Review: A Warrior's Witch by Stacey Kennedy

A Warrior's Witch (An Otherworld Romance)
by Stacey Kennedy

Pub: May 23, 2011

Format: e-book, buy a copy 

 Goodreads blurb:

As they dive deeper into the investigation, they find themselves entering a world where BDSM is the norm. A lifestyle that Zia is uncomfortable with and, rattled by this new development, she is more than ready to return to the Otherworld. But their investigation quickly takes an unexpected twist when they discover that they’re not only hunting a killer but also someone who is controlling supernaturals in Chicago.

Their mission not only brings danger, but also forces Talon to deal with decades old guilt that corrodes his soul. Every event that unfolds only deepens his fight and pushes him to face an ultimate choice—what is more important—his duty to the Otherworld or the witch he holds closest to his heart?

My thoughts*:

I really liked this book, mainly because it's different from the other Paranormal Romance books I read lately. The main characters already have history, so this story is more about their relationship becoming stronger, about finding out just how much they actually mean to each other, it's about respect, loyalty, dedication, love and... passion. It's about equilibrium and about coming to terms with what is more important in their lives. 

The beginning of the book was kind of sad, but it only made me feel for the characters and get into the story right away. Talon and Zia are Masters of Guardians and Master of Witches, respectively, and when someone close to Talon dies, his main purpose becomes to find out what happened and avenge her death. What initially seemed to be a suicide, it most definitely wasn't, so they start an entire investigation to find the people responsible for all of it. All the mystery and the suspense around the investigation kept me on the edge of my seat the whole time, as each lead they got only made everything more twisted and complicated and harder to find the killer. There were also some funny moments when they had to go to a club and Zia could see what BDSM actually meant (it involved some kinky sex) and her bewilderment over the matter and her banter with Talon was so adorable and hilarious! 

Though a very powerful witch (she can control ALL the elements! did I ever mentioned that witches who can play with the elements are my favorite supernaturals?<3), she's also sweet, soft, kind and caring and it was easy for me to relate to her. As for Talon.... Well, he is the perfect alpha male: hot, tough, strong, protective, well you know what makes us swoon over a male lead character. :) And they make such an adorable couple! Not to mention that they truly understand and complete each other on so many levels, they don't even need to say too much to understand what they want and what they need. They both know that "personal matters don't hold a place in their life", they are OK with it (well, sort of), but of course it doesn't make them happy. But the last events and all the anguish and guilt Talon feels give him a very hard time, and then, suddenly he has to make a choice that will change everything, forever. Choice that, of course, leads to a happily ever after and a very sweet and satisfying ending of the story. *dreamy sigh*

I also liked the secondary characters and though they didn't make much of an appearance, they intrigued me and brought complexity and variety to the story. I think there's also room for a new story with a couple of them!:D *hint hint*

On a final note, I loved this book and everything about it. The writing style is very beautiful and compelling; I loved the world (well, the Otherworld), the characters, the bittersweet romance, the supernatural elements, the mystery... not to mention the hot scenes. Speaking of which - OMG! This book has a looot of sizzle! There is that one scene.... *clears throat* never mind, but  it's really hot. 

Bottom line, I recommend this book to all the Paranormal Romance lovers out there! In fact, I recommend Stacey's books to everyone, she's a great storyteller and she's got a very...  colorful imagination!;)

 *Review based on the e-copy of the book I received from the author in exchange for my honest opinion. Thank you, Stacey, for the book and thank you, Bells, for the blog tour!:)

About the author:

Stacey Kennedy is an avid lover of the paranormal romance and urban fantasy genres. If she isn't plugging away at her next novel, tending to her two little ones, she's got her nose deep in a good book. She lives in Ontario, Canada with her husband. Be sure to drop her a line at www.staceykennedy.com, she loves to hear from her readers.

 Blog Tour Schedule 

Review: A Warrior's Witch by Stacey Kennedy

A Warrior's Witch (An Otherworld Romance)
by Stacey Kennedy

Pub: May 23, 2011

Format: e-book, buy a copy 

 Goodreads blurb:

As they dive deeper into the investigation, they find themselves entering a world where BDSM is the norm. A lifestyle that Zia is uncomfortable with and, rattled by this new development, she is more than ready to return to the Otherworld. But their investigation quickly takes an unexpected twist when they discover that they’re not only hunting a killer but also someone who is controlling supernaturals in Chicago.

Their mission not only brings danger, but also forces Talon to deal with decades old guilt that corrodes his soul. Every event that unfolds only deepens his fight and pushes him to face an ultimate choice—what is more important—his duty to the Otherworld or the witch he holds closest to his heart?

My thoughts*:

I really liked this book, mainly because it's different from the other Paranormal Romance books I read lately. The main characters already have history, so this story is more about their relationship becoming stronger, about finding out just how much they actually mean to each other, it's about respect, loyalty, dedication, love and... passion. It's about equilibrium and about coming to terms with what is more important in their lives. 

The beginning of the book was kind of sad, but it only made me feel for the characters and get into the story right away. Talon and Zia are Masters of Guardians and Master of Witches, respectively, and when someone close to Talon dies, his main purpose becomes to find out what happened and avenge her death. What initially seemed to be a suicide, it most definitely wasn't, so they start an entire investigation to find the people responsible for all of it. All the mystery and the suspense around the investigation kept me on the edge of my seat the whole time, as each lead they got only made everything more twisted and complicated and harder to find the killer. There were also some funny moments when they had to go to a club and Zia could see what BDSM actually meant (it involved some kinky sex) and her bewilderment over the matter and her banter with Talon was so adorable and hilarious! 

Though a very powerful witch (she can control ALL the elements! did I ever mentioned that witches who can play with the elements are my favorite supernaturals?<3), she's also sweet, soft, kind and caring and it was easy for me to relate to her. As for Talon.... Well, he is the perfect alpha male: hot, tough, strong, protective, well you know what makes us swoon over a male lead character. :) And they make such an adorable couple! Not to mention that they truly understand and complete each other on so many levels, they don't even need to say too much to understand what they want and what they need. They both know that "personal matters don't hold a place in their life", they are OK with it (well, sort of), but of course it doesn't make them happy. But the last events and all the anguish and guilt Talon feels give him a very hard time, and then, suddenly he has to make a choice that will change everything, forever. Choice that, of course, leads to a happily ever after and a very sweet and satisfying ending of the story. *dreamy sigh*

I also liked the secondary characters and though they didn't make much of an appearance, they intrigued me and brought complexity and variety to the story. I think there's also room for a new story with a couple of them!:D *hint hint*

On a final note, I loved this book and everything about it. The writing style is very beautiful and compelling; I loved the world (well, the Otherworld), the characters, the bittersweet romance, the supernatural elements, the mystery... not to mention the hot scenes. Speaking of which - OMG! This book has a looot of sizzle! There is that one scene.... *clears throat* never mind, but  it's really hot. 

Bottom line, I recommend this book to all the Paranormal Romance lovers out there! In fact, I recommend Stacey's books to everyone, she's a great storyteller and she's got a very...  colorful imagination!;)

 *Review based on the e-copy of the book I received from the author in exchange for my honest opinion. Thank you, Stacey, for the book and thank you, Bells, for the blog tour!:)

About the author:

Stacey Kennedy is an avid lover of the paranormal romance and urban fantasy genres. If she isn't plugging away at her next novel, tending to her two little ones, she's got her nose deep in a good book. She lives in Ontario, Canada with her husband. Be sure to drop her a line at www.staceykennedy.com, she loves to hear from her readers.

 Blog Tour Schedule 

A Warrior's Witch Blog Tour: Stacey Kennedy Interview!

Hey everyone!


I'm very excited to be a part of Stacey Kennedy's A Warrior's Witch Blog Tour! This is an amazing book that I recommend to all Paranormal Romance lovers out there! I'll post my review later today, but first, I'm sure you want to know more about Stacey and her books, right? Well, I had the honor to interview her and she's super awesome, you'll see! So please welcome Stacey at Deea's Journal today!

Deea: Hi Stacey! Welcome to Deea's Journal!:) 

First off, tell us a bit about yourself.

 

Stacey Kennedy: I am a thirty two year old wife, mom, house cleaner, cook, teacher, play-doh extraordinaire, swing pusher, toddler chaser after – who loves the outdoors, curling up with the latest flick, and if I’m not plugging away at a new novel, I’ve got my nose buried deep in a good book. 

D: What brought you to the paranormal genre?

SK: I was first introduced to paranormal romance through the Twilight saga. I immersed myself in the series, but found that I wasn’t fulfilled. I loved the series, but I needed more — something a little more adult in nature—which lead me to adult paranormal books. Once I dug in, I was hooked.

D: How would you describe your books’ world and characters to someone who hasn’t read any of your stories yet?

SK: My novels are lighthearted fantasy with heart squeezing, thigh-clenching romance, and even give a good chuckle every now and again.

D: Can you give us the short, Twitter-like description of A Warrior’s Witch? So we can share  it with with our bffs. :D

SK: Decades old guilt collide with a murder, igniting a battle in a warrior’s soul to choose between love and duty…

D: Aside from being wonderful stories filled with fast paced action, mystery, steamy romance and great humor, your books also introduce us to a magic world, full of powerful supernatural creatures. *swoon* Which is your favorite supernatural being? Also, if you could have any superpower, what would that be?

SK: Um…do I have to answer? I hope not, because I find all supernatural creatures in their own right sexy, and for all different reasons. Really, I couldn’t pick. Heck, call me selfish, but I want them all! J

(LOL Fair enough) 

D: I think what we all love most about Urban Fantasy and Paranormal Romance books are the witty, sexy, kick- butt heroes/heroines. Who is your favorite hero/heroine (in a series that is not your own)?

SK: Katie MacAlister’s dragon series tops my list of favorite characters. Her quirky female characters, sexy men, and fast paced action, always keeps me reading on.

D: Who designs your book covers? They are all so swoon-worthy!

SK: The Magical Sword and The Blue Bloods covers are designed by Anne Cain, who just oozes with talent.  With a pretty basic idea of what I was looking for, she created a brilliant design and brought my characters to life.

A Warrior’s Witch, and all the future books in the Otherworld series will be designed by PJ Edwards. I have never meshed so well with anybody before. Her creativity and my vision just work so well together. She awes me every time she sends a new cover along.

See what I mean?

D: How long does it take for you to write a book? 

SK: From start to finish, a full length novel will take me around two months. Then, I go through a round of revisions, send it off for a critique and beta read, then a couple more rounds edits. So, the whole process I would say takes about three months.

D: What is your favorite part of the writing process?

SK: I love how the stories evolve and become something I didn’t expect.  How I can have a plan for the story in my mind, and by the end of it, it becomes something totally different.  As fun as it is for the reader, it’s equally as fun for the author writing it.  All the twists and turns, surprise endings...it’s just a blast!

(Oh...wow! That sounds pretty amazing! I wish I was talented enough to be a writer...*sigh*)

D: So what is coming up next for you? Are you already working on a new story?

SK: Next month, TAINTED BLOOD ~ The Dark Element Book One, will release. It takes off right after Nexi’s books, The Magical Sword series leaves off. Here, we get to see Ryker & Sabi’s story. Here’s the blurb:

Earth Witch, Sabi has been gifted with the ability to see premonitions of the darkness that threatens human lives.  Safe in the Otherworld she adjusts to these new visions…which isn’t going so well.  Luckily, she’s got the sexy Guardian, Ryker to help her work through these visions.  He’s intent to show her how to distance herself from them and help her gain control of life.  Not that it’s really helping.  These visions are leaving her crippled and unable to help pinpoint the killer’s locations to stop these acts from happening.

If that’s not enough to deal with, she soon begins to see vampires on a killing rampage in San Francisco.  Vampires are being born and left to fend for themselves, resulting in innocent lives being taken while they’re in the throes of blood lust. But as Sabi’s visions begin to kick up a notch, personal matters need to be put aside.  And as the mystery begins to unravel, Sabi will begin to see that these visions are getting far more dangerous and that humans are not the only ones at risk―she is…

D: Is there any question you always wished someone would ask you but no one did? ;)

SK: One question, I’d always wanted to be asked, is why do I write? My answer—I do it because I love it. The experience is much the same for me when I read. I enjoy the process, love spending time with the characters and getting to know them. The day I stop loving it as much as I do right now—is the day I stop writing. 

D: Always the curious type, I like to find out more about my favorite authors. So here are a few random quick questions for you:

Early bird or night owl?

Night owl—I’m not very happy in the morning.

Coffee or tea?

Coffee. I would die without it!

Favorite sweets?

Chocolate, and all types—ice cream, cake, chocolate bars—YUM!

Favorite color?

Blue

Favorite season?

Fall—I love how pretty the world looks at this time of year.

Biggest pet peeves?

Heavy breathers. Yes, strange, but true. I can forgive someone who has allergies, or a nasal condition. But it drives me insane when I’m at the movies or something, and someone who is sitting next to me is breathing heavy enough for me to hear it. LOL!

Guilty pleasures while writing?

Coffee. That’s it…that’s all. Without coffee, I’d not get much done.

Country you would like to visit the most?

Scotland—I’m dying to go there, and plan to. That is, once the kiddies get older and allow me have some time away. J

Congrats on the A Warrior’s Witch release and thank you for taking the time to answer all my questions!<3

Goodreads Blurb:

Murder has brought Talon, Master of Guardians, as well as Zia, his witch and Master of Witches, to Chicago. The manner of death appears to be a suicide, but Talon is far from ready to close the case. To avenge the Guardian linked to his past, he agrees to take on the assignment, and find her killer.

As they dive deeper into the investigation, they find themselves entering a world where BDSM is the norm. A lifestyle that Zia is uncomfortable with and, rattled by this new development, she is more than ready to return to the Otherworld. But their investigation quickly takes an unexpected twist when they discover that they’re not only hunting a killer but also someone who is controlling supernaturals in Chicago.

Their mission not only brings danger, but also forces Talon to deal with decades old guilt that corrodes his soul. Every event that unfolds only deepens his fight and pushes him to face an ultimate choice—what is more important—his duty to the Otherworld or the witch he holds closest to his heart?

Buy A Warrior's Witch HERE! 

Read more about Stacey and her books on her website, and find her on Twitter and on Facebook, she loves hearing from her readers!:)

I hope you enjoyed the interview! Check out the next Tour stop, The Musings of M.D. Christie, who's hosting a guest post and a giveaway!;)
Follow the Blog Tour and you'll also find excerpts of A Warrior's Witch and giveaways! :)

A Warrior's Witch Blog Tour: Stacey Kennedy Interview!

Hey everyone!


I'm very excited to be a part of Stacey Kennedy's A Warrior's Witch Blog Tour! This is an amazing book that I recommend to all Paranormal Romance lovers out there! I'll post my review later today, but first, I'm sure you want to know more about Stacey and her books, right? Well, I had the honor to interview her and she's super awesome, you'll see! So please welcome Stacey at Deea's Journal today!

Deea: Hi Stacey! Welcome to Deea's Journal!:) 

First off, tell us a bit about yourself.

 

Stacey Kennedy: I am a thirty two year old wife, mom, house cleaner, cook, teacher, play-doh extraordinaire, swing pusher, toddler chaser after – who loves the outdoors, curling up with the latest flick, and if I’m not plugging away at a new novel, I’ve got my nose buried deep in a good book. 

D: What brought you to the paranormal genre?

SK: I was first introduced to paranormal romance through the Twilight saga. I immersed myself in the series, but found that I wasn’t fulfilled. I loved the series, but I needed more — something a little more adult in nature—which lead me to adult paranormal books. Once I dug in, I was hooked.

D: How would you describe your books’ world and characters to someone who hasn’t read any of your stories yet?

SK: My novels are lighthearted fantasy with heart squeezing, thigh-clenching romance, and even give a good chuckle every now and again.

D: Can you give us the short, Twitter-like description of A Warrior’s Witch? So we can share  it with with our bffs. :D

SK: Decades old guilt collide with a murder, igniting a battle in a warrior’s soul to choose between love and duty…

D: Aside from being wonderful stories filled with fast paced action, mystery, steamy romance and great humor, your books also introduce us to a magic world, full of powerful supernatural creatures. *swoon* Which is your favorite supernatural being? Also, if you could have any superpower, what would that be?

SK: Um…do I have to answer? I hope not, because I find all supernatural creatures in their own right sexy, and for all different reasons. Really, I couldn’t pick. Heck, call me selfish, but I want them all! J

(LOL Fair enough) 

D: I think what we all love most about Urban Fantasy and Paranormal Romance books are the witty, sexy, kick- butt heroes/heroines. Who is your favorite hero/heroine (in a series that is not your own)?

SK: Katie MacAlister’s dragon series tops my list of favorite characters. Her quirky female characters, sexy men, and fast paced action, always keeps me reading on.

D: Who designs your book covers? They are all so swoon-worthy!

SK: The Magical Sword and The Blue Bloods covers are designed by Anne Cain, who just oozes with talent.  With a pretty basic idea of what I was looking for, she created a brilliant design and brought my characters to life.

A Warrior’s Witch, and all the future books in the Otherworld series will be designed by PJ Edwards. I have never meshed so well with anybody before. Her creativity and my vision just work so well together. She awes me every time she sends a new cover along.

See what I mean?

D: How long does it take for you to write a book? 

SK: From start to finish, a full length novel will take me around two months. Then, I go through a round of revisions, send it off for a critique and beta read, then a couple more rounds edits. So, the whole process I would say takes about three months.

D: What is your favorite part of the writing process?

SK: I love how the stories evolve and become something I didn’t expect.  How I can have a plan for the story in my mind, and by the end of it, it becomes something totally different.  As fun as it is for the reader, it’s equally as fun for the author writing it.  All the twists and turns, surprise endings...it’s just a blast!

(Oh...wow! That sounds pretty amazing! I wish I was talented enough to be a writer...*sigh*)

D: So what is coming up next for you? Are you already working on a new story?

SK: Next month, TAINTED BLOOD ~ The Dark Element Book One, will release. It takes off right after Nexi’s books, The Magical Sword series leaves off. Here, we get to see Ryker & Sabi’s story. Here’s the blurb:

Earth Witch, Sabi has been gifted with the ability to see premonitions of the darkness that threatens human lives.  Safe in the Otherworld she adjusts to these new visions…which isn’t going so well.  Luckily, she’s got the sexy Guardian, Ryker to help her work through these visions.  He’s intent to show her how to distance herself from them and help her gain control of life.  Not that it’s really helping.  These visions are leaving her crippled and unable to help pinpoint the killer’s locations to stop these acts from happening.

If that’s not enough to deal with, she soon begins to see vampires on a killing rampage in San Francisco.  Vampires are being born and left to fend for themselves, resulting in innocent lives being taken while they’re in the throes of blood lust. But as Sabi’s visions begin to kick up a notch, personal matters need to be put aside.  And as the mystery begins to unravel, Sabi will begin to see that these visions are getting far more dangerous and that humans are not the only ones at risk―she is…

D: Is there any question you always wished someone would ask you but no one did? ;)

SK: One question, I’d always wanted to be asked, is why do I write? My answer—I do it because I love it. The experience is much the same for me when I read. I enjoy the process, love spending time with the characters and getting to know them. The day I stop loving it as much as I do right now—is the day I stop writing. 

D: Always the curious type, I like to find out more about my favorite authors. So here are a few random quick questions for you:

Early bird or night owl?

Night owl—I’m not very happy in the morning.

Coffee or tea?

Coffee. I would die without it!

Favorite sweets?

Chocolate, and all types—ice cream, cake, chocolate bars—YUM!

Favorite color?

Blue

Favorite season?

Fall—I love how pretty the world looks at this time of year.

Biggest pet peeves?

Heavy breathers. Yes, strange, but true. I can forgive someone who has allergies, or a nasal condition. But it drives me insane when I’m at the movies or something, and someone who is sitting next to me is breathing heavy enough for me to hear it. LOL!

Guilty pleasures while writing?

Coffee. That’s it…that’s all. Without coffee, I’d not get much done.

Country you would like to visit the most?

Scotland—I’m dying to go there, and plan to. That is, once the kiddies get older and allow me have some time away. J

Congrats on the A Warrior’s Witch release and thank you for taking the time to answer all my questions!<3

Goodreads Blurb:

Murder has brought Talon, Master of Guardians, as well as Zia, his witch and Master of Witches, to Chicago. The manner of death appears to be a suicide, but Talon is far from ready to close the case. To avenge the Guardian linked to his past, he agrees to take on the assignment, and find her killer.

As they dive deeper into the investigation, they find themselves entering a world where BDSM is the norm. A lifestyle that Zia is uncomfortable with and, rattled by this new development, she is more than ready to return to the Otherworld. But their investigation quickly takes an unexpected twist when they discover that they’re not only hunting a killer but also someone who is controlling supernaturals in Chicago.

Their mission not only brings danger, but also forces Talon to deal with decades old guilt that corrodes his soul. Every event that unfolds only deepens his fight and pushes him to face an ultimate choice—what is more important—his duty to the Otherworld or the witch he holds closest to his heart?

Buy A Warrior's Witch HERE! 

Read more about Stacey and her books on her website, and find her on Twitter and on Facebook, she loves hearing from her readers!:)

I hope you enjoyed the interview! Check out the next Tour stop, The Musings of M.D. Christie, who's hosting a guest post and a giveaway!;)
Follow the Blog Tour and you'll also find excerpts of A Warrior's Witch and giveaways! :)