N.J. Walters's Blog, page 193
August 24, 2013
Weekend Book Club: Sherrilyn Kenyon's Dark Hunter Series
Every now and then I like to go to my "Keeper" shelf and reread old books and series that I love. With the new edition to the Sherrilyn Kenyon Dark Hunters series due out soon I thought it would be great to go back and reread some of them. It also didn't hurt that the books have been on sale recently at Kindle and Sony Reader Store. Even though I own them in paperback, I did load up on some of my favorites in the series in ebook.
If you love paranormal romance, you need to read this series. But do yourself a favor and start from the beginning. You won't be sorry you did.
I love this entire series, but I do have a few favorites books, starting with DANCE WITH THE DEVIL. Has there ever been such an anti-hero as Zarek. He breaks my heart every time I read this story. It takes a very special woman to break through his rock-hard exterior to the fierce heart that beats beneath.
BLURB:
Zarek's Point of View:
Dark-Hunter: A soulless guardian who stands between mankind and those who would see mankind destroyed. Yeah, right. The only part of that Code of Honor I got was eternity and solitude.
Insanity: A condition many say I suffer from after being alone for so long. But I don't suffer from my insanity-I enjoy every minute of it.
Trust: I can't trust anyone...not even myself. The only thing I trust in is my ability to do the wrong thing in any situation and to hurt anyone who gets in my way.
Truth: I endured a lifetime as a Roman slave, and 900 years as an exiled Dark-Hunter. Now I'm tired of enduring. I want the truth about what happened the night I was exiled-I have nothing to lose and everything to gain.
Astrid (Greek, meaning star): An exceptional woman who can see straight to the truth. Brave and strong, she is a point of light in the darkness. She touches me and I tremble. She smiles and my cold heart shatters.
Zarek: They say even the most damned man can be forgiven. I never believed that until the night Astrid opened her door to me and made this feral beast want to be human again. Made me want to love and be loved. But how can an ex-slave whose soul is owned by a Greek goddess ever dream of touching, let alone holding, a fiery star?
Another book in this series I absolutely love is NIGHT PLAY. Vane might be a Were-Hunter wolf, but he's one of the most romantic heroes that has ever been written. The way he is with Bride makes my heart go pitter-patter.
BLURB:
Bride McTierney has had it with men. They're cheap, self-centered, and never love her for who she is. But though she prides herself on being independent, deep down she still yearns for a knight in shining armor.
She just never expected her knight in shining armor to have a shiny coat of fur...
Deadly and tortured, Vane Kattalakis isn't what he seems. Most women lament that their boyfriends are dogs. In Bride's case, hers is a wolf. A Were-Hunter wolf. Wanted dead by his enemies, Vane isn't looking for a mate. But the Fates have marked Bride as his. Now he has three weeks to either convince Bride that the supernatural is real or he will spend the rest of his life neutered--something no self-respecting wolf can accept...
But how does a wolf convince a human to trust him with her life when his enemies are out to end his? In the world of the Were-Hunters, it really is dog-eat-dog. And only one alpha male can win.
But my absolute favorite of the series to date has to be ACHERON. Those of us who have followed this series from the very beginning waited a long time for this book and Sherrilyn Kenyon delivered an absolute masterpiece.
How can a man who has been so tortured and betrayed have such compassion? In this book we learn it all, all the secrets that have made Acheron one of the most beloved male characters of all time. I didn't know if it was possible for the author to create a heroine worthy of him, but she did just that. This is a love story for the ages!
BLURB:
Eleven thousand years ago a god was born. Cursed into the body of a human, Acheron spent a lifetime of shame. However, his human death unleashed an unspeakable horror that almost destroyed the earth. Then, brought back against his will, Acheron became the sole defender of mankind.
Only it was never that simple. For centuries, he has fought for our survival and hidden a past he’ll do anything to keep concealed. Until a lone woman who refuses to be intimidated by him threatens his very existence.
Now his survival, and ours, hinges on hers and old enemies reawaken and unite to kill them both.
War has never been more deadly... or more fun.
If you love paranormal romance, you need to read this series. But do yourself a favor and start from the beginning. You won't be sorry you did.
I love this entire series, but I do have a few favorites books, starting with DANCE WITH THE DEVIL. Has there ever been such an anti-hero as Zarek. He breaks my heart every time I read this story. It takes a very special woman to break through his rock-hard exterior to the fierce heart that beats beneath.
BLURB:
Zarek's Point of View:
Dark-Hunter: A soulless guardian who stands between mankind and those who would see mankind destroyed. Yeah, right. The only part of that Code of Honor I got was eternity and solitude.
Insanity: A condition many say I suffer from after being alone for so long. But I don't suffer from my insanity-I enjoy every minute of it.
Trust: I can't trust anyone...not even myself. The only thing I trust in is my ability to do the wrong thing in any situation and to hurt anyone who gets in my way.
Truth: I endured a lifetime as a Roman slave, and 900 years as an exiled Dark-Hunter. Now I'm tired of enduring. I want the truth about what happened the night I was exiled-I have nothing to lose and everything to gain.
Astrid (Greek, meaning star): An exceptional woman who can see straight to the truth. Brave and strong, she is a point of light in the darkness. She touches me and I tremble. She smiles and my cold heart shatters.
Zarek: They say even the most damned man can be forgiven. I never believed that until the night Astrid opened her door to me and made this feral beast want to be human again. Made me want to love and be loved. But how can an ex-slave whose soul is owned by a Greek goddess ever dream of touching, let alone holding, a fiery star?
Another book in this series I absolutely love is NIGHT PLAY. Vane might be a Were-Hunter wolf, but he's one of the most romantic heroes that has ever been written. The way he is with Bride makes my heart go pitter-patter.
BLURB:
Bride McTierney has had it with men. They're cheap, self-centered, and never love her for who she is. But though she prides herself on being independent, deep down she still yearns for a knight in shining armor.
She just never expected her knight in shining armor to have a shiny coat of fur...
Deadly and tortured, Vane Kattalakis isn't what he seems. Most women lament that their boyfriends are dogs. In Bride's case, hers is a wolf. A Were-Hunter wolf. Wanted dead by his enemies, Vane isn't looking for a mate. But the Fates have marked Bride as his. Now he has three weeks to either convince Bride that the supernatural is real or he will spend the rest of his life neutered--something no self-respecting wolf can accept...
But how does a wolf convince a human to trust him with her life when his enemies are out to end his? In the world of the Were-Hunters, it really is dog-eat-dog. And only one alpha male can win.
But my absolute favorite of the series to date has to be ACHERON. Those of us who have followed this series from the very beginning waited a long time for this book and Sherrilyn Kenyon delivered an absolute masterpiece.
How can a man who has been so tortured and betrayed have such compassion? In this book we learn it all, all the secrets that have made Acheron one of the most beloved male characters of all time. I didn't know if it was possible for the author to create a heroine worthy of him, but she did just that. This is a love story for the ages!
BLURB:
Eleven thousand years ago a god was born. Cursed into the body of a human, Acheron spent a lifetime of shame. However, his human death unleashed an unspeakable horror that almost destroyed the earth. Then, brought back against his will, Acheron became the sole defender of mankind.
Only it was never that simple. For centuries, he has fought for our survival and hidden a past he’ll do anything to keep concealed. Until a lone woman who refuses to be intimidated by him threatens his very existence.
Now his survival, and ours, hinges on hers and old enemies reawaken and unite to kill them both.
War has never been more deadly... or more fun.
August 21, 2013
DOUBLE OR NOTHINGhas received a 4 Star review from ...
DOUBLE OR NOTHINGhas received a 4 Star review from Night Owl Reviews." While steamy and hot (Hello! Cowboys!) it was also a good read."
~ Chris, Night Owl Reviews
READ ENTIRE REVIEW
August 20, 2013
Tuesday Teaser: Woven Dreams
The Tuesday Teaser this week comes from WOVEN DREAMS, the third book in the Tapestries series.
TEASER:
Usually she waited until nightfall to wash, but the day had been so hot, she hadn’t been able to resist the lure of the cool river water. It was too late to change what she’d done. All she could do now was use it to try to give herself an edge against this unknown man. Forcing her fingers to open, she released her death grip on the bodice of her dress, allowing it to slip to her waist.
His eyes went straight to her exposed breasts and it was then that she lunged.
Strong arms caught her from behind, wrapping around her upper body and trapping her arms at her sides. Oh gods, there were two of them! She struggled, jerking her body from side to side and kicking out with her feet. There was no escape. Her soft-soled leather boots struck what had to be his legs, but it was like hitting solid wood. There was no give in him anywhere.
He held her easily with one massive forearm as he used his free hand to pry the dagger from her grip. She gritted her teeth, desperately trying to hang on, but it was useless. The weapon fell to the ground beside them.
“I’m sorry,” the low male voice whispered in her ear. “But I cannot let you harm my brother or yourself.”
BUY FROM AMAZON
TEASER:
Usually she waited until nightfall to wash, but the day had been so hot, she hadn’t been able to resist the lure of the cool river water. It was too late to change what she’d done. All she could do now was use it to try to give herself an edge against this unknown man. Forcing her fingers to open, she released her death grip on the bodice of her dress, allowing it to slip to her waist.
His eyes went straight to her exposed breasts and it was then that she lunged.
Strong arms caught her from behind, wrapping around her upper body and trapping her arms at her sides. Oh gods, there were two of them! She struggled, jerking her body from side to side and kicking out with her feet. There was no escape. Her soft-soled leather boots struck what had to be his legs, but it was like hitting solid wood. There was no give in him anywhere.
He held her easily with one massive forearm as he used his free hand to pry the dagger from her grip. She gritted her teeth, desperately trying to hang on, but it was useless. The weapon fell to the ground beside them.
“I’m sorry,” the low male voice whispered in her ear. “But I cannot let you harm my brother or yourself.”
BUY FROM AMAZON
August 18, 2013
Guest Blogging over at Delilah Devlin's Blog today
Ménage a trois and cowboys. That got your attention, didn't it?I'm over at DELILAH DEVLIN'S BLOG today talking about just those subjects. Stop by and check it out. You know you want to. *g*
August 16, 2013
Want to win a print copy of Damek's Redemption?
Look what I have! Damek's Redemption won't be available in print until September, but I already have copies! Isn't it pretty!
Want to win a copy?
Comment on this blog for a chance to win. Be sure to leave your email address so I can contact you if you win. I'll leave the contest running all weekend and announce the winner's name on Monday.
Good luck!
Want to win a copy?
Comment on this blog for a chance to win. Be sure to leave your email address so I can contact you if you win. I'll leave the contest running all weekend and announce the winner's name on Monday.
Good luck!
August 15, 2013
5 Stars for Pride of the Lion
PRIDE OF THE LIONhas received a 5 Star review from LASR!
"There are some fantastic surprise twists in this book. I like that Ms. Walters was able to show that even Hades can make mistakes, and forget about some of his goals. There are some unexpected allies here, and I refuse to say any more about them now. Just be aware that all is not lost and nothing is as it seems at times. Of course, there is lots of hot and heavy action as well between Leander and Araminta; it wouldn’t be N.J. Walters without it. I am looking forward to the final episode in this passionate tale of good versus evil. Do Leander and Araminta survive their challenge? Now, that would be telling, and I think that it is better to read it for yourself." ~Foxglove
READ ENTIRE REVIEW
"There are some fantastic surprise twists in this book. I like that Ms. Walters was able to show that even Hades can make mistakes, and forget about some of his goals. There are some unexpected allies here, and I refuse to say any more about them now. Just be aware that all is not lost and nothing is as it seems at times. Of course, there is lots of hot and heavy action as well between Leander and Araminta; it wouldn’t be N.J. Walters without it. I am looking forward to the final episode in this passionate tale of good versus evil. Do Leander and Araminta survive their challenge? Now, that would be telling, and I think that it is better to read it for yourself." ~Foxglove
READ ENTIRE REVIEW
August 14, 2013
4 Stars for Night of the Tiger
NIGHT OF THE TIGERhas received 4 Stars from Night Owl Romance Reviews.
" I recommend this book to any shifter or mythology fan out there. You will enjoy this book and the next books." ~Lisa Jung
READ ENTIRE REVIEW
" I recommend this book to any shifter or mythology fan out there. You will enjoy this book and the next books." ~Lisa Jung
READ ENTIRE REVIEW
August 13, 2013
August 12, 2013
Tuesday Teaser: Stroke of Sapphire
The Tuesday Teaser this week comes from STROKE OF SAPPHIRE. This contemporary erotic romance is part of the Awakening Desires series but is a stand alone read.
TEASER:
He swallowed hard but didn’t look away. He couldn’t. He’d had her and he’d thrown her away. The fact that it was for her own good didn’t lessen the pain or the sense of loss that had consumed him every waking hour since.
The blouse she was wearing was silky, the front dipping low enough to show a hint of cleavage. And Sapphire had plenty to showcase. She wasn’t one of your skinny New York-model wannabes. She had curves that made any man who saw her sit up and take notice.
With her waist-length curly black hair, heart-shaped face and killer curves, Sapphire was stunningly beautiful. Not in a conventional, modern way, more like a throwback to the pinup girls from the forties and fifties.
But she hadn’t dressed that provocatively when they’d been together. Granted, he’d been her bodyguard and not her boyfriend at the time, but he’d come to know her well in the time they’d spent together. No, this was a new development, one that coincided with his walking away from her.
That was no accident. There was no denying that Sapphire had changed since he’d rolled out of her bed and left her. It was a hell of a thing for him to do to her and he knew he’d acted like a first-class bastard, but he’d done what he felt he’d had to do.
He’d done the tough things—the right things—all his life, but he’d never done anything that had shredded his soul the way that leaving Sapphire had.
BUY FROM AMAZON
TEASER:
He swallowed hard but didn’t look away. He couldn’t. He’d had her and he’d thrown her away. The fact that it was for her own good didn’t lessen the pain or the sense of loss that had consumed him every waking hour since.
The blouse she was wearing was silky, the front dipping low enough to show a hint of cleavage. And Sapphire had plenty to showcase. She wasn’t one of your skinny New York-model wannabes. She had curves that made any man who saw her sit up and take notice.
With her waist-length curly black hair, heart-shaped face and killer curves, Sapphire was stunningly beautiful. Not in a conventional, modern way, more like a throwback to the pinup girls from the forties and fifties.
But she hadn’t dressed that provocatively when they’d been together. Granted, he’d been her bodyguard and not her boyfriend at the time, but he’d come to know her well in the time they’d spent together. No, this was a new development, one that coincided with his walking away from her.
That was no accident. There was no denying that Sapphire had changed since he’d rolled out of her bed and left her. It was a hell of a thing for him to do to her and he knew he’d acted like a first-class bastard, but he’d done what he felt he’d had to do.
He’d done the tough things—the right things—all his life, but he’d never done anything that had shredded his soul the way that leaving Sapphire had.
BUY FROM AMAZON
