Tuesday, September 29, 2015

Review, Interview and Giveaway: Alpha Unleashed by Aileen Erin

Book Blurb:

Tessa McCaide has had it up to here with supernaturals. Luciana may have failed to steal Tessa’s magic, but she’s just getting started on her crusade for magical domination. If her demonic summoning isn’t stopped, it could mean the end of everything.

Tessa’s allies, including her mate Dastien, are ready to fight, but they’re no match for Luciana’s power. A little help (and ancient Inca mojo) from Tessa’s cousin, Claudia, may give the side of good a chance if she can makeit home in time, but stopping the war is no longer an option.

When witches and wolves fight, no one wins. Only time will tell who will still be standing after the last spell is cast.

My Review:

5 Out Of 5 Stars

Genre: Faeries, Royal-Court, Supernatural, Urban Fantasy, Werewolves, Witches, Zombies--

Tessa is still reeling from the events of book 3, where she had her powers stripped and their enemy brought back the dead to fight against the werewolves. Tessa sent her cousin Claudia to Costa Rica as a last ditch effort to find a cure for Claudia's twin brother Raphael before he is consumed by the demon possessing him. Tessa knows she only has a short period of time to get a handle on her powers before something big happens that may just be the end of all that Tessa hold dear.

I love this series, and that is a fact. I also love how the author drops the reader right into the action without recapping the story to fill in the blanks for those who just started the series. This series must be read in order, and this is book 5 so pick up books 1-4 first! I find it really interesting that this story takes place during the same time frame as book 4, which was from Claudia's point of view (FYI book 4 was my absolute favorite in the series, and that is saying a lot given my love for this world created by Aileen). Another thing I find interesting about the series is that the books take place over a few months only. It feels like I have know these characters forever right along with Tessa, but in actuality it has been a short period of time, just a very intense/dangerous set of circumstances that formed a lasting bond. And did I mention my love of books with werewolves and the mate bond? No? Well, that topic is up there with my favorite things ever and this book has plenty of it.

I enjoy Tessa's no holds bar, take no prisoners approach. When she needs to, she stands up for what she believes is right and fights those who are in theory above her in the pack or stronger. She has had so much thrown at her in such a short time yet has never backed down from a challenge. And man, does she ever have a potty mouth which entertains me each time something comes out. She and Dastien together are dreamy and I am so glad that Tessa finally stopped fighting their bond and made them partners in everything. Can I just say that I completely saw it coming when Tessa "volunteered" to give the statement? That was a needed slice of humor in the face of horror. ( I laughed at loud at her comeback about the bestiality question.) I also found her relationship with her new FBI friends to be interesting. I don't agree with Tessa that they will lose interest in her in time and find someone new, which makes me excited for the future and the direction the series could go in... But that could be wishful thinking on my part.

It may feel like I am gushing (which honestly I may be), but I enjoyed this book, this whole series, and everything has been building to this moment for what seems like forever.. My only complaint was that I wish it could be longer just so I could have had more time with the story because getting to the end was bittersweet. The book has the best ending that I could have ever hoped for, the major events that had been runnng throughout the books get wrapped up, almost feeling like this could be the end of the series.Thankfully the author states that this is not the end for these characters, that she will write more, but she is going to be working on a new project. This makes me excited that I can read something new and different by Eileen since I am a fan, but also sad because I love this group of people and couldn't ever imagine not wanting to read another book about any of these characters (especially Cossette and some more Claudia). Even if this was "the end" I would survive because I experienced such a fun, exciting, dangerous and romantic ride provided by the books.

I received this title from the publisher in exchange for my honest review.

Character Bios:

Teresa Elizabeth McCaid—aka Tessa—is a girl who has never quite fit in. At least, she didn’t until she was bitten by Dastien Laurent, her mate. Now, she’s part bruja, part werewolf, part human, and totally cool with it. When she’s not taking down evil witches and vampires, she likes to spend her time with Dastien. They love to go for runs and listen to EDM.

Dastien Laurent is originally from France, but when his parents were brutally murdered, he came to Texas to live with his godfather—Michael Dawson. He’s always struggled with his alpha-side, but never as much as when he met Tessa. He didn’t mean to bite her, but he wouldn’t change it for the world. Even when evil witches are beating down the door, he never regrets a second. With her, he’s finally able to see his future.

Author Interview:

Q: How many books are planned for the series?

AE: I’m not sure. I’ve wrapped up the current story arc with Alpha Unleashed. After that, I have a few different routes I can go. I just haven’t decided yet. I’m taking a little break to write a new series, while I figure out what would be best for Alpha Girl.

Q: Will there be more spin offs with different characters?

AE: I definitely want to! I’d love to do some books for Meredith and Donovan, and I’d love to explore Cosette and the word of the fey.

Q: Will Claudia and Lucas get another book?

AE: Very possibly! I haven’t decided yet, but I have a few ideas for more!

Q: Will the other supernatural races be featured in the future (like the faeries)?

AE: For sure!

Q: Where did the idea come from to write this series?

AE: I have always loved fantasy and urban fantasy, but I have a special love for werewolves. So, when I started to get my MFA in Writing Popular Fiction and needed an idea for my thesis novel, I came up with Becoming Alpha. I really enjoy playing in the world of the supernatural, and I think it adds a little more complexity to the coming of age story.

Q: What kind of book will you write next?

AE: I’m writing a YA paranormal story about a haunted high school. It’s based on a real school in Los Angeles. Creepy!

Q: Are the characters of Tessa and Dastien based on real people (minus the supernatural stuff)?

AE: Nope! I totally made them up. ☺

Q: What was your favorite book growing up?

AE: I really loved Anne Bishop’s Dark Jewels series. I still re-read it every few years.

Q: Favorite supernatural movie?

AE: The original version of Poltergeist. OMG. Love that movie. It’s creepy and scary and the ghosts… EEEEK!

Q: Current favorite book, series or author?

AE: I really love Sarah J. Maas’ Throne of Glass series. She’s such a fantastic writer.

Q: Current television show addiction?

AE: Jane the Virgin. Nothing cracks me up more than that show! I love it. Cannot get enough! Rogelio De La Vega is my favorite character. Pure genius!

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Tour provided by Sparkles Book Tours

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