What do you think?
Rate this book
Sin City Collectors #1
Aces Wild
Welcome to Vegas. Home of the Sin City Collectors. The job description is easy: Bring the offending supernatural in to the Boss and don’t ask any questions.
Nevada Hamilton has learned a few things since becoming a Sin City Collector, and staying away from vampires is one of them. After botching her first Collection, the vamp getting away after causing as much damage as possible, she hasn’t been assigned to another one since.
But when she receives her next playing card, she’s in for a surprise. Not only is a vampire her next target, but they’ve paired her up to make sure she gets the job done right. Refusing a Collection is not an option, but when she discovers who she’s working with, making the mission as difficult as possible for her new partner becomes her top priority…
Being a hellhound isn’t enough to protect Jake Troubadour from Nevada Hamilton, no matter how thick his skin is. Finding out he has to work with the beautiful dhampir, after not seeing her for three years, is a low blow—but Jake is a professional. He takes his Collections as seriously as he does running his bar. He’ll do whatever it takes to get the job done, but after that, he’s out. No more chances for the girl who wrecked his bike and scarred his soul so long ago. But even with his heart dead set against it, this hellhound quickly finds he’s not immune to love after all.
What’s Collected in Vegas, stays in Vegas...
Nevada Hamilton has learned a few things since becoming a Sin City Collector, and staying away from vampires is one of them. After botching her first Collection, the vamp getting away after causing as much damage as possible, she hasn’t been assigned to another one since.
But when she receives her next playing card, she’s in for a surprise. Not only is a vampire her next target, but they’ve paired her up to make sure she gets the job done right. Refusing a Collection is not an option, but when she discovers who she’s working with, making the mission as difficult as possible for her new partner becomes her top priority…
Being a hellhound isn’t enough to protect Jake Troubadour from Nevada Hamilton, no matter how thick his skin is. Finding out he has to work with the beautiful dhampir, after not seeing her for three years, is a low blow—but Jake is a professional. He takes his Collections as seriously as he does running his bar. He’ll do whatever it takes to get the job done, but after that, he’s out. No more chances for the girl who wrecked his bike and scarred his soul so long ago. But even with his heart dead set against it, this hellhound quickly finds he’s not immune to love after all.
What’s Collected in Vegas, stays in Vegas...
188 pages, Paperback
First published May 29, 2014
52 people are currently reading
1044 people want to read
About the author
Amanda Carlson
28 books712 followersAmanda Carlson is the author of the upcoming Jessica McClain series. The first book, Full Blooded, will be released by Hachette Book Group, ORBIT US & UK SEPT 2012. She’s been writing for over ten years. Full Blooded is her first novel. She lives in Minneapolis, with her husband and three kids.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 102 reviews
June 16, 2014
Aces Wild by Amanda Carlson is the first book in the Sin City Collectors. The Sin City Collectors series is a collaboration of different authors like Kristen Painter, Shawntelle Madison, Sara Humphreys, and Angie Fox. Each of them is writing a novella, all set in the same world, but with different main characters.
Nevada Hamilton is a dhampir (the child of a vampire and a human). She is a tough cookie with an attitude to spare. She loves her job as a collector and is really good at what she does, but Nevada is not happy with her latest assignment, she not only needs to bring down a vampire, but also, for this job she has been partnered with Jake Troubadour, the only other collector she can’t stand.
Since the night they share three years back, Jake Troubadour hasn’t been able to forget Nevada. He doesn’t understand her reaction to that night and her unwillingness to see him and even talk to him afterwards. Now they are forced to work together; he knows that for this job to be successful they will have to work as a team, something not easily accomplished when he cannot keep his head straight when Nevada is around.
On the beginning, because of her attitude Nevada is a hard to like heroine, she feels a bit spiteful, especially with her unjustified defensiveness towards Jake. After we learn some secrets and part of her background it was easy to understand and accept her behavior and even like her.
Jake is a sweetheart, he has been in love with Nevada since their hook up and wants her in his life. He doesn’t understand Nevada’s behavior and accusations, but he accepts what she throws at him. He’s a gentleman any woman will be happy to have in her life… Did you hear me Nevada? Treat him well or send him over. I’ll gladly take him.
At first, I didn’t get Jake’s attraction towards Nevada, but after seeing them spending some time together is was easy to feel the sparks flying between them, and let me tell you they are hot, hot, hot together.
Set in Las Vegas, Aces Wild is action packed and with some unexpected secrets woven into the story that will not only make you go “wow”, but will also keep you glued to the pages.
Amanda Carlson opens the Sin City Collectors series with a bang! Aces Wild is a novella as satisfying as a full-length novel.
If you like fun, sexy and original paranormal romance, Aces Wild is a novella you need to read.
Nevada Hamilton is a dhampir (the child of a vampire and a human). She is a tough cookie with an attitude to spare. She loves her job as a collector and is really good at what she does, but Nevada is not happy with her latest assignment, she not only needs to bring down a vampire, but also, for this job she has been partnered with Jake Troubadour, the only other collector she can’t stand.
Since the night they share three years back, Jake Troubadour hasn’t been able to forget Nevada. He doesn’t understand her reaction to that night and her unwillingness to see him and even talk to him afterwards. Now they are forced to work together; he knows that for this job to be successful they will have to work as a team, something not easily accomplished when he cannot keep his head straight when Nevada is around.
On the beginning, because of her attitude Nevada is a hard to like heroine, she feels a bit spiteful, especially with her unjustified defensiveness towards Jake. After we learn some secrets and part of her background it was easy to understand and accept her behavior and even like her.
Jake is a sweetheart, he has been in love with Nevada since their hook up and wants her in his life. He doesn’t understand Nevada’s behavior and accusations, but he accepts what she throws at him. He’s a gentleman any woman will be happy to have in her life… Did you hear me Nevada? Treat him well or send him over. I’ll gladly take him.
At first, I didn’t get Jake’s attraction towards Nevada, but after seeing them spending some time together is was easy to feel the sparks flying between them, and let me tell you they are hot, hot, hot together.
Set in Las Vegas, Aces Wild is action packed and with some unexpected secrets woven into the story that will not only make you go “wow”, but will also keep you glued to the pages.
Amanda Carlson opens the Sin City Collectors series with a bang! Aces Wild is a novella as satisfying as a full-length novel.
If you like fun, sexy and original paranormal romance, Aces Wild is a novella you need to read.
May 22, 2014
Vamps, hellhounds, and witches in Sin City!
I'm excited for this new world Carlson has created. Loved it. Full review later. =)
I'm excited for this new world Carlson has created. Loved it. Full review later. =)
June 12, 2014
My Review:
Yes...another fantastic start to a new paranormal world. Amanda Carlson kicks off this new series which is going to feature some of the biggest names in paranormal romance...Amanda Carlson, Kristen Painter, Shawntelle Madison, Sara Humphreys, and Angie Fox. Each of these books work as a stand-alone in this new paranormal world set in Las Vegas. Amanda Carlson did an amazing job kicking it off with this first book which was so good. I FLEW through reading it because I didn't want to put it down.
The Collectors are a group of paranormal bounty hunter types. They apprehend paranormal criminals which tend to drift to Las Vegas simply because they don't stand out there.
This book is about Nevada who is a dhampir, half vampire/half human. She's been a collector very successfully for 3 years. The only paranormal creature who's given her troubles was her first apprehension, a vampire who got away. Normally the collectors work alone, but this time her boss, Louis (a hellhound) has assigned a partner in Jake, his nephew and also a hellhound. Nevada is less than thrilled to have a partner especially when she finds out it's Jake. They hooked up 3 years ago with rather humiliating results since Nevada barely remembers the encounter.
I loved Jake and Nevada. Jake is obviously a good guy. Their history is complicated because he had no idea that she was compromised at all that night and feels incredibly guilty about it even though it was the hottest night of his life. I truly love how much of a good guy he is...willing to accept whatever blame Nevada wants to throw at him. For her part, Nevada is one tough and strong girl. She's learned to rely entirely upon herself so it's really hard for her to let Jake in.
I loved the backstory for Nevada and how it wove into the Collector story. Everything about this one worked for me...both the action and the rocking sexy romance story line. Big, strong Hellhound...oh, yeah!
I love the idea of paranormal bounty hunters set in the glitter and nightlife of Las Vegas. This first book introduced us to a menagerie of different paranormals and characters and I can already tell...this is a series going onto my must-buy list. Great premise, great adventure, great fun, and a set up for some really sexy times. Every book is set up to have it's own HEA so it's a win-win all the way around. I can't wait to read more!
Yes...another fantastic start to a new paranormal world. Amanda Carlson kicks off this new series which is going to feature some of the biggest names in paranormal romance...Amanda Carlson, Kristen Painter, Shawntelle Madison, Sara Humphreys, and Angie Fox. Each of these books work as a stand-alone in this new paranormal world set in Las Vegas. Amanda Carlson did an amazing job kicking it off with this first book which was so good. I FLEW through reading it because I didn't want to put it down.
The Collectors are a group of paranormal bounty hunter types. They apprehend paranormal criminals which tend to drift to Las Vegas simply because they don't stand out there.
This book is about Nevada who is a dhampir, half vampire/half human. She's been a collector very successfully for 3 years. The only paranormal creature who's given her troubles was her first apprehension, a vampire who got away. Normally the collectors work alone, but this time her boss, Louis (a hellhound) has assigned a partner in Jake, his nephew and also a hellhound. Nevada is less than thrilled to have a partner especially when she finds out it's Jake. They hooked up 3 years ago with rather humiliating results since Nevada barely remembers the encounter.
I loved Jake and Nevada. Jake is obviously a good guy. Their history is complicated because he had no idea that she was compromised at all that night and feels incredibly guilty about it even though it was the hottest night of his life. I truly love how much of a good guy he is...willing to accept whatever blame Nevada wants to throw at him. For her part, Nevada is one tough and strong girl. She's learned to rely entirely upon herself so it's really hard for her to let Jake in.
I loved the backstory for Nevada and how it wove into the Collector story. Everything about this one worked for me...both the action and the rocking sexy romance story line. Big, strong Hellhound...oh, yeah!
I love the idea of paranormal bounty hunters set in the glitter and nightlife of Las Vegas. This first book introduced us to a menagerie of different paranormals and characters and I can already tell...this is a series going onto my must-buy list. Great premise, great adventure, great fun, and a set up for some really sexy times. Every book is set up to have it's own HEA so it's a win-win all the way around. I can't wait to read more!
June 19, 2014
ACES WILD has taken TOP SPOT in my favorite novellas list!! You’re probably thinking what I usually do when it comes to novellas. They’re TOO short and you can’t connect with the characters b/c it’s not developed enough. That is NOT the case with this one. This novella is great from beginning to end. Carlson explains this new Sin City Collectors world, while weaving a back story for Nevada and Jake and keeping the action and fighting going.
Nevada Hamilton (love the name) and Jake Troubadour are both “Collectors” in Sin City. Nevada is a dhampir who HATES vampires. Jake is a Hellhound. Oh yes! A Hellhound! I think it’s my NEW favorite type of supernatural creature. LOL! He is 1 big and sexy bad ass! Jake is the perfect mixture though, part bad ass and part sweet and loving. These two have great chemistry together and made the sexy times THAT much sexier. The climax of the story was slightly predictable but didn’t take anything away from the storyline.
There was no feeling of the story being rushed or feelings of missing information, Carlson was able to capture it all in this novella.
Overall, I LOVED this novella, it left me wanting more and I can’t wait to read more of this series. I think this was a BRILLIANT idea! :-)
Nevada Hamilton (love the name) and Jake Troubadour are both “Collectors” in Sin City. Nevada is a dhampir who HATES vampires. Jake is a Hellhound. Oh yes! A Hellhound! I think it’s my NEW favorite type of supernatural creature. LOL! He is 1 big and sexy bad ass! Jake is the perfect mixture though, part bad ass and part sweet and loving. These two have great chemistry together and made the sexy times THAT much sexier. The climax of the story was slightly predictable but didn’t take anything away from the storyline.
There was no feeling of the story being rushed or feelings of missing information, Carlson was able to capture it all in this novella.
Overall, I LOVED this novella, it left me wanting more and I can’t wait to read more of this series. I think this was a BRILLIANT idea! :-)
June 5, 2014
Review courtesy of All Things Urban Fantasy
ACES WILD is, in my opinion, a perfect start to the new Sin City Collectors series, which features an interesting premise in that the installments will be written by different authors. Since I already like Amanda Carlson’s other series, I was excited to see what she would bring to a totally different setting and characters. I was not disappointed. Though short, ACES WILD manages to pack in action and romance and enough of a hook to bring me back for the next story.
In ACES WILD, Carlson manages to introduce us to the idea of the Collectors, plus the supernatural world they inhabit, all without being too heavy-handed about it. This includes such paranormal beings like vampires, dhampirs, nymphs, witches, hellhounds, and more. The Collectors themselves, with the mysterious boss, and weekly assignments, are also fascinating , and since we’re introduced to the organization through Neve’s, and to some extent, Jake’s eyes, we get just enough detail to pique curiosity, leaving lots to be discovered in the future while still giving the basics so the story makes sense.
At the beginning prickly Neve and sexy Jake don’t seem like they’re right for each other (I know I was rooting for Jake to find somebody sweeter) but by the end, I was convinced. Sparks fly when these two get together, and though the time period of the story is short, they have a clear back-story, which makes their romance more believable than if they had just magically fallen in love over the course of a few hours. I was actually surprised at how much I felt I knew the characters by the end of the novella, since it wasn’t very long (my only complaint – I would not have minded a longer story). They’re well written and multidimensional, and their interactions felt effortless.
Like I said, I’m definitely going to be back for more of the Sin City Collectors. The whole idea of a series being written by different authors – including Kristin Painter, Angie Fox and Shawntelle Madison (all authors we’ve reviewed and enjoyed here at All Things Urban Fantasy) – is fun, plus the concept is creative and leaves a lot to be explored. If this first installment is any indication, the whole series will be a lot of fun, and I can’t wait to see who we get to meet next.
Sexual content: Multiple sex scenes
ACES WILD is, in my opinion, a perfect start to the new Sin City Collectors series, which features an interesting premise in that the installments will be written by different authors. Since I already like Amanda Carlson’s other series, I was excited to see what she would bring to a totally different setting and characters. I was not disappointed. Though short, ACES WILD manages to pack in action and romance and enough of a hook to bring me back for the next story.
In ACES WILD, Carlson manages to introduce us to the idea of the Collectors, plus the supernatural world they inhabit, all without being too heavy-handed about it. This includes such paranormal beings like vampires, dhampirs, nymphs, witches, hellhounds, and more. The Collectors themselves, with the mysterious boss, and weekly assignments, are also fascinating , and since we’re introduced to the organization through Neve’s, and to some extent, Jake’s eyes, we get just enough detail to pique curiosity, leaving lots to be discovered in the future while still giving the basics so the story makes sense.
At the beginning prickly Neve and sexy Jake don’t seem like they’re right for each other (I know I was rooting for Jake to find somebody sweeter) but by the end, I was convinced. Sparks fly when these two get together, and though the time period of the story is short, they have a clear back-story, which makes their romance more believable than if they had just magically fallen in love over the course of a few hours. I was actually surprised at how much I felt I knew the characters by the end of the novella, since it wasn’t very long (my only complaint – I would not have minded a longer story). They’re well written and multidimensional, and their interactions felt effortless.
Like I said, I’m definitely going to be back for more of the Sin City Collectors. The whole idea of a series being written by different authors – including Kristin Painter, Angie Fox and Shawntelle Madison (all authors we’ve reviewed and enjoyed here at All Things Urban Fantasy) – is fun, plus the concept is creative and leaves a lot to be explored. If this first installment is any indication, the whole series will be a lot of fun, and I can’t wait to see who we get to meet next.
Sexual content: Multiple sex scenes
June 10, 2014
Mon avis en Frnaçais
My English review
I love Amanda Carlson, so when I saw she was going to release a novella, I did not hesitate before starting it. I can tell you that we have a great time over the pages. The novel itself is not very long, but Amanda makes us really want to discover more about this world and her characters.
We discover Neve, a dhampir which has a fairly long history… between her hatred over the vampires, a difficult childhood and a life full of danger and survival. She works in an organization that deals with supernatural punishments when some persons break the rules governing them. That’s where our heroine comes to track and bring these criminals back. But while she decided to stay away from vampires, she finds herself with a new case compelling her to face her fears. Telling that she is not happy is an understatement, but when she learns that she must team up with a man of her past, nothing can make her happy.
I really had a great time with this story and I must say that I was surprised by many of the revelations. Neve will see her life turned upside down in an instant and she may discover some of her past and future. I loved discovering her and Jake as they form quite a duo and I loved attending their arguments.
To conclude, Amanda Carlson presents us once again a very good story and I hope as always to discover more soon.
My English review
I love Amanda Carlson, so when I saw she was going to release a novella, I did not hesitate before starting it. I can tell you that we have a great time over the pages. The novel itself is not very long, but Amanda makes us really want to discover more about this world and her characters.
We discover Neve, a dhampir which has a fairly long history… between her hatred over the vampires, a difficult childhood and a life full of danger and survival. She works in an organization that deals with supernatural punishments when some persons break the rules governing them. That’s where our heroine comes to track and bring these criminals back. But while she decided to stay away from vampires, she finds herself with a new case compelling her to face her fears. Telling that she is not happy is an understatement, but when she learns that she must team up with a man of her past, nothing can make her happy.
I really had a great time with this story and I must say that I was surprised by many of the revelations. Neve will see her life turned upside down in an instant and she may discover some of her past and future. I loved discovering her and Jake as they form quite a duo and I loved attending their arguments.
To conclude, Amanda Carlson presents us once again a very good story and I hope as always to discover more soon.
September 22, 2014
*****Review by Gladys #XOXOtheNerdGirl*****
As a fan of the Jessica McClain series, I of course wanted to dive right into the first installment of the Sin City Collectors Novellas. I enjoy Amanda's writing style and her unique way of putting a new twist to old lore. AND BOY WAS SHE UNIQUE WITH HER WRITING THIS TIME.
Nevada Hamilton is a dhampir (half vampire/half human) who works as a Sin City Collector. She is like a bounty hunter for paranormal beings (Ha! What a reality show that would be!!!), BUT she stays away from vampires after her first and last botched job with one. She get's her new assignment and ta da!!! It's for a vampire!!! To make matters worse she has a partner.
Now she is teamed up with a former flame and hellhound, Jake Troubadour. They are both not happy about it. They both are attracted to each other. They both made mistakes that one night 3 years ago and it all boils down to what??? Miscommunication. Typical... DUH!!! (Want more steam READ IT!!)
OK. With the love part out of the way, let's just say that the creativity, character development and world building is genius considering it's a stand alone novella. You would really have to wonder how Amanda could create a paranormal world with rarely used paranormal beings and keep it short.
I recommend reading anything by Amanda Carlson. I recommend Aces Wild!! I give it a 5 and I tip my Nerd Girl Hat to her!!! I can not wait to read more from the series!
As a fan of the Jessica McClain series, I of course wanted to dive right into the first installment of the Sin City Collectors Novellas. I enjoy Amanda's writing style and her unique way of putting a new twist to old lore. AND BOY WAS SHE UNIQUE WITH HER WRITING THIS TIME.
Nevada Hamilton is a dhampir (half vampire/half human) who works as a Sin City Collector. She is like a bounty hunter for paranormal beings (Ha! What a reality show that would be!!!), BUT she stays away from vampires after her first and last botched job with one. She get's her new assignment and ta da!!! It's for a vampire!!! To make matters worse she has a partner.
Now she is teamed up with a former flame and hellhound, Jake Troubadour. They are both not happy about it. They both are attracted to each other. They both made mistakes that one night 3 years ago and it all boils down to what??? Miscommunication. Typical... DUH!!! (Want more steam READ IT!!)
OK. With the love part out of the way, let's just say that the creativity, character development and world building is genius considering it's a stand alone novella. You would really have to wonder how Amanda could create a paranormal world with rarely used paranormal beings and keep it short.
I recommend reading anything by Amanda Carlson. I recommend Aces Wild!! I give it a 5 and I tip my Nerd Girl Hat to her!!! I can not wait to read more from the series!
May 30, 2014
I was lucky enough to receive an advance copy of this novella, first in a new Sin City Series, for review purposes and I have to say I thoroughly enjoyed it! This is my first encounter with Amanda Carlson's writing but after reading this I am sure it won't be my last.
I love the concept of the "collectors". I read a LOT of paranormal books and it is always fun when you get to come across something new and exciting! I can't wait to see what the other authors in this collaboration come up with! If they are half as good as this then count me in!
Amanda brings some brilliant new characters to the page and I am not talking people! She gives us creatures that are generally overlooked or play background roles in many paranormal universes, I mean how many books have you read that are based around a Dhamphir and a Hellhound? Exactly! If you love a good dose of urban fantasy action with a nice dash of hot romance thrown in then you need to pick up your copy STAT!
A solid 4 1/2 stars form me (rounded up as is my policy) V""V
I love the concept of the "collectors". I read a LOT of paranormal books and it is always fun when you get to come across something new and exciting! I can't wait to see what the other authors in this collaboration come up with! If they are half as good as this then count me in!
Amanda brings some brilliant new characters to the page and I am not talking people! She gives us creatures that are generally overlooked or play background roles in many paranormal universes, I mean how many books have you read that are based around a Dhamphir and a Hellhound? Exactly! If you love a good dose of urban fantasy action with a nice dash of hot romance thrown in then you need to pick up your copy STAT!
A solid 4 1/2 stars form me (rounded up as is my policy) V""V
June 4, 2017
2.5 Stars. Good PNR novella; but it would have worked much better for me had it been straight UF. As it was, the cliched over-the-top romance detracted too much and too often from an otherwise entertaining read.
July 25, 2014
**4-4.5 stars** Aces Wild is a Winner! Definitely looking forward to reading more of this series!
March 15, 2017
Neve and Jake had meet before when she had a fight in his bar, wrecked his bike, and ended up in his bed. Problem is, they have completely different memories of that night. This picks up 3 years after that. Neve is a Collector. She "arrests" supes. She is assigned a vampire and for this one, they assign her a partner. Yep, you guessed it! Jake!
This was well paced. I thought everything was explained well. The villain was a good one. For the length, this packed a nice punch. Looks like the next book by this author (book 3 in this series) will feature Diesel and Sofia who were both introduced in this one.
This was well paced. I thought everything was explained well. The villain was a good one. For the length, this packed a nice punch. Looks like the next book by this author (book 3 in this series) will feature Diesel and Sofia who were both introduced in this one.
June 6, 2014
(Originally posted on JeanzBookReadNReview)
Love, Love, Love it! More! More! More! Please.
INITIAL THOUGHTS
Upon hearing about this new series and who the individual novellas were written by I was immediately thinking "Where can I get the first one?" Then I was super lucky and Amanda Carlson generously offered me a review copy . . .which was total no-brainer (I think thats the right saying) I shouted "Yes please"!! and could hardly wait to read it. I do readily admit to loving Amanda Carlson's style of writing, and her Jessica McClain Series which I was super lucky to be in on reading from the very beginning.
MY REVIEW
So as I said I received a review copy of this novella from Amanda Carlson in exchange for my honest review.
I love the cover on this book, the rich purples and blues. the woman on the cover I'd say is Nevada and she definitely has "otherworldly eyes" . I will say the gorgeous cover and the fact it's written by Amanda Carlson would make me pick this one up in a book store for sure! I normally would say that quotes from other authors that have read the book is my pet peeve but come on this quote is from Gena Showalter!
So the main characters (which I lurrrve) are Nevada Hamilton, is a Dhampir, who was kind of brought up single-handedly by her mother who is a heavy drinker so at the first opportunity Nevada moves out and gets a job working for Louie. Nevada has never met her father and sort of look to Louie for fatherly guidance. The other main character is Louies nephew the gorgeous hunky Hellhound called Jake Troubadour (Grrrr just doesn't do him justice). Jake also works for his Uncle Louie and his boss as a Sin City Collector.
So whats a Sin City Collector? The Sin City part is that the book is set in Vegas! ~(and we've all heard the saying about Vegas haven't we?) The Collector part is the job which is that Jake and Nevada are just two of the "Collectors" for the "Otherworld/Underworld" of Paranormals. Sin City Collectors are kind of "bounty hunters". The way the jobs are given out is quite cryptic in that playing cards are used. a normal job is just one collector to one collectee which is one of the reasons Nevada is in a bad mood to begin with. she would much rather work alone. The second thing that's annoying her about this collection is that the other collector working on it with her is Jake Troubadour and they have some "history". It's under dispute as to who seduced who but they did end up in bed and then the following morning Nevada couldn't get out of there quick enough and has avoided Jake literally like the plague!
The reason that two collectors have been put on this job is that they are collecting a very old, hence very strong vampire. One that turns out to have a particular interest in Nevada.
I loved how the title Aces Wild was incorporated into the book. I had been wondering slightly where it came in thinking oh it's because of the casino and card playing element, but it was also something else . . .I seriously could go on and on about this novella I loved it! This is an adult aimed book ans series so be prepared it is steamy, and dare I say sizzling in places but it's all in context and flows within the plot etc. I think we all deserve a Jake Troubadour!
I would compare the writing in this novella and Amanda Carlson to other Authors I also love to read, Kelley Armstrong & Women Of The Otherworld, and Julie Belfield and her Holloway Pack books. Highly recommend all three of these Authors! I'm also really looking forward to reading the other novella's in this series and perhaps discovering more great authors I have yet to read.
So did I enjoy the novella? Yes I loved it! Brilliant! Would I recommend? To 18+ yes. It isn't erotica, I don't really read erotica it's just steamy and sizzles a little, well within the plot. Do I want to read more in this series? Definitely yes please, when can I read them? Would I read more by Amanda Carlson? Yes please! More please! Thanks for the fantastic books.
Love, Love, Love it! More! More! More! Please.
INITIAL THOUGHTS
Upon hearing about this new series and who the individual novellas were written by I was immediately thinking "Where can I get the first one?" Then I was super lucky and Amanda Carlson generously offered me a review copy . . .which was total no-brainer (I think thats the right saying) I shouted "Yes please"!! and could hardly wait to read it. I do readily admit to loving Amanda Carlson's style of writing, and her Jessica McClain Series which I was super lucky to be in on reading from the very beginning.
MY REVIEW
So as I said I received a review copy of this novella from Amanda Carlson in exchange for my honest review.
I love the cover on this book, the rich purples and blues. the woman on the cover I'd say is Nevada and she definitely has "otherworldly eyes" . I will say the gorgeous cover and the fact it's written by Amanda Carlson would make me pick this one up in a book store for sure! I normally would say that quotes from other authors that have read the book is my pet peeve but come on this quote is from Gena Showalter!
So the main characters (which I lurrrve) are Nevada Hamilton, is a Dhampir, who was kind of brought up single-handedly by her mother who is a heavy drinker so at the first opportunity Nevada moves out and gets a job working for Louie. Nevada has never met her father and sort of look to Louie for fatherly guidance. The other main character is Louies nephew the gorgeous hunky Hellhound called Jake Troubadour (Grrrr just doesn't do him justice). Jake also works for his Uncle Louie and his boss as a Sin City Collector.
So whats a Sin City Collector? The Sin City part is that the book is set in Vegas! ~(and we've all heard the saying about Vegas haven't we?) The Collector part is the job which is that Jake and Nevada are just two of the "Collectors" for the "Otherworld/Underworld" of Paranormals. Sin City Collectors are kind of "bounty hunters". The way the jobs are given out is quite cryptic in that playing cards are used. a normal job is just one collector to one collectee which is one of the reasons Nevada is in a bad mood to begin with. she would much rather work alone. The second thing that's annoying her about this collection is that the other collector working on it with her is Jake Troubadour and they have some "history". It's under dispute as to who seduced who but they did end up in bed and then the following morning Nevada couldn't get out of there quick enough and has avoided Jake literally like the plague!
The reason that two collectors have been put on this job is that they are collecting a very old, hence very strong vampire. One that turns out to have a particular interest in Nevada.
I loved how the title Aces Wild was incorporated into the book. I had been wondering slightly where it came in thinking oh it's because of the casino and card playing element, but it was also something else . . .I seriously could go on and on about this novella I loved it! This is an adult aimed book ans series so be prepared it is steamy, and dare I say sizzling in places but it's all in context and flows within the plot etc. I think we all deserve a Jake Troubadour!
I would compare the writing in this novella and Amanda Carlson to other Authors I also love to read, Kelley Armstrong & Women Of The Otherworld, and Julie Belfield and her Holloway Pack books. Highly recommend all three of these Authors! I'm also really looking forward to reading the other novella's in this series and perhaps discovering more great authors I have yet to read.
So did I enjoy the novella? Yes I loved it! Brilliant! Would I recommend? To 18+ yes. It isn't erotica, I don't really read erotica it's just steamy and sizzles a little, well within the plot. Do I want to read more in this series? Definitely yes please, when can I read them? Would I read more by Amanda Carlson? Yes please! More please! Thanks for the fantastic books.
May 27, 2014
I received this ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review, I was in no way compensated for this review.
Amanda Carlson starts off this new series of novellas, Sin City Collections, with Aces Wild and what a read it was! This is something entirely new for me, a series of novellas written by different authors to be released one at a time! Normally I'd read an anthology where we have a theme of some sort, but these novellas will all take place in the same world! So it's definitely going to be an exciting series to read! And quick too!
Nevada Hamilton is a dhampir and a Collector. From what I could gather, it basically sounds like a police force for supernaturals. I wasn't able to get a good grasp on the Collectors and their buildup, other than that they collect supernatural bad guys for The Boss, who remains a nameless figure, but this is the first in the collection, so I guess answers are meant to be given so soon!
When her boss, not The Boss, tells her she has to Collect a certain vampire and that her partner will be the hellhound, Jake Troubadour, Neve is not a happy camper. She and Jake had a thing once three years ago and she's never looked back on it. Needless to say, it didn't end well. Having to work with the hellhound after so much time has passed by doesn't please her. She's been doing her best to push him out of her life.
Jake on the other hand, isn't too thrilled with working with Neve either. He's a bit hurt from her actions three years ago. He hasn't been able to get her out of his mind either. And naturally this leads to a boatload of romantic tension between the two.
I have to say that Amanda did one helluva job writing this novella! She packed sooo much into so few pages. There was history between Neve and Jake, and we got the details along the way and then there was even more buildup around the mysterious villain! And even a hint at what her next novella from this series would be come August! It was remarkable! I always find trying to write a novella is harder than the novel, because you basically have to combine all those novel writing elements into the novella, but give the story in under a hundred (or so) pages. That's freaking hard!! Which is probably why I didn't do so hot in my high school short story class...in college my first critique group loved my over the page limit story!
Anyway, this novella was just awesome! I loved it! The action was well paced and the romance was to die for! I loved that there was even something "chemical" between Neve and Jake. Something threatens to keep them apart and it will take a lot of willpower from the two of them to work it out. And let's just say wow! I wasn't expecting my own kind of reaction from the two of them! I was totally thrown into their ordeal and dying to see what would happen between them! Novellas can sometimes have an odd effect on me! I might enjoy it, but never feel totally involved in the loving of it or whatever, so yeah, I was surprised by how much I sank into this one like I do with a regular novel!
To make an insanely long review short, ha!, this was the first in a new novella series and I have to say that if you love Paranormal Romance and Urban Fantasy, then definitely check this series out! There's a great lineup of authors and if you see even one name you are at all familiar with, then I suggest you buy, buy, buy the entire lineup! The series is going to have different characters with each novella, but they are all in the same world, so we might yet again see Neve and Jake pop up in the next one!
Authors to look for in this incredibly amazing series are: Amanda Carlson, Kristen Painter, Sara Humphreys, Angie Fox, and Shawntelle Madison!
Overall Rating 4.5/5 stars--again, my only complaint was not fully understanding who the Collectors are as a group and who the mysterious Boss is. But it might be too soon to know that second bit!
Aces Wild releases June 1, 2014
Amanda Carlson starts off this new series of novellas, Sin City Collections, with Aces Wild and what a read it was! This is something entirely new for me, a series of novellas written by different authors to be released one at a time! Normally I'd read an anthology where we have a theme of some sort, but these novellas will all take place in the same world! So it's definitely going to be an exciting series to read! And quick too!
Nevada Hamilton is a dhampir and a Collector. From what I could gather, it basically sounds like a police force for supernaturals. I wasn't able to get a good grasp on the Collectors and their buildup, other than that they collect supernatural bad guys for The Boss, who remains a nameless figure, but this is the first in the collection, so I guess answers are meant to be given so soon!
When her boss, not The Boss, tells her she has to Collect a certain vampire and that her partner will be the hellhound, Jake Troubadour, Neve is not a happy camper. She and Jake had a thing once three years ago and she's never looked back on it. Needless to say, it didn't end well. Having to work with the hellhound after so much time has passed by doesn't please her. She's been doing her best to push him out of her life.
Jake on the other hand, isn't too thrilled with working with Neve either. He's a bit hurt from her actions three years ago. He hasn't been able to get her out of his mind either. And naturally this leads to a boatload of romantic tension between the two.
I have to say that Amanda did one helluva job writing this novella! She packed sooo much into so few pages. There was history between Neve and Jake, and we got the details along the way and then there was even more buildup around the mysterious villain! And even a hint at what her next novella from this series would be come August! It was remarkable! I always find trying to write a novella is harder than the novel, because you basically have to combine all those novel writing elements into the novella, but give the story in under a hundred (or so) pages. That's freaking hard!! Which is probably why I didn't do so hot in my high school short story class...in college my first critique group loved my over the page limit story!
Anyway, this novella was just awesome! I loved it! The action was well paced and the romance was to die for! I loved that there was even something "chemical" between Neve and Jake. Something threatens to keep them apart and it will take a lot of willpower from the two of them to work it out. And let's just say wow! I wasn't expecting my own kind of reaction from the two of them! I was totally thrown into their ordeal and dying to see what would happen between them! Novellas can sometimes have an odd effect on me! I might enjoy it, but never feel totally involved in the loving of it or whatever, so yeah, I was surprised by how much I sank into this one like I do with a regular novel!
To make an insanely long review short, ha!, this was the first in a new novella series and I have to say that if you love Paranormal Romance and Urban Fantasy, then definitely check this series out! There's a great lineup of authors and if you see even one name you are at all familiar with, then I suggest you buy, buy, buy the entire lineup! The series is going to have different characters with each novella, but they are all in the same world, so we might yet again see Neve and Jake pop up in the next one!
Authors to look for in this incredibly amazing series are: Amanda Carlson, Kristen Painter, Sara Humphreys, Angie Fox, and Shawntelle Madison!
Overall Rating 4.5/5 stars--again, my only complaint was not fully understanding who the Collectors are as a group and who the mysterious Boss is. But it might be too soon to know that second bit!
Aces Wild releases June 1, 2014
June 10, 2014
Aces Wild by Amanda Carlson is awesome. I really enjoyed reading this book and can’t wait to read the other books as they are released. Carlson is also known for her Werewolf based Jessica McClain Series. It’s nice to see an author who can transition so seamlessly between different species within the paranormal/supernatural world.
In Aces Wild, Carlson takes on the world of Vampires, Hellhounds, Dhampirs, Witches, and God knows what else that ‘exists’ in what almost sounds like an underground paranormal mafia. Nevada Hamilton is a “collector”. She collects the assigned target, delivers them to “the Boss” and goes on her way. Luckily she hasn’t been assigned any Vampires since her disastrous first assignment. For her newest assignment, she’s surprised to find that she has not only been given the name of a Vampire to collect, but she’s been paired up with a super hot hellhound named Jake, who she happens to share a bit of crazy history with.
I did mildly feel a little bit lost in the beginning and felt like I had missed something between Nevada and Jake, but that feeling didn’t last very long. I still feel like there is more to their story, but Aces Wild wasn’t meant to give me their entire story.
From the very beginning of Aces Wild, I wanted to know more about these characters. I wanted to know everything about Nevada and Jake; I wanted to know where they came from, why the chemistry between them was so intense and where they were going. This desire to know the characters kept me entirely wrapped up in the story and kept me wanting more, more, MORE! Carlson kept me curious as to where the story was going and caused me to read the book very quickly, thus making Aces Wild another of Amanda Carlson’s books that I finished well before I was ready to stop reading. As with pretty much all of Carlson’s books, I wish it was longer, but what can you do? It’s still a great story.
Carlson creates these super strong and independent women in her books that I know I personally would love to be like in real life. They aren’t flowers and candy kind of women. These women are nunchucks and AR-15 kind of girls. They are the type of woman that would appreciate ammo as a Valentine’s Day gift. Carlson’s women are strong and sensual all at the same time, and to be honest, I’m kind of jealous of these women for their emotional and physical strengths.
Amanda Carlson’s male characters aren’t pushovers and can hold their own against their female counterparts and they all seem to be able to play off of each other’s strengths and weaknesses in a way that makes a great story all around.
Carlson’s other books are filled with vivid and very well written action and fight scenes. She is a very visual author and great at helping you see the scenes as they take place in the story. Aces Wild falls into this description as well. This is one author that really knows how to write an action scene without leaving the reader to wonder, “Well, how does that work?”
The twists and turns that Carlson provides are sometimes hinted at, but for the most part are pretty good at sneaking up and surprising you. I thought I had figured some things with the plot line out on my own, but she was able to cause me to doubt myself enough that I was truly surprised when it was finally revealed.
This was yet another great book by Amanda Carlson, and I recommend that anyone who likes Paranormal Romance take a chance and read this book. I really can’t wait to read the rest of this series as it is released!
In Aces Wild, Carlson takes on the world of Vampires, Hellhounds, Dhampirs, Witches, and God knows what else that ‘exists’ in what almost sounds like an underground paranormal mafia. Nevada Hamilton is a “collector”. She collects the assigned target, delivers them to “the Boss” and goes on her way. Luckily she hasn’t been assigned any Vampires since her disastrous first assignment. For her newest assignment, she’s surprised to find that she has not only been given the name of a Vampire to collect, but she’s been paired up with a super hot hellhound named Jake, who she happens to share a bit of crazy history with.
I did mildly feel a little bit lost in the beginning and felt like I had missed something between Nevada and Jake, but that feeling didn’t last very long. I still feel like there is more to their story, but Aces Wild wasn’t meant to give me their entire story.
From the very beginning of Aces Wild, I wanted to know more about these characters. I wanted to know everything about Nevada and Jake; I wanted to know where they came from, why the chemistry between them was so intense and where they were going. This desire to know the characters kept me entirely wrapped up in the story and kept me wanting more, more, MORE! Carlson kept me curious as to where the story was going and caused me to read the book very quickly, thus making Aces Wild another of Amanda Carlson’s books that I finished well before I was ready to stop reading. As with pretty much all of Carlson’s books, I wish it was longer, but what can you do? It’s still a great story.
Carlson creates these super strong and independent women in her books that I know I personally would love to be like in real life. They aren’t flowers and candy kind of women. These women are nunchucks and AR-15 kind of girls. They are the type of woman that would appreciate ammo as a Valentine’s Day gift. Carlson’s women are strong and sensual all at the same time, and to be honest, I’m kind of jealous of these women for their emotional and physical strengths.
Amanda Carlson’s male characters aren’t pushovers and can hold their own against their female counterparts and they all seem to be able to play off of each other’s strengths and weaknesses in a way that makes a great story all around.
Carlson’s other books are filled with vivid and very well written action and fight scenes. She is a very visual author and great at helping you see the scenes as they take place in the story. Aces Wild falls into this description as well. This is one author that really knows how to write an action scene without leaving the reader to wonder, “Well, how does that work?”
The twists and turns that Carlson provides are sometimes hinted at, but for the most part are pretty good at sneaking up and surprising you. I thought I had figured some things with the plot line out on my own, but she was able to cause me to doubt myself enough that I was truly surprised when it was finally revealed.
This was yet another great book by Amanda Carlson, and I recommend that anyone who likes Paranormal Romance take a chance and read this book. I really can’t wait to read the rest of this series as it is released!
June 8, 2014
This is a brand new PNR series where each installment is to be written by different author. The first installment is written by Amanda Carlson. I've read Ms. Carlson's other series, Jessica McClain, which is wonderful. If you haven't read her stuff, I highly recommend this UF werewolf series, full of many other great paranormal creatures.
Before I get sidetracked, in Aces Wild, Amanda is responsible for building the new world set in Vegas where the supernatural world exists, but humans are not aware of it. The main character, Nevada Hamilton, Neve, is a dhampir; half human, half vampire. She was raised by her mother, who was rarely sober. Neve is a collector. She works in the supernatural community to "collect" or bring in other supernaturals who have broken the law, like a bounty hunter.
On this particular mission, Neve, who normally works alone, is paired up with Jake Troubadour, a hellhound. Jake and Neve have a past and it didn't end well. Neve is not happy with this pairing. Not only that, her mark is a vampire. She doesn't do well with vampires. Her first case was a vampire, and the only mark to ever escape her clutches.
This is the first book that I've read with hellhounds as shifters. I have to say, I like this breed of shifter. They have extremely thick skin that vampires can't pierce. They are stronger than other shifters and don't have their toxicity to silver. Witch's magic is also much more difficult to work on them. They were originally meant to guard kings and queens. You put all of that together with one sexy, smooth talking Jake and you have a great PNR hero.
I really enjoyed this story. I just wish it were longer, it is a novella and could've been novel length, in my opinion. I think Jake and Neve were great characters and I want to know more about them and their future. My understanding how this series will work, we might see some cameo appearances from them, but I don't think it will be even as much as what we see in other PNR stories. With a different author writing each book, I don't think they will want to spend too much on the other author's characters. We do meet the hero and heroine of the next book, but their part is small in this book.
I loved how this story ended. It was great, especially for Neve. After all the things she learned in this story, about her parentage and her mother's past, it was good to see that potential future. I highly recommend that you give this series a try. Book two is written by Kristen Painter, who is another author I'm familiar with, so I'm really excited about that book two. I don't know that I'm familiar with any of the other authors, I this is a great chance to meet some new authors.
Before I get sidetracked, in Aces Wild, Amanda is responsible for building the new world set in Vegas where the supernatural world exists, but humans are not aware of it. The main character, Nevada Hamilton, Neve, is a dhampir; half human, half vampire. She was raised by her mother, who was rarely sober. Neve is a collector. She works in the supernatural community to "collect" or bring in other supernaturals who have broken the law, like a bounty hunter.
On this particular mission, Neve, who normally works alone, is paired up with Jake Troubadour, a hellhound. Jake and Neve have a past and it didn't end well. Neve is not happy with this pairing. Not only that, her mark is a vampire. She doesn't do well with vampires. Her first case was a vampire, and the only mark to ever escape her clutches.
This is the first book that I've read with hellhounds as shifters. I have to say, I like this breed of shifter. They have extremely thick skin that vampires can't pierce. They are stronger than other shifters and don't have their toxicity to silver. Witch's magic is also much more difficult to work on them. They were originally meant to guard kings and queens. You put all of that together with one sexy, smooth talking Jake and you have a great PNR hero.
I really enjoyed this story. I just wish it were longer, it is a novella and could've been novel length, in my opinion. I think Jake and Neve were great characters and I want to know more about them and their future. My understanding how this series will work, we might see some cameo appearances from them, but I don't think it will be even as much as what we see in other PNR stories. With a different author writing each book, I don't think they will want to spend too much on the other author's characters. We do meet the hero and heroine of the next book, but their part is small in this book.
I loved how this story ended. It was great, especially for Neve. After all the things she learned in this story, about her parentage and her mother's past, it was good to see that potential future. I highly recommend that you give this series a try. Book two is written by Kristen Painter, who is another author I'm familiar with, so I'm really excited about that book two. I don't know that I'm familiar with any of the other authors, I this is a great chance to meet some new authors.
June 3, 2014
A novella and view into a deep world of the sin city and the collectors of the supernatural. A blend of action and romance in one place. I'm already a fan of Amanda's Urban fantasy series, and this story and world is right up there with it. I'll be waiting for more Sin City from Amanda and all the authors playing in this world.
***FULL REVIEW***
Nevada is a Sin City Collector (SCC) and has received her next Collection from her boss in way of a playing card with images on it to direct her. She must bring in the supernatural to her boss for discipline as the powers that be judge. Neve's next Collection is - a vampire. Neve doesn't collect vampires. Being half vampire herself, and half human, making her Dhampire she knows their tricks. The only job where the supe got away from her, her first that almost ended her career before starting, was a vampire. She hasn't taken another since, but Collectors don't pick or dictate their cases. To top off the terrible job, she's to partner up. And of the hundreds of Collectors, to be with him. Jake can't believe his luck when he receives his playing card dictating his next job. To be partnered with her. Their past together will get some answers, although they may not be what Nevada wants to learn about herself.
Collectors don't usually partner for jobs. For this case, Nevada is required to do so. Nevada thinks it's in reference to her first case, and experience with a vampire, but it might be for more reasons than she's aware of.
There is a past between Nevada and Jake. I like that with being a novella length there is a history to build on. And boy do these two build on that past. Neve hasn't been taught in the vampire, or dhampire, ways so she doesn't know what comes over her when she's near Jake. But it's not right, and she fights it with all her being. The attraction from the one night three years ago burns fresh in both, however neither knows the other feels so strongly.
When Neve lets herself go with Jake, Oh MY! Nevada reels herself in and realizes she needs to talk to one of her kind to learn more about them and herself. He reactions to Jake are far more than she bargained for And she has a Collection to perform!
Action with just the right dash of romance and feisty personality.
Amanda is a master in creating depth in her worlds and characters. This novella holds true to Amanda's growing, glowing reputation. Characters that clash yet accent each other, perfect blend. And a world that doesn't stop!
I'm already a fan of Amanda's Urban fantasy series, and this story and world is right up there with it. I'll be waiting for more Sin City from Amanda and all the authors playing in this world.
***FULL REVIEW***
Nevada is a Sin City Collector (SCC) and has received her next Collection from her boss in way of a playing card with images on it to direct her. She must bring in the supernatural to her boss for discipline as the powers that be judge. Neve's next Collection is - a vampire. Neve doesn't collect vampires. Being half vampire herself, and half human, making her Dhampire she knows their tricks. The only job where the supe got away from her, her first that almost ended her career before starting, was a vampire. She hasn't taken another since, but Collectors don't pick or dictate their cases. To top off the terrible job, she's to partner up. And of the hundreds of Collectors, to be with him. Jake can't believe his luck when he receives his playing card dictating his next job. To be partnered with her. Their past together will get some answers, although they may not be what Nevada wants to learn about herself.
Collectors don't usually partner for jobs. For this case, Nevada is required to do so. Nevada thinks it's in reference to her first case, and experience with a vampire, but it might be for more reasons than she's aware of.
There is a past between Nevada and Jake. I like that with being a novella length there is a history to build on. And boy do these two build on that past. Neve hasn't been taught in the vampire, or dhampire, ways so she doesn't know what comes over her when she's near Jake. But it's not right, and she fights it with all her being. The attraction from the one night three years ago burns fresh in both, however neither knows the other feels so strongly.
When Neve lets herself go with Jake, Oh MY! Nevada reels herself in and realizes she needs to talk to one of her kind to learn more about them and herself. He reactions to Jake are far more than she bargained for And she has a Collection to perform!
Action with just the right dash of romance and feisty personality.
Amanda is a master in creating depth in her worlds and characters. This novella holds true to Amanda's growing, glowing reputation. Characters that clash yet accent each other, perfect blend. And a world that doesn't stop!
I'm already a fan of Amanda's Urban fantasy series, and this story and world is right up there with it. I'll be waiting for more Sin City from Amanda and all the authors playing in this world.
December 2, 2020
Nevada Hamilton is a Sin City Collector in Vegas of course. She has to do what the playing card her dealer gives her says. She's a high school drop out with a delinquent attitude. Neve is a Dhampir - half Vampire and half human. Her only failed job was a Vampire 3 years ago. She hasn't been assigned one since until today. Then she's given a 2nd card. She's been partnered for this job. Collectors never have partners. Even worse her partner is a Hellhound named Jake Thoubadour. 3 years ago she got drunk at his bar and he found her when he was closing. She was passed out by the dumpster. He took her home with him so she could safely sleep it off. She still can't remember the next day well, only that she was naked in his bed and they had had sex more than once. She felt violated even though he insisted that she had come to his bed and been the seducer. Now they expected her to work with him? Meanwhile Jake got his card and wasn't much happier about the pairing either. Before she passed out 3 years ago she trashed his bar while having a series of fights. When he ejected her, he thought that would end it. But he didn't just find her passed out, he found his motorcycle in tiny little pieces. They decide to try to end this collection in one day so they could be done with each other. Lots of things go wrong, including the Vampire being a Regent and her father come to claim her, train her, and name her as his heir. She wants no part of the vampire who not only left her to raise herself, but he left her human mom a mental mess that Neve also has been dealing with her whole life. The Vampire brought 2 shifters and a witch as his guards. Jake had to fight his way through the shifters before he could join Neve. When Jake breaks into the Vampire's hotel room, Neve is on the Vampire's lap and he's biting her neck. Jake breaks it up. The shifters and witch show up. Jake has to best the shifters again and Neve finds ways to stick some silver to dear old dad. As a Regent he is too strong to be held by silver alone. As the Vampire attacks her once again she tries one last thing, Something that just flashed to her mind. Does she manage to subdue her dad or not? A Hellhound can't be bitten, their skin is impenetrable, so the Vampire only has his strength against Jake's right? Spells are also ineffective against a Hellhound. Is the witch any help at the end? And if so, is she true to the Vampire or does she choose to betray him? If Jake and Neve survive does it change the way they feel about each other?
July 19, 2014
Amanda Carlson kicks of the multi-author Sin City series with this action packed and sexy installment, featuring a dhampir heroine and a hellhound hero. I liked it. It doesn’t suffer from the rushed feel that many novellas have and it left me interested in picking up another story in the series.
Nevada is a Collector, a supernatural bounty hunter who is good at her job. She is a vampire-human hybrid and she has only ever missed one of her marks. That failed target was a vampire and she has had no interest in trying to catch one since. Unfortunately, she doesn’t get to choose her cases; her boss does that for her. And wouldn’t you know it… her latest assignment is a fanghead. If that weren’t bad enough, she’s been assigned a partner –a man she would have been content to stay away from for the rest of her life.
Jake doesn’t want to work with Neve any more than she wants to work with him. He has never understood her rejection after their one night together and he hates the fact that he still wants her, despite the fact that she can’t stand him. The thing is, she burns for him just as much, only she thinks he deserves her ire. I won’t spoil the particulars, but I will say that it all makes for some great sexual tension that only intensifies as they are forced to work together.
Obviously, there’s a romance here, but the novella definitely maintains the action-oriented Urban Fantasy feel of Carlson’s other work. There are great fight scenes and the story is go-go-go almost to the very end. There are some sexy times too and I really enjoyed those. They are just enough to scratch the itch that previously mentioned tension brings on. It’s not hearts and flowers romance, but it satisfies.
I did have one issue, though, and that was in the climax. I felt the like victory was crafted in a way almost plucked out of thin air. I had to go back to see if the means of success had even been mentioned in the story –and it was– but it was subtle and blew right past me. Maybe a more astute reader will connect the dots easier, but I left the big battle scene feeling a bit off center. It was just a bit too convenient and didn’t have enough set-up.
Overall, though, I did enjoy it. It was fast and sexy with a hot hero and a sassy and tough heroine. I’ll be sure to check out the other stories in the series to see if the other contributing authors keep the same vibe.
Rating: B
*ARC provided by author for review
Nevada is a Collector, a supernatural bounty hunter who is good at her job. She is a vampire-human hybrid and she has only ever missed one of her marks. That failed target was a vampire and she has had no interest in trying to catch one since. Unfortunately, she doesn’t get to choose her cases; her boss does that for her. And wouldn’t you know it… her latest assignment is a fanghead. If that weren’t bad enough, she’s been assigned a partner –a man she would have been content to stay away from for the rest of her life.
Jake doesn’t want to work with Neve any more than she wants to work with him. He has never understood her rejection after their one night together and he hates the fact that he still wants her, despite the fact that she can’t stand him. The thing is, she burns for him just as much, only she thinks he deserves her ire. I won’t spoil the particulars, but I will say that it all makes for some great sexual tension that only intensifies as they are forced to work together.
Obviously, there’s a romance here, but the novella definitely maintains the action-oriented Urban Fantasy feel of Carlson’s other work. There are great fight scenes and the story is go-go-go almost to the very end. There are some sexy times too and I really enjoyed those. They are just enough to scratch the itch that previously mentioned tension brings on. It’s not hearts and flowers romance, but it satisfies.
I did have one issue, though, and that was in the climax. I felt the like victory was crafted in a way almost plucked out of thin air. I had to go back to see if the means of success had even been mentioned in the story –and it was– but it was subtle and blew right past me. Maybe a more astute reader will connect the dots easier, but I left the big battle scene feeling a bit off center. It was just a bit too convenient and didn’t have enough set-up.
Overall, though, I did enjoy it. It was fast and sexy with a hot hero and a sassy and tough heroine. I’ll be sure to check out the other stories in the series to see if the other contributing authors keep the same vibe.
Rating: B
*ARC provided by author for review
June 16, 2014
I received Amanda Carlson newsletter with information about her newest book Aces Wild and it sounded like a fun read and I immediately impulse bought it. This book is exactly what the blurb suggest a fun story with romance, supernatural and action that takes place in Las Vegas. While at some points the story was a bit cliché and predictable it was still a lot of fun to read and I am looking forward to read the rest of this series and find out about whom the main characters in those books are.
I liked the characters in this book, although the story was a bit short and I would've liked to get to know them better. Still there was some background and personality information about both main character intertwined in the plot and it still gave me a sense of who they are. I was impressed how good this story was and how it manages to put a story, character information and world building is a relatively short read without it getting rushed or dumped onto the reader.
The romance between the two main characters was nice, but I didn't really feel their connection and it felt like more attraction then love. There just wasn't anything special about the romance for me.
This book is about a Dhampire called Nevada and a Hellhound Jake and for some mysterious reason they get a collection together. Most of the explanations and world building are interwoven into the story, but there's a lot that needs to be explaining and sometimes it feels like every explanation is put into a dialogue and it can feel a bit off at times. Although on the other hand it was done nicely without infodumps, so that's a plus. While a lot of questions remain, this first book still gives enough information to get a grip on the world and have an idea how it works. Considering the supernatural we learn more about dampires, vampires and hellhounds in this book then the other supes as those are the types the main characters are.
To conclude: Aces Wild is a fun story filled with action, romance and the supernatural. I liked the story and for such a relatively short book it still manages to pay attention to both the story, characters and world building. The pace was done well and I am looking forward to reading more books in this series.
I liked the characters in this book, although the story was a bit short and I would've liked to get to know them better. Still there was some background and personality information about both main character intertwined in the plot and it still gave me a sense of who they are. I was impressed how good this story was and how it manages to put a story, character information and world building is a relatively short read without it getting rushed or dumped onto the reader.
The romance between the two main characters was nice, but I didn't really feel their connection and it felt like more attraction then love. There just wasn't anything special about the romance for me.
This book is about a Dhampire called Nevada and a Hellhound Jake and for some mysterious reason they get a collection together. Most of the explanations and world building are interwoven into the story, but there's a lot that needs to be explaining and sometimes it feels like every explanation is put into a dialogue and it can feel a bit off at times. Although on the other hand it was done nicely without infodumps, so that's a plus. While a lot of questions remain, this first book still gives enough information to get a grip on the world and have an idea how it works. Considering the supernatural we learn more about dampires, vampires and hellhounds in this book then the other supes as those are the types the main characters are.
To conclude: Aces Wild is a fun story filled with action, romance and the supernatural. I liked the story and for such a relatively short book it still manages to pay attention to both the story, characters and world building. The pace was done well and I am looking forward to reading more books in this series.
May 30, 2014
Three years ago Nevada Hamilton and Jake Troubadour had a one night stand. They haven't seen each other since and have vastly different memories of that night. Now they are both Sin City Collectors, supernatural bounty hunters working for the mysterious "Boss." Collectors always work alone, but they're inexplicably assigned a joint Collection to bring in a powerful vampire. Nevada doesn't have a great track record with vampires, so she could use Jake's help if they'd stop fighting long enough to do the job.
I love that Amanda Carlson uses uncommon creatures in this story - Nevada is a dhampir and Jake is a hellhound. She also gets creative with the standard vampire mythos, although I would still like to know more about the vampires in this world than what she touches on here. I also would have liked to see her spend more time building the Collectors' world in general since this is the first book in the series. (But she does a good job of avoiding the info dump and I understand that I probably can't have it both ways.)
What I enjoyed most about this story was the action. Jake and Nevada are almost constantly in motion whether they're fighting, scouting for bad guys or riding his motorcycle. There's even a kissing scene that feels action-packed. I especially loved the scene where Jake fights his way out of a closet. But I felt like the pacing was a little awkward after the fighting was over.
This is quintessential Amanda Carlson. Fans of her Jessica McClain series are sure to enjoy it and those not familiar with her work will get a good sense of her style. Her next Sin City Collectors novella will feature Diesel and Sofia who were both introduced in Aces Wild. The next installment in the series is Kristen Painter's Queen of Hearts which releases July 1. I'm excited to see which characters pop up in the other stories and how the authors connect them all together.
I received an advance copy from the author in exchange for an honest review.
I love that Amanda Carlson uses uncommon creatures in this story - Nevada is a dhampir and Jake is a hellhound. She also gets creative with the standard vampire mythos, although I would still like to know more about the vampires in this world than what she touches on here. I also would have liked to see her spend more time building the Collectors' world in general since this is the first book in the series. (But she does a good job of avoiding the info dump and I understand that I probably can't have it both ways.)
What I enjoyed most about this story was the action. Jake and Nevada are almost constantly in motion whether they're fighting, scouting for bad guys or riding his motorcycle. There's even a kissing scene that feels action-packed. I especially loved the scene where Jake fights his way out of a closet. But I felt like the pacing was a little awkward after the fighting was over.
This is quintessential Amanda Carlson. Fans of her Jessica McClain series are sure to enjoy it and those not familiar with her work will get a good sense of her style. Her next Sin City Collectors novella will feature Diesel and Sofia who were both introduced in Aces Wild. The next installment in the series is Kristen Painter's Queen of Hearts which releases July 1. I'm excited to see which characters pop up in the other stories and how the authors connect them all together.
I received an advance copy from the author in exchange for an honest review.
June 2, 2014
In this novella by Amanda Carlson for the Sin City Collectors series, we meet Nevada Hamilton, a Sin City Collector with a bit of an attitude. She isn’t pleased about her latest assignment, especially since it means she is paired up with the one man she can’t stand. Sexy hellhound and former lover, Jake Troubadour presents trouble for Neve. But she isn’t going to let that stop her from carrying out her assignment. As they work together, they soon find out that their passion just doesn’t lie between the sheets, but also in their hearts.
I really, really enjoyed this novella from Amanda Carlson. It jumps straight into the action, revealing already well-developed characters with tons of personality. Nevada is slightly prickly, but when paired with Jake, it makes for some really interesting scenes. Their banter is one of my favourite things about the book. The way they bicker and the way they contrast one another is a great way to showcase their individual personalities while also creating some sexual tension with their romance.
For such a short word count, Carlson really made it work and I am thrilled with the end product. There is humor and there is action, two things that you can expect in a Carlson story. However, the twists and turns were a nice surprise and made for an even better ride! I’m very impressed with Carlson’s ability to create such a well-rounded story, full of emotions, sexual tension and action in such a tight word count. If this is any indication of what the other books in the series will be like, then you definitely don’t want to miss out!
*ARC provided by author
May 28, 2014
Dhampir, Nevada Hamilton, works for the Sin City Collectors as a supernatural fugitive recovery agent. When given her next assignment, it is a double whammy. Not only is she assigned to capture a vampire; the only supernatural she dreads apprehending. She is given a partner, hellhound Jake Troubadour. A man she has been avoiding after a one-night-stand three years ago.
I loved this book! I recommend starting it when you have the chance to read all 100 pages in one sitting. I made the mistake of thinking that I could start Aces Wild and squeeze a couple of pages in before having to go somewhere. Big mistake, I was totally hooked from the first page, and I did not want to put the book down.
Nevada is a terrific heroine. She grew up having to fend for herself because her human mother was an alcoholic, and she never knew her vampire father. She is strong mentally and physically. She is smart and quick on her feet, literally. Oh and don’t forget confrontational and stubborn.
Jake is the perfect alpha male. He is one of two known remaining hellhounds. His species was bred to protect, and boy does he want to protect what is his. He is smart, owns a business, as well as work as a collector. Jake and Nevada have an intense love-hate chemistry.
The plot is original and fun. The action does not stop. Plus there are interesting surprises. As always, Amanda Carlson, does a great job with the dialog. In addition, the writing is well done and convincing. I look forward to her next Sin City Collectors book Ante Up, featuring wolf shifter Diesel and witch Sofia.
Complimentary copy provided in exchange for an honest review.
I loved this book! I recommend starting it when you have the chance to read all 100 pages in one sitting. I made the mistake of thinking that I could start Aces Wild and squeeze a couple of pages in before having to go somewhere. Big mistake, I was totally hooked from the first page, and I did not want to put the book down.
Nevada is a terrific heroine. She grew up having to fend for herself because her human mother was an alcoholic, and she never knew her vampire father. She is strong mentally and physically. She is smart and quick on her feet, literally. Oh and don’t forget confrontational and stubborn.
Jake is the perfect alpha male. He is one of two known remaining hellhounds. His species was bred to protect, and boy does he want to protect what is his. He is smart, owns a business, as well as work as a collector. Jake and Nevada have an intense love-hate chemistry.
The plot is original and fun. The action does not stop. Plus there are interesting surprises. As always, Amanda Carlson, does a great job with the dialog. In addition, the writing is well done and convincing. I look forward to her next Sin City Collectors book Ante Up, featuring wolf shifter Diesel and witch Sofia.
Complimentary copy provided in exchange for an honest review.
June 14, 2014
Most times, I have troubles with novellas in new worlds. I think it's because it's hard to capture the world and characters in such a short amount of time. I am one of those people who needs the extra pages to gain a fondness for the characters. So, it shouldn't be a surprise that I've spent every day since the book was released trying to read it. I've read Carlson's other books so I knew I wanted to read it, but starting it was hard. I think I read the first page 4 times. Finally, I decided to put my head down and JUST READ IT. I'm glad I did!
The world building, obviously, isn't the greatest because it is a novella, but the characters were flushed out enough that the book grabbed me after the first dozen pages and I needed to finish it in one sitting. Thank goodness it was just a novella or my entire day's plans would have been ruined by my need to finish it! While the writing of the ending (don't know why) I didn't particularly like, I liked the story as a whole. I didn't feel like I was "missing" anything profound to jump into the world of the Collectors. I also didn't feel like I was really missing anything with the characters' histories. I will say, you do know you're missing JUST enough that it keeps you wanting to read the others so you can delve further into the world, which is a good thing, but not enough to detract from the story. I also liked the use of a Dhampir and Hellhound. You don't read about Hellhounds much!
So, in all, It's a short read, but it was worth it. It's fast-paced (good thing) and semi-predictable (it does have a good twist or two), but nothing interrupted my enjoyment of the book and I'm looking forward to the others in the series too.
The world building, obviously, isn't the greatest because it is a novella, but the characters were flushed out enough that the book grabbed me after the first dozen pages and I needed to finish it in one sitting. Thank goodness it was just a novella or my entire day's plans would have been ruined by my need to finish it! While the writing of the ending (don't know why) I didn't particularly like, I liked the story as a whole. I didn't feel like I was "missing" anything profound to jump into the world of the Collectors. I also didn't feel like I was really missing anything with the characters' histories. I will say, you do know you're missing JUST enough that it keeps you wanting to read the others so you can delve further into the world, which is a good thing, but not enough to detract from the story. I also liked the use of a Dhampir and Hellhound. You don't read about Hellhounds much!
So, in all, It's a short read, but it was worth it. It's fast-paced (good thing) and semi-predictable (it does have a good twist or two), but nothing interrupted my enjoyment of the book and I'm looking forward to the others in the series too.
June 10, 2014
Looking for a short paranormal romance? Set in Las Vegas? With both vampires AND shifters? Well your in luck! ACES WILD is the first novel in the new Sin City Collectors Series.
Nevada has done everything possible to forget that one night she had with Jake three years ago. She has kept her distance and is doing fine until he ends up as her new partner for her next collection. Not happy about it she pushes him away while wishing she could hold him close.
The attraction between Nevada and Jake is instant so you don't really understand her hate for him. As you learn a bit more about their past together you get to understanding Nevada a bit more which helps you see through the wall of attitude she puts up. Watching the two get over issues that neither of them could control makes the romance much more believable and enjoyable. Don't worry, romance isn't the only thing going on in ACES WILD, the collection ends up being way more personal than either of the characters could have imagined.
Although ACES WILD is novella length, Carlson does a great job of introducing us to the new world of Sin City Collectors and giving us the back story between her characters. There is a surprising amount of action to be found as the conflict gets pretty heated. ACES WILD was a great start to this new and unique continuity novella series and I look forward to reading the next chapter QUEEN OF HEARTS by Kristin Painter.
* This book was provided free of charge from the Author in exchange for an honest review.
Nevada has done everything possible to forget that one night she had with Jake three years ago. She has kept her distance and is doing fine until he ends up as her new partner for her next collection. Not happy about it she pushes him away while wishing she could hold him close.
The attraction between Nevada and Jake is instant so you don't really understand her hate for him. As you learn a bit more about their past together you get to understanding Nevada a bit more which helps you see through the wall of attitude she puts up. Watching the two get over issues that neither of them could control makes the romance much more believable and enjoyable. Don't worry, romance isn't the only thing going on in ACES WILD, the collection ends up being way more personal than either of the characters could have imagined.
Although ACES WILD is novella length, Carlson does a great job of introducing us to the new world of Sin City Collectors and giving us the back story between her characters. There is a surprising amount of action to be found as the conflict gets pretty heated. ACES WILD was a great start to this new and unique continuity novella series and I look forward to reading the next chapter QUEEN OF HEARTS by Kristin Painter.
* This book was provided free of charge from the Author in exchange for an honest review.
June 6, 2014
Supernatural bounty hunters, magical con artists, killers, and a shadowy enforcement agency with a Boss you don't cross, this is the world our heroes call home. Nevada had a messed up childhood. Not only is she half-vampire, but her mother is an addict and Neve learned fast that she could only rely on herself. Jake is pretty grounded, except when it comes to Neve...
Yep, sparks fly, banter is high, and there is plenty of steam in this Romance. I did like that when certain evidence came to light, that Neve didn't dig in her heels and refuse to see the truth. She still stands her ground and is fiercely independent, and I'm always a fan of that.
It's a novella, so I'm not going to go into a lot of detail on plot points. We get a quick intro to the supernatural community and a bit of the workings of the Collectors. My one drawback was there isn't a lot of room to get to know many side characters, but they are introduced and I'm sure we'll see some of them again. The main story comes to a conclusion, and I liked where the relationship stands at the end. The last section was really sweet.
Yes, Romance fans, you will like Jake very much.
As always with Amanda's books, I had so much fun reading this story. Kickass action combined with interesting characters, and I liked the mythology of this supernatural Vegas. If I was a supe and needed to blend, Sin City would be a good choice.
We've only scratched the surface of the Collectors. There is a lot to explore in this world. I'll be checking out QUEEN OF HEARTS by Kristen Painter in July.
[received a review copy]
Yep, sparks fly, banter is high, and there is plenty of steam in this Romance. I did like that when certain evidence came to light, that Neve didn't dig in her heels and refuse to see the truth. She still stands her ground and is fiercely independent, and I'm always a fan of that.
It's a novella, so I'm not going to go into a lot of detail on plot points. We get a quick intro to the supernatural community and a bit of the workings of the Collectors. My one drawback was there isn't a lot of room to get to know many side characters, but they are introduced and I'm sure we'll see some of them again. The main story comes to a conclusion, and I liked where the relationship stands at the end. The last section was really sweet.
Yes, Romance fans, you will like Jake very much.
As always with Amanda's books, I had so much fun reading this story. Kickass action combined with interesting characters, and I liked the mythology of this supernatural Vegas. If I was a supe and needed to blend, Sin City would be a good choice.
We've only scratched the surface of the Collectors. There is a lot to explore in this world. I'll be checking out QUEEN OF HEARTS by Kristen Painter in July.
[received a review copy]
May 31, 2014
I really enjoyed this new series! I love Amanda Carlson's Jessica McClain series and looked forward to a new book in a new series she was collaborating with other authors to write! I was hooked from word one! I love the characters and the set up of the new world.
I liked Nevada's sassiness and how she's overcome a lot to have the job she has as a Sin City Collector (SCC). I also loved Jake and how he and his Uncle are so unique considering that as far as they know they're the only Hellhounds left on earth! I'd love to learn if that's true or not!
I felt bad for both Jake and Nevada at points in the story considering Nevada has been blaming him for taking advantage of her while under the influence for the last three years only to learn in this novella that she owes him an apology. At the same time while Jake is innocent of the accusations Nevada can be forgiven for her mistake as it turns out to be something related to her paranormal race that she didn't know about cause she's never talked to any Vampires to learn more about that part of her heritage.
They certainly had a twist with the collection they were assigned and the chemistry between them was electric! I love how it turned out at the end and look forward to the stories from the other authors in the series and from Amanda when she writes her next story involving a couple of characters we meet briefly in the story including one who's a friend of Jakes which will hopefully mean we get an update on how Jake and Nevada are doing!
I'd recommend this new series, it's definitely worth picking up!
I liked Nevada's sassiness and how she's overcome a lot to have the job she has as a Sin City Collector (SCC). I also loved Jake and how he and his Uncle are so unique considering that as far as they know they're the only Hellhounds left on earth! I'd love to learn if that's true or not!
I felt bad for both Jake and Nevada at points in the story considering Nevada has been blaming him for taking advantage of her while under the influence for the last three years only to learn in this novella that she owes him an apology. At the same time while Jake is innocent of the accusations Nevada can be forgiven for her mistake as it turns out to be something related to her paranormal race that she didn't know about cause she's never talked to any Vampires to learn more about that part of her heritage.
They certainly had a twist with the collection they were assigned and the chemistry between them was electric! I love how it turned out at the end and look forward to the stories from the other authors in the series and from Amanda when she writes her next story involving a couple of characters we meet briefly in the story including one who's a friend of Jakes which will hopefully mean we get an update on how Jake and Nevada are doing!
I'd recommend this new series, it's definitely worth picking up!
June 3, 2014
And I'm hooked on another series!!
What I liked: I enjoy Ms Carlson's Jessica McClain series and didn't think I would quite like Aces Wild as much because I prefer Urban Fantasy over Paranormal Romance(PNR). Well, Ms Carlson has drawn me in and now I'm looking forward to the next in the series.
First books in a series can be a challenge and make it a novella and it's even bigger. I absolutely loved Aces Wild when I didn't fully expect to. Not being condescending here, just realistic about my likes and dislikes. I already knew I liked how Ms Carlson wrote but I wasn't sure about a PNR. The romance is there but it doesn't detract or overshadow the characters or the plot.
The characters in Aces Wild were carefully crafted and hooked me right away. Neve and Jake are a great couple. The chemistry is there but it's not as easy as that sounds. There's some history and we're slowly clued in on their past.
The whole concept with Collectors is something different and it completely held my attention. The pacing of the story was outstanding. In some novellas, you get an information dump and a rushed ending. So not the case in Aces Wild. The character development will be on going but we got the basics we needed in a first story.
What I didn't like: It's not so much what I didn't like as what I wanted. I wanted MORE!!
Just like that, I'm waiting yet again on another in a series. The novelty of the premise makes me want more now.
An e-book, Aces Wild is available for $2.99 at B & N and Amazon.
Highly Recommend!
What I liked: I enjoy Ms Carlson's Jessica McClain series and didn't think I would quite like Aces Wild as much because I prefer Urban Fantasy over Paranormal Romance(PNR). Well, Ms Carlson has drawn me in and now I'm looking forward to the next in the series.
First books in a series can be a challenge and make it a novella and it's even bigger. I absolutely loved Aces Wild when I didn't fully expect to. Not being condescending here, just realistic about my likes and dislikes. I already knew I liked how Ms Carlson wrote but I wasn't sure about a PNR. The romance is there but it doesn't detract or overshadow the characters or the plot.
The characters in Aces Wild were carefully crafted and hooked me right away. Neve and Jake are a great couple. The chemistry is there but it's not as easy as that sounds. There's some history and we're slowly clued in on their past.
The whole concept with Collectors is something different and it completely held my attention. The pacing of the story was outstanding. In some novellas, you get an information dump and a rushed ending. So not the case in Aces Wild. The character development will be on going but we got the basics we needed in a first story.
What I didn't like: It's not so much what I didn't like as what I wanted. I wanted MORE!!
Just like that, I'm waiting yet again on another in a series. The novelty of the premise makes me want more now.
An e-book, Aces Wild is available for $2.99 at B & N and Amazon.
Highly Recommend!
February 13, 2019
Full Review posted on Book Lovin' Mamas
Aces Wild is first novella to the Sin City Collector series and if every other book is like this one, I am already hooked. In Aces Wild, we have vampires, dhampirs, hellhounds, shifters, and witches in the city of Las Vegas…otherwise known as Sin City. Some of these supernaturals are apart of the Collectors. These collectors are told to bring in offending supernaturals to their boss without any questions. Some times though the offenders are supernaturals that Collectors don’t want to collect. Like in the case of Nevada Hamilton. She doesn’t want anything to do with vampires, even though she’s half one. She has her reasons why she doesn’t want to collect vampires and once you read Aces Wild, you’ll find out why. There’s another thing she doesn’t want to be apart of…and that is having a partner. She ends up partnering up with Jake Troubador who happens to be a hellhound…and well she had a thing with him. She doesn’t want him there to help with her latest collection even though, she’s going to need his help more than ever in this one. These two have a lot of tension between each other. ( I mean whole A LOT!!)
I give this book 5 full moons and highly recommend it to PNR readers out there. Need something quick to read this summer or right before bedtime, this is the novella for you.
Aces Wild is first novella to the Sin City Collector series and if every other book is like this one, I am already hooked. In Aces Wild, we have vampires, dhampirs, hellhounds, shifters, and witches in the city of Las Vegas…otherwise known as Sin City. Some of these supernaturals are apart of the Collectors. These collectors are told to bring in offending supernaturals to their boss without any questions. Some times though the offenders are supernaturals that Collectors don’t want to collect. Like in the case of Nevada Hamilton. She doesn’t want anything to do with vampires, even though she’s half one. She has her reasons why she doesn’t want to collect vampires and once you read Aces Wild, you’ll find out why. There’s another thing she doesn’t want to be apart of…and that is having a partner. She ends up partnering up with Jake Troubador who happens to be a hellhound…and well she had a thing with him. She doesn’t want him there to help with her latest collection even though, she’s going to need his help more than ever in this one. These two have a lot of tension between each other. ( I mean whole A LOT!!)
I give this book 5 full moons and highly recommend it to PNR readers out there. Need something quick to read this summer or right before bedtime, this is the novella for you.
June 10, 2014
Aces Wild by Amanda Carlson is exactly the book I was looking for and I loved every bit of it.
I’ve been focusing on “classics” lately. I just finished Pride and Prejudice and am part way through Les Misrables. With that on my reading list I wanted to step into something different, something more contemporary, lighter – something fun. Aces Wild was perfect on all counts.
Aces Wild is a short book and “A Sin City Collectors Novella.” In this ongoing series each book is intended to have different characters and different authors, but existing in the same literary world. That’s a great concept, except that I now want more of THESE characters and THIS author.
I loved the action, the characters, and the story. However, as with many good novellas, I think the book could have benefited by additional length and depth, but then again, that would be missing the point of a novella.
Possibly the highest praise I can give for this or any book is that before finishing I already wanted more. I’d like to visit these characters again. Regardless, I am making plans to read further in the Sin City Collectors series, and more of Amanda Carlson, especially her Jessica McClain series – Full Blooded, Hot Blooded, and Cold Blooded.
I thoroughly enjoyed Aces Wild and recommend it.
One final caution, I recently passed though Las Vegas and I didn’t see any supernatural creatures there. Maybe I went to all the wrong places, or maybe they’re there and just didn’t want to be seen.
I’ve been focusing on “classics” lately. I just finished Pride and Prejudice and am part way through Les Misrables. With that on my reading list I wanted to step into something different, something more contemporary, lighter – something fun. Aces Wild was perfect on all counts.
Aces Wild is a short book and “A Sin City Collectors Novella.” In this ongoing series each book is intended to have different characters and different authors, but existing in the same literary world. That’s a great concept, except that I now want more of THESE characters and THIS author.
I loved the action, the characters, and the story. However, as with many good novellas, I think the book could have benefited by additional length and depth, but then again, that would be missing the point of a novella.
Possibly the highest praise I can give for this or any book is that before finishing I already wanted more. I’d like to visit these characters again. Regardless, I am making plans to read further in the Sin City Collectors series, and more of Amanda Carlson, especially her Jessica McClain series – Full Blooded, Hot Blooded, and Cold Blooded.
I thoroughly enjoyed Aces Wild and recommend it.
One final caution, I recently passed though Las Vegas and I didn’t see any supernatural creatures there. Maybe I went to all the wrong places, or maybe they’re there and just didn’t want to be seen.
June 7, 2014
I am hooked on this new series.
This was an amazing start to a very unique new series in which each new novella will be written by a different author.
First up is Amanda Carlson's Aces Wild which was such a great start to a series that I am really looking forward to.
I love Amanda Carlson's other series Jessica McClain, so when I heard she was starting a new series I knew I would have to read it.
The story introduces us to Nevada a dhampir who works for the Collectors, a shadowy mysteries organization that sends it's agents to collect wanted supernaturals.
She is given a case that requires her to work with a partner to catch a powerful vampire. Her partner happens to be Jake a Hellhound in which she has a history with. Both are not happy to be working together and actively try to sabotage the other while fighting their growing attraction.
This is a story filled with nonstop action, humor, romance and a unique angle that has me eager for more. While the story is short it was a perfectly written well developed world with interesting characters and a creative angle.
This is going on my auto-buy and I can't wait for the next installment Queen of Hearts by Kristen Painter.
This was an amazing start to a very unique new series in which each new novella will be written by a different author.
First up is Amanda Carlson's Aces Wild which was such a great start to a series that I am really looking forward to.
I love Amanda Carlson's other series Jessica McClain, so when I heard she was starting a new series I knew I would have to read it.
The story introduces us to Nevada a dhampir who works for the Collectors, a shadowy mysteries organization that sends it's agents to collect wanted supernaturals.
She is given a case that requires her to work with a partner to catch a powerful vampire. Her partner happens to be Jake a Hellhound in which she has a history with. Both are not happy to be working together and actively try to sabotage the other while fighting their growing attraction.
This is a story filled with nonstop action, humor, romance and a unique angle that has me eager for more. While the story is short it was a perfectly written well developed world with interesting characters and a creative angle.
This is going on my auto-buy and I can't wait for the next installment Queen of Hearts by Kristen Painter.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 102 reviews