Vampires #11) by Chloe Neill

A vampire never gets old. But neither do his enemies. When a figure from Ethan's dark past makes a splashy debut in Chicago, Merit and her Master don't know whether he's friend or foe. But they'll have to figure out soon, because trouble is brewing in the Windy City.

At an exclusive society soiree attended by the upper echelons of the human and supernatural worlds, Merit and Ethan barely stop the assassination of a guest. When the target turns out to be a shady businessman with a criminal edge, Merit suspects a human vendetta. But the assassins have fangs....

The connections to Chicago's Houses go deeper than Merit knows, and even one wrong move could be her last....

*I received a copy through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*

I feel that I only read this book because I'm invested in the series. Reading the previous ten books, means I can't stop now. Each time though I expect something more exciting will happen. It's like watching the eighth season of one of your favourite tv-show, the creativity was high in the first few seasons but by now the quality has dropped. Now don't get me wrong, Dark Debt was still very well written, and the plot was well thought out, but to me it still feels repetitive.

Trouble is once again brewing in Chicago. Seriously how many problems can there be in one year of being a vampire. By now I actually wouldn't mind reading about the daily life of Merit, without someone trying to kill her or Ethan. Just to get an idea of what that would entail.

Someone shady from Ethan's past is drawing too much negative attention and needs to be dealt with. Meanwhile one of Chicago's elite is causing a whole lot of other trouble, that needs some further exploring. The usual team is on it of course and as always they are great detectives. This time there was no trouble between Merit and Ethan, so that was certainly refreshing.

As always I will continue following this series. I do still love the characters, the little bits of humor here and there, the solving of the mysteries and vampires on their own are pretty cool. Like I said in my previous review, I'm still waiting for something really big to happen to pique my full interest again. Die hard fans of the series, will of course love this book and if you're a supernatural I always recommend giving this series a chance.

Chicagoland Vampires - Reading order and purchase links

Some Girls Bite: My review - Amazon - Kindle

Friday Nights Bite: My review - Amazon - Kindle

Twice Bitten: My review - Amazon - Kindle

Hard Bitten: My review - Amazon - Kindle

Drink Deep: My review - Amazon - Kindle

Biting Cold: My review - Amazon - Kindle

House Rules: My review - Amazon - Kindle

Biting Bad: My review - Amazon - Kindle

Wild Things: My review - Amazon - Kindle

Blood Games: My review - Amazon - Kindle

Dark Debt: Amazon - Kindle

The Author

Chloe Neill was born and raised in the South, but now makes her home in the Midwest—just close enough to Cadogan House and St. Sophia's to keep an eye on things. When not transcribing Merit’s and Lily’s adventures, she bakes, works, and scours the Internet for good recipes and great graphic design. Chloe also maintains her sanity by spending time with her boys—her husband (also her favorite landscape photographer) and their dogs, Baxter and Scout. (Both she and the photographer understand the dogs are in charge.)

Connect with Chloe Neill:

Website - Facebook - Twitter - Goodreads

Review: White Hot Kiss (The Dark Elements #1) by Jennifer L. Armentrout

One kiss could be the last.

Seventeen-year-old Layla just wants to be normal. But with a kiss that kills anything with a soul, she's anything but normal. Half demon, half gargoyle, Layla has abilities no one else possesses.

Raised among the Wardens—a race of gargoyles tasked with hunting demons and keeping humanity safe—Layla tries to fit in, but that means hiding her own dark side from those she loves the most. Especially Zayne, the swoon-worthy, incredibly gorgeous and completely off-limits Warden she's crushed on since forever.

Then she meets Roth—a tattooed, sinfully hot demon who claims to know all her secrets. Layla knows she should stay away, but she's not sure she wants to—especially when that whole no-kissing thing isn't an issue, considering Roth has no soul.

But when Layla discovers she's the reason for the violent demon uprising, trusting Roth could not only ruin her chances with Zayne…it could brand her a traitor to her family. Worse yet, it could become a one-way ticket to the end of the world.

Review

*I received a copy through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*

When it comes to love triangles, I want to own the t-shirt; 'been there, done that, no more please.' Lately it has been less present in novels and if someone gives it an original twist I might try it. In this case it seems to be a love triangle, but really the choice was pretty much clear from the beginning, by all parties involved. Let's not forget that Layla can not have a physical relationship with anyone that has a soul. Therefor leaving her dating pool very small. Did I mention demons have no soul? And that hunky Roth is a demon? I think you get the picture.

Demons are supposed to be this total evil beings, bent on destroying human lives, at least that is what Layla has been told pretty much all her life. You get to understand why she is not very fond of her demon side. Constantly fighting the urge to suck out people's souls can become a drag. So wanting to fight her 'darker' side, she has helped the Warden kill demons.

Which went fine until she needed to be saved by Roth from another demon. A Demon protecting a half Warden from another demon is really the strangest thing Layla has come across. Do not mistake the fact that he saved make him a good guy. Demon means demon and while Roth might not torture kittens for fun, he has his orders when it comes to Layla. Though I don't think they expected the attraction between these two.

While Layla fights those feelings, Roth seems glad to give into them. He is constantly pushing her buttons, it is adorable to watch her frustrations. Slowly this delicious, tattooed piece of demon gets under her skin. Besides adding some humour and sexual tension to the story, Roth has got an interesting place in the story. His whole reason for existing is actually quite tragic. I also love how sometimes he shows his good sides, proving the Warden's theory of 'all demons are evil' wrong.

Besides the hot romance and sizzling chemistry, there is also the whole plot of upcoming apocalypse, which I enjoyed. It seems that when Layla turned seventeen, demons started popping up on Earth way more and a lot of them are after her. Somehow Roth sees it as his mission to protect and aid her in preventing that doom scenario. Meanwhile the Warden a.k.a. the scary fierce gargoyles are also very much about preventing the apocalypse, it is their sole mission to destroy demons. So a lot of action and I liked it.

What really spoke to me when it comes to Layla is how conflicted she feels. Being half gargoyle, half demon, has never made her feel really welcome on either sides. Her existence is considered an abomination, making her often wonder why they have kept her around for so long. When she finds out the Wardens have been lying to her, she gets even more confused. She no longer knows who to trust anymore. So for now she just goes with her gut and that says she can trust Roth.

White Hot Kiss has plenty of tension, humour, action, mystery and romance to keep you interested. I have not come across gargoyles in a very long time and never quite like this. That aspect was definitely original. Also I did not expect the humour from Roth, I thought he would be more serious and focused. I really likes that I thought wrong. That boy often makes sure things don't get too serious. Overall a great YA read!

The Dark Elements - Reading order and purchase links

Bitter Sweet Love: Kindle (can be read as a stand alone)

A Fighting Chance: Amazon - Kindle

Stone Cold Touch: Amazon - Kindle (Oct. 28)

The Author

# 1 New York Times and USA Today Bestselling Author Jennifer L. Armentrout Lives in West Virginia.

All the rumors you heard about her state aren’t true.

Well, mostly. When she's not hard at work writing, she spends her time, reading, working out, watching zombie movies, and pretending to write.

She is the author of the Covenant Series (Spencer Hill Press), the Lux Series (Entangled Teen), Don't Look Back (Disney/Hyperion) and a yet untitled novel (Disney/Hyperion), and new YA paranormal series with Harlequin Teen.

Jennifer also writes New Adult and Adult romance under the pen name J. Lynn. The Gamble Brothers Series (Tempting the Best Man/Tempting the Player) and Wait for You. Under her pen name, she is published with Entangled Brazen and HarperCollins.

Connect with Jennifer L. Armentrout:

Website - Facebook - Twitter - Goodreads

Review: Eyes Ever to the Sky (The Sky Trilogy #1) by Katie French

When Hugh wakes up in a smoldering crater—no memory, no clothes—a single thought echoes in his head…trust no one. Frightened and alone, with no memory of who he is, he stumbles upon a grisly murder scene and is fatally shot. He wakes, only to find he can heal himself. He has superpowers, and he’s going to need them.

Desperate and bleeding, Hugh stumbles upon fifteen-year-old Cece, who’s got enough troubles of her own. Between caring for her bipolar mother and trying not to get evicted from her run-down trailer, Cece may be the only person struggling as much as Hugh. Drawn to Hugh, Cece finds a love she’s never known. But when the real killer—a man-hunting beast—chooses another victim, Hugh and Cece realize they must unlock the clues to their past if they have any chance at a future.

REVIEW

*I received a copy from the author in exchange for an honest review*

Hot naked guy with no memory, murder scenes and a sweet teenage girl, it doesn't get much more intriguing than that I believe. After finishing Eyes Everr To The Sky I can say it was an enjoyable read, though it won't knock your socks off.

Katie French has created a very detailed story, with an emphasis on the dark and gritty. We have a young man with superpowers, who has no idea who he is or where he came from and a young female trying to survive life with a mother who is bi-polar. Which is very well written. Cece's mother has a disease and the way the author approaches the issue is very authentic. It really showed all the difficulties Cece has to keeping their lives on track.

Now what didn't work so well for me was the instant love between Hugh and Cece. The first time they met he is wearing woman's clothing and is covered in blood. Still she immediately trusted him and even brought him home with her. Being in that small trailer, somehow they decide they are not just attracted to each other, but also have feelings for each other. I did not buy it. Seriously multiple murders have happened, Hugh is covered in blood, one plus one equals two you know. The fact that there is never a thought he might be involved proves to me that Cece isn't the smartest fifteen-year-old.

Sometimes the story felt very fast paced. I did like the switching in POV, certainly the one's from the victims. There was a lot of detail, but not enough build up. The whole part that could have made it more interesting, aliens, was only approached briefly and lacking depth.

Like I said it was an enjoyable read and if you like paranormal romance, involving aliens and lots of blood, this can definitely be a book for you.

Eyes Ever To The Sky: Amazon - Kindle

Connect with Katie French:

Website - Facebook - Twitter - Goodreads

Sneak Peek & Giveaway: After the Curtain Falls by Ainsley Shay

It is always so much fun when we get to support a new author. After The Curtain Falls is Ainsley Shay's debut novel and tells us about Erik who for the first time in his life has to be normal, when he much more prefers to be a freak. All very intriguing! And can I say what a gorgeous cover this book has. For that fact alone I would have bought it. After The Curtain Falls is this week on sale for $0.99 or you can enter the giveaway and win a copy!!!

Erik never had to be anything other than a freak…until now.

Two hundred fifty-three days is a long time to fake being normal when night after night you perform miraculous feats on stage in a freak show. Thousands have paid to witness the miracle, suspecting nothing more than a hoax. But it is very real and it is slowly destroying him. Erik is weakened to the point where he’ll stop performing and start going to school for the first time ever—in his senior year. His only goal is to rebuild his strength so he can return to the stage and perform doing what he loves most in this world. What he didn’t plan for was the appearances of beautiful Addison and mysterious Naya. Now, unfamiliar feelings and bizarre new friendships threaten to unbalance Erik’s future as a miracle-performing freak.

Sneak Peek

The moment is perfect to lean in and kiss her. And I badly want to put my hand on her cheek and bring my lips to hers.

Addison looks at her wrist, my fingers still there. “I should go,” she says shattering my thoughts.

I slide my hand from her wrist, along her palm, lingering on her fingertips with my own. Looking up into her eyes, I ask, Are you sure you want to?”

She meets my eyes. “No.” Her voice whispers the simple word I was hoping she would say. “But they’re expecting me down there.” My stomach aches when she starts to get up. “Thanks for catching me when I fell.” She brushes the sand off her dress and walks through the wheat grass toward the shore.

~~~

“You’re a freak like me,” Naya says, no doubt present in her tone.

Shaken by her word choice, but intrigued to know why she’s chosen it, I ask, “Am I? And how do you know that?” I swallow nothing, feeling my throat constrict as I wait for her answer.

With concern on her face, her lips purse, and she shrugs one shoulder. “I just know.” She touches my arm, leans into me and whispers, “As a friend, just be careful. The people here,” she looks to her left and then to her right, “well…they aren’t very nice to our kind."

After The Curtain Falls: Amazon - Kindle ($0.99) - B&N

The Author

Ainsley Shay avoids insanity by living mostly in the fiction world. She believes surrounding herself with positive people, and strives for balance in everything. She owns more jeans with rips and holes than without; and has recently found the magic of patches. For her, reading or writing the perfect sentence is better than the smoothest piece of dark chocolate melting in her mouth. She is a deltiologist for pure enjoyment, not for the study of. She longs to move north one day, even though she hates the cold. (Go figure!) So, for now, she continues to live in warm south Florida with her incredible husband, three beautiful daughters, and two lazy cats. (We won’t mention the dog.)

Connect with Ainsley Shay:

Website - Facebook - Twitter - Goodreads

**GIVEAWAY**

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Saturday Series: Elemental (Elemental #0.5) by Brigid Kemmerer

Earth, Fire, Air, Water – they are more than you dream.

As an air Elemental, 17-year-old Emily Morgan doesn’t have much power. That’s okay—she knows what happens to kids who do.

Like Michael Merrick. He’s an earth Elemental, one with enough power to level cities. Which makes him sexy. Dangerous. And completely off limits. At least according to Emily’s family.

But her summer job puts her in close contact with Michael, and neither of them can help the attraction they feel. When forces of nature like theirs collide, one misstep could get someone killed. Because Emily’s family doesn’t just want her to stay away from him.

They want him dead.

Review:
Elemental is a novella (not even 50 pages long) introducing us into the world of Elementals. They are people who can control the elements, some are more powerful than others.

Michael's family is special because he and his younger brothers each control a different element. Now people are always afraid of those who have more power than them. That is why Michael is so hated by most in town. It is not publicly known, but in their little society everyone knows about the Merrick's.

Trying to get away from the daily harassment, Michael likes to hit some balls (baseballs that is), which puts him into direct contact with Emily. They are not enemies, as in they have never talked before, but let's say the families do not get along at all.

So we have a tiny Romeo and Julia situation going on and you feel very hopeful Michael might finally be happy. If it weren't for her family that could have been the possibility. Unfortunately they make it very clear nothing will ever be happening.

Elemental is short, interesting and gives you a sneak peek into the lives of the Merrick's, what they have to go through on a daily basis. We get to know Michael and it gives us insight in the man he could have become and the man he will really become.

It ends on a cliffhanger, but in the second book it becomes very clear from the start what happened in this novella and how it influenced everything.

If you could control an element, which would it be?

Connect with Brigid Kemmerer:

Website - Facebook - Twitter - Goodreads

Total Book Geek

Saturday Series: Inferno (Chronicles of Nick #4) by Sherrilyn Kenyon

It's the last Saturday for this series. Inferno is the fourth book in the Chronicles of Nick by Sherrilyn Kenyon. I'm so sad that I have to wait 'till April for Illusion to come out.

The heat is on, and a new threat to humanity has risen…

Nick has his driver’s license and he’s not afraid to use it. But turning sixteen isn’t what he thought it would be. While other boys his age are worried about prom dates and applying for college, Nick is neck deep in enemies out to stop him from living another day. No longer sure if he can trust anyone, his only ally seems to be the one person he’s been told will ultimately kill him.

But life spent serving the undead is anything except ordinary. And those out to get him have summoned an ancient force so powerful even the gods fear it. As Nick learns to command and control the elements, the one he must master in order to combat his latest foe is the one most likely to destroy him. As the old proverb goes, fire knows nothing of mercy, and if Nick is to survive this latest round, he will have to sacrifice a part of himself. However, the best sacrifice is seldom the sanest move. Sometimes it’s the one that leaves your enemies confused, and you even more so.

And sometimes, you have to trust your enemy to save your friends. But what do you do when that enemy is you?

Do not read this if you haven't read the previous books !

Click for the review of Infinity, Invincible and Infamous.

Review:

Just when everything seemed to be going right, you find out you're girlfriend was sent here to kill you. Talk about a major turn-off. Nick just can't catch a break. So he does what any sane person would do and breaks up with her.

Not to let an opportunity go to waste, enter the cheerleader vulture!

Luckily he's got a great BFF that supports his decision.

Besides all the high school love drama, there is still some real danger out there for Nick. The good guys want to kill him, to stop him from becoming evil. While the bad guys want to kill him to absorb his powers.