Tag Archives: New Orleans

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Shadows of Bourbon Street

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I continue to enjoy these books because I like the characters and the setting. They are not deep and sometimes you can figure out what’s going on very quickly but they are nonetheless entertaining and that is all I want. I have found that listening and reading are both great fun with this series. The narrator, Traci Odem, is fantastic as she gives depth to the characters through her vocalizations of them. You cannot be bored when you know the backdrop is New Orleans, though I would be happy with more about mardi gras if it going to be used as a device. This was a quick read that held my interest and kept me wanting to continue to the next book.

Jade and Kane are about to say ‘I do’ when the High Angel interrupts the nuptials to give them their first assignment as Shadow Walkers. A witch is in trouble and only Jade and Kane can save her. But of course, there is more going on than meets the eye and this couple falls into it.

With three plots running it could become hard to figure out what is going on but that is not the case. Each crisis has a start, a middle, and an ending that is satisfying. One gripe is that every book has someone in Jade’s circle gaining some type of power or gift. That can get a bit monotonous. But the books are fun and fast reads so it is worth it.

My rating: ✭✭✭✭ of 5

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Angels of Bourbon Street

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Angels of Bourbon Street by Deanna Chase

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


I enjoy these books and I like most of the characters because they have been able to grow as the series has moved forward, then there are some I could do without sometimes. Being set in New Orleans makes this work perfectly for the way things seem to go for everyone here. I have never been but every time I read one of these books I can imagine that I am visiting the French Quarter or the Garden District because of the vivid descriptions of the locales. I chose to listen and read because it does make it so much easier to keep the story going when I am on the go. I can listen in my office at work while still being productive and relaxed.

Jade has been left with only half her soul because of circumstances beyond her control, even though she was doing the right thing. But she decides that nothing is going to stop her from marrying the man of her dreams, Kane. Well, things never go smoothly for Jade no matter how much she wants it to.

Jade is possessed by the ghost residing in Kane’s family home while making arrangements for her wedding. Though they are able to save her once it becomes clear that in her weakened state she is easy prey. Now she will have to live with the person who has the other half of her soul in order to keep her safe, but that does not help her friends.

The narrator, Traci Odom, does a great job of bringing the characters to life, both male and female. If you have enjoyed the first three books in this series then you will enjoy the continued adventures of this new to her craft witch.


“Everyone in this room knows I’m going to say yes, but I’m not willing to let the realm have complete control over us. If we were to become slaves to you, our lives would hardly be worth living anyway. So my offer to you is this: the pair of us will accept your condition of becoming shadowwalkers, but we want to be compensated as a low-level angel would. We also want all the benefits and rights that they have under your laws. There will be no exceptions because we are humans.”
― Deanna Chase, Angels of Bourbon Street


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Haunted on Bourbon Street

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haunted on bourbon street

Haunted on Bourbon Street (Jade Calhoun #1)

This  made me want to keep reading even though I had a million other things to do. This really surprised me, I expected a nice read but did not expect to get so caught up that I would want to finish it in one sitting. I knew who Jade was in a snap and liked her enough that I knew this was going to be entertaining. The characters really pulled me into the story because they seemed like anyone else I might know, minus the interesting abilities. The fact that it was mostly clear of typos and misplaced words was also a big plus for me. The story was well written and moved forward at a good pace to keep your interest with just the right amount of action thrown in.

Jade Calhoun moved to New Orleans from Idaho for a job and a change of scenery. She also has an ability which she wants to keep secret and what better way then around people who do not really know her. She is lucky enough to find a reasonably priced apartment on Bourbon Street above a strip club, which her landlord also owns. There only seems to be one problem with her new home, there is a ghost residing with her. When her attempts to get rid of the ghost do not work she calls in help, but then finds that while the ghost seems to like her, her boss Pyper is being tormented nightly. The race is then on to find a way to rid them of this ghost before he can cause real harm to Pyper. Oh, the landlord happens to be a hunky piece of man named Kane so you know this is just another complication.

I totally loved this for some reason that is hard to explain. I liked the fact that Jade had a tough side and could stand up for herself, but she was still vulnerable from her past and tried to work through it. Kane was the perfect man really, he was understanding, protective, sexy, and loving. But I really liked Pyper, she was a survivor who didn’t take anything from anyone, she was a friend who would stick by you through anything. This is more or less a light romp, but sets the stage for more serious things in the future. I would definitely recommend this book.

Rating: 4.5 of 5 stars
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Lost Embrace

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Lost Embrace (Immortals of New Orleans #6.5)

My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I was very happy that this was done because it gave me a chance to catch up with characters who have not been seen fully for a while. This was the perfect short to bring this portion of the story to closure. With Sydney having been turned and not dealing with it, you had to wonder if she would even survive. Then there is the little fact that a serial killer that she put away has escaped and is making his way to New Orleans for some payback.
Anthony, Sydney’s old partner arrives in New Orleans with the news that a serial killer Syd put away has escaped and is more than likely on his way to her for pay back. What he finds is Sydney turned and unable to feed because she has psyched herself out because a demon tried to kill her.  Kade asks for Anthony’s help and because he has always been a little in love with Syd, he gladly gives it. But Sydney is still a cop at heart and she wants to bring this guy down for even thinking about coming after her.

Though it is a short story it is a fully realized one that gives a great story with characters not seen before who are very interesting. It also sets up the next book in the series with a character who has been elusive for several books but who you know has been orchestrating from the shadows. A must read!

* I just finished listening to this book on 9/10/15. Listening was even better than when I read it. The narrator gives such life to all the characters, though the women do sound like a man doing a woman, he still gives it a great try. This can be enjoyed both ways very easily.

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Dimitri

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Dimitri (Immortals of New Orleans #6)

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I have loved the Immortals of New Orleans since the first book and things just keep getting better and better. There is a lot more complexity to the relationships of the characters than was first shown and it makes them more interesting as they are revealed. Characters who have not been completely explored still can have an impact on you because they still have enough substance to make you care. The story naturally flows without bogging down at all and keeps you reading well after you should have stopped for the night. The banter between the characters is priceless and always one of the things I enjoy the most.

Dimitri has gone to San Diego, California in order to get away after his trip into hell world with Léopold to save Ava. Since he came out something has been wrong with his wolf and he has not been able to shift. He has gone off alone to try to find out if things can get better or if he may have to step down as Beta. Gillian was lured to San Diego by the area Alpha in order to force a mating on her. She is special and the Alpha wants her gifts for himself whether she is willing or not. Gilly escapes but brings down a pack of trouble on our Beta who cannot handle it at the moment.

There are a lot of things going on in this story, some of them happy, some of them sad, and some just plain wrong. There is always a good deal of heat involved when these supernaturals get together for any amount of time. You must enjoy menage, exhibitionism, and unconventional sex.

“When the music stopped, the curtains to their booth flew open. Jax, the devastatingly handsome Nordic wolf, leered down on the lovers, who smiled up at him in amusement. “I said pretend to be her mate. At any point, did you hear me say, ‘Come up to New York and fuck my sister in public…during one of my company events?’ Did I say that? I really don’t recall saying that.” Jax scrubbed his fingers over his tightly cropped hair. He moved to the balcony, overlooking the patrons who were shuffling into the lobby for the intermission. “Sorry.” Dimitri laughed. He knew that they should have been slightly less conspicuous but the draw of his mate had been too much to resist. “Sorry? Really? That’s all you’ve got?” He turned to Gillian, who scrambled up to her feet, adjusting her dress. “And you? What’s your excuse, little sister? Seriously, every shifter in the room could hear you.” “Um, well, yeah, sorry about that. But technically this is your fault. I mean, what did you expect? You asked Dimitri to come here…to pretend to be my mate.” Gillian reasoned that her comeback sounded solid, inexperienced in dealing with her Alpha brother.”
― Kym Grosso, Dimitri Kym Grosso
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Engaged off Bourbon Street

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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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Logan’s Acadian Wolves

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Logan’s Acadian Wolves (Immortals of New Orleans #4)

My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This was another great entry in the Immortals of New Orleans series. I am never disappointed and get great characters, great action, great romance and a mysterious person in the shadows who needs to be found. The introduction of new characters and old ones who have become like family is handled in a way that makes it plausible, for the world where  the supernatural exist, and easy to follow. The narration and language are always well done with few if any typos and grammar errors to drive you crazy. All the characters have a back story that helps you get to know who they are and what their place is in the current and past story if necessary.

Logan had been the Beta for Tristan and his friend for many years, but when he goes to check on things in New Orleans he finds that Marcel is dying and insists that he become the Alpha of the Acadian wolves when he dies. This is not something that Logan has ever considered but for his friend he takes the challenge. This means returning to his roots full-time and facing challenges from those who did believe that he should lead them.

Logan has been dreaming of a woman who he watches be murdered over and over again. Then he finds her running through the streets being chased by vampires and unwilling to disclose why. Wynter has grown up around wolves and understands many things about pack life but not what it means to be attracted to the Alpha. She has been working on something that could have bad results if it falls into the wrong hands and those hands are looking for her because they want her back along with the knowledge she carries. Logan has no idea what or who he has allowed into his pack and the danger that he has brought among them.

I loved Logan the first time I read about him with Tristan, he is hot and forceful and all male. But he does not like being lied to and he can hold a grudge easily, he is also loyal and kind. He is everything you could want in a man and then some. Wynter is a sweet girl who gets in over her head but is brilliant and a good match for Logan.

Alright, we know I recommend this because I think it’s wonderful. Now this one is not as hot as the others but gives some good action sequences along with a love story that has a lot of rocky moments that make them together even better.

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French Quarter

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French Quarter (Hot in the City #1)

 
My rating : 5 of 5 stars
I was so surprised by this, in a pleasant way. The story moves very quickly, almost to quickly from introduction to action though I am not complaining. I liked that it was moving at break neck speed but still managing to give story with enough tension to keep you engaged. I liked the characters from the beginning was very happy to follow them on their journey of discovery about themselves. The characters each have distinctive personalities that you can relate to either negatively or positively which allows for being pulled into their plight. I love the setting of New Orleans, though I have never been there reading this made me want to visit even more. However, I am sure it is nothing like it was characterized here, as much fun as it would be if it were.

Liz Marsh is a recent transplant to New Orleans, she moved there with her fiancé from Maryland when he was transferred for his job. Liz was always an obedient child who grew into an obedient woman, always doing as she was told. After 6 months Todd, the fiancé starts to stay out late every night and Liz believes he is having an affair and decides to find out for certain what is going on.

Jack Wade is a private eye who works and lives in the French Quarter, he is Cajun and one good-looking man. When Liz walks into his office and asks him to find out what her fiancé is up to he initially turns her down because he no longer takes cases like that. But after a little persuasion and flirtation he takes on the case and finds out what she wants to know very quickly.

For Liz it is a moment of liberation and for Jack the start of something he could never have expected. What started as a job for one and a search for truth of the other turns into a sexual odyssey that neither could have expected when she walked through his door. But when that second door opens you need to make sure that the first one has been closed because otherwise things can go dark when you least expect it.

After reading this I cannot wait to read about the other Marsh sisters. If the decadence and hedonism are even half of what has been seen here, then sign me up for a move to the Big Easy!

 
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Tristan’s Lyceum Wolves

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Tristan's Lyceum Wolves (Immortals of New Orleans #3)

Tristan’s Lyceum Wolves (Immortals of New Orleans #3)

My rating 5 of 5 stars
Once again a story I could fall into and enjoy without any major distraction other than my own stops to absorb here and there. The characters are as vivid as ever and makes knowing them a pleasant prospect in every book. They have rich and varied lives that could fit in anywhere and with any other people. I can follow and know that where it takes me will always be vastly interesting even with the violence which comes in their world.

Tristan is like any other man wolf or not. He values his freedom and thinks that settling down with one woman will take that from him, he does not give any thought to the fact that a woman might feel the same way. That is what it means to be Alpha, to be adored and obeyed, but not to always look at all sides of things. He and his Beta, Logan, have shared everything for years like their attitudes about finding a mate and on many occasions women.

Tristan wants to find out who fire-bombed his club and is trying to start a territory war. There are a lot of possibilities but he will need to narrow them down and he has only one clue which might help him with that. After getting a new club up and running within a week he hopes that he can now concentrate on that. He is given a lead that does not seem to be going anywhere at first but leads him to more than just the arsonists, but to his true mate as well.

Violence, sex, revenge, abuse, jealousy, betrayal stand right along side loyalty, love, and forgiveness. This is a great installment and I am in love with Tristan and Logan both. If I had to have an Alpha I would take Tristan any day of the week, he is strong and powerful yet tender and sweet. As a second no one can compare to Logan who loves his Alpha and would do anything to protect him. These characters speak to me and make my days a little less dreary when I am immersed in their world.

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Luca’s Magic Embrace

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Luca's Magic Embrace (Immortals of New Orleans, #2)

Luca’s Magic Embrace (Immortals of New Orleans #2)

My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This was an excellent read that moved and flowed so well that I read it one sitting. The story was engaging and kept me wanting to no more from the first page. The characters are well fleshed out and speak and act in a manner that is natural for them and makes it easy to relate to their various situations.In this second book in the Immortals of New Orleans series Luca has been captured after an attack as he was delivering Samantha and Ilsbeth to the coven house. When he is rescued by Kade and Sydney he is unresponsive, though once healed he is sure that the attack was intended to capture Samantha. She was traumatized by being kidnapped,brutalized,and turned into a witch. She has fled the coven house in the hopes of regaining her former life unaware of the danger she is still in, but Luca is going to retrieve her and bring her back to New Orleans for her own safety. Or so he tells himself. Samantha is being stalked by an unknown person who wants something she has no idea about but must find in order to go back to a normal life, if they will let her.

This story has suspense, love, sex, and a very deranged villain. Vampires are the least of their worries. The love scenes are hot and well-played out within the context of the story and make it worth a second read. 🙂

 

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