Book Review: Must Love Fangs By Jessica Sims

Must Love Fangs
(Midnight Liaisons #3)
By Jessica Sims

Published: August 27th 2013

The third book in the “funny, sexy, and lively” (Publishers Weekly) romance series about a paranormal dating service called Midnight Liaisons.

Marie Bellavance has known for years that she’s going to die of the same incurable disease her mother did. That’s why she never dated and doesn’t allow anyone to get close to her. But now, as an employee of the paranormal dating agency Midnight Liaisons, she has a chance: if she can find someone to turn her into a supernatural creature, she’ll be cured!

Flirty were-cougar Joshua Russell has wanted standoffish Marie for his own, but she’s been off limits as a human. When he catches her sneaking away from a vampire date gone wrong, he steps in and offers his own services. As a vampire bodyguard, he’s able to tell her which men will be the perfect ones to date. But he’s secretly got a better plan in mind: if she wants to date the supernatural, a handsome were-cougar would be the best choice of all.

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Check Out The Other Books In This Series:

(Linked to my reviews)

My Review:

I've loved this series ever since I discovered book 1 (Beauty Dates the Beast). My favorite book until today is Desperately Seeking Shapeshifter.This book wasn't as good as Book 2, but it wasn't bad either. Let's just say it was average.

I got pissy with Marie so since the beginning I wasn't the into what she was doing. I understand that she was dying and that she would go to extremes to have that not happen, but she had a perfectly good guy wanting to turn her and she chose to run off on a chance that the other guy would do it instead. Up to the point in the story I just gave up rooting for them as a couple. She was just so hard headed and that did nothing to add to the story.

I love Josh. Why you ask? Well he's the ultimate playboy turned commitment guy. He was sweet, caring, attentive and not over possessive. He had everything going or him and he just had to choose Marie...URGH. I am not a fan of her.

I had one other issue with the storyline. I understand that turning a human was (until this book) "illegal" and "wrong". So why is it that the first couple who did it, got an example made out of them and Josh and Marie got a simple pat on the back because of a miraculous decision and voting of the "board"? I know their main characters and all, but that just made the story even more unbelievable. Sure, it's fiction, but it doesn't have to be so out-of-this-world that the characters have to rely on luck and chance of events.

Favorite Quotes:

"I have a date tonight. I thought you were going to be my wingman. And by wing man, I mean hover unseen like an over-protective older brother".

"Don't worry, I'm house trained".

"Life wasn't about being alone so that no one would get hurt. It was about loving the ones you had, while you had them".

My Rating:

Book Review: Origin By Jennifer L. Armentrout

Origin
(Lux #4)
By Jennifer L. Armentrout


Published: August 27th 2013

Daemon will do anything to get Katy back.

After the successful but disastrous raid on Mount Weather, he’s facing the impossible. Katy is gone. Taken. 

Everything becomes about finding her. Taking out anyone who stands in his way? Done. Burning down the whole world to save her? Gladly. Exposing his alien race to the world? With pleasure.All Katy can do is survive.Surrounded by enemies, the only way she can come out of this is to adapt. After all, there are sides of Daedalus that don’t seem entirely crazy, but the group’s goals are frightening and the truths they speak even more disturbing. Who are the real bad guys? Daedalus? Mankind? Or the Luxen?Together, they can face anything. But the most dangerous foe has been there all along, and when the truths are exposed and the lies come crumbling down, which side will Daemon and Katy be standing on? And will they even be together?

Available At: 

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My Review:

OMG!!!! This was sooooo good!!! I'm speechless!!!!

& Yes I am fangirling!!! 

I was expecting Mrs. Armentrout to do as any other bestselling author would do, which is make the readers suffer through the whole book in anxiety while she writes a whole book on what happens after the cliffhanger and only unite the couple on the last chapter. So basically I was expecting a huge filler. Boy am I happy I was wrong for once in my life! 

   
The story got going from chapter one and continued to be action packed and full of surprises until the last chapter (which sets up the story line for book 5). I felt like I didn't know where to pay attention in this story since every time I thought "Oh this is getting boring, lets move on", the author went and swept the rug from under me. I was always on the edge of my seat trying to use my telepathy to see into the future events of this story because it was just THAT good. P.S. It didn't work....=/

   
I loved Daemon's wise cracks this time around and Kat was just fantastic handling everything that was thrown at her. Dawson and Beth were so cute together and Dee was her awesome and bubbly self. A new secondary character got introduced and I'm hoping I'm reading the future when I say Dee S2 Archer xD.

   
I did guess a few events during the story. It wasn't that predictable, but I was paying so close attention to detail and reading so fast (which is odd for me) that when the mystery finally got solved I was like "I've guessed that already. Ah man, I just ruined the story for me...Stop over thinking the story....URGH".

   
The title totally makes sense now that I've read the book, exactly like all the other titles in the other books in this series does. I found it incredibly endearing that Mrs. Armentrout got permission to use the names of the two main characters in the Sweet Evil series (which is one of my top 10 favorites, right along with the Lux series, of course).

Favorite Quotes:

"You say tortured; I say motivated".

"I felt like I'd fallen through the rabbit hole and woken up in an X-Men comic".

"We'll all do crazy s*** to protect the ones we love".

My Rating:

Book Review: Because of Low By Abbi Glines

Because of Low
(Sea Breeze #2)
By Abbi Glines


Published: February 7th 2012

In my debut novel, Breathe, Sadie may have fallen in love with the teen rock star, Jax Stone, but readers fell head over heels for Marcus Hardy. This is his story…

Marcus Hardy had hoped to enjoy a year away at college while he put the summer he’d rather forget behind him. But instead, he’s jerked right back to the coastal town of Sea Breeze, Alabama due to a family crisis. His dear ol' dad found himself a girlfriend only a few years older than Marcus. So now his sister needs help dealing with their mother who is mentally falling apart. The only bright spot to returning is the fascinating red head who sleeps over several times a week. The problem is she's sleeping in bed with his new roommate, Cage York.

Willow “Low” Foster needs a place to live. Running to Cage’s apartment every time her sister kicks her out isn’t exactly a long term solution. Juggling her courses at the local community college and a part time job doesn’t produce excess income. But Cage has a new roommate and suddenly sleeping over at her best friend’s apartment isn’t such a bad thing. Not when she gets to see those sexy green eyes of Marcus Hardy’s twinkle when he smiles at her like he wants her there. 

Even though Cage seems a little territorial where Low is concerned, Marcus finds time to spend with Low without upsetting his roommate. Cage may use his small college baseball star persona to sleep with every hot female in his path but he’s still under the disillusion that when he’s through sowing his wild oats, he’s going to marry Low. Marcus intends to change that assumption for both Cage and Low. Until his carefully laid plans come crashing down with a revelation he never expected. He’ll have to choose between Low or his family. Because once the truth comes out.... there’s no other choice.

Available At:

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Check Out The Other Books In This Series:

(Linked to my review)

My Review:

   
This is one of those books that I'm sorry I read. I am a huge fan of Abbi Glines and in my opinion this isn't one of her best books. I didn't agree with the actions taken by the characters and that just made the story drag on and on. I didn't understand the why's behind Marcus's actions because they didn't match up with his presented personality. 

   
Let's start with Willow (AKA Low). She's the abandoned girl with an evil home wrecker of a sister who doesn't really care about her at all. She's also used to being pushed aside just for being her and has trust issues with anyone who isn't Cage. She's makes a miraculous exception for Marcus and gets her heart broken again and again. I was starting to get sick of that by chapter 15. She's such a push over when it comes to Marcus and her sister, that it's pitiful. I wouldn't have accepted him back if I were in her shoes. I'd deal and move the beep on. 

   
Before this book I thought Marcus was just an immature kid with really nice manners. This novel does show a different side to him, that in the beginning I actually liked. Then came the family problems, which him being rich and somewhat sheltered, really did a number on him and his relationship with Low. Up to that point I understood his reactions, but it stops there. After he repeatedly gets drunk, almost does the nasty with a girl on the dance floor and drops his online courses because of his family problems I think he want too far. Just because he's got problems doesn't mean his life is over. Being the nice, sweet, thoughtful guy that he SEEMS to be, he should just take the high road and deal, not hide behind getting drunk. There are people with worse problems then his family. The most surprising action on his part that goes totally against the character we were presented was that he didn't stop and listen to what Low had to explain. When that happened I just started think he was bipolar or something.

Favorite Quotes:

"He's all sweet and possessive. It's adorable and slightly nauseating".

"What to see if I'm bluffing? Please, by all means, take a wing at me. You start it and I'll finish it".

"You're smart, Low. Do something with that.".

My Rating:

Book Review: Breathe By Abbi Glines

Breathe
(Sea Breeze #1)
By Abbi Glines


Published: May 16th 2011

Sadie White's summer job isn't going to be on the beach life-guarding or working at rental booths like most kids her age. With her single mother's increasing pregnancy and refusal to work, Sadie has to take over her mother's job as a domestic servant for one of the wealthy summer families on a nearby island.

When the family arrives at their summer getaway, Sadie is surprised to learn that the owner of the house is Jax Stone, one of the hottest teen rockers in the world. If Sadie hadn't spent her life raising her mother and taking care of the house she might have been normal enough to be excited about working for a rock star.

Even though Sadie isn't impressed by Jax's fame, he is drawn to her. Everything about Sadie fascinates Jax but he fights his attraction. Relationships never work in his world and as badly as he wants Sadie, he believes she deserves more. By the end of the summer, Jax discovers he can't breathe without Sadie

Available At:

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Check Out The Other Books In This Series:

(Linked to my review)

My Review:

I'm a little biased reviewing this book. I'm a huge Abbi Glines fan and have read two other trilogies by her and I S2 them! I don't think I can write a critical review on this book because I just love Abbi's books in general. But let me give it a try.

   
I really love the idea of a rock star falling for a not-in-his-world girl. It's really impossible to actually work out in reality, but it's fun to read about anyway. That's why it's called fiction, am I right? 

 
I liked Jax for his easy going, don't have a care in the world attitude towards life in general. It really contrasted with Sadie's sad excuse for a reality. Having a pitiful excuse of a mother, a brother or sister on the way and having to work to maintain the household alone is not an easy job. It's refreshing that Sadie found someone to take care of her and help in anyway she needed.

   
I'm not a big fan of love triangles (OK I HATE them), but this novel did try and create one. Thank the author that the other guy up and walked off.

   
The only big issue I had with this novel was the lack of contractions in the dialogue. Due to that, it came across as forced and awkward. I found myself substituting the "We will"'s for "We'll" mentally, which gets tiring at some point.

Favorite Quotes:

"If you were mine, I would never let you go".

"I swear if I catch one guy ogling you. he is going to be able to tell the world he got his ass kicked by Jax Stone".

"Back up, boy, and give her some breathing room. She didn't just give birth. her mama did".

My Rating:

Book Review: Branded By Abi Ketner & Missy Kalicicki

Branded
(Sinners #1)
By Abi Ketner & Missy Kalicicki


Published: June 28th 2013

Fifty years ago the Commander came into power and murdered all who opposed him. In his warped mind, the seven deadly sins were the downfall of society. He created the Hole where sinners are branded according to their sins and might survive a few years. At best.

Now LUST wraps around my neck like blue fingers strangling me. I’ve been accused of a crime I didn’t commit and now the Hole is my new home.

Darkness. Death. Violence. Pain.

Now every day is a fight for survival. But I won’t die. I won’t let them win.

The Hole can’t keep me. The Hole can’t break me.

I am more than my brand. I’m a fighter.

My name is Lexi Hamilton, and this is my story.

Available At:

| Amazon | B&N |

My Review:

* I won an eCopy of this book in a Raffle.

I must applaud these authors for making me like a book that's totally out of my genre of choice. I have a pretty strong opinion on dystopian books. The only aspect of it that I actually like would be the future world building. Except that authors tend to make it so out of this world that it becomes unbelievable to a point my brain will just shut down and I feel like ripping up the book. Just because it's fiction doesn't mean it has to be fake and meaning less.

I liked the concept of this because it reminded me of Sweet Evil. Not because it's a copy or anything like that. It's because it mentions the 7 Sins, but other then that each book has it's world building, characters, etc.

I really loved Lexi and Cole as a couple. She's the stereotypical abused heroine who finds a prince and becomes strong to fight for what right in the end. He's the understanding, respectful, all around american guy stereotype. They complement each other at all angles. It's pretty sweet actually. Lexi did push him around a lot and wasn't as understanding as he was toward her. In the beginning, she had this annoying attitude toward him and a situation with her absentee brother (I thought she was an ungrateful B with an itch at that point in the story).

The only character the really got on my nerves would be her brother, Keegan. I would use words like: cold-hearted, rude and un-respectful to describe this piece of man (that is if he even deserves the title of being called a Man). I can't really say much or I'll give a good chunk of the story away and that wouldn't do this book justice. 

Favorite Quotes:

"What? You didn't realize you have the greatest dog to walk this earth?"

"The past or the future... What to do when I love both?"

"Even if it was only for a day, an hour, or a minute - I would risk everything just so I could be with you."

My Rating:

Book Review: Touching Smoke By Airicka Phoenix

Touching Smoke

(Touch #1)

By Airicka Phoenix

Published: July 31st 2012

For sixteen-year-old FALLON BRAEDEN being on the run had been the easiest part of her life. Packing up and crossing whole cities on a split second decision had been tedious, having no friends and being alone had been painful, but being caught by the truth was something she learned too late was worse.

Fallon is a weapon. She was created to destroy. Keeping her alive, keeping her safe is all Isaiah knows. It’s all that matters, because Fallon is his. She belongs to him. She is a part of his body, his soul, his heart. He will do anything, kill anyone to keep her, even if it means sacrificing himself.

But can Fallon believe the stranger on the motorcycle claiming he was there to die for her? How do you trust when you have no one but the memories of a girl you’ve never met and a tall, dark, gorgeous boy that you feel pulsing deep in your soul? What do you do when you’ve been lied to your whole life? When you’re told you’re normal even though nothing about you is normal? Fallon must learn quickly just what she is before the evil chasing her finally gets what it wants… her blood.

The world depends on her not falling in love, not giving in. But what happens when the temptation becomes too great, when falling is her only option? Can she live knowing the world will burn because his touch is the only thing keeping her alive?

Touch Passion. Touch Power. Touch Smoke!

Available At:

| Amazon |

Check Out The Other Books In This Series:

(Linked to my review)

My Review:

Apparently I actually had already read this book in January of this year, the strange thing is that I don't actually remember the story. AT ALL. Which is weird since I've never had this happen to me before. I also found out that this is actually a series (yay!). I guess I have some books to read. Getting on with with the review....

   
This book wasn't that original that it become a new favorite, but it wasn't that cliché that I gave up 30% into the story. It was an overall decent read. I don't really have any pros and cons to it, since it was nicely edited and the story was well thought out and written. Though I have to comment on the cover: It's GORGEOUS! ^.^

   
The characters were OK. The hero was good looking as always, nice and protective, but not overwhelmingly so. Fallon was kind of annoying in the beginning since she didn't want to accept that she was what she was and blah blah blah. 

   
I had a HUGE problem with her "so called" mother. She was moody, self righteous and pushy. Her mood swings gave me whiplash. She knowingly hid key facts from her daughter claiming it was for her protection. Well you know what? In the end it all came out and it did no one any good not knowing what was happening. So word of advice: keep no secrets from your children, it'll just piss them off in the future when they find out because they always find out EVENTUALLY. That just killed my respect for this sorry excuse of a mother.

Favorite Quotes:

"Yeah, sure, why not. I've always wanted to be brainwashed into a zombie".

"People who claim to be normal are the biggest bunch of freaks I know".

"Don't you dare pee on my leg and tell me it's raining, Isaiah".

My Rating:

Book Review: Chameleon By Kelly Oram

Chameleon
(Supernaturals #1)
By Kelly Oram


Published: June 25th, 2013

For small-town rebel Dani Webber magic and monsters are no more real than the Easter Bunny… until the day she accidentally stops time. Dani quickly discovers that not only do supernaturals exist, but she herself is one of them. This is great news for her life-long best friend Russ, who can finally come clean about his own supernatural status and his undying love for her. Before the two can start to enjoy the long overdue relationship, Dani is taken by a powerful council of supernaturals who believe she is the Chosen One destined to save them from extinction.

As if being kidnapped and expected to save the world isn’t bad enough, an ancient prophecy warns of the Chosen One’s dark nature: “Only the truest love will keep her an agent for good.” The council believes they know who this “true love” is and, unfortunately, that person isn’t Russ. The mysterious, powerful and devastatingly handsome Seer is the last person Dani wants in her life, but when she starts having visions of a horrific future, she has no one else to turn to for help.

Soon Dani finds herself torn between two very different boys with two very different opinions of whom she can trust. With the visions getting worse and time running out, Dani is forced to put aside her feelings and work with both the Seer and Russ before an ancient evil is unleashed upon the earth.

Available At:

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Check Out The Other Books In This Series:

(Linked to my review)

My Review: 

I loved this book. The story line wasn't that original, since I have read other books with the prophetic heroine that saves the world and blah, blah, blah. What made me love this story so much was one character: Gabriel.

I have a serious soft spot for innocent, sweet, down to earth, insecure guys. Gabriel is the incarnation of that guy. He was so understanding and self sacrificing that it was hard to witness his pain throughout the novel. I wanted to dive in the book and hug him at moments *wink wink*. Russ even described Gab as "(...)quiet little Shakespeare-quoting emo boy(...)". TEAM GABRIEL!!

I had a problem with Russ from the beginning. Sure, he had his nice guy side, but the jerk side made too much of an appearance for my taste. He's also controlling and a dog. It felt like he would pee on Dani's foot if another guy even passed by and looked her the wrong way. To say the least, it got old, fast. The only redeeming quality he has in my eyes would be the hilarious one liners. They were gold!

I had no problem with Dani, though I still want to strangle her for some actions that I didn't agree with, but let's leave it at that. She really tried to live with what was thrown at her instead of whining. So for that I think she deserves to whine for a few minutes, she earned it.

I didn't guess who the villain was until it was revealed. The author kept me guessing throughout the whole book, which was a very fascinating experience (and somewhat confusing). With that said, it seems that there is a minor cliffhanger hinting at the future for book 2. I can live this one (which is a first), since it doesn't end in suspense with someone dying, kidnapped or fighting for their life. Thank you Mrs. Oram! This is much appreciated! 

Favorite Quotes:

"You're my dad. Aren't you supposed to be overprotective or something? Where's the shotgun and the shovel?".

"God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference".

"I believe it's called 'supernatural awesomeness'".

My Rating:

Book Review: Tragic By J.A. Huss

Tragic

(Rook and Ronin #1)

By J.A. Huss

Published: May 20th, 2013

Rook Walsh is TRAGICBecause life so far – just sucks. Some girls get parents. Rook got the foster care system. Some girls get Prince Charming. Rook got an abusive frog. Some girls get lucky…

Rook got a second chance.

And she took it. Because when fate throws you a bone – you grab it with both hands and run.

Antoine Chaput knows the minute he spies Rook in his photography studio that she’s got The Look. The dark and desperate look he must have to land the exclusive TRAGIC media contract.

Rook is paired up with top model, Ronin, and he’s everything her abusive ex-boyfriend wasn’t. Patient, gentle, happy, attentive, and sexy! He knows exactly what to do to make Rook blush for Antoine’s camera.

Rook’s luck changes in an instant and suddenly she’s the darling of the modeling world. It’s a dream job to go with a dream guy and all she has to do is look pretty and follow directions. But there’s always a price to pay – and Rook is about to get the bill.

New Adult Contemporary Romance *Mature Content* Recommended for ages 17+ due to sexual situations and language usage.

Available At:

| Amazon | B&N |

My Review:

I have mixed feeling with the events of this book. From my point of view, what Rook did is not considered exotic photo taking. What makes it even worse is that she walked into that contract without even knowing what the pictures would represent and what the premise of it all was. Also, the thought of her abusive ex finding her if she gets famous for the photos never even crossed her mind.

   
I very much disliked Ronin. He seemed to take advantage of her in all ways possible just because she's new to the business and wouldn't know wrong from right. He was also very hot and cold. I think his sister (Elise) should have intervened more in Rook and Ronin's relationship, if there even is one.

   
Then again, I don't know if Rook is that innocent or just dumb enough to go along with everything he wanted to try on her. I think that after everything she's been through she's just TOO willing to do whatever it takes for money. Which contradicts the scene where she spends her last 10 dollars on overpriced Starbucks coffee and the miracle hits her, quite literally, in the head.

   
Since I'm always against the world in relation to book teams in love triangles, I am leaning more towards Spencer Shirke. Unlike Ronin, he doesn't see Rook as a piece of meat to control and take photos with. He treats her like a human being and was actually quite nice and understanding toward her. He let her make her own decisions based on facts and not "because Ronin won't like it" as an argument. To top it all off, even Ronin said that Spencer is a good guy. I say go for it Rook.

Favorite Quotes:

"Don't rely on anyone to get what you want. You just gotta go get it yourself".

"Whats going on? Girl hugs are a bad sign".

"No one came to save me. No one gave a ---- about me and the only reason I'm still alive right now is because I got myself out. I saved me, Ronin. Me".

My Rating:

Book Review: Scorched Treachery By Rebecca Ethington

Scorched Treachery
(Imdalind #3)
By Rebecca Ethington


Published: July 11th, 2013

While Joclyn is trapped in the tormenting hell of Cail’s mind, the battle around her only continues to grow and spread.

*

Edmund has infiltrated the underground hallways of Prague, guiding the massacre that would end the lives of the last of the great magical race. In her attempts to stop him, Wynifred has been captured and her magic restrained. Chained up in the ancient dungeons of Prague, her fate is left in the hands of her father, who has tried to kill her before.

With Ryland’s screams and Sain’s fragmented sights as her only company, Wyn must rely on something that has been hidden deep inside of her for centuries to help them break free.

*

Ilyan’s whole life has been building up to one purpose. Protect the Silnỳ. He knows what he must do, and he has no doubt in his ability to do so.

But when his father’s magic removes Joclyn’s mind from her body, he is left protecting the shell of the one person he loves. Desperate to find a way to break her free of her prison, he makes a choice. And that one choice changes everything.

Now, Ilyan finds himself bound to Joclyn in a way that he never knew to be possible.

They say that blood is thicker than water, but Black Water burns, and Ilyan’s heart may not be strong enough to keep it pumping through his veins and give the girl he loves back into his brother’s care.

Even if he can, it may not be safe to do so.

Available At:

| Amazon | B&N | Kobo |

Check Out The Other Books In This Series:

(Linked to my review)

My Review:  

I am truly disappointed with how this book turned out. I was expecting the story to continue from where it left off, but all I got was a lot of background story on Wyn (which I really didn't need to understand the book). I would have been happier if the author had written a Novella on Wyn's story, which I would not have read and carried on in the book. When the continuation finally started off where I wanted it too I was on the second to last chapter and they flew by too fast.

   
The only story that matters to me is Ilyan's and Joclyn's story. I don't want to know how Ryland passed the 2 weeks Joclyn was out and what happened to Wyn and Talon at the same period of time. I found myself skimming all of Wyn's chapters and even Ilyan's chapters as well since I already had an idea of what was going on at the time I didn't need him to recap all of that from his point of view.

   
I absolutely love damsels in distress who then become strong and save the world in a storyline. That's was I was expecting when I started this book considering the cliffhanger in book 2. All I got was a copy of book 2 in other characters perspectives. 

   
In my opinion, the author could have easily continued where book 2 left off and have Joclyn's visions explain what had happened to Wyn, Talon, Ryland and Sain or she could have had Sain explain everything to Ilyan who could then would pass the information onto the reader (in this case Joclyn's point of view).  Anyhow, I will be eagerly anticipating book 4 and wishing the storyline moves forward from there.

Favorite Quotes:

"She loves him Ryland. Joclyn loves Ilyan more than she loves you. What are you going to do about it?"

"Without question, he had proved that to me again and again. No, he was love because I loved him".

"I love you, and I will always protect you".

My Rating:

Book Releases: August 2013

AUGUST

6th

(The Coincidence, #2) Of Callie and Kayden by Jessica Sorensen

(Chicagoland Vampires, #8) Biting Bad by Chloe Neill

19th

(The Darker Agency, #1) Darker Days by Jus Accardo

27th

(Defiance, #2) Deception by C.J. Redwine

(Lux, #4) Origin by Jennifer Armentrout

(Midnight Liaisons, #3) Must Love Fangs by Jessica Sims