Latest Read: Unchained by J. Lynn

Here are the basics ...
Unchained (Nephilim Rising, #1) by J. Lynn 
Publication date: Sept. 17, 2013
Publisher: Entagled: Edge
Category: Adult - Paranormal Romance
Source: Purchased

Summary: Between the pissed off creatures that want demon-hunter Lily Marks dead and the fallen angel who just...wants her, Lily is about ready to trade in forever for a comfy job in a cubicle. The fact that she and Julian are civil to one another is enough to have her thrown out of the Sanctuary, but she can't shake her not-so-angelic stalker or how he brings her dangerously close to ecstasy. Her forbidden relationship with Julian provides the perfect fuel for suspicion when a traitor is discovered to be working within the Sanctuary. Lily quickly finds herself hunted by well, everyone. Her only hope is to discover the real traitor before she loses everything--and she'll need Julian's help. That is, if Julian is really there to help her...and not destroy her. (Adapted goodreads.com)

My thoughts…

The good: Angels, Nephilim - I was pretty sure I had my fill of this topic but when a Jennifer L. Armentrout book comes out, I read it. And as always, I enjoyed it! It's her first adult fantasy romance and if you're a fan of her books already, Unchained will definitely feel familiar to you. Her trademark writing style is very present, there's a tough but vulnerable heroine, mysterious hot guy and an action-packed story. What did make it slightly different from her previous books was that it required more world-building and of course, there's the angel mythology. But her strength is in how she writes her characters and their interactions together. 

Right off the bat, we're introduced to kickass demon-hunter Lily Marks and her undeniable (mutual) attraction to Fallen angel Julian. Lily has dedicated her life to fighting demons and being among fellow hunters like herself. Julian, on the other hand, is pretty dedicated to staying close to Lily. Following her, protecting her. Picture Angel following Buffy and that's what you've got here (except sexier). JLA knows how to write chemistry and these two were no exception. So I won't lie -- they're the main reason I enjoyed the book. Their scenes sizzle and I looked forward to each one. But there's definitely a major plot line going on as well. 

Demon hunters like Lily belong to the Sanctuary and its leaders suspect that someone in their circle is betraying them to the Fallen angels. Lily tries to solve this mystery while at the same time, figure out her feelings for Julian (which are forbidden by the Sanctuary) and train a new Nephilim named Michael who didn't even know what he was for the last 30 years. I actually thought Michael would play a bigger role in the book than he did. His story provides an interest twist in the mythology towards the end and I have feeling his character will expand in the books to come. 

(Minor) reservations: I felt like some of the characters (particularly the bad guys) and the mythology could've been introduced more smoothly. There were a few times where I had to ask myself - who is this again? 

Do I recommend?: Fans of JLA will enjoy this one a lot but if you're also into urban fantasy and adult romance, I'd check this one out. 

Happy reading!