I love characters who are strong yet vulnerable
344615
I love characters who are strong yet vulnerable. Bethany is very well developed and has a depth of character that makes her seem real. In my mind I like to think she lives and I feel her pain. I can't wait for the next book.
3600025
I mentioned before that the stakes keep getting higher, that observation still applies. No one is safe anymore and it seems like anyone who is anywhere near Kaylee is in danger. That combined with the emotional turmoil that the characters were dealing with in My Soul to Steal turned this into an almost overnight read. I honestly couldn't put it down.

Kaylee is still trying to keep her distance from Nash until she decides whether or not she can forgive him or not. Before she can come to terms with how she feels about him, Sabine - Nash's first love -  comes to town. She is a force to be reckoned with and it's pretty obvious she isn't willing to play fair. Sabine definitely made things interesting and made me even more frustrated with Nash. There were times that I wanted to yell at him for hurting Kaylee and others that I wanted to hug him because he was hurting too. It's safe to say that My Soul to Steal was an emotional roller coaster.

The supporting characters are becoming more  important as well. I'm loving Emma and her snarkiness more and more. Her presence was even greater in this book and I hope that the trend continues. Alec was an interesting twist in My Soul to Steal. I'm still not sure how I feel about him, but I think that's the point. This series has proven that almost anything can happen and nothing is exactly what it seems. Then there was Tod. *sigh* It's obvious that he came to a realization during this book that promises to make the next books even more interesting.

Things aren't resolved at the end of My Soul to Steal, but they've settled down for the time being. Even though a few things were revealed, there is still a lot unknown. As a whole, this is a great series. The teen characters are smart, witty and still full of enough teenage angst to make them (and their reactions) totally believable. I can't wait to see what is in store for them next, although I do admit I'm a little scared.

I read My Soul to Steal as part of Soul Screamers Volume 2. Having the 3rd and 4th books along with the Todd's novella all in one place is a great way to read these books. The next book on my list is Reaper. I can't wait to get to know Tod better.
2531481
I think I'm stuck with the task of reading all of the Lords of the Underworld series (oh, poor me!), but I will say that they are starting to blur together in my mind. What I really like, and we see it again and again (and again!) in this volume, is the  admiration that our unlikely heroes feel for strong females with strong wills. Between that and the rather inspiring (ahem) intimate scenes, there's always something to catch the reader's attention. The characters all have plenty of personality - good, bad, and eccentric - and that's just fine with me. I'm also a sucker for mythological references, and they are here a-plenty. In short, I'll keep reading, and these short features are like petit fours on the dessert tray, with some extra background for anyone who's interested. When they all blur together too much, I suppose I'll have to find time to read all of them over again (once she finishes writing them all).
3437544
Laura Thalassa has somehow found two phenomenal characters in that magical mind of hers. I don't understand how she can make characters so beautifully flawed that work together so wonderfully. I adore Callie and Des.

I love their darkness and the juxtaposition that is their true selves. That Callie is a siren that's shy and doesn't like to talk about sex. That Des is a dark fairy thug who's also a beloved king. They're just wonderful. The amount of compassion they both share (not to mention the passion (; ) is I think what makes them so incredibly endearing.

Normally I would say I'd like a little more involvement from the secondary characters. Though, Callie's best friend's entrance into the Night Kingdom is pretty spectacular. I find I don't really feel the need for much interaction with the friends. The two MC are complex and flawed enough that they easily hold my attention. It's like they're a constantly shifting shape in the shadows where a new corner is catching the light every second.

This book allows you to get to know both characters, but especially Des, so much more. And the overarching struggle is brought much more into the light as well. The world you've created with the Night Kingdom is so different and yet so comfortable. It's amazing. I cannot wait for the next installment.
1642415
I am just now finding this series and am quickly falling in love with it.  I found myself rooting for Kyrian and Amanda very quickly.  Sherrilyn Kenyon does an excellent job of portraying the tortured hero without making him look like a completely unfeeling jerk or a whining whimp.  Having had some strange family members I can completely sympathize with Amanda being angry and frustrated with her family over their behavior.  I really like how she handles building the relationship between Kyrian and Amanda, and at least it is believable even with the fantasy/paranormal slant to the story.  I like that she can convey vulnerability without making it seem like weakness/wimpiness.  I read this in one sitting even though it kept me up pretty late when I had to work the next day just because I found it impossible to put down.  I wanted to know what was going to happen next.  I can't wait to read the next book in the series, but I'm going to have to make sure I start it earlier in the day, or make sure that I read it on a weekend when I don't have to worry about being at work the next day!
223014
The Missing Pieces cozy series is one of my favorites. I really enjoy the characters of Dae and the man in her life, former FBI agent Kevin Brickman. Dae's impetuousness often ties in with her gift-- being able to touch objects and "see" their history-- and if this gift ever puts her in hot water, she's quick to make amends because she's a genuinely caring and honest person.

The Lavenes have created a strong story line that moves from book to book. It's not absolutely necessary to read each book in the series in order, but it certainly does help. The paranormal element is seldom overdone, which is good news for those of you who don't particularly care for that sort of thing. However, I have to admit that having Maggie Madison's spirit inhabit Dae's body didn't entirely work for me. The only time it had any real success was as comic relief. You see, Maggie had been a comely barmaid who's been away from men for a couple of centuries, so whenever Dae gets too close to a good-looking man, Maggie has a tendency to take over and get Dae in hot water. As Kevin says to Dae, "Now I know how someone feels dating a person with a split personality."

Taking care of Maggie's request and the finding of a killer is dealt with well (if not smoothly for the characters), and A Finder's Fee ends with some real cliffhangers that make me want the next book in the series in my hands right now. The Lavenes are weaving an engrossing tale centered in a small community on the Outer Banks of North Carolina and populated with a strong cast of characters. I've come to care about Duck, North Carolina and its mayor, but now I have to play the waiting game. Again.
1015300
Love that the strong female character is allowed to remain powerful without being less than feminine; and that her strength does not detract from the male characters but, instead, makes his masculinity more appealing!
725132
This is my favorite story and couple of the series. I love a vulnerable, adoring man and a strong woman.
2287132
Davina was a very strong yet caring heroine. She was at times too honorable, but I found her a character that I loved getting to know. Thomas was a delightful, fun loving Lord who matured into an honorable man. They both grew into a loving couple despite all the twists and turns. I heartily recommended this book for readers who enjoy solid characters  who engage in loving relationships.
2246565
I just love a series where I can easily fall in love with the characters. The Walker brothers are already at the top of my list with just this first installment. Royce Walker was pure alpha/caveman and an extreme protector. All of which are some of my favorite attributes in an unforgettable male lead.

His connection with Lauren was instant and sparked a quick and passionate romance between the two, and all the while hes putting his knowledge and skills to protecting the woman that is quickly becoming the center of his universe.

This story was filled with suspense that kept me at the edge of my seat and kept me guessing as the clues were uncovered. Lisa Renee Jones has an immense talent for delivering a mystery that nearly feels interactive with her readers. She has always kept me on my toes and this story was no exception.
3499530
I love books with strong female characters.  I was skeptical of reading this book at first, thinking it would be all blood and gore, but the storyline is compelling and I love that the protagonist is both strong and confident, yet vulnerable at the same time.  I think it's a great book for older girls to read.
3506121
I am so experiencing a book hangover from this-from both books in the series actually. Sera is that perfect combination of vulnerability and strength that results in a compelling and complex character. Which makes the story all that much better. Her and Zen together are great. The move she makes in the end is...well...I can't say because I don't want to give anything away. But it was perfect. Thank goodness there is a sequel  It's going to be really hard to wait.
2622722
This was an exception good read for me I enjoy tough characters that are not afraid to do their job.
634188
I liked how the characters were open and vulnerable to others. The book may be fiction but resembles real life.
4852725
I love the characters Paz, Paloma, and Paciencia, with all their special abilities, the Kirkegaard twins which introduce good and evil.  I love the weave of the past and present and the supernatural and reality with the bridges between the two.  Thomas character is a little weak and I find myself trying to remember his age and why he is there.  I look forward to the third book, Same Mind and Same Judgment.
3819724
For the past couple of days I've been having a hard time doing anything because I've been so excited for this book release. I love Selena as a character. I love how mean she was in Scion of Midnight, and I love how we don't see the insta-love happen between her and Aaron. Selena definitely grows and softens in this book, and it does make me miss the mean girl she was in the previous ones, but I am glad to see her evolving as her story evolves.  I reread Scion of Midnight before this one came out, and it reminded me why I like this series so much: we have a badass female lead, who is super powerful, and who doesn't have an issue being bad in order to be good. Selena and her sisters stand on their own and above others because they are strong women, who look out for each other. That is so rare and so powerful, and it's why I love these books so much.

I wish this author had other series that were similar to this -- I am so tired of the overdone reverse harem trope that seems to be so popular right now. We need more books about women supporting other women; women who are not bothered by gaggles of men. Where can I find more books about women like Selena?
2749286
K Webster has corrupted and messed with my mind and heart. How she's able to get me to fall in love with these psychological flawed in an intriguing twisted way  but still manage to make you fall obsessively in love is an impressive gift.

 Violet is a resilient character that has learned how to survive being the prey from her dark and unhealthy past. Now making her way on her own she decides no more not being seen or appreciated. Her character is someone I give my hats off to.

Grayson Maxwell is the eye in the storm. Handsome gentle,  calm, and collected at a glance but around him is a powerful unbendable storm where nothing can stop him from his mission. His character had me questioning my heart but immediately throwing that doubt and falling hard for him.

The story was engimatic force with loving touches and sweet whispers accompanied by intense obsessive insanity that makes you question yourself while haunting you.

- Received an ARC for an honest review
~ Two Darlin Dolls and a Book Review