Author Archives: karenjvjohnson

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Bonded

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bonded

Bonded (Law of the Lycans #1)

It was really hard trying to figure out what order to read the books in this series. I have read the first 4 out of order with this being the last one I read, but it still has not lessened my enjoyment of the story. I just convinced myself this was the way and they are just giving me background they didn’t have time for before, yeah I am good at self delusion, it’s why I read in the first place. This was maybe a little longer than I thought it had to be, it made things a little boring at times. But the overall feel was one that kept me interested and wanting to hear more from the characters.

Brandi is in her last year at the Academy and has a crush on the legendary Reno Smith,an operative for Lycan Link, and she gets a chance to meet him in person. Reno is teaching a class on self-defense in human form at the Academy as part of his duties and when his assistant fails to show up Brandi gets her chance to impress him. This encounter starts a on-off relationship that is bizarre in how it progresses.

While that is going on the Purists are pushing their agenda and causing a lot of harm across the country. Reno and his enforcers are in the middle and being targeted for their efforts to rid the shifter community of these bigots. The purists are going to cause trouble for everyone but especially for those not having the pure heritage they claim is important.

The story is two pronged here focusing on Reno and Brandi as well as the Purist movement. You also get introduced to characters that you are going to see in later books like Kane, Ryne and Damien who play key parts in other areas. This story has complications, devotion, loyalty, love, betrayal, and a cornucopia of emotions both good and bad. I cried for them and cheered and yelled at their stupidity. I loved it in other words, give me something that reaches into the mind and makes it a part of your reality and that is heaven for me. Definitely recommend!

 

 

 

My Rating: 5 of 5 stars

 

 

“Lycan society is dominated by pack life. A pack is more than a large family. Each member is highly dependent on the others for nurturing and support. When one member falters, the whole pack suffers. For this reason, pack members are highly protective of each other, instinctively recognizing that the common good supersedes personal wants and desires.”
― Nicky Charles, Bonded

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The Dex Files

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the dex files

The Dex-Files (Experiment in Terror #5.7)

To finally get some more background on Dex is fantastic!

What’s offered up are different scenes from each book in the series up to this point as well as new insights from Dex’s past. While the language may be to much for some, Dex does have a flair for the profane, it is no worse than you would hear on a cable show. While I was given to understand that the sexual content was high and a bit raunchy, have to say that I found it fairly tame.

Dex is a complicated character who has a number of problems when it comes to relating to people. Here we get to find out why he is the way he is when it comes to relationships. We also get to see that he was not the heartless SOB that he appeared to be when he first met Perry. Getting to see his point of view gives a voice that was missing as to how things were progressing.

I think it will be enjoyed by fans of the series whether you love or hate Dex. But who wouldn’t love the adorable scoundrel. 🙂

 

 

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

 

“I was head over heels in love with her. No, that didn’t describe it. I was tear my fucking heart out and throw it at her, beg her to take it into hers. I was falling from the greatest heights with no safety net below. I was giving everything of my own life for hers, giving up every inch of my soul so she could wear it proudly. I was a former king on my knees in front of the queen. A jester begging for a chance. I was powerless, helpless and at her mercy.”
― Karina Halle, The Dex-Files

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The Benson

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the benson

The Benson (Experiment in Terror #2.5)

A nice interlude to whet the appetite for another rousing adventure. Perry’s abilities are growing as she actively works the ghost hunting angle. She wanted to be able to help the people or ghosts and she has.

What else can I say. If you have never read any other of the Experiment in Terror novels this can give you an idea of what is in store. Then go back to the first and really enjoy it. This is a fantastic series!

 My rating: 5 of 5 stars
“Nothing like a hot woman to make two chubby girls feel like they’re having a bonding moment.”
― Karina Halle, The Benson
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Lying Season

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lying season

Lying Season (Experiment in Terror #4)

I was emotional the whole time I was reading this. One minute up the next minute down, Dex and Perry are both so stubborn. Jenn is the biggest liar of the whole thing, I knew she was he one doing dirt. Well, pride goeth before the fall and I guess we can see what it brings. This was a gripping episode because it changes everything for everyone involved.

While I would love to say more, I think reading it will be more enjoyable. There is lust, deception, angst, horror, and mystery. What more could you ask for.

 

 

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

 

“You’re the light in all this madness. You’re my light. I should have been with you…” The thought hit him as his face crumpled in amazement. “Oh God, why am I not with you?”
“Because you’re an idiot,” I said.”
― Karina Halle, Lying Season

 

 

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The Prophet

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the prophet

The Prophet (Graveyard Queen #3)

OK, I loved this book. Amelia and Devlin could not be kept apart not even by his witch of a ghost wife. The story moved along swiftly and gave that perfect blend of mystery, romance, and other world eeriness. Amelia has grown from book to book and is finding her way in a world she has lived in all her life but never really participated in.

I cannot wait to see if we will be graced with another entry in this fascinating series. It has me wanting to see what is so interesting about cemeteries and their histories.

 

 

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

 

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Cry Sanctuary

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cry sanctuary

Cry Sanctuary (Shifter Town Enforcement #2)

This is a story that has an erotic feel but still has that police procedural element. You wouldn’t think they would work together well, but they really do here. The characters are interesting for more than the fact that they are shifters and not just ordinary shifters for the law enforcement, most of them are some type of canine shifter, meaning a dog. The characters have real personalities that can raw you to them or repel you depending on what you like. I was pulled in and so absorbed that I read this book in less than a day. I just did not want to stop until I had found out what was going to be happening.

The language was perfect for the characters and the region that they occupied. I could see them speaking exactly the way that did. The killer is actually revealed fairly early which I was worried about at first, but it actually added another layer to the story by my knowing who it was when they did not. The changing point of view was nice because it allowed me to get a feel for the full picture by giving a voice to everyone. It also gave me a look at my favorite characters from the first book on the side, and I always love that. There are a few word glitches, but they are minor and easily overlooked.

Holly Lawrence did her final research paper on a cold case that involved a serial killer who was never caught. By a stroke of luck she actually finds him, and is captured and becomes a potential victim. Holly does escape, the only person to ever do so, and becomes a target for an insane killer who does not like to lose. Caine Morgan is the Alpha of the Sanctuary Falls wolf pack and has had one of his wolves go missing, the M.O. fits that of the serial killer and Holly becomes involved in tracking him before any more women are killed. Wolfhounds and Wolves do not work together but Holly and Caine are about to change that. They will hunt this killer to protect his pack as the killer hunts Holly to finally bring her down.

There was a very real feel of tension and dread about what this guy was doing and how he was doing it. The feelings that Caine and Holly have for each other start a bit quickly but are not consummated right away which was good since they were being stalked. This should definitely be given a try!

My rating: 5 of 5 stars
It wasn’t terror yet, not the blind, all-consuming fear that he would slowly train her to feel. No, she still had too much control yet for that. But they’d get there.
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Rebel Obsession

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rebel obsession

Rebel Obsession (All The King’s Men #4)

This is one great series with some of the hottest men/vampires to grace the pages of any book. Each book manages to not only advance the secondary story line but give an in-depth look at the start of a romance that was fated but not expected. The writing is wonderful and makes reading a pleasure with few typos or grammatical errors to take anything away from it. The characters are more than fleshed out because you have had a chance to start your introduction to them in a previous book so that you are more than ready to continue their journey. The story is unfolding in a way that keeps your interest and makes you want to keep going until you get that final piece of the puzzle.

Io has managed to ruin a friendship that had lasted for over a hundred years because of his narrow-mindedness and refusal to see anything but his own side of things. But on that same night he met someone, Miriam, who was brought into headquarters with a cobalt overdose made him want to do things he had never considered before . There is only one problem, she is the King’s daughter and by law not to be touched by any male. Io touches her, though it is before he knows who she is, and wants nothing more than to touch her more when she is taken away by her fathers guards.

Miriam has been thinking about Io ever since their encounter but knows that it is unlikely they will ever see each other again. Because her life has not changed she goes out seeking another cobalt high only to end the night with an overdose. They both get their wish and are thrown together again but is love really worth dying for.

This is much more than just a love story about finding a mate. The sex scenes are extremely hot and well written, making me squirm. The action is a little low key here with no major fights but enough dark business to make you want more. And the fact that you can get a fix of your favorite early characters is a major plus.

Give this series a read if you have not started it and if you have keep going with this one. I would recommend it to anyone and everyone!!

 

 

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

 

“Miriam woke up to find Io sitting on the floor next to her. His gaze brightened and he smiled. “How do you feel?” he said. He helped her sit up. “Like shit.” She groaned. “Don’t get me wrong, I feel better than I did, but damn, this shit sucks.” Who the hell had let in the army of Terminators to play Rock ‘Em Sock ‘Em inside her body? Io chuckled at her surprisingly unfeminine manner of speaking and sat down beside her. “I gave you a potent detox with my venom. I needed to get the cobalt out of your system.” “Ah, I see.” She leaned her face into her hands. “Great. Just great. I don’t know whether to thank you or hit you.” How did she always seem to put her worst face forward around this guy? The one male she wanted to impress and all she did was behave like a strung-out junkie around him. The vampire version of Amy Winehouse. How could he not be impressed? Uh-huh, right.”
― Donya Lynne, Rebel Obsession

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Micah’s Calling

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micah's calling

Micah’s Calling (All The King’s Men #3)

I really do love this series! It is one of the few that can make me stop doing anything else so that I can catch up with these people. The story is always interesting and has enough twists and turns to keep you glued to the page. The vampires have such interesting powers and each one is just a bit different from one another that it keeps you guessing.have to say that I love the fact that these vampires actually purr when they are aroused, that sounds so hot. Everyone of them is so well drawn that you have no problem sympathizing with them or disliking those who are less savory.

The entire story takes place directly after the events in Rise of the Fallen. This is when Micah is in the depths of his Calling with Samantha. He is unable to go any amount of time without having sex and work is not an option. The only thing they really do is hang out with Traceon on occasion. There are secrets revealed and kinks uncovered for all.

I am so glad I got a chance to get a better understanding of Trace as a character. He has always been very mysterious and for once we get to know some of his secrets. Being a mixed blood has caused his powers to run out of control and Micah is about to find out just how powerful he truly is.

There is BDSM and voyeurism, humiliation, and revelation. No chases or major action but lots of heart.

 

 

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

 

In hindsight, he realized that his fall from grace a month ago had likely begun when he’d lost his love of BDSM, specifically domination. That should have been a sign that he was falling. Losing Jackson had just sped up his demise. But all that was behind him now, his zest for life as well as for BDSM surging once again with Sam’s arrival. And now it was time to show her that side of him.

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Heart of the Warrior

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heart of the warrior

Heart of the Warrior (All The King’s Men #2)

I had already liked the first novel in the series and it took me a while to work up to reading this because it centered around the male enforcers I got a glimpse of in that book. I have never read a romance where it centered around two men before, but am really glad that I got to read this one. I was so pulled into this from the beginning and it totally surprised me how much I got into it. The characters were so real in their feelings and reactions that I found myself sympathizing with them or being mad when they did something totally boneheaded. The romance was sweet with a serious hot edge that surprised me, since I got totally sucked in, who knew I liked two guys together. The world they inhabit is well defined and in a known place which makes it even easier to identify with. The fact that they are vampires is secondary to everything else that goes on with them. This has opened me up to the possibilities and made me more open to try more in this vein, hopefully just as well written.

Severin has been pining away for Arion since their encounter in Ari’s kitchen six weeks earlier and does not know what to do. He has to see him every night at work and it seems that their brief contact has not affected Ari in the least. Arion has always had a hard time having relations with women but things were so different when he had his short lived encounter with Sev, it was explosive in more ways then one. Both of these men have secrets that they are trying to keep hidden from each other, friends, and family. This may be important to them but other factors are conspiring to make their lives even more difficult.

With cobalt use rising to epidemic proportions things are getting crazy on the streets for enforcers. Severin has more than his share of trouble brewing, his last boyfriends sister is looking to kill him and he has no idea when or where she might show up, his hated father is trying to make amends for his contemptible actions of the past and he wants none of it, and keep his lineage a secret could work for or against him. But with all that going on his main focus is Ari and how he can get him to love him, because the calling is upon him and he must have his mate.

I loved these two men together because they were hot, sweet, and so good for each other. Their romance was hard won and hard fought with family and friends who would not understand, and support from the most unlikely place. This book is more than worth the time as is the first book if you have not read it “Rise of the Fallen” is perfect. I am recommending this highly!! But be aware that there are multiple explicit sex scenes between our two hunky vampires. Very tingle worthy to me! MM Romance

**As I have done with the previous book I listened to this for my second time and enjoyed it just as much as the first. The narrator, Mikela Drew did a wonderful job with all the characters which enhanced the story. I remember feeling a bit squeamish when I first started reading this book but only found a very nice story in the end.

 

My rating:  5 of 5 stars

 

Yeah, I ain’t no human mix. Sev clapped his hands together in dust-off fashion and stood up. Good ol’ Dad had been a full-on, full-blood, virile vampire. Extremely powerful. And a jackass. Sev had only met his father once, but the meeting had left an impression when the two had nearly beaten each other to death.

 

Sometimes Sev felt guilty for what happened to her, as if he was to blame. They had to keep their relationship a secret because it would cause them both too much pain if people knew they came from two separate sides of the old war. She would be ostracized by the drecks if they knew she had kept a vampire’s offspring and carried it to term rather than kill herself. He would be seen as a threat or a dreck sympathizer if his teammates or other vampires learned of his half dreck bloodlines. This was what they called being between a rock and a hard place.

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Perspectives

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perspectives

Perspectives (LZR-1143 #2.5)

I like that the stories were short, sweet and to the point. When the zombies come not everyone will survive or want to. These stories for me are about what will happen to the vast majority of people if the dead started to walk and attack. Very nice!