So happy I found this book / series.
346082
Originally posted at Vampire Book Club

Rebekah Turner has created an interesting world in Chaos Born. In a setting similar to the Victorian-era, the Weald is a place where religion and magic compete for supremacy. A place where regulators, consisting of solider humans and nephilim, working for Grigori priests, mete out punishments to those who use darkcraft (dark magic). Applecross specifically is a gritty, gray, dirty place where humans feel themselves above anyone of a supernatural race. On the other end of the spectrum is the Outlands, or what is considered the modern day world. The people of the Weald can easily pass through a tollbooth to get to the Outlands although most prefer to stay where the magic is strongest.

Lora Blackgoat is a runner in The Weald (what many consider a mercenary in the Outlands). A recent job gone bad has tarnished her already questionable reputation and made her somewhat of a laughingstock. When an estranged childhood friend comes to her for help, Lora sees it as an opportunity to turn things around. When Lora starts to look for the Butcher of Applecross, getting to the end may lead her somewhere she didn't want to go.

I liked Loras character. She was one of those perfectly flawed characters. She has her vices and she makes mistakes, she seems to have trouble following her everywhere, but at the center she always strives to do what is right. Regardless of how bitchy she may come across, there are those she truly cares about and she will fight for them with all her strength.

As far as flaw go, the same can be said for the majority of the secondary characters in Chaos Born. We know Loras character, as the story is written from her point of view, but the trend in Applecross seems to be looking out for yourself first and foremost. Its difficult to know everyone elses true motivations. This is something that Lora has to deal with more and more as the story progresses.

Rebekah Turner sets Lora up with two love interests. Seth, a Captain of the City Walk, has been Loras on-again off-again for almost half her life. She just cant seem to resist him but she also doesnt completely trust him either. The scenes between Lora and Seth were filled with a lot of chemistry. They have a kind of tug-of-war going on between them and Turner does a wonderful job conveying their frustrations with one another.

On the other hand, when Lora first meets Roman it is one of those scenes where they don't really interact, but you can tell the significance of their meeting and you try to read faster to get to the next time they share a scene together. Their attraction to one another is subtler than that between Lora and Seth. Roman is a Regulator and a nephilim. Nephilim Regulators have a tendency to literally go crazy over time and many people give them a wide berth.

While the initial mystery of the story is solved by the end, the investigation leads to many secrets being revealed that will have to be dealt with in future books. Chaos Born was one of those books that, when finished, I was really happy I found it and read it. I look forward to reading book 2 Chaos Bound, which releases early December!
2089222
Found this series by accident. AND WHAT A FIND. Fabulous action and story line. This young guy can write and his characters mesh extremely well. I must admit, the first 100 pages of the first book I was a little "so so" but then it grabs you and here I am 6-7 book later, reading it non stop. For fans of this genre I HIGHLY RECOMMEND this series. Unbelievably good character development  .and excitement that just doesn't stop. Hopefully this will be made into a series of shows, I think it would be amazing.
4657625
took a chance on this series as I am trying to shut off the TV and read more. I am about 3/4 through this book and am happy with my decision. I plan on reading all of his books.
1291436
I could not find this book anywhere else, and I am soooo happy I did not have to put my series on hold because I found it here!
3268805
I love this book series. I just stumbled upon it b/c a retired teacher friend gave my son one of the books in the series. I figured there had to be more, and this was a sweet surprise.
2531450
After reading another by the same author I followed her links and found this series which I am over the moon about. I love paranormal stories but after reading several duds was a little worried. I am so glad I ignored my nay saying thoughts and sought this series out! As the first book of the series I enjoyed getting to know the characters and I felt like I was there. I have to say I want to live in the house that she lives in lol. I remember my culture shock as a teen moving from California to Georgia, because Ms. DeOrto described perfectly the way I felt moving from the big city to the small country town. I loved the climb to the crescendo and the lead into the next story. It made me wonder what was going to happen next, so much so that knowing the second book was in my library thrilled me. I actually accomplished reading both books in one sitting. I look forward to part three and have recommended this already to my friends who love a little paranormal in their reading.
2762452
I just recently started this series. I am on book 10-12. I love this series. I love books with happy endings. Like the author- there is so much unhappiness in the world I enjoy reading something that lifts the spirits. I also enjoy that the author doesn't quit the story at the end of the book. Everyone's story follows into the next book and can become a part of the their make believe lives. Lol Thank you for this series - love them! I also want to point out that I love that the women are feisty and not just girly like in so many books!
3124612
I sure hope Cindy has another series for me to read.  I have so thoroughly enjoyed all 3 series I've read recently that i'll go looking for more.  Her characters are strong and weak or determined and optimistic or faithful or pessimistic.  I really enjoy seeing these families overcome hard struggles.  She's even given me some insight into. My own responses to others.
807163
I usually prefer something with a little suspense or "steam", but I am so glad to have found this treasure of a series...I love how the stories..weave into each other and the characters are so darn endearing! I cannot wait for the next book and the next series!
3985870
I actually enjoyed this series. Look forward to future books from this author.
2708337
I love a good heroine (strong, yet romantic), and Ms. Grey is definitely that.  I stumbled across this series and am really enjoying it.  I'm on my 3rd book now and looking forward to more.
2701283
I am always happiest when sitting down to read a book I have been eagerly waiting for.
When it comes to the steel and stone series it actually involves locking my door and turning off my phone. That is how much I enjoy this series.
Annette Marie writes beautifully, her enjoyment in her writing is obvious and her creativeness unique. I love how she keeps it real and how conflicts and emotions are realistic and not forced. I admit to a moment of sadness seeing such a fantastic series end but I am excited about the possibility of a spinoff series.
It was lovely to see the expansion of Ash and Piper's relationship and the introduction of new characters as well. I loved the background history and it was great to see Ash step up into his heritage. I was a little disappointed at the end with the separation, although I understood the concept it was hard to see everyone go their separate ways.
Once again a great book and worth dedicating reading time to.
3894867
I read this series years ago and absolutely loved it! I checked it out from the library and loved it so much I wanted it for my collection. I also wanted THIS cover with the cut-out/opening on the front to match my others. I am very happy and can't recommend this series enough.
2607592
I love the characters, I love the struggle and I love the happy ending.
I read the entire series and strongly recommend this series.
1907664
I am so happy that I found this series.  JS Taylor is an extremely talented author who has found a wonderful combination of non-sappy romance, humor, friendship and heat.  As a five book a week romance junkie, I can attest that this combination is extremely difficult to find.  Many novels have characters that are at times very difficult to like.  This series is full of well developed characters that are easy to love and root for.  I am anxiously awaiting the last two books of the series.
1374327
I'm delighted to have discovered this series, and have already completed the next two books in the series. Paranormal, mystery, and romance are nicely blended in this series. Even though I do not normally like shape shifters, and am somewhat burned out on paranormal gifts, the characters are human, humorous, and credible.
1690921
this whole series has been such fun.  I was hoping it wouldn't turn into a never ending story.  so glad that it didn't.  not everything was happily ever after, but it was very satisfying.  the characters are wonderful and so worthwhile reading about.  this is the first series in a long time that I have read every book without taking a break to read something else.  thanks for a great read!