Review: Wicked Edge

Wicked Edge by Rebecca Zanetti (ARC Review)

Realm Enforcers Book 2

Published November 10, 2015 by Lyrical Press

5 BLOODY FANGS!!

"Sometimes its your weaknesses that make you so much stronger than your enemies."

Synopsis -

“Zanetti gives paranormal a sexy MC twist!”—New York Times bestselling author Joanna Wylde

 

If you love the Dark Protectors, these wicked hot Realm Enforcers are for you!

Daire Dunne is more than ready to take a quick break from his duties as a Coven Nine Enforcer. When he spots a sexy blonde across a Titan’s of Fire party, it’s not long before she’s on the back of his Harley on the fast track to his apartment. Unfortunately, one overheated kiss in, the woman drugs Daire and steals valuable files that can’t fall into enemy hands. The second he comes to, the hunt is on...

Now that Cee Cee has the information to take down an enemy that destroyed her family, she can implement her perfect plan for revenge. Nothing will stop her, not even a shockingly sexy enforcer barging into her life. Not even the spectacular, fire-branding sex engulfing them. But if Daire ever figures out who her family really is, all bets are off...

Praise for Wicked Ride

“Non-stop action and a hero to die for!”—Alexandra Ivy

“Fast-paced romance . . . very compelling. Highly recommended.”—Library Journal (Goodreads)

Review -

First of all, let's try to clear up some of the rumors I've been hearing right now. Wicked Edge and the Realm Enforcer's Series as a whole, is NOT an MC contemporary novel. Far from it. It is a continuation of the incredible, delectable Dark Protector's series, with the focus being in the human world. The MC aspect only has to do with the Dunne brothers' ongoing investigation on the deadly drug taking out witches, Apollo. Don't get me wrong, Zanetti has used what little MC activity within these books to its full capacity making for some very adrenaline pumping fight scenes. And the rival MC? A group of Grizzly Bear shifters, so in no way shape or form are these contemporary novels.

That being said, I'm loving it. The guest appearances, the tie ins, the relationships/matings that are continuously bonding the families that fans already know and love are fangtastic, without being overwhelmingly so. The Realm Enforcers is a strong enough series to develop a fan base on its own while more than enough to keep Dark Protector fans from going into withdrawals. 

Daire Dunne is more than sure that fate has planned for him to find a mate that will be obedient, docile and completely organized. He finds out just how far from the truth that is after he ends up being drugged by the "enhanced human" he brings home with him for a night of fun in the sack. What he gets is far more complications in his life than he ever thought possible, along with a possible lead on the witch helping with the making of Apollo. If he can survive the woman fate has brought kicking and screaming into his life, he may be a few steps closer to closing his case.

Cee Cee has plenty more secrets than just what her name is and her true species, and she's very good at keeping them. She has been plotting for almost thirty years revenge against the demon who killed her mate, and the time has come to put all of those crazy plans to action. As strategically as she has everything planned there should be no complications, except for the deadly enforcer she pissed by drugging once, or twice. Not that she's really keeping count or anything. Cee Cee has had her life decided for her since birth due to not having the same powers as her brethren, but now her time has come to show everyone how strong she truly is. But will she survive to enjoy the outcome?

Fast-paced, action packed edge of your seat plots and characters readers can't help but love. This is a Paranormal novel to be loved regardless of gender. A true must read, right along with the rest of the series. 

Dark Sacrifice Review

DARK SACRIFICE by Angie Sandro (ARC Review)

Dark Paradise Book 2

Re-Published August 12, 2014  by Forever Yours

2.5 CrossBones

"The makings of a beautiful Gothic Romance, just a little too jumbled and the heroine needs to grow up."

Synopsis -

A GIFT AND A CURSE

Mala LaCroix sees dead people—really. After using her psychic gifts to catch a killer, she's locked in a psych ward and must strike a deal with the devil to secure her release. Apprenticed to a dark arts practitioner, Mala vows to free herself and save her loved ones from danger. But she doesn't know who to turn to when her crush on Landry Prince turns into something more serious.

A FATE WORSE THAN DEATH

Landry has sacrificed everything to protect Mala. A near-death experience changes him forever, and now he, too, possesses supernatural powers he doesn't understand. Mala and Landry must band together to defeat the dark forces—both human and otherworldly—who would use their abilities for evil. Even as they fall for each other, they must prepare to battle for their very souls . . . 

Word count: 95,000 (Goodreads)

Review -

Took me quite a while to write this review, mainly because I had quite a bit of conflicting emotions in regards to the story-line. Did I not like it due to the fact that I did not read Book 1, Dark Paradise? Or did I just really not like the plot, or was it just the main character? While this book was very well written, descriptions were dead on and the author did know much of comings and goings in the Vodoun world, the plot in itself could use a little more help. Not to mention the main character could use a definite reality check and grow up. "With great power, comes great responsibilities." That saying is true with more than just super heroes. When you wield magic as powerful as what Mala LaCroix holds within her very soul, one cannot just dabble into it, begin a drastic spell, then stop in the middle and say, "Oh, never mind", especially when dealing with other people's souls.

Mala LaCroix is the last living LaCroix, a family of extremely powerful Voodoo Queens. As such she is next in line to the thrown when her Great Aunt passes on to the other side. An aunt whom she has promised to be an apprentice to, and learn how to wield her dark art. But when the time comes she is less than enthused. But with enemies from both sides of the grave out to kill her, maybe going with dear old Auntie isn't such a bad idea.

Landry Prince has escaped the hands of death once again. Only this time, he hasn't come back alone. There is a demon living beneath his skin, devouring his soul with every breath he takes. And the only one he can rely on to rid himself of the demon in the Voodoo Queen herself, Magnolia. The question in that scenario, at what lengths will she go? And how can he keep Mayla safe when he can barely even trust himself?

When the action and magic happen, they do indeed make an impression. Too bad there isn't enough of the good to outweigh the bad. And the supposed 'bad' characters are the ones who keep to story flowing. Just as Magnolia tried to explain to her bullheaded niece, there is no such thing as black magic, either the wielder has a black soul or a light one. The decisions you make and the reasons behind them are all that truly matter. Anyone who practices voodoo, or has any roots in the craft, art or religion, may want to skip this read, because what Mayla does in the end will make you want to make a special little doll with her name on it. This book reads more like a Y/A than a N/A, if not for the sex. The characters are not really at the maturity of someone in the twenties, more like teenagers who still don't know which way is up. With some tweaks, this series does carry a lot of potential. As it stands now... This book cannot be read as a stand-alone, too much needed information is lost without having read the first book.