Review - On the Edge by Ilona Andrews

A new review has been posted on the website for On the Edge by Ilona Andrews. This is the first installment in The Edge series.
http://darquereviews.com/12612/276775.html

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Kimberly Swan, DarqueReviews.com

Review - The Prodigal Mage by Karen Miller

A new review has been posted on the website for The Prodigal Mage by Karen Miller. This is the first installment in the Fisherman's Children.
http://darquereviews.com/12612/245412.html

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Kimberly Swan, DarqueReviews.com

Promo - The Devil's Queen by Jeanne Kalogridis

The Devil’s Queen
A Novel of Catherine de Medici
Jeanne Kalogridis
St. Martin’s Press
July 21, 2009
ISBN# 978-0-312-36843-2

Book Blurb:
From Jeanne Kalogridis, the bestselling author ofI, Mona Lisa and The Borgia Bride, comes a new novel that tells the passionate story of a queen who loved not wisely . . . but all too well.

Confidante of Nostradamus, scheming mother-in-law to Mary, Queen of Scots, and architect of the bloody St. Bartholomew’s Day Massacre, Catherine de Medici is one of the most maligned monarchs in history. In her latest historical fiction, Jeanne Kalogridis tells Catherine’s story—that of a tender young girl, destined to be a pawn in Machiavellian games.

Born into one of Florence’s most powerful families, Catherine was soon left a fabulously rich heiress by the early deaths of her parents. Violent conflict rent the city state and she found herself imprisoned and threatened by her family’s enemies before finally being released and married off to the handsome Prince Henry of France.

Overshadowed by her husband’s mistress, the gorgeous, conniving Diane de Poitiers, and unable to bear children, Catherine resorted to the dark arts of sorcery to win Henry’s love and enhance her fertility—for which she would pay a price. Against the lavish and decadent backdrop of the French court, and Catherine’s blood-soaked visions of the future, Kalogridis reveals the great love and desire Catherine bore for her husband, Henry, and her stark determination to keep her sons on the throne.

About the Author:
Jeanne Kalogridis lives with her partner in North Carolina, where they share a house with two dogs. She is the author of the critically acclaimed novelsThe Borgia Bride and I, Mona Lisa and other numerous dark fantasy and historical novels. (photo © Ruth Miller)

Bonus Ebook:
Don’t miss some of Catherine’s favorite black magic spells and dark charms in the free mini-ebook, Book of Black Magic: The Devil’s Queen Grimoire. You can find it: HERE

You can learn more about Ms. Kalogridis and her writing by visiting her website: HERE or by visiting the St. Martin’s Press website: HERE

Kimberly Swan, DarqueReviews.com

Review - A Stroke of Magic by Tracy Madison

A new review has been posted on the website for A Stroke of Magic by Tracy Madison. This is the second installment in the Magic series.
http://darquereviews.com/12612/183012.html

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Kimberly Swan, DarqueReviews.com

Review - Magic in the Blood by Devon Monk

New review for Magic in the Blood by Devon Monk. This is the second book in the Allie Beckstrom series.

http://darquereviews.com/12612/112433.html






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Review - A Taste of Magic by Tracy Madison

A Taste of Magic
Tracy Madison
Love Spell – Dorchester Pub.
February 24, 2009
ISBN# 978-0-505-52810-0

Book blurb:
Today is Elizabeth Stevens’s birthday, and not only is it the one-year anniversary of her husband leaving her, it’s also the day her bakery is required to make a cake—for her ex’s next wedding. If there’s a bitter taste in her mouth, no one can blame her.

But today, Liz is about to receive a gift. Her Grandma Verda isn’t just wacky; she’s a little witchy. An ancient gypsy magic has been passed through her family bloodline for generations, and it’s Liz’s turn to be empowered. Henceforth, everything she bakes will have a dash of delight and a pinch of wishes-can-come-true. From her hunky policeman neighbor, to her gorgeous personal trainer, to her bum of an ex-husband, everyone Liz knows is going to taste her power. Revenge is sweet…and it’s only the first dish to be served.

My thoughts:
Elizabeth Steven’s has had a difficult year since her husband walked out, but things are about to change. Her Grandma Verda has given her a birthday card that holds a special gift meant just for her. It’s a gift of magic that has been passed down through most of the women in the family.

With her ex-husband getting married, and her business partner accepting the wedding cake order, Elizabeth has little choice but to follow through on baking it. Making wishes is about to go a long way in getting a bit of pay-back. Now she just needs to learn how to reverse a few wishes to simplify her love-life and Elizabeth could have the best birthday ever.

A Taste of Magic is a magical tale of romance and revenge. Ms. Madison takes readers on an adventure in baking that’s highlighted with tasty treats, sexy men, and a touch of humor. Elizabeth sets out to test her new talent and see just how far it will go. From heartache and pain a stronger woman emerges to find love and happiness. A Taste of Magic should be enjoyed by readers who like a sprinkle of laughter and magic with their romance. A Stroke of Magic follows as a July 2009 release.

To learn more about A Taste of Magic, please visit Ms. Madison’s website: HERE

Kimberly Swan, Darque Reviews

Review - New Tricks by John Levitt

New Tricks
Dog Days, Book 2
John Levitt
ACE
November 25, 2008
ISBN# 978-0-441-01656-3

Book blurb:
Former enforcer Mason would normally be concerned with finding ghosts and vampires stalking the Castro section of San Francisco. Fortunately, Halloween provides the perfect explanation for the abundance of ghouls. But someone is trying to possess his old flame, Sarah. Now, with the help of his magical dog Louie, Mason must uncover the black magician responsible.

My thoughts:
Mason is a magic practitioner who’s still learning and exploring his abilities. He’s also a talented musician with an Ifrit named Lou by his side. When local practitioners start showing up mentally vacant he’s eager to get to the bottom of this disturbing mystery.

Rolando and Josephine have been called to San Francisco to help track down the cause of the damaged practitioners. They experienced the same trouble in Portland and seem to have more of an idea of what they’re looking for. They’d like to pin it on Byron, a dark practitioner who has recently left Portland, but Mason’s not so sure he’s responsible.

This is the second installment in the Dog Days series, and Mason continues to learn new ways to utilize his magic by combining it with his creativity as a musician. Mr. Levitt weaves a suspenseful tale that’s supported by strong characters and a delightful infusion of magic and mystery. New Tricks is well-detailed, and easy to follow. The storyline progresses at a steady pace giving readers a chance to absorb all that takes place. New Tricks is easy enough to follow if you’ve missed Dog Days, but as with most books in a series it’s best to read them in order.

To learn more about New Tricks, please visit Mr. Levitt’s website: Here

Kimberly Swan, Darque Reviews

Review - Magic to the Bone by Devon Monk

Magic to the Bone
Devon Monk
ROC
November 4, 2008
ISBN# 978-0-451-46240-4

Book Blurb:
Everything has a cost. And every act of magic exacts a price from its user--maybe a two-day migraine, or losing the memory of your first kiss. But some people want to use magic without paying, and they offload the cost onto an innocent. When that happens, it falls to a Hound to identify the spell's caster--and Allison Beckstrom's the best there is.

Daughter of a prominent Portland businessman, Allie would rather moonlight as a Hound than accept the family fortune--and the many strings that come with it. But when she discovers a little boy dying from a magical offload that has her father's signature all over it, Allie is thrown back into the high-stakes world of corporate espionage and black magic.

Now, Allie's out for the truth--and the forces she finds herself calling on will overturn everything she knows, change her in ways she could never imagine...and make her capable of things that powerful people will do anything to control.

My thoughts:
Refusing to live under her wealthy father’s influence, Allison Beckstrom has been on her own for years. Allie’s a Hound, able to sniff out a magic user’s signature and trace it back to the source. Hers is a talent that comes in quite handy when someone illegally offloads the price to be paid for magic use on someone else. When she’s hired to find the identity of a spell caster that sent their debt on to a young boy, Allie’s reluctant to share the name of the source, but she’s not about to let them get away with it.

Confronting her father on his company’s illegal practices isn’t Allie’s best move, but it’s necessary for her own peace of mind. She soon learns that a helpful man who’s been stalking her every move was actually hired by dear old dad, and with magical technology on the line not even his efforts will be enough to keep her safe.

This is the first installment in this new urban fantasy series featuring Allie Beckstrom. Ms. Monk makes a grand entrance with her debut novel, captivating readers with a well-imagined tale of magic and suspense. Magic to the Bone delves into a dark edged magic and adds a touch of romance that keeps the heroine more human than those around her. I’m looking forward to seeing where the next portion of Allie’s journey takes her.

To learn more about Magic to the Bone, please visit Ms. Monk’s website: Here

Kimberly Swan, Darque Reviews

Promo - Witch High - Anthology (edited by Denise Little)

Witch High
Anthology
Edited by Denise Little
DAW
October 7, 2008
ISBN# 978-0-7564-0513-7

Book Blurb:
move over, hogwarts...High school is different for everyone. For some, it’s a time to shine, and for others, a time to survive. Then there are the students who attend those special schools for the gifted. But what if there was a school that catered to those rarest of students—those who can do magic?These fourteen tales explore the challenges that students of the magical arts may face in a high school of their very own. If you think chemistry is tough, try alchemy. If you ever fell victim to a school bully, how would you deal with a bully gifted with powerful magic? And if you needed more time to study, what spell could give you all the time you desired?These are just a few of the magical adventures that will await you when you enter Salem Township Public High School #4— otherwise known as Witch High...

*Authors included in this anthology are: Kristine Kathryn Rusch, Laura Resnick, Phaedra M. Weldon, Pamela Luzier McCutcheon, Christina F. York, Jody Lynn Nye, Sarah Zettel, Debra Dixon, Esther M. Friesner, Bill McCay, Pauline J. Alama, Karen Fox, Sarah A. Hoyt, and Diane Duane.

Kimberly Swan, Darque Reviews

The Bearskin Rug by Jennifer Stevenson

The Bearskin Rug
Book 3
Jennifer Stevenson
Ballantine Books
June 24, 2008
ISBN# 978-0-345-50024-3

From the back cover:
THE MAGIC: A live-in sex demon sure keeps a girl up at night

But for Jewel, a fraud cop leery of commitment, Randy could be too much of a good thing.

-

THE MISCHIEF: Hinky and kinkySomething seriously weird is going on at an erotic film studio. Jewel and her sexy partner, Clay, take the case–and Randy finds an outlet for his special skills.

-

THE MAN TROUBLE: Two hotties and a hard decisionIf Jewel’s the luckiest girl in Chicago, how come she’s sleeping alone so much?
-
My thoughts:
Jewel Heiss continues her job as a fraud investigator for the Chicago Department of Consumer Services tracking down hinky crimes. She finally has a new partner at work in Clay, the ex-con. Randy, the sex demon, who became bound to her in the Brass Bed, still shares her bed.

When Consumer Services is called to investigate a complaint made against the Department of Inspectional Services, Jewel, Clay and Randy visit the home and search for traces of a pocket zone, a patch of unreality. This spurs a new investigation as the team begins following a paper trail to find who could be benefiting by purchasing and selling property in the area.

Jewel goes undercover as a secretary at Baysdorter Boncil, a real estate development firm that’s recently had an unexpected and inappropriate meeting in the boardroom. It’s obvious from the start that the women employed by the firm are being sexually harassed by their bosses, but the problem runs much deeper than that. Something very hinky is going on.

In the midst of it all the team visits a business where Randy has decided to make a stand for his own independence, and takes on a job. It’s a job that Jewel not only finds disturbing, but it’s one that could end their relationship beyond friends. A sobering thought for Jewel, and one she’d rather not entertain.

This is the third book in the series, and continues the tale of Jewel’s hinky and erotic adventures. As magic sweeps the nation, Chicago has strict rules in not acknowledging the bizarre goings on. It’s Jewel’s job to stop the hinky stuff in its tracks, and lucky for her she has Clay and Randy there to help her. Ms. Stevenson takes readers on a madcap adventure that’s as fast-moving as it is humorous. For fans that have followed the heroine’s progress and the role she plays in their sexy love triangle since The Brass Bed, you may be very surprised at how The Bearskin Rug ends.

Kimberly Swan, Darque Reviews

The Velvet Chair by Jennifer Stevenson

The Velvet Chair
Book 2
Jennifer Stevenson
Ballantine Books
May 20, 2008
ISBN# 978-0-345-48669-1

Working as a fraud investigator in Chicago keeps Jewel Heiss busy with bizarre crimes. While she’s not fond of the department she’s stuck in, she’s finally been given a partner. Clay being an ex-con might not have been her first choice, but his checkered past comes in handy more often than not.

When Clay Dawes refuses to help his father’s girlfriend he and Jewel find themselves going undercover in his father’s home. What they’re after is the Venus Machine, a chair reported to intensify beauty making the subject who has used it irresistible to those around them. Their job is to investigate the fraud and shut down any talk of magic.

Randy, the sex demon, is still by Jewel’s side and hoping for a permanent release from his curse. He also manages to get them all into some pretty risky situations. Between the three of them they’ll have to prevent public knowledge of the Venus Machine and find a way to prove that its magic is really just the power of suggestion.

In this second Jewel Heiss installment, Jewel returns with Clay and Randy in an undercover adventure that’s sometimes dangerous, often laced with sexual tension and always filled with magic. Ms. Stevenson gives readers a wonderful follow-up story, turning up the heat with more lusty moments and humorous escapades. The Velvet Chair is a steamy romp and a great time with this amusing trio. Book three, The Bearskin Rug, is scheduled for release on June 24, 2008.

Kimberly Swan, Darque Reviews

The Brass Bed by Jennifer Stevenson

The Brass Bed
Book 1
Jennifer Stevenson
Ballantine Books
April 29, 2008
ISBN# 978-0-345-48668-4

Jewel Heiss works for the Chicago Department of Consumer Services where she investigates fraud and tries to keep a lid on the magical things that go on around town. Her boss thinks his wife, Nina, is cheating on him and wants Jewel to find the proof. Not the kind of case she wants to be involved in, but in the process she’ll investigate the sex therapist Nina’s seeing because Jewel is sure he’s a con.

Giving in to her friend’s demands, Jewel agrees to a session with Clay, the therapist. What she gets out of the experience is Randy, a demon lover who attaches himself to her as her sex slave.

When his mistress used her magic and cursed him for being a lousy lover, Randy found himself trapped in a brass bed. He’s been stuck there since 1811. The deal is that he has to satisfy 100 women to gain his freedom and it’s taken him nearly 200 hundred years to get there. He was lucky that someone like Clay finally came along and made good use of the bed or he may have been stuck forever. Still, something hasn’t gone as planned and Randy has little choice but to rely on Jewel to help him work things out.

This is the first book in a new fantasy series with Jewel Heiss and while the over-all plot was enjoyable there were a few points that were difficult to get past. The biggest were Jewel’s boss who cheats on his wife, and the wife who accepts the cheating as a relatively tolerable part of life. While they were secondary characters their presence was strong enough that it cast a dark shadow over what is otherwise a lighthearted and humorous read. Ms. Stevenson has created an interesting world for her characters and the storyline for The Brass Bed is basically a fun one. Jewel, Clay and Randy are an entertaining trio that share chemistry, lust and crazy capers. I’m looking forward to their next adventure in The Velvet Chair.

Kimberly Swan, Darque Reviews

Wild & Hexy by Vicki Lewis Thompson

Wild & Hexy
The Hex Series, Book 2
Vicki Lewis Thompson
Onyx
June 3, 2008
ISBN# 978-0-451-41258-4

Annie Winston was once the Dairy Queen of Big Knob, Indiana, but left to pursue her dreams. Soon after the break-up of her marriage she’s returned home for her sister’s wedding. She’s gained a bit of weight and now her mother is busy making sure that splitting seams won’t be an issue come wedding day. Dropping a few pounds won’t be a problem with so much running to do for the wedding, tracking down a daily story for her job at the Tribune and spending what’s left of her time with Jeremy, a guy she barely noticed in high school.

Jeremy Dunstan runs an internet café in town with the only high-speed connection around. He had a crush on Annie when they were teens, but he was too shy to act on it. Now that she’s back and using the café to send off her articles for the paper, he wishes he had the confidence to ask her out. With Annie coming to the conclusion that he’s not interested in women at all, it’ll take a bit of magical help for Jeremy to sweep her off of her feet. Convincing her to stay in Big Knob will take a whole lot more effort than a touch of borrowed magic.

With Dorcas and Ambrose Lowell meddling in their love lives, the residents of Big Knob are destined to find their perfect match. In this second book of The Hex Series, readers are introduced to a new pair of unsuspecting mortals on the Lowell’s matchmaking hit-list, and find that there are more supernatural residents calling Big Knob home. Each book that Vicki Lewis Thompson pens is an experience that will have you laughing from the start. The world is well-built, the characters are charming and the storyline is simply delightful. Wild & Hexy is a zany adventure in romance and magic. Readers won’t be able to resist another visit with the inhabitants of Big Knob.

Kimberly Swan, Darque Reviews

Magic Burns by Ilona Andrews

Magic Burns
Kate Daniels, Book Two
Ilona Andrews
Ace – Penguin Group USA
April 1, 2008
ISBN# 978-0-441-01583-2

Every seven years the usual changes between tech and magic are disrupted, and for Kate Daniel’s her jobs as a mercenary and working for the Order are about to become a lot more complicated. As the flare builds to release, the magic fluctuates higher than usual in Atlanta and the difficulties become magnified. The worst of the flare’s effects is the ability for gods and goddesses to manifest and bring with them their battles for power as they use or destroy everyone in their path.

As Alpha to the local Pack, it’s Curran’s responsibility to keep his people safe. When someone breaches their security and steals the Pack’s maps Kate is called in to locate the thief and retrieve their property. It’s not long before Kate tracks down the culprit, but she runs into many obstacles along the way, like a young girl whose missing mother may have the answers they need. Finding her, in the midst of the flare’s chaos, may prove to be an impossible task. With the battle raging all around her, Kate will be lucky to survive this round, but Curran could be just the man to save her.

Magic Burns is the second book in the Kate Daniels series. Kate is settling in at her job for the Order and doing mercenary work with her partner Jim on the side. When the flare hits Atlanta, every skill Kate has will be tested, even those she’s been careful to hide. Ilona Andrews builds a strong world that’s full of magic, intriguing characters and supernatural action. This fast-paced tale is vividly detailed and has the beginnings of a romance fans will be anxious to read more of in Kate’s next adventure. While Magic Burns can be read as a stand-alone story, new readers won’t want to miss Magic Bites to learn more of Kate’s background.

Kimberly Swan, Darque Reviews

50 Ways to Hex Your Lover by Linda Wisdom

50 Ways to Hex Your Lover
Linda Wisdom
Sourcebooks, Inc.
March 1, 2008
ISBN#978-1-4022-1085-3

Jasmine Tremaine was banished by the Witches’ High Council and has been on her own for close to 7 centuries. With each offence comes time added to her banishment, and the Council is more than happy to remind her.

Driving her classic T-Bird, complete with a ghost named Irma, Jazz makes most of her money as a Limo driver for Dweezil, and picks up extra cash by removing curses. She has a very human roommate, Krebs, a hungry pair of bunny slippers, and a thunderous temper. Then there’s Nikolai Gregorivich, the sexy vampire who has been in and out of her life for nearly 300 years. Theirs has been anything but a smooth relationship.

When vampires start disappearing, Nick seeks Jazz’s help. After decades of being apart the spark between them is stronger than ever, and staying focused on the task at hand becomes more and more difficult. When an old enemy they believed dead resurfaces, the possibility that he’s responsible for the missing vampires quickly becomes the most likely answer. Now Jazz and Nick will have to find a way to stop him without losing their own lives along the way.

50 Ways to Hex Your Lover is the first in a new series. Ms. Wisdom carves her niche in paranormal romance with unique characters, a sizzling romance, and a supernatural mystery to solve. With a strong magical element and a nice touch of humor, when push comes to shove there’s no stopping this witch from getting things done. Readers can look forward to Hex Appeal, coming this fall.

Kimberly Swan, Darque Reviews