Author Archives: karenjvjohnson

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Kiss of Crimson

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715791

Kiss of Crimson (Midnight Breed #2)

My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I really enjoyed this book a great deal! This grabbed me from the opening and kept me fully engaged for the entire book. The characters are wonderful and well fleshed out giving them the feel of true life. I liked them as real people because their feelings seemed so genuine and they were not perfect but slightly flawed like most people are.

Dante is out looking for a quick nip and maybe something more. On his way out of the club he encounters a Rogue that is not affected by titanium and fights like a crazed animal. When he is attacked during his fight he ends up in the river but manages to find his way into the back room of a veterinary hospital owned by Tess. While trying to help the battered man in her business she is attacked and bitten by the handsome man. Dante later notices that she has a Breedmate mark, and is shocked to realize what he has started.

Tess does not remember being attacked and so continues with her life never knowing that a man/warrior has marked her. She also does not know that her ex is doing something that will ultimately come back and hurt her. Ben, her ex is obsessed with Tess and she has no idea what lengths he goes to see her. With a new drug on the streets that is causing havoc among Breed youth and Darkhaven youth disappearing, the question is are they linked.

These two people are both a little broken but want to be fixed, even they don’t always admit it. You have violence, kidnapping, and drug use, you also have honor, loyalty, and love. You get the best of everything here with vampires both good and bad who fight hard. If you have not started this series yet you need to.

“Then run to me.” Dante’s eyes were fierce as he held her gaze. “I know all about fear, Tess. It lives in me too. That ‘seizure’ I had in your clinic? It’s not a medical condition, not even close.” “What is it?” “Death,” he said woodenly. “For as long as I can remember, I’ve had these attacks—these visions—of my last moments alive. It’s hellish beyond imagining, but I see it as if it’s happening. I feel it, Tess. It’s my fate.” “I don’t understand. How can you be sure of that?” His smile was wry. “I’m sure. My mother had similar visions of her own death, and my father’s too. They happened precisely as she envisioned them. She couldn’t change what was to happen, or turn it back. So I’ve been trying to outrun my own end. I’ve been running from it forever. I’ve kept myself insulated from things that might make me want to slow down and live. I’ve never permitted myself to truly feel.” “There’s danger in feeling,” Tess murmured. Although she could not begin to imagine what kind of pain Dante carried within him, she felt a kinship growing between them. Both alone, both adrift in their worlds. “I don’t want to feel anything for you, Dante.” “God, Tess. I don’t want to feel anything for you either.”
― Lara Adrian, Kiss of CrimsonLara Adrian
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The Offer

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22457850

The Offer (Call Girl, Inc #1)

My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is another author I will be adding to my reading list. This particular story drew me in fairly quickly and kept me reading until the very end. The characters were well-defined although some better than others in this particular book. The language works perfectly to make the people seem like anyone you might meet on the street.

Nina lived in a home with a mother who was not there for her or her sister in the most important ways. When a boyfriend of her mothers makes moves on her and then seems like he might move on to her sister so she makes sure he cannot. In the process they end up on their own and have to survive. After years of scrapping by she finally has a good life, but thanks to a man it all comes crashing down. It’s at this low point she receives what could be a very lucrative offer.

I would definitely recommend to lovers of hot stories.

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Night Of The Living Trekkies

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10126210

Night Of The Living Trekkies

My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Being a major Star Trek fan I had to get this book as soon as I saw it. This was a really fun novel as far as I am concerned. The writing was great and made good use of the world of Star Trek and its characters as well as those from Star Wars ( Personally I don’t think there would have been a Star Wars if not for Star Trek to lead the way). There were what I believe were a few nods, though I could be wrong, to characters from the show. The characters for the most part were interesting and felt fleshed out enough that you were invested in whether or not they survived.

Jim Pike (James T. Kirk and Christopher Pike)had been a fan of Star Trek when he was younger, but after his tour of duty in Afghanistan and the loss of his squad he no longer wishes to indulge in that fantasy world. He is working at the hotel which is hosting The Gulf Con for Trekkie’s, an exclusive convention for Star Trek fans only. He just wants to get through it with minimal fuss. The best thing about the whole thing is that his sister is attending with some friends and plans to spend some time with her big brother.

They are not far from Johnson Space Center and the secrets that it houses which could cause the destruction of all mankind. There are many Star Trek fans working there and they manage to bring something to the convention that stops it before it going. A zombie virus is unleashed and all those people who wanted to boldly go end up gone and back to munch on their crews.

It did take me a few chapters in to really get into it but I was going to finish no matter what just because it combined two of my favorite things, Star Trek and zombies. This has a bit more of twist than just throwing zombies into the mix with our Trekkie and it was a pretty good one that caught me a little off guard. If you want something that will make you smile, make you laugh, and gross you out a bit, then this is for you.

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The Witch with No Name

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20426917

The Witch With No Name (The Hollows #13)

My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I hate to see a favorite series end but if it must then this is the way I want it to go out. I am so happy that Kim Harrison saw fit to to actually tie up all the loose threads that had come into play along the way. This was an exciting and tense entry that was well crafted and made for a great send off for Rachel, Ivy, and Jenks as they started to go their separate ways. The world inhabited by our people has always been vivid and very real, both reality and the Ever After.

Rachel made a deal with Cormel that she would find a way to return the souls of the undead vampires, because she was looking for a way to save Ivy. Cormel has become impatient and wants it done sooner than later. He makes an attempt on Ivy hoping to push Rachel into working faster. Rachel goes to the man who tried to kill her with the elves Goddess, Landon, for help and he pulls as fast one on her.

Rachel and Trent end up in a race to save not only Ivy but the source of magic as well from a madman who thinks he can destroy it and bring it back. Trent is also dealing with Ellasbeth again and trying to come to an agreement.

There is a lot going on and it may seem chaotic but it is what you would expect from these characters. Rachel does work my nerves a bit with her self-pity parties every step of the way. But I got the HEA I wanted and for me that is the best thing of all.

If you have been a fan of the Hollows then you cannot miss this! I would recommend it to everyone, but start at the beginning.  😀

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Extinction Edge

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24384184

Extinction Edge (The Extinction Cycle, #2)

My rating: 5 of 5 stars
What can I say about this book that I did not say about the first? I love the characters who have pulled me into their world and made me care about them in a big way. The ‘zombies’, still prefer the term infected but I will let that go because the story is good enough to make me not care as much. The introduction of the new characters was done perfectly and allowed me to get a feel for them when they return further down the line. The imagery pulls me in and I can actually visualize and put myself in the narrative as it plays out, even though I have never been to the locations described.

With the threat of infection no longer a part of the equation thanks to Kate, the military is now looking to take back the cities. The infected are still in the cities, roaming and killing any survivors they find. But they are not the simple creatures that the men in charge think they are by any means. They are sending their men into a situation that could further decimate their ranks and put them on a path to complete extinction.

There is tension from the moment this book begins to the time it ends and I loved every minute of it. There is a great deal of violence but you know that it is necessary and it is so well done that you cannot help but cheer them on in its execution. The relationships between the men is solid and what you want to see between guys who have each others back on a daily basis.

I don’t know what more to say other than this is a really great series. When I wasn’t actively reading I found myself thinking about it and what might happen next. I was still in this world long after I finished and all I could think about was what will happen in the next book. I am hooked! Highly recommend to zombie lovers or anyone who has a thing for the military.

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Got Your Number

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14740946

Got Your Number

My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This was a nice story and all but things were a bit slow for a long time as the characters were being introduced and made more real. They were still not fully fleshed out but a couple had made themselves very annoying for most of the book. The plot was really good once we get into the heart of things and the fact that there is more than one thing happening makes it even harder to figure out what is really happening. There are some laugh out loud moments and a few where I just had to stop and go ‘what?’.Roxann Beadleman came from a broken home and it affected everything in her life as she grew up. She attended Notre Dame along with her cousin Angora and something good and bad happened while they were there. Roxann graduates with honors and instead of going on to bigger things she ends up eking out an existence as she works as the middle person in rescuing abused women and children. One rescue is causing her more trouble than usual because a cop is trying to find the woman along with her crazy ex-husband.

When her house is broken into she decides to head home for a while which ends up sending her on a trip down memory lane she could have done without. Going back to school is never a good thing.

I like the writing style and the fact that even though the situations could be serious there is always an element of humor present to lighten things up.

“Roxann, have you ever wanted to kill someone?” At the eerily serious note in her cousin’s voice, warning bells chimed in her head. “Everyone has moments of extreme anger,” she said carefully. “No,” Angora said, her gaze locked on Roxann’s, her pupils dilated. “I mean really kill someone.” In her lap, her hands convulsed. “I think I could kill Trenton and not feel a bit guilty.” A chill tickled the back of Roxann’s neck as she recalled moments in college when she’d questioned Angora’s stability. “Passion is a powerful emotion. Sometimes it can feel like hate instead of love.” But Angora seemed to be somewhere else. “All I know is that I put my life on hold too many times because of promises men made to me.” Her voice had taken on a bitter tone. “What makes the beasts think they can use a woman and then toss her aside when she becomes inconvenient?”
― Stephanie Bond, Got Your Number Stephanie Bond
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The Finding

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17732444

The Finding (Law of the Lycans #5)

My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I found this book just engrossing as the first book I read in this series. I was pulled into the story from the very beginning because I was about to get a chance to catch up with some old favorites. The characters are so well written and have managed to make me think of them as real when I open a book and start to read about them. The story here is a little more complicated than what we get normally as it brings to a conclusion several stories which have been ongoing and initiates a new one.

Cassandra Greyson was last seen fleeing the grounds of her Uncles estate after witnessing his death and what she assumed was the murder of his attorney by a large black wolf. Her uncle had informed her only recently that she was a werewolf, something she found hard to believe. After checking into a motel Kansas Cassie takes some of the medication her uncle had been using to contain her during the full moon, only to wake up in Las Vegas with no idea of how she got there. She finds someone who is willing to help her but she must still hide from her past.

Bryan has been searching for Cassandra for the past 3 years with no luck since her encounter with his Alpha, Ryne. Though her home is in Chicago Ryne has evoked the Finding in order to bring Cassie into his pack in Canada as her uncle had wanted. A lucky tip leads Bryan to Las Vegas where he thinks he will have an easy time bringing Cassie in. He has no idea of the craziness he is about to walk into or the things he will have to do in order just to get her to listen to him.

I totally enjoyed this book as it moved from coast to coast and up to the wilds of Canada. We got to catch up with all our favorite characters and some of the ones we disliked as well for a final accounting. The romance was sweet and hot, but not sizzling. There was a lot of suspense,betrayal, and double-dealing. This is one that will be loved by any fan of the series. It is not a stand alone however and must be read in order. Totally recommend it!

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A Demon and His Witch

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22394767

A Demon and His Witch (Welcome to Hell #1)

My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I totally enjoyed this, especially since it is the first time I have read this author and found such a great series that now I must continue it. The humor is marvelous and had me laughing out loud in places, while the heat level made me feel all gooey in others. I fell in love with the characters from the beginning because they were so well drawn from the time you met them to the end. The way the characters interact with each other is great as well as the story they are telling along the way. The way Hell is described here does not make it seem like such a bad place to be and Lucifer seems like just another annoying boss and dictator who has his own issues.

Ysabel was burned as a witch by her boyfriends mother 500 years ago. She was a witch and everyone in the village knew it but turned on her when it suited them. She got her revenge however by making a deal that made the deaths of those who had wronged her not their final agony. Remy is a hunky half demon who is a soldier in Lucifer’s army and a serious lady’s man who goes through women like tissue. These two would seem like the most unlikely pair of any.

When souls escape and imperil Ysabel’s retirement as Lucifer’s assistant things get serious. Ysabel is teamed with Remy to hunt the souls and is tempted to break her own rule of no physical contact with men. Hopefully they will not kill each other before they can get the souls returned to their prison.

This is just one great read that I want to share with anyone who has not tried it. I think you would be hooked.

“Lucifer snapped his fingers and froze them. He didn’t really care what they did to each other, but he’d spent several months in the wild capturing the beast he’d turned into a desk. “Children, children,” he said tucking his hands behind his back and adopting his father figure mode. It usually made his daughter, Muriel, laugh. “Must I remind you that I tasked you with a mission. One that I might add, Ysabel, you should be most eager to complete. What I do not need, is for you to FUCK IT UP!” He let his voice increase in treble until it boomed. “I’ve been more than tolerant, but enough is enough. You will cease bringing me your petty squabbles. You will do the job I assigned. And if you don’t want his tongue in your mouth, Ysabel, then bite it off. Although, really, if you enjoyed it so much, I don’t see what the problem is. Maybe he can help you remove the stick up your ass if you let him kiss the other end. Now, if we’re done here, and since I’m boss, and I say we are, leave and don’t come back until you’re done, because if you do, I’m duct taping the pair of you together and throwing you in a dark room until you learn to get along. Or fuck. I don’t really care which, but I prefer the latter so I can watch.”
― Eve Langlais, A Demon and His Witch Eve Langlais
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Engaged off Bourbon Street

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23850515

Engaged off Bourbon Street (Jade Calhoun Short Story, Book 3.5)

My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This was a perfect entry in the Jade Calhoun saga as she moves forward with her new life in New Orleans. This was an intimate look at all the mains as they come together to help Jade and Kane celebrate. Everyone is feeling the holiday spirit and Jade is just happy to be able to share her happiness with those she loves. Even though it is a short story it has the impact of a full length novel in both plot and character development. These characters are true to who they are and even though there are background people, who are never heard from, things move quickly from start to finish.

Jade and Kane are having their engagement/Christmas party at the house in the bayou that he did not really go to until he met Jade. Jade made a promise to Pyper that she would string mistletoe all around the house to make sure she had a chance to kiss Ian, and she has misplaced it. In order to locate it Jade decides to use magic, and we know how that can go for her. The spell is cast, the guests arrive, and the mishaps ensue.

This was a nice quick read that made me smile and shake my head. You would think Jade would learn, but then if she did we would not be so entertained. I would say fans should definitely read this!

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Gabriel

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20889359

Gabriel

My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I had gotten this on the recommendation of a friend and they were completely right that I would enjoy it. I liked the characters because even though this was a short story they were given enough personality to make them worth caring about. The story was definitely unique and caught my attention right at the beginning.I did not want to stop until I got to the end.

Calista has a mission and that is to rid the world of as many vampires as she can. Gabriel is the master vampire that she thinks will be her next target, but things are not as they seem. Sometimes you have to work with an enemy to get the real prize.

This was pretty hot and I do like my vampires steamy. The story made the hot parts even better by giving me something to think about before and after. I will definitely be reading more.