THE LION’S DEN by D. N. Simmons

Book Five of the Knights of the Darkness Chronicles
Publisher: Create Space
Date published: January 24th, 2011
ISBN: 9781456578732
Paranormal Romance
Paperback
Reviewed by Dawn
Obtained by Author


Darian, Elise and Xander have weathered tough times as they dealt with supernatural serial killers, territory challenges and more. This time what they are facing will take them far beyond what they anticipate. For this time, Chicago is at the center of a battle they may not survive. The cat and mouse game has begun. Only time will tell who is the hunter and who is the prey.

I have got to admit, I have waited for this latest book for the last several years, hoping the author would finally deliver the next installment in this gripping saga. I was pleasantly surprised to find, once I got it, a story so original, it blew me away. THE LION’S DEN is action packed, has humor, sinful M/M action and a mystery that had me on the edge of my seat. Ms. Simmons delivers a high octane ride in her latest chapter in the acclaimed Knights of the Darkness Chronicles series. The story flows smoothly, the writing is tight and the characters were very well written. Ms. Simmons delivers, in her latest book set in the supernatural world of Chicago and beyond.

I have to recommend, first off, that you read right from the beginning of the series (DESIRES UNLEASHED, THE GUILTY INNOCENT, HOSTILE TERRITORY & ROYAL FLUSH). Each book capitalizes on the last one so I don’t recommend starting mid-way through the series. The characters continue to amaze me with each book. They grow and evolve with each story and you see different aspects of them that leave you breathless. There are many different supernatural beings mentioned in this series but three are part of the main characters: Darian, The Master Vampire of Illinois, Xander, the Alpha of the Chicago Wolf Pack and Elise, the Queen of the local feline pride.

With each book we see different aspects of the characters as well as the secondary characters. They are full of life and fairly step off the pages. There are some wonderful reoccurring secondary characters that we meet again that had me smiling at times in joy, laughter and happiness. Ms. Simmons has a knack at creating some intriguing characters that have their own personalities that don’t overshadow the storyline. The last half of the book is where the action really picks up as the main characters race against the clock to find who is causing havoc in their city. The climatic ending will have you racing to see when book six comes out as the author leaves you wanting more.

THE LION'S DEN delivers a story so complex, wild and action packed, I suggest you install speed bumps to slow you down. I can attest that you may be up late reading this just to see what happens next. Ms. Simmons is a talented author who is going places. I anticipate seeing her work right alongside Sherrilyn Kenyon and L. A. Banks one of these days. If you enjoy a high octane paranormal/urban fantasy adventure, then I highly recommend Ms. Simmons Knights of the Darkness Chronicles.

This is an objective review and not an endorsement of this book.

ELI: WARRIORS FOR THE LIGHT by Karen Michelle Nutt

Publisher: Rebecca J. Vickery (CreateSpace)
Date published: July 2010
ISBN: 978-1-4523-2229-2 (E-book)
978-1453699270 (Print)
Paranormal/Fallen Angels
Ebook/Print
Reviewed by Dawn
Obtained by Author


Eli is a Fallen Angel and knows the rules that govern them. Don’t befriend a human; don’t interfere in their lives; don’t have relations with them: and never, ever reveal your true self. Unfortunately for Eli, he broke all the rules when he fell in love with Ryden O’Sullivan. Brought up in front of the Watcher council, the Elders are giving Eli until end of All Hollow’s Eve to have Ryden fall in love with him all over again-this time as a human. If he fails, then his life is forfeited.

ELI kicks off an amazing new series by Karen Michelle Nutt called the Warriors For The Light/Fallen Angels series. I picked this up at bedtime and basically could not put it down. It drew me in, kept me glued to the pages and had me so hooked by the end of chapter one, I was unable to go to bed until I finished the book. It was wonderfully well written and very engrossing. This was the first book of this author’s I have read and I just had to find out if she had other books for me to explore. With each page, the reader is drawn into a world of fallen angels, love and soul mates. The secondary characters kept the story flowing smoothly and I am eager to see who the next book will be about as there were a few characters that had me intrigued.

Meet Eli, a fallen angel who breaks all the rules that govern his kind by falling in love with a human. There are some among the Fallen Angels who fear change and resist it at all costs. Eli is given the chance to prove to the Elders and the Watchers that there are soul mates for them all. But there are two catches: One, he is to be a human, his glamour and wings bound and two, he has until end of All Hollows Eve to get his love, Ryden O’Sullivan to fall in love with him. If he fails, his life is forfeited. I loved Eli. He was a breath of fresh air and delivers a charisma that drew me in. His deep convictions that there were soul mates for the fallen angels were powerful and made him a few enemies in the process. Eli is a strong man who finds himself in a unique position when he has to woo his lady’s heart-AGAIN!!! Strong characters keep the story flowing nicely and the many twists and turns left me gasping as I flipped the pages to see what would happen next.

ELI: WARRIORS FOR THE LIGHT is a story that isn’t just a romance but one that asks “If you found your soul mate once, can you fall in love all over again?” This question is one that will run through your mind the entire time you read this exciting new kick off to the Fallen Angels series. Ms. Nutt is a talented storyteller who delivered a story that will intrigue you from the beginning. I am eager to see which fallen angel is next to find their soul mate. I just hope it won’t be too long in the future. If you are looking for a new twist on fallen angels, then grab ELI: WARRIORS FOR THE LIGHT and settle in for one pulse pounding ride. I just recommend you don’t start this right before bed.

This is an objective review and not an endorsement of this book.