Review: Hot-Blooded by Amanda Carlson

Title: Hot-Blooded

Author: Amanda Carlson

Series: Jessica McClain #2

Genre: Urban Fantasy

Publisher: Orbit

Release Date: April 23^rd 3013

Format: eBook/Paperback

Source: ARC from Author

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Contact Amanda

Website | Facebook | Twitter | GoodReads

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Rating: 5 Bad Boys – Absolutely Loved It!!!!

Reviewer: Kat

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Author Summary

Jessica McClain has just discovered she's the biggest threat the supernatural world has seen in over eight hundred years, but there's only one thing on her mind - finding her mate. Rourke's been kidnapped by a wicked goddess and his only chance of survival lies in her hands.

Finding Rourke and defeating the goddess proves to be difficult enough, but when the Underworld comes calling and Jessica discovers she's accused of crimes she hasn't committed, the entire game changes. The price they are demanding for her freedom is too steep. There is no way she can ever pay it back.

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My Thoughts

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Good gods, my heart rate didn’t slow down throughout the entire read…and it was awesome!

The author has given life to a fierce and uncompromising society of werewolves where Jessica, our heroine, is not supposed to exist.  In this series, there are no female-born werewolves and haven’t been for a very long time. Until Jessica.  Superstition is rampant among the Pack and most fear her.  Some believe she is the one spoken of in the prophecies.  The true Daughter of Evil who would eventually destroy the entire race.

Needless to say, Jessica’s life has been about struggling to survive under the constant threat of death. Even with the protection of some major players in the Pack, she still lived in fear. She’s a survivor and one kickass heroine, but more importantly, she has a heart bigger than most. That compassionate side of her is what endears her to me and why I just love her character.

The worldbuilding in this series is unique, the characters are relatable and believable even in this fantasy world of supernaturals, and the entire storyline is compelling. All of it expertly delivered by the author.

Hot-Blooded is a fast-paced read with non-stop action throughout. Once I started reading this novel, I wasn’t able to stop until it was finished. Even when I had to pause, I wished I had the Audiobook to listen to as I handled what pulled me away. Prepare to miss out on some sleep my lovelies. But it’ll be so worth it.

If you’re an Urban Fantasy fan or a fan of werewolves and shifter tales, you’ll definitely want to add this one to the top of your To-Be-Read list. I am so looking forward to Cold-Blooded coming October 8^th.

Happy Reading!!

5 Bad Boys – Absolutely Loved It!!!!

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Buy Hot-Blooded Now…        Amazon  |  B&N  |  Kobo | iTunes

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Smitten’s review of other books in this series:

• Blooded,Jessica McClain #0.5
• Full-Blooded,Jessica McClain #1

Cover Reveal: COLD-BLOODED by Amanda Carlson

I am thrilled to take part in introducing the cover art for the fall release of COLD-BLOODED. You guys know me and how much I adore cover art. Check out my Cover Crush page to see. So when I get a chance to partake in a big reveal, I’m happy. Here is Book #3 in one of my favorite Urban Fantasy series, Jessica McClain… Isn’t it stunning?

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If you are a fan of UF but haven’t checked out this series yet, you really should give it a go. To give a really brief overview of the series…

The author has given life to a fierce and uncompromising society of werewolves where female werewolves don’t exist. Until fate births Jessica. 

Superstition is rampant among the werewolves in the Pack and most fear her.  Some even believe she is the prophesied one spoken of in the ‘Cain Myth’ (the true Daughter of Evil who would eventually destroy the entire werewolf race). Needless to say Jessica’s birth triggers all sorts of unrest and many adventures ensue.

The worldbuilding in this series gives a unique spin on werewolves that makes for a very compelling read.  It has great characterization all around with believable main characters and great supporting characters. It’s fast-paced, action-packed, and full of hot testosterone-laden werewolves that seriously keep my pulse above normal the entire time. I highly recommend it!

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So far in the series…

BLOODED 
Book #0.5 

My review

Buy: Amazon | B&N | Kobo Books

FULL-BLOODED 
Book #1 

My review

Buy: Amazon | B&N | Kobo Books

HOT-BLOODED
Book #2

Coming April 23^rd

Pre-order: Amazon | B&N | Kobo Books

COLD-BLOODED
Book #3

Coming October 8^th

Pre-order: Amazon | B&N | Kobo Books

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COLD-BLOODED Author Summary

*Spoiler alert if you haven’t read the rest of the series, you may want to skip*

Jessica arrives back in town to find her best friend missing and the most powerful witch in the country is blaming her for it. But before they can move to save her, the group is attacked. 

On the run, Jessica and Rourke head to the mountains. Several surprises await them, but in order to save her father they are forced to leave for New Orleans early.

Arriving on the Vampire Queen’s doorstep unexpectedly, and bringing trouble on their heels, the Sects are thrown into an all out war. The vicious skirmish ends up forcing the vamps and Jessica to fight on the same team.

The Vamp Queen ends up owing Jessica, but what Jessica doesn’t realize is just how soon she’ll have to cash it in.

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About Amanda

Amanda is a Minnesota girl, born and bred. She started writing stories about teenage girls and their social missteps while in high school. She's been writing for over ten years, but began writing fiction in earnest after her second child was born.

Her book, Full Blooded, is a face-paced, action filled urban fantasy, the first in the Jessica McClain series. It will be released by Hachette Book Group by both ORBIT US & UK SEPT 2012. Full Blooded is her first novel. She lives in Minneapolis, with her husband and three kids.

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Contact Amanda

Website | Facebook | Twitter | GoodReads

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Crave the Darkness Blurb Blitz

Exclusive Excerpt & a chance to win an ARC

Title: Crave the Darkness

Author: Amanda Bonilla

Series: Shaede Assassin #3

Release Date: March 5^th 

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If you are new to this series, then Urban Fantasy fans, you are in for a treat. Everything that makes this genre fabulous is in this series. Tons of action, great storyline, plot twists and turns, kick-ass heroine, sexy men, lots of conflict and more.  Well-written and engaging with serious entertainment value, Shaede Assassin is definitely one of my favorite UF series.

The third novel (Crave the Darkness) is due out March 5^th and the author is treating us this week by releasing different teasers on 8 blogs. There’s also a chance to win a paperback ARC on EACH blog (open to US & CAN). So, make sure you drop by each one this week and enter to win. Here’s the schedule:

Jan 7th – Yummy Men & Kick Ass Chicks

Jan 8th – Smitten With Bad Boy Heroes 


Jan 9th – The Bookaholic Cat 


Jan 10th – Between Dreams & Reality


Jan 11th – Rabid Reads 


Jan 12th – Seeing Night Reviews 


Jan 13th – Under the Covers Book Blog


Jan 14th – Red Hot Books

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EXCERPT…

Here is your exclusive peek into Crave the Darkness. To set things up for you…the heroine Darian, is not happy with her new assignment. She has to be bodyguard to another Shaede who she really really doesn't like. As soon as Anya and Darian met, they locked horns and their distain for each other has been brewing ever since. Here's how it goes...

“You might as well turn yourself around and go back to where you came from,” Anya said with a sneer. “I don’t have any intention of allowing you to be my shadow.”“From what I hear,” I said, closing my door behind me, “neither of us has a choice.”We made quite a pair, Anya and me. Standing in Xander’s hallway, the wall on one side, the banister on the other, we looked like a couple of gunfighters about to draw. And my trigger finger itched. I couldn’t even give her a proper beating due to her condition. From what Xander said, everyone would be treating her like she was made of glass for the next year. And I wouldn’t be the exception, either. Oh, no. I was going to have to keep her safe.I leaned against the banister, one foot slung casually across the other. I crossed my arms in front of my chest and looked her over, silently daring her to open her mouth and deny Xander’s orders. Tears glistened in her eyes, and I straightened. Anya’s gaze narrowed, and she swallowed hard before clenching her teeth. With balled fists and a quivering jaw, she spun on a heel and headed down the hallway and right back down the stairs without a single smart- ss remark. I had to put in some serious effort to keep my own jaw from falling slack. Whaddaya know, even stone-old Anya wasn’t insusceptible to hormones.“Making friends wherever you go,” Raif said, coming up behind me. “You’d better find out who’s threatening her and take care of it—fast. Otherwise, you might not survive each other’s company.”

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Sounds good, yes? All you need to do to enter the ARC giveaway is to leave a comment and I’ll get you in the draw. Easy peasy. You have until Tuesday, Jan 15^th (11:59 EST) to comment. Best of luck my lovelies!!

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Pre-Order Links:

Amazon

Barnes & Noble

The Book Depository

Chapters Indigo

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Contact Amanda

Facebook | Twitter | Blog | GoodReads

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Smitten’s review of Book #1 Shaedes of Gray…Click here

Smitten’s review of Book #2 Blood Before Sunrise…Click here

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Review: Full-Blooded by Amanda Carlson

Title: Full-Blooded

Author: Amanda Carlson

Series: Jessica McLain #1

Genre: Urban Fantasy

Publisher: Orbit

Release Date: September 11^th 2012

Format: eBook/Paperback

Source: ARC from Author

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Contact Amanda

Website | Facebook | Twitter | GoodReads

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Rating: 5 Bad Boys – Absolutely Loved It!!!!

Reviewer: Kat

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Author Summary

Born the only female in an all male race, Jessica McClain isn’t just different—she’s feared.

After living under the radar for the last twenty-six years, Jessica is thrust unexpectedly into her first change, a full ten years late. She wakes up and finds she’s in the middle of a storm. Now that she’s become the only female full-blooded werewolf in town, the supernatural world is already clamoring to take a bite out of her and her new Pack must rise up and protect her.

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My Thoughts

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FULL-BLOODED is pure Urban Fantasy gold!!

It’s been a great year for Urban Fantasy and the winning streak continues with Carlson’s new series Jessica McClain.  The author has given life to a fierce and uncompromising society of werewolves where Jessica is not supposed to exist.  In this world, there are no female-born werewolves and hasn’t been for a very long time. Until Jessica. 

Superstition is rampant among the werewolves and most in the Pack fear her.  Some even believe she is the prophesied one spoken of in the ‘Cain Myth’ (the true Daughter of Evil who would eventually destroy the entire werewolf race).

In the last novel, fear of what Jessica meant to the Pack was smoldering to a point where her life is at risk so she moved away and created a new life off Compound.  This novel picks up a few years later when Jessica’s turning into a werewolf triggers all sorts of trouble and the adventures begin.

The worldbuilding in this series gives a unique spin on werewolves that makes for a very compelling read.  It has great characterization all around with completely believable main characters and great supporting characters. The story captivates from Page 1 and the excitement continues throughout. It’s full of hot testosterone-laden werewolves that seriously kept my pulse above normal for most of the book.

FULL-BLOODED is a thrilling read and one that’s left me anxiously awaiting the next in the series.

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About the Characters

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Even is Jessica wasn’t the only female werewolf, she would still be cool.  She’s bold, fearless and totally kickass but not afraid to show vulnerabilities. She takes her punches and always gets back up and moves forward. She’s fiercely loyal to her Pack even when they are distrusting of her and apprehensive of accepting her as a member of the Pack. She has quite a sense of humor as well that had me laughing out loud a few times.

The hero, Rourke is a were?. The question mark is not a typo. It’s intended to be there because Rourke is a mystery. We know he is some sort of cat shifter but not what kind. The author has created a great character by showing Rourke’s mysterious side as a mercenary and his sinister reputation for gruesome killings.  He’s secretive about his past, which adds to his charm. Then we see him as this awesomely protective guy when it comes to Jessica. He’s very intriguing and I’m just dying to find out more of his story.

As I mentioned above, this Pack has some fabulously hot weres. Starting at the top with Callum, (the Alpha and Jessica’s father), James (the second in command), Danny (an enforcer for the Pack), Nick (Jessica’s best friend) and Tyler (Jessica’s twin brother). The author gives each of these supporting characters a storyline and develops them enough so they really add to the story.  I was left wondering if maybe we’ll see a spinoff series down the road for some of them. Trust me, this would be a very good thing. 

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Bottom Line

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Again, this novel is golden!! The characters are believable; the story is compelling and expertly delivered. It’s fast-paced with non-stop action from Page 1. A true Urban Fantasy gem! If you’re a UF fan or a fan of werewolves and shifters, you will want to add this one to the top of your To-Be-Read list.

Happy Reading!!

5 Bad Boys – Absolutely Loved It!!!!

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BUY NOW…FULL BLOODED (Jessica McClain #1)