Quickie Review: Passion Unleashed by Larissa Ione

Title: Passion Unleashed

Series: Demonica Series, book 3

Author: Larissa Ione
Purchase: AMAZON
Rating: 5 Wine Glasses
Reviewer: Crystal 

Forbidden Temptations…

Serena Kelley is an archaeologist and treasure hunter—and a woman with a secret. Since she was seven, she’s been the keeper of a powerful charm that grants her health and immortality . . . as long as she stays a virgin. But Serena isn’t all that innocent. And when a dangerously handsome stranger brings her to the brink of ecstasy, she wonders if she’s finally met the one man she cannot resist.

Fatal Desires…

Wraith is a Seminus demon with a death wish. But when an old enemy poisons him, he must find Serena and persuade her to give him the only known antidote in the universe—her charm. Yet, as she begins to surrender to his seductions, and Wraith senses the cure is within his grasp, he realizes a horrible truth: he’s falling for the woman whose life he must take in order to save his own.

*I’m going to do a quickie because I am swamped this week and the blurb above summarizes this novel perfectly.

My thoughts on it:

Although I can’t view it well on my Sony I just love the cover of this novel; I think it’s a great portrayal of Wraith & Serena.

Mmm...Monday (12/20)

Fa la la la la, la la la la

Happy Holidays everyone! Is everyone excited that Christmas is only a few days away or are we glad to get it over with? LoL I don't look forward to taking all the decorations down and packing them back up for next year. Yuck. Or taking all these toys hidden under the tree out of their package. I mean, do they really need to tie everything down the way they do? Do they really think that someone is going to walk out the door with a 3 foot Barbie house unnoticed? I wish that I had a magic wand sometimes, that would be handy wouldn't it?

The man candy that I have for this lovely Monday is a beefcake and a Christmas card in one, I hope you enjoy it!

***IMAGES REMOVED***

 Merry Christmas!

Quote of the Week:

"A book is the only place in which you can examine a fragile thought without breaking it, or explore an explosive idea without fear it will go off in your face. It is one of the few havens remaining where a man's (ahem, or woman's) mind can get both provocation and privacy."

Edward P. Morgan

New Releases out tomorrow (12/21):

Out For Blood (Drake Chronicles) by Alyxandra Harvey 

Tempestous (Wondrous Strange #3) by Lesley Livingston

My Soul to Steal (Soul Screamers #4) by Rachel Vincent

Roses and Bones (Myths, Tales and Secrets) by Francesca Lia Block

Going On's:

Tonight starts the two-day Midwinter's Eve Giveaway hop, I will list my post at 10pm so make sure to check back for that! If you would like to see all the other blogs that joined in the giveaway hop visit I Am A Reader, Not A Writer. I will have a giveaway for 

one book (winners choice) from My Top 12 Favorite Books of 2010.

Giveaway @ Laugh Love Write, win a copy of PEMBERLEY RANCH BY JACK CALDWELL

Book/Author News:

From Gena Showalter's Blog (<-click to visit blog)- Paris News!!! YaY!

(Gena) So many times I've been asked if I plan to write Paris’s story – and when. Well, there's been a new development.

Paris's book WILL follow Strider's. (At first, I thought it would be Kane, but nope, it's PARIS!) His book, tentatively titled The Darkest Seduction, will come out in 2012.

I hope this news excites you as much as it excites me! The story just kind of came together (I always try to think about my next book to write as I'm finishing up another and yes, I'm finishing up Dark Taste of Rapture) and, after talking to my editor, knew this was the right way to go.

From Jeaniene Frost's Website (<-click to visit) TSotG Snippet! Woohoo!

Bones was also dressed as though entertainment were his only motivation. His long sleeved top was made entirely of black mesh, his crystal skin exposed more than it was covered with the material. Leather pants hung low on his hips, tight enough to hint at his assets, but with enough give that they wouldn’t hinder his movements. The all-black ensemble combined with his dark hair only made his pale skin even more striking by comparison, drawing the eye to the muscled flesh those hundreds of tiny holes revealed.

He caught my lingering gaze where the peep show of his skin ended and the front of his pants began – and flashed me a wicked grin.

“Hold that thought, luv. With luck, we’ll be back in our hotel room breaking in the Jacuzzi before dawn.”

If I’d have still been human, I might have blushed. Logic said I should be past the stage where it was obvious that I was mentally stripping and molesting my own husband. We weren’t in the earliest bloom of our relationship anymore, after all. But when Bones approached, his dark eyes glittering with hints of green, gooseflesh still rippled across my skin as though this were a first date. Then everything in me tensed with expectation when he stood as close as possible without touching, only his breath hitting my skin as he spoke near my ear.

“Have I told you how lovely you look tonight?”

A wave of heat rolled over my subconscious, like my nerve endings had just been brushed with the warmest of caresses. My hands slowly fisted while I resisted the urge to touch him, enjoying the building tension between us. Yes, this was different than the first giddy stage of attraction I’d felt for him, but that didn’t diminish his effect on me. Instead, the desire I felt was richer, stronger, and far more intoxicating when combined with the hold Bones had over my heart.

His scent deepened, that blend of burnt sugar and musk tantalizing me with the evidence that he felt the same way I did.  His comment about the Jacuzzi tub made some explicit images dance in my mind. Like how devastating Bones would look wearing nothing but suds – and then nothing but my body.

Another thought teased its way into my mind. Why wait? The backseat of our car is only a few feet away…
“You know, in addition to your mindreading abilities, I may have absorbed some sluttiness from your blood,” I said, giving my head a little shake. Had to be. I normally wouldn’t think of getting it on in a parking lot when we had a reporter to snag inside and two undead friends just a few dozen feet away.

Soft laughter tickled my neck while the invisible caress of his aura intensified. “Be still my non-beating heart.”

I hope that everyone has a wonderful week full of holiday cheer and as always, Happy Reading! 

Meljean Brook and The Iron Duke- Author Chat Recap

Meljean Brook & The Iron Duke:

Meljean Brook had a book chat Saturday evening (you can view the whole chat HERE) and I joined in. My first author book chat, and it was a lot of fun!

After chatting for a bit with other readers Meljean joined us and we were able to ask her a few question and here were mine and her answers to them;

[Comment From Crystal]  @Meljean, how many books do you have planned right now for The Iron Seas series?

MeljeanBrook: 

Crystal - right now I have three books planned, and the others are in the very earliest stages of being developed. I know I want to move around the world, so it depends on what area I want to explore next.

[Comment From Crystal]  @Meljean I really loved Ivy and Eben in Here There Be Monsters but they didn't make an appearance in The Iron Duke. Will we see more of them in future books? MeljeanBrook:  Crystal -- we'll see Eben & Ivy in Heart of Steel. [Comment From Crystal]  @Meljean Is the third book about a character we've already met or a new one? MeljeanBrook:  Crystal -- the third book will star new people. That's actually something that I hope to do throughout the series -- keep them very lightly connected, but not dependent on each other. [Comment From Crystal]  @Meljean; were you happy with the Iron Duke cover? How much say do you as the author have in it? Do you know when the Heart of Steel cover will be uncovered? Ops, sorry that's a lot. =) MeljeanBrook:  Crystal -- the Iron Duke cover: Yes, I was happy with it. I'll admit that man-titty isn't my favorite type of cover (see my latest Guardian covers for my favorites) but I think the cover did exactly what I wanted it to (and was exactly what I asked for -- something that immediately told a reader that it was steampunk & romance.) MeljeanBrook:  I expect to see the Heart of Steel cover in the next month or two. It will be similar to The Iron Duke's cover.

Then Meljean shared with us the blurb for Heart of Steel, Yay! 

Named one of Publishers Weekly’s “Best Books of 2010,” The Iron Duke introduced the gritty, alluring adventure of the Iron Seas. Now, Meljean Brook returns to the world where nanotech fuses with Victorian sensibilities — and steam.

As the mercenary captain of the Lady Corsair, Yasmeen has learned to keep her heart as cold as steel, her only loyalty bound to her ship and her crew. So when a man who once tried to seize her airship returns from the dead, Yasmeen will be damned if she gives him another opportunity to take control.

Treasure-hunter Archimedes Fox isn’t interested in the Lady Corsair — he wants her coldhearted captain and the valuable da Vinci sketch she stole from him. To reclaim it, Archimedes is determined to seduce the stubborn woman who once tossed him to a ravenous pack of zombies, but she’s no easy conquest.

When da Vinci’s sketch attracts a dangerous amount of attention, Yasmeen and Archimedes journey to Horde-occupied Morocco — and straight into their enemy’s hands. But as they fight to save themselves and a city on the brink of rebellion, the greatest peril Yasmeen faces is from the man who seeks to melt her icy heart…

Release Date: November 1, 2011

If you think that this series sounds fantastic, which it is, then make sure to check out my current giveaway: 

12 Days Till' Christmas Giveaway: Win a printed copy of The Iron Duke by Meljean Brook and a Steampunk inspired gift! Ends December 24th.

For more info on this series; the prequel, novel and upcoming novels be sure to visit Meljean Brooks website. 

My Favorite Books of 2010

The year is drawing to a close and there were a ton of fabulous books released throughout it. I think 2010 was the year for paranormal romances especially. 

It's so hard to pick a set number of books that I loved this year but after some time & thought I've put together a list of my 12 favorites and I thought I'd share them with you now.


(Click on the title name for more information on the book)

12. Rapture Untamed by Pamela Palmer

The most combative - and tormented - of all the Ferals,Jag is a predator who hunts alone - until daemons terrorize the human population. To stop them, he partners with Olivia, a flame-haired Therian temptress as strong as she is beautiful. But Olivia is no ordinary immortal. The survivor of a vicious supernatural attack, she possesses a deadly and forbidden skill - one that must remain hidden, especially from the powerful Feral Warriors.

I enjoyed all the the Feral Warrior books thus far but Jag's story is by far my favorite. It was dark and intense and I was captivated by every word. 

11. His Darkest Embrace by Juliana Stone

A solitary hunter with no regard for the human world, Jagger Castille is a shifter living on the edge. It will take the woman who calls him enemy to give him a reason to live.

I love Juliana Stone's take on strong, sexy alpha males and their independent & snarky females that they can't live without. And the cover is just plain hawt!

10. Black Magic Sanction by Kim Harrison

Rachel Morgan has fought vampires, werewolves, demons, and other supernatural dangers as both witch and bounty hunter and lived to tell the tale. But she'snever faced off against her own kind--until now.

Two words, The Hollows. Who doesn't love this series about Rachel and her quirky gang of mischief-makers? 

9. Eternal Flame by Cynthia Eden

Cynthia Eden invites you into the world of the Others—supernatural creatures who are sexy, powerful, and more than human in every way…
I just discovered this author this month and devoured the first three books in the Night Watch series, now I'm looking to get more of her books. 

8. Veil of Shadows by Shiloh Walker
the thrilling follow-up to Through the Veil, featuring a beautiful captain who’s lost her magic—and the stranger who will either be her great love, or her greatest enemy…
I still haven't read her Hunter's series but after reading the two Veil books they are on my TBR list! Captivating characters and  a rich world built around them.



7. Firelight by Sophie Jordon

A HIDDEN TRUTH, 

MORTAL ENEMIES, 

DOOMED LOVE

YA's have been getting pretty redundant for me lately but I was pleasantly surprised with Sophie Jordan's fresh take on it and her draki's storyline. Review

6. Total Eclipse by Rachel Caine

Weather Warden Joanne Baldwin, her husband, the djinn David, and the Earth herself have been poisoned by a substance that destroys the magic that keeps the world alive. The poison is destabilizing the entire balance of power, bestowing magic upon those who have never had it, and removing it form those who need it. It's just a matter of time before the delicate balance of nature explodes into chaos-and doom.

I absolutely loved this series and was so sad to see it end but I think Caine did a wonderful job wrapping it up. 

5. Eternal Kiss of Darkness by Jeaniene Frost

An immortal was has been brewing in the darkness...and now one woman has stumbled into the shadows.

I wasn't a big fan of Mencheres until I read this book, wow. Review

4. Cheat the Grave by Vicki Pettersson

Joanna Archer is working hard to put the painful events of her recent past behind, doing her best to embrace mortality after being superhuman.
So excited and sad to see how Vicki ends this series next summer. 







3. Wait for Dusk by Jocelynn Drake

There is no sanctuary in the night…

It happened, it finally happened! 

2. First Drop of Crimson by Jeaniene Frost

The night is not safe for mortals. 

You can't go wrong reading anything Jeaniene writes. And if I can't have Bones I would settle for Spade ;)

And the #1 spot goes to.....


1. The Iron Duke by Meljean Brook
After the Iron Duke freed England from Horde control, he instantly became a national hero. Now Rhys Trahaearn has built a merchant empire on the power — and fear — of his name. And when a dead body is dropped from an airship onto his doorstep, bringing Detective Inspector Mina Wentworth into his dangerous world, he intends to make her his next possession.
Yeah, I was just blown away by this one. I wasn't expecting it to be a favorite read when I first saw everyone raving about it and now here it is, at #1! Review

So those are my top 12 favorite books that were released this year. Of course, I could keep going but it was hard enough ranking 12. So what is your favorite read of the year? Are any of your favorites on my list? 

Here's to more great reads in 2011! Have a wonderful Sunday everyone! 

In My Mailbox (12/19)

In My Mail box is a meme hosted by Kristy over at The Story Siren

I received some fabulous books these last two weeks and I've read a few already. I'm super excited with this great lot. 

Purchased for my ereader: Pleasure Unbound, Desire Unchained and Passion Unleashed by Larissa Ione. The first three in her Demonica series.

Received from netGalley: Pale Demon by Kim Harrison, ninth book in her The Hollows series. 

Won: The Monstrumologist and The Curse of the Wendigo by Rick Yancey from Rachel at Parajunkee's View. Grace Burrowes' The Heir from the lovely Jessica at Laugh Love Write. Teresa Medeiros' The Devil Wears Plaid from Laurie at Bitten by Paranormal Romance. And last but not least; First Impressions by Nora Roberts from the fab Danielle at Romance Book Junkies. Thank You Ladies!

AND I got in a really cute little steampunkery inspired gift from Etsy for my giveaway but it's a surprise! It wasn't steampunk enough for me so I added a few more embellishments and I love it. I might have to make one for myself now! 

So did anyone else get anything interesting in the mail recently?

I hope everyone has a wonderful Christmas week filled with lots of goodies! 

The Iron Duke Chat With Meljean Brook

Going on right now HERE. Meljean Brook will be joining the chat at 10pm.