Rampant

Little Goddess #4

by Amy Lane

Lady Cory has carved out a life for herself not just as a wife to three husbands but also as one of the rulers of the supernatural communities of Northern California-- and a college student in search of that elusive degree. When a supernatural threat comes crashing into the hard-forged peace of Green's hill, she and Green determine that they're the ones in charge of stopping the abomination that created it. Their vow to protect leads Cory, Bracken and Nicky to Redding--where a tight-knit family of vampires threatens the people Cory loves to keep a terrible secret. It also leads them to a conflict of loyalties, as Nicky's parents threaten to tear Nicky away from the family he's come to love more than his own life. Cory has to work hard to hold on to her temper and her life as she tries to prove that she and Green are not only leaders who will bind people to their hearts, but also protectors who will keep danger from running RAMPANT.

Genres: Fantasy, Paranormal Romance, Paranormal, Romance, Vampires, Erotica, Fae

504 pages, Paperback

First published January 10, 2010

About the author

Amy Lane dodges an EDJ, mothers four children, and writes the occasional book. She, her brood, and her beloved mate, Mack, live in a crumbling mortgage in Citrus Heights, California, which is riddled with spiders, cats, and more than its share of fancy and weirdness. Feel free to visit her at www.greenshill.com orwww.writerslane.blogspot.com, where she will ride the buzz of receiving your e-mail until her head swells and she can no longer leave the house.

Reviews

[Christy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book four in the 'Little Goddess' series is just as incredible as the first three are. In this one, Lady Cory has to travel away from Green for awhile in order to take care of a problem that should never have been allowed to exist. Taking her people, along with Bracken and Nicky, to Redding, they stay in lakeside cabins which does give them a much needed vacation and a chance for Cory to just be a kid again instead of queen.

I loved Rampant because it was so very family oriented. I know, I know, all of the Little Goddess series have been very much about family. But, there's just something about this last one (until the next one Ms Lane, hint hint) that pulled me into the family. There's some definite nastiness in terms of bad guy vampires and a revolting ex-prom queen out for blood, but all in all what I felt throughout this installment was love and family. This story strengthened the bonds between Cory, Nicky, and Bracken which simply strengthens their entire family, as a whole.

Ms. Lane left a gigantic cliffhanger, well, maybe not gigantic, but it certainly begs to be a storyline in its own book. The author has assured her fans that she will write a book five so I'm not letting go of my hope. As all of these have been, the writing is beautiful and so very lyrical. It's not difficult to imagine being there and seeing the entire story unfold in front of your eyes. That is the beauty of this author's work. It's one of the many reasons that keep me coming back for more, over and over again.

[Cindyg · Rating 5 out of 5]

Damn, Damn, Damn, this was one hell of a read. I love you Amy Lane and I love Green, Bracken, Corinne Carol-Anne, Arturo, Grace and of course the one person who has touched and moved them all including me; Adrian (RIP). This review is so hard to put in to words; because it really moved me. It's definitely in my top ten favorite series. It moved me; so much so that even though it's been four days since I read Rampant, I can't stop thinking about it and the wonderful characters and their journey to date.
I sure hope that this series continues...
I highly recommend this series to everyone...I can't imagine anyone not loving it.
Thank you Ms. Lane for such a warm and wonderful series.

[Debra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow!! I loved this book just like the others.I took my time with this book, I didn't want it to end. Cory,Bracken,Green and Nicki I love these characters. I'm so excited for the next book to come out! Thank you Amy. Please write faster.

[Lissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amy Lane returns us to Green’s Hill with the long-awaited fourth installment of her “Little Goddess” series and fans will not be disappointed. The story begins a year after the end of “Bound”. (Fans will want to read the series of Jack and Teague stories posted on Lane’s web site both to apprise them of events that occurred during that year and to introduce them to Jack, Teague and Katy, who feature prominently in “Rampant.”) Cory has grown into both of her roles as Green’s queen and Queen of the Vampires and has been busy as Green’s enforcer, and head of her kiss while still perusing that longed-for college degree. She has matured as well, learning to control her temper, her powers and finding balance in her relationships with Green, Nicky and Bracken.


Lane does not fall into the trap of having a single “Big Bad” for every novel, but that does not mean it’s smooth sailing for the residents of Green’s Hill. The first hint of trouble arrives in the form of a hideous creature: a vampire bear along with disturbing reports of slaughtered families. While trying to discover its origins, another threat is delivered in the morning mail: photographs of Cory and her obviously-not-human companions leaving Davy’s funeral last year, captioned with the horribly ominous words, “I know what you are...” To top it all off, Nicky’s parents (who refused to attend his four-way binding ceremony to Cory, Bracken and Green) come for a visit with a young woman in tow, the woman that they’d prefer to have as a daughter-in-law. Annette is sly, vicious, determined to have Nicky for her own, and she won’t take “no” for an answer.


Cory takes charge in her role as Green’s enforcer, traveling with her team of vamps, sidhe and weres to solve the mystery of the vampire bear’s creator. She is much more confident than the young woman who was crushed and lost during Green’s absences in prior novels. Green is still in her heart and mind, of course, and there is a good bit of interaction between them, but Cory has found a refreshing measure of independence that illustrates the growth in her character. As a result, Green is not as prominent a figure in this installment as he was in the previous books, but Bracken fans will be pleased at his primary role.


The novel takes us in some new directions, but reminds us why we love the series in the first place: the magic, humor, action and passion. The characters have grown, but they’re still the people that we love. Cory still erupts into a cursing streak on occasion and still gives her beloveds heart attacks by putting herself in the line of fire to protect those she loves. Brack sticks his foot into his mouth on more than one occasion and is still baffled by human customs. Renny is still more kitty than girl, emerging to be human mostly so she’ll have hands to steal Cory’s stuff. The passion between them all has not cooled. (The first scene between Brack, Green, Cory and Nicky nearly melted my Kindle!) We get to see Bracken leading an army of lower fey into battle, the return of a certain uber-sexy character (fans may be able to guess who it is!), Renny adjusting to married life, and some heartbreakingly lovely scenes with Adrian. And if that wasn’t enough, the book ends with an exciting surprise which will have fans demanding the next installment.

[ALPHAreader · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lady Cory is really starting to thrive in her new royal role. Alongside Green, Bracken and Nicky, she is coming into her authority with wise words, a firm hand and vicious tenderness. So when there are numerous reports of puma killings (were-puma), Cory and her people are quick to assume control of the situation. And when Nicky’s family are so distraught by his foursome relationship that they want to drag him home to bumfuck Montana, Cory and her men bandy around their brother and lover with fiery determination.
‘Rampant’ is the fourth book in the ‘Little Goddess’ series.

Previous books has seen Cory deal with her newfound supernatural tendencies, an unconventional multi-partnered romance and the responsibilities of her kingdom. In ‘Rampant’ we are reading Nicky’s perspective and understanding the many ways he is balancing his unpredictable and unscripted life. Previous books have concentrated on Cory’s relationship with Bracken and Green, so ‘Rampant’ is really Nicky’s time to shine. I didn’t think much of Nicky as a character until this fourth instalment . . . but I feel like, now that Cory knows is role in her life and vice versa, I finally get (and appreciate) him too. His journey in this book is cringe-worthy funny, and also sweetly moving. I find that Amy Lane does that juxtaposition a lot. Cory herself is a young woman of wise and lyrical words who can switch to gutter-mouth in a New York minute. I like that flipside in this series – when Amy Lane can write a highly erotic scene, followed by a blood bath.

‘Rampant’ also introduces some new characters in the form of Green’s Hill werewolves – Teague, Jack and Katy. Apparently these characters appeared in short story instalments which were originally free to download on Amy Lane’s website, but have now been bought by Torquere Press. Short stories 1 and 2 are currently available for purchase, but the other four won’t be out until June, August, October, and December this year. It’s a little frustrating to read their concurrent storylines, because Teague occasionally narrates. Their story of a threesome werewolf pack isn’t so convoluted that you can’t follow it, but there seems to be a lot of delicious back story that I resent not having read yet. These short stories will definitely be on my TBR list though!

‘Rampant’ is the last book in the ‘Little Goddess’ stories for the time being. I don’t know when Amy Lane intends to release the fifth instalment, but I hope it’s soon . . . because ‘Rampant’ leaves on a jaw-dropping, spine-tingling cliff-hanger that is full of spectacular possibilities.

I have been really impressed by this series. Amy Lane writes a sensuous and intense romance between four very different characters. Her writing is lush and poetic, and the universe is set on a grand, fantastical scale;

Some demons couldn’t be kissed away. Some of them had the right to ride you, to rend the skin of your wellness with ragged, dirty nails.

I am really looking forward to more books in the ‘Little Goddess’ series. It’s been a grand journey so far, and I can only imagine where Amy Lane intends to take these characters in the future. . .

[Grammy 1 · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I found Amy Lane and her Little Goddess series I read 1,2 and 3 voraciously....Each one had such special meaning, a coming of age, a growing up, and the clear feeling of "unconditional love" The characters are so well defined, the author makes you feel them as your own...She is true to them and who they are ...and they are true to us.

In Rampant, our Cory has grown up in the years we know her. She is learning how to temper her powers and with that comes more power. We have a wonderful story in book 4, going off in three different directions . One, we have a pedophile vampire in a Kiss in Redding that is turning children into vampires. Cory is needed to address this issue ...Another is the age old In-laws (Nicky's parents). They want to visit with their son, thinking he's made a terrible mistake with Cory as his wife and being on Greens Hill. With them they bring Annette and trouble ...The third story which I found facinating was Green finding the Hill in a blackmail situation.

We have our usual cast of Characters... Arturo and Grace play a smaller part this time, Jack and Teague and Caty (please read their story on Amy Lanes Website) join us and play a larger role, along with Nicky and his parents. We also meet a few new people Tanya and Sam and Annette. I loved the beginning of the book there was a Table of Characters so to speak. Reminding us of who we met and what there story was...A brilliant brush up after the time we had been away from the Hill

In Book 1 Vulnerable... I cried
In book 2 Wounded, I sobbed
In book 3 Bound, I had hope
In Book 4 Rampant I laughed, with its fun because they now were my friends...I know that Cory might puke and Nicky loses his socks ...I cried when Green prostituted himself and Cory found out, I loved that Cory let Bracken have that moment with Andres..Ohh...Andres another story....sometime??? I love Green and Cory and Bracken, all so broken and the strength they make together.And oh yes, it's still there what I felt from the first....Unconditional Love

Amy Lane I cannot give your stories enough praise. Your writing is so heartfelt....I feel these people....like you want me to...Its 10 stars as always

[WillowBe · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'd give this 4 1/2 if I could.I am so happy that I started reading these after rampant was done. I don't think I could have stood a 2 year wait for the next book! I like this series- I think it's better all of the jenny come lately paranormal romance books that have been published in the last 2 years to capitalize on the fading trend. The problem is that on the surface it is set up so much like LKH books. But her charactars, writing and focus are so different. Amy Lane ALWAYS gives you the emotional pay-off for putting in the time and investment with her charactars. Even more, her charactars, really GROW emotionally and deepen. And there are consequences for the demands they make. Cory wants all the men have to give. Fine, they will give, it, but then she has to take the consequences of that demand. And everyone ackmoweldeges that they have limits and are supported and even forced to observe them. My only complaint is the repetition of "hey, you're weirdos" she encounters from all and sundry. Shouldn't everyone have gotten over her living situation by now? I don't want to hear anymore angst about it. And tbe gf from Montana- she was kind of a straw man. She could have been a more fully developed character rather than an avaricious cypher. This was Cory's first female villain-if Cory is the Lion Rampant, she didn't need such an easy mark. That's be my only recommendation- make the villains less cartoony and more real. They will be scarier then and the victory will be that much more profound.

Re-reading my review of vulnerable- Obviously I need to go back and read it again, which i plan to. I think i will understand it better, since I am now so familiar with her world.

Also, kudos to Amy for making all her books available electronically. My Sony Ereader is full of her works!

an

[Camille-Dhark Nytmhare · Rating 3 out of 5]

I struggled to maintain my interest in this story. And as much as I want to ding this book, I can't.

The book starts slow then we get sucked into a major clusterfuck and we have to figure out who done did it.

Cory is tremendously flawed. Her language seems more coarse than in her previous books. She is also much more depressed than in her other books. I almost don't recognize her character. Cory continues to come to terms with her queendomship. We begin to see her world as much more of a kingdom than a family when politics begin to come into play.

But she is as devoted to the protection of her kingdom and garners devotion and solidarity not just from her people but from surprising places. Characters that you already love become marks of perfection and wisdom. These characters show intelligence and a single focused devotion to Cory which makes you sigh when you think of how humble and down to earth Cory still remains.

I dragged through this book though. The story stagnated or dragged at times. 30% of the book could have been cut out without affecting the flow of the story. Ms. Lane's writing is so delightful and most times gives me goosebumps. This story was no different in that it was full of prose and poetry. There are lots of points to ponder in this story. But some conversations and revelations total lost me or were fractured in places.

All in all the storyline moved forward at a fairly nice pace, the characters were memorable, there was hot monkey love sprinkled throughout the novel and when things started to drag Ms Lane would give us a shot of adrenalin.

I believe it just was not my time to read this book.

[Loves To Dive · Rating 5 out of 5]

Don't miss this series

I don't normally write reviews but could not help myself on this one. I had been reading raves on the Little Godess Series on the Paranormal Romance discussion board and just couldn't bring myself to spend the over nine dollars for an independent author for a kindle book. After all, I could buy a Gena Showalter or another known author for less. Finally, I gave in to peer pressure and on pay day, bought the first book in the series. A quarter of the way through the book I knew I was in trouble. I was hooked on this series. I laughed and I cried, and I cried some more. Next pay day, I splurged and bought the next two books in the series. I knew I was going to have to add 4 or 5 books to my wish list that I could have bought with the money but I had to have these books. After reading 2 and 3, again laughing and crying, even before payday I bought Rampant. After all, if I didn't go to the grocery store I would save money in both gas and food and could pay for it. Well worth it. Can't say enough how great this series is. I won't go into a description, been done by other reviewers. Now my only problem is, what to do. I've read all the books, even the short stories on Ms. Lane's website and am going into withdrawal. Buy this series, you won't regret it. You will laugh, you will cheer, you will cry (you might jump your significant other a time or two). Ms. Lane, please tell me another one is coming out soon.

[Carolyn G. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is my favorite of the series. It focuses more on Cory, Bracken and Nicky (a little less on Green). Andres, my favorite vampire in the series, also makes an appearance again. In this book, we really see how much of a queen Cory is, but yet she is still so down to earth and normal (and doesn't realize how queenly she is). I love a main character that is so strong, yet so vunerable. Cory can fight with and for the best of them, but she still wears down and hurts, emotionally and physically.

My favorite thing about this series is the passion. There is so much passion between Cory and Bracken. It astounds me at how well the author illustrates and portrays it. Everyone touches each other constantly. The author has found such a brilliant way to express the amount of passion between the characters. I think Amy took every hot scene ever imagined and put it in her books. She doesn't write the boring usual love scenes, these are different and explosive! The relationship building is spectacular too. The characters keep growing and evolving. Each book I fall more in love with the characters.

I would highly recommend this book and this series if you enjoy passion and romance, as well as some butt-kicking action!

[Timmysparks · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked this series but this was not my favorite in it. I loved the second book best. This one was really slow for me. I took so long for anything serious to happen and most times I felt like I was just reading a story not enjoying the book. The last 150 pages were good though. Nicky's parent and his ex Annette brought drama to the book. Cory was very gracious to Nicky's parents but Annette and Nicky's mother were just bitches. I didn't like how they treated Cory and her friends and they both deserved what they got. The Vampires in Redding were just stupid. They knew Cory was their queen and they saw how powerful she was yet they tried to defile her. Just stupid. I loved Andres. I was really happy to see him again in this book. Jack was really irritating and annoying in the beginning of the book but I loved how he warmed up to Cory. I also loved how Bracken and Nicky's relationship evolved to where they could both love Cory with any jealously or possessiveness. I loved Green. He's been so great throughout the series and I loved how we got to see him vulnerable in this book. Overall, I liked the series.

[Lidia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I like the writing of the Lane, the slow pace and the sensuality and excitement oozing each row and on each page, seduce me, like I was haunted and it is difficult to separate from the book and characters. Cory is a young normal girl, nothing of the beautiful and strong heroines who are accustomed to, yet it has become the queen of the vampires, has married three men, and never abandon a friend. A simple human who has learned to accept herself for who she is and for the feelings and passions she feels for her lovers. In this book, like its predecessors, there is a plot full of action and events but are the feelings that are the mistress here, a strong message that says that love transcends regolem, laws, taboos. A fantasy world that is treated by the author as if it were real, normal. But there's so much magic, so fascinating, so much more seductive and that's what makes this series unique and exciting

[Louiz · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a stunning book, continuing the story of Cory, Green, Bracken and Green's Hill.

Cory redeems her counsellor, Hallow, removes a "rival" for Nicky, nearly dies (again), deals with scary vampires, and finds answers to what she thought were purely scholarly questions, amongst many other things she gets up to in this book.

She also matures, and somewhat learns to delegate. Also, that coincidences are no such thing.

I loved it, and after reading the last few pages I'm already looking forward to the next book!

Mature content.

[Amandatheprwriter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Glorious. What more can I say about this series?
I have loved Adrian, I have cried with Cory and raged with Cory and felt her charactor development as it unfolded before my eyes. I fell in love with Green as Cory did, and big brother Bracken, too. Then Nicky, whose flare was a bit left of my tastes, came along and I wasn't sure if I could love him as I did the others but in Rampant, he's found a place in my heart as well.
I am eagerly awaiting the next novel in the series.

[Coryn · Rating 5 out of 5]

A lucky find that has earned its way to the top of my favorites list. I swear this series gets better as it goes along! The character depth and development is astounding; I've never cared about characters so much. There's action, romance, humor and much more. You'll need an open mind for this one as love and sex is not limited to the white bread of one man and one woman. I promise you this series is a must read. I anxiously await the next in the series.

[Tamara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Finishing it again... This whole series always gets me.

So I saw Citrus Heights mentioned and it reminded me of Promises series and I got the giggles - what would happen if Cory met Crick? Swearing contest? Or if Renny met Mikhail? Or if Shane and Max worked together? That's fan-fiction happening right there.

And I hate to be a whiner, but I want the sequel!

[Sonia189 · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cory annoyed me at times...overall I liked the story and I understand it's about her mostly, but she got on my nerves sometimes, especially in how everyone worshiped her...I guess I'd have like to see others treat her the way she wanted to, no matter her new powers.
Anyway...overall, it was readable but it took me almost a week...part f my annoyance was due to that as well.

[Fi Brit · Rating 5 out of 5]

This whole series would benefit from a massive rewrite. The writing style (multiple first person) and the frequent non sequential presentation of relevant information makes the book a challenging read. Normally something like that would earn a much lower rating from me but I loved the story so much that I couldn't bare to give it less.

[Grace · Rating 4 out of 5]

I just can't get enough of this series. Absolutely worth the wait. Whenever Amy Lane releases a new book, I put off doing everything just to read the latest from the Little Goddess series. Worth it every time.

[Leanne Arbez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amy's books keep getting better and better. Loved Rampant more than the other books simply because I am getting more involved in Cory's world. Bring on the 5th installment Amy, not sure how long I will be able to wait.

[Charity Hlatshwayo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nicky's parents come for a visit and they bring along with them an unwelcome guest who seems to delight in causing trouble. Green's people have to worry about her as well as member of coven of vampires who seem to enjoy creating baby vamps. Thrilling read. Leaves u wishing for the next installment.

[Starrynight · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love this series. I didn't get into this one as much as the other 3, but it was still very good. I loved the ending and now hope there will be another one.

[Natalie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was hard to get through, but it finally got interesting toward the end. I wish there weren't so many love making scene either...

[Jennifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

The ending made me happy :) can't wait to read the next book now!

[Ctanner · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great read. I cannot believe the ending and now I have to wait until I have no idea until the next one.

[Jean · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this series and love the characters!

[GONZA · Rating 3 out of 5]

A little too long but a nice reading with a big cliffhanger