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Jen (That's What I'm Talking About) has
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2013 reading goal:
15 new-to-me authors.
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2) Heather Massey
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Showing posts with label Alyssa Day. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Alyssa Day. Show all posts
Thursday, July 11, 2013
Review: Enthralled Anthology
Enthralled
Author: Lora Leigh, Alyssa Day, Meljean Brook, Lucy Monroe
Release Date: July 2, 2013
Publisher: Berkley Trade
ISBN: #978-0425253311
Genre: Paranormal Romance, Steampunk, Fantasy, Anthology
Format(s): Paperback (464 pgs), e-book
Book Source: Received as a gift
About the book:
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Lora Leigh - The Devil’s Due (Breeds #28)
Leigh's stubborn Breed meets her match, and can deny neither him nor herself.
Alyssa Day - The Curse Of The Black Swan (League Of The Black Swan #1.5)
Day introduces the League of the Black Swan, and a woman cursed to kill the man she loves.
Meljean Brook - Salvage (Iron Seas #3.5)
In Brook's steampunk Iron Seas world, a man bereft of everything finds his marriage in jeopardy, and sky pirates stealing his wife.
Lucy Monroe - Ecstasy Under The Moon (Children Of The Moon #3.5)
Monroe unleashes a werewolf's passions on the body, mind, and soul of his prey, his lover, his lifemate.
What I’m talking about:
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The Devil's Due by Lora Leigh (Breeds series)
Katie is a unique woman whose Breed DNA did not manifest until she was in her twenties. Due to this, and the imposing testing requirements of her homeland in Europe, Katie seeks asylum in the US with Callan Lyons and the US Division of Breed Affairs. Here she is a protected guest, with the notorious Devil as her body guard.
Although the opening prologue was confusing, these early events do not have a big impact on the entire novella (although for readers of the series, it will probably come into play down the road). The entire story flows smoothly after the group move to the US and settle in.
Katie and Devil are SO HOT together! This is the Breeds I’ve been missing in the last few titles. The pair are overcome by the Breed’s mating hormone - and since both are Breeds, they both exhibit the signs, including insatiable lust and desire. What makes the story fun is that Devil realizes immediately that the mating hormone is being produced, even though he had thought it was just rumor prior to his own experiences. And poor Katie--she has no clue.
The novella takes place within the timeline and plot of the larger Breeds series story arc. For fans of the series, there are a few clues for the overall story and some fun surprises. I feel someone new to the series could read this novella, but it would probably not be as enjoyable since there is a lot going on, and it does tie into the bigger story.
Overall, The Devil’s Due is a hot and sweet story of two breeds coming together. They both enjoy their mating heat and don't fight the coupling--in fact they want it, which is a refreshing change from most Breed books. There is little conflict within this story, but hints of a war brewing in the larger story arc. Things were left open ended with respect to the bigger picture.
4 stars.
The Curse of the Black Swan by Alyssa Day (League of the Black Swan prequel)
Sean, half human-half fire demon, is a firefighter in Bordertown. Although it is a paranormal friendly area, being part demon isn’t something accepted in town, and so Sean and his family hide their true natures.
Brynn Carroll is a woman cursed to turn into a black swan and sing songs to the moon every third night. She is determined to break the curse by never falling in love. Then one night, Sean witnesses Brynn transform, and the pair hit it off immediately.
The story is sweet and fun. I adore both Sean and Brynn - two lonely people who come to realize that they can be themselves and be accepted. The story follows their courtship while Sean attempts to solve the mystery as to who is starting magically enhanced fires.
Without spoiling the story, my only negative is that I wish we'd been told how “things” transpired at the end to come to the conclusion it did. The Curse of the Black Swan is a wonderful little story, happy and sweet. I adored both the romance and mystery. Although it ties into the overall mythology of Ms. Day’s new series, it can be enjoyed as a stand alone.
4.5 stars
Salvage by Meljean Brook (Iron Seas)
When Georgiana and Thom married years ago, she thought he understood her desire to have a husband who stayed home. Her expectations were shattered when Thom sailed off the morning after they were married. She may have been able to forgive that one time, but his last trip has kept him away for four years (and he abandoned her while they were copulating)!
Georgiana discovers Thom (whom we met briefly in Heart of Steel) badly injured and washed-up on shore near their home. She drags him back home, and together with the doctor, she nurses Thom back to health. Before she can ask Thom to leave for good, the pair are kidnapped and forced to make a daring salvage expedition.
Ah... I just love Ms. Brook’s world. Salvage is yet another marvelous stand alone story in her amazing Iron Seas series. Thom and Georgiana are wonderful characters, both strong as individuals, but not so much as a married pair. The reader learns so much of their situation through their individual POVs. Thom's POV is so sad. He loves and craves Georgiana; he just never figured out how to give her what she needed. And Georgiana thought she was so clear in her coversations with Thom, but it’s not until the pair are held in captivity do they really talk it all out.
Salvage reads with the details and descriptions usually found only in a full-length novel. The action is fairly intense and exciting; the plot is engrossing. All of the characters are well-developed and fun. It is a wonderful story about second chances. Being kidnapped and threatened with death allows Thom and Georgiana to share their feelings and passion uninhibited.
4 stars
Ecstasy Under the Moon by Lucy Monroe (Children of the Moon)
Ecstasy Under the Moon is the only title in the anthology that is a new-to-me author and series. Thankfully, Ms. Monroe includes a detailed prologue; however, even with the details, I was lost for a while.
Ean are bird shifters that have stayed hidden for years. The Faol are wolf shifters. There is a bad history of the Faol hurting and killing the Ean. So it comes as a great shock that the high priestess of the Ean, tells of visions that the Faol and Ean will need to merge tribes.
Una and her father are not pleased with the news that emissaries of the Faol shall come to live with the Ean. However, once Una meets one of the Faol warriors, Bryant, in the Chrechte spirit realm (in her dreams), her attitude begins to change. Even her long-held fear of the Faol begins to dissipate.
Ecstasy Under the Moon has a traditional fantasy feel, more so than a paranormal romance. The world-building is extremely complex and intense. I enjoy fantasies, so this did not bother me; however, if you are looking for more of a light-hearted PNR, this one may not be for you. The highland/Scottish clan setting also gave it a historical feel.
I liked the easy-going nature and flow of the story after I became grounded in the world. Bryant is a noble man/wolf, and I admire what he is trying to accomplish with his Faol brethren. I enjoyed the stories of his history, which piqued my interest and left me wanting to know more. The story had a strong message of good over bad and “never judge a book by its cover.” It never got deep, but had a solid message.
There was also a bit of humor - subtle, but fun.
Overall, Ecstasy Under the Moon was enjoyable. It was my first introduction to Ms. Monroe's series. Even though it is obvious that there is much to Ms. Monroe's world, and possibly several other books, I was able to enjoy this as a stand alone.
3.5 stars
In conclusion, Enthralled is an extremely enjoyable anthology, especially for those that read some or all of the series represented.
Overall Rating:
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Enjoyed - strongly recommend (A-)
Reviews in the Series:
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Tuesday, May 14, 2013
Review: The Cursed by Alyssa Day
The Cursed
Author: Alyssa Day
Release Date: May 7, 2013
Publisher: Berkley
League of the Black Swan #1
ISBN: #978-0425255773
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Format(s): Paperback (305 pgs), e-book
Book Source: Publisher
About the book:
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Bordertown private investigator Luke Oliver’s beat is the dimensional fold in Manhattan between the human and supernatural realms. But now a secret from his past—the League of the Black Swan—has surfaced. Because Luke isn’t any ordinary P.I. He’s the Dark Wizard of Bordertown, and he never backs down from a fight.
But this time the fight threatens his life and his heart. Rio Jones, the only woman he loved, needs his help against a deadly menace. Luke pushed her away once before, so she’d never fall prey to the curse that threatens to destroy him. He swore he’d never let her go again.
Luke and Rio, with the help of the newly reformed League, must keep evil forces from taking over Bordertown—all the while battling a passion on the razor’s edge between danger and desire. And going to take everything they have just to stay alive.
What I’m talking about:
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Rio is a human living among the paranormal in Bordertown, a place out of sync with the "real" world. When Rio accidentally witnesses the kidnapping of a little girl by a shady underworld figure, she turns to Luke Oliver for help. Known as the Dark Wizard of Bordertown, Luke is the only one who can protect Rio. However, as her twenty-fifth birthday approaches, Rio becomes the target of interest by multiple paranormal factions, including both Fae and Demon royalty. It takes all of Luke's control to not blow-up all of Bordertown while trying to protect Rio.
I absolutely enjoyed The Cursed! The opening two chapters drew me in completely as they painted an intriguing story filled with interesting new characters and concepts. Right away the reader is left wondering - what is the League of the Swan? What is Luke’s curse and why does the League seem interested? The journey of finding out the answers to these questions is exciting, action-packed and just plain fun!
As a couple, Rio and Luke are fabulous! Each had noticed the other for quite some time, but Rio backed off after Luke turned down her offer for coffee. Unknown to Rio, Luke wanted to say yes, but due to his curse, he felt the need to stay far way from (while secretly stalking) her. Once Rio turns to Luke for help, it doesn’t take long for the sparks to ignite. It cracked me up that within mere minutes of Rio and Luke meeting up, Luke was confessing how he wants her desperately (well, why and how he stayed away). He's got it bad for her and it made their interactions very entertaining (and super sexy!).
Both Rio and Luke have their secrets. Luke has his mysterious curse, the truth of which he eventually shares with Rio. But for the reader, the reveal was drawn out over several chapters, which made his condition extremely intriguing. For example, the reader learns that Luke has built walls around his heart and soul to avoid activating the curse. This captivated me, driving me to learn more.
Then there is Rio, an abandoned orphan, who knows nothing about her parents or where she came from. Yet that never mattered to Rio and, she was content working in Bordertown, making good friends and not bringing any attention to herself. However a few days before her twenty-fifth birthday, suddenly she’s gained the notice of several different paranormal factions each of which hint she’s more than a mere human. First there is Merelith, Fae royalty, who recognizes Rio upon first glance and hints she knows more. And there is Chance Roberts, a powerful and wealthy man of unknown origins. Finally, the League of the Black Swan, lead by the mysterious Maestro, have a vested interest in the choices Rio makes. Each of these characters and the groups they represent, add great value to the overall story. Their combined pieces create the whole for Rio, which is revealed to be a fabulous family secret.
Ms. Day divulges her mythology and the nuances of Bordertown via finely-tuned and streamlined world-building. She presents everything the reader needs to know to understand her new world, yet there is never an overload of information. The details create a rich, exciting place that begs to be explored. Her universe is a blend of traditional and new fantasy elements that make for a superb read.
As Rio and Luke come together, the heat factor rises tremendously. I loved the easy banter between the couple. They are serious and sexy, fun and witty. And I adore how crazy Luke is for Rio. The way he has to process and deal with his emotions makes for enjoyable entertainment. I laughed many times. For example, in Luke's own words:
“I don’t know how to have all these feelings. I know how to blow stuff up. You were hurting, and I wanted to help, but I didn’t know how, so I blew something up.”
Although the story is on the lighter side of the spectrum, there isn’t a shortage of depth. Both Rio and Luke experience positive character growth as they learn more about themselves and how to love one another. In addition, their passion is sizzling. At times the pair are needy and hungry and at others sensual and loving. Rio and Luke are two lost souls, and when they find one another, they make a whole.
In the end, The Cursed is extremely entertaining and the start to what promises to be an excellent new series from Ms. Day. The banter and character interactions are superb. The overall story is light and fun, but at times touching and poignant. The mythology of Bordertown and its denizens is thrilling and unique. Luke and Rio are a fun, sexy duo who have many adventures ahead. There is still so much to learn and explore in Bordertown, and I for one am very excited about this new series.
My Rating:
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Loved it - enthusiastically recommend (A)
Tuesday, December 4, 2012
Review: Heart of Atlantis by Alyssa Day
Heart of Atlantis
Author: Alyssa Day
Release Date: Dec. 4, 2012
Publisher: Berkley Sensation
ISBN: #978-0425245774
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Format(s): Paperback (336 pgs), e-book
Book Source: Publisher
About the book:
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Alaric, Poseidon's High Priest, has made a vow to Quinn, the woman he loves and the leader of the Resistance: to save her friend Jack before his last bit of humanity has been drained. Should Alaric succeed, there's one danger-he may lose Quinn to the love of the man whose life he saved...
What I’m talking about:
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I have been waiting for this story since the very first Warriors of Poseidon book, Atlantis Rising. Ms. Day has been building the case for our heroes, Alaric and Quinn, from the very start. They’ve had a lot to overcome, including the long-held belief that the High Priest of Atlantis must remain celibate, a war between vampires and human kind, and Quinn’s near-death experiences. I mention all of this to you because my expectations ran high going into this story! Not to mention, Heart of Atlantis is the final book in Ms. Day’s series about the hardened warriors of Atlantis. If you are like me, you always hate to see a series you love end, but sometimes, it needs to happen.
*NOTE* This review contains spoilers from the first seven books in this series.
The book begins with a prologue that relives some of the final moments in the previous book, Vampire In Atlantis, where in the heat of battle, Quinn’s most trusted advisor and closest friend, Jack (a tiger shifter), is killed. His human side was lost, but his tiger side remained. Quinn won’t leave Jack’s side and Alaric vowed never to leave Quinn’s side.
The trio journeyed to Mt. Fuji, Japan, to a quiet, hidden retreat. There they encountered a woman who claimed to be the spirit of the portal (the portal is the “gate” the Atlanteans can call up and use to move from place to place.) Alaric renounced his duties to Atlantis and Poseidon, the sea god himself. After six weeks of “recovering,” the group was attacked by flying monkey shifters. They also discovered that there was a pretender-to-the-throne, Ptolemy Reborn, who has the final jewel needed to raise Atlantis from the deep. He also appeared on national television, outing Quinn as the leader of the human resistance group, therefore putting her existing in peril. Knowing that they had to give up their seclusion, Quinn and Alaric made their way/s back into the world to protect the human race.
I hate to start my reviews on a negative note, but I feel I need to just put it out there... I was disappointed with Heart of Atlantis. The book itself is good; however, the Alaric/Quinn story line just didn’t have the emotional punch I anticipated and hoped for. One of the problems I had is that this book jumps right into the middle of the pre-existing storyline, so much so, that Heart of Atlantis felt like a continuation of Vampire in Atlantis and not it’s own book. There was no “set up,” or “getting to know you” phase at the beginning of the book. And since it’s been 1.5 years since that last story, I had forgotten much of what I read. Maybe if I’d reread Vampire in Atlantis, I’d have enjoyed this one more.
With that on the table, I will say that there were a lot of good parts in Heart of Atlantis. Alaric and Quinn do FINALLY give into their long-burning desires. Although the pair didn’t have the emotional intensity of earlier books, they shared passionate kisses and tender moments. I loved the scene when Alaric tells Quinn that he is the monster she should be afraid of - his confession of his need and desire for her is intense. As the story progresses, they open to each other more and more until they can reach the point to attempt the soul-meld, which is one of my favorite scenes in the book.
However, throughout most of the story Alaric really rubbed me the wrong way. He was too harsh and completely uncaring about anything but Quinn. And even in his passion for her, he came across too angry and possessive to actually love her. It was more like an unhealthy obsession. The perfect example was when he saved Quinn and they go to an artist's loft to recover. Quinn saw hope and beauty in the artwork. Alaric wanted to blast the paintings. He couldn’t even rid himself of anger, hate and warring long enough to just enjoy Quinn and that moment.
While the romance was underwhelming for much of the book, the storyline with Ptolemy Reborn and the warriors, long-time nemesis, the vampire queen Anubisa was entertaining. The mysterious Ptolemy had nefarious plans and seemed pretty unstoppable, which kept my heart racing. I enjoyed watching the plot unfold and trying to figure out what was going on. The final battle between good and evil was also well played and exciting.
There were other small things, that as a long-time reader of the series, bothered me. One involved a scene with Poseidon and Alaric where Poseidon actually explains himself to Alaric. I felt this was completely out of character for the sea god. Another was the lack of discussion about the fact that Quinn is tied to a vampire via a blood bond. This is something fairly important, and unless I missed it, it wasn’t brought up at all. I went back and reread some of the second book (when this happened) to help me recall the details, but it would have been useful to have that briefly explained in this book. Also, the whole spirit of the portal storyline just didn’t work for me.
What I did like, and what I felt was the most emotionally intense part of the book was the interaction and goodbye between Jack and Quinn near the conclusion of the story. It was short and painful, but in a good way.
Finally, there were some lovely reunion scenes throughout the story, and primarily at the end of the book. It was a nice was to bring closure to the series. Although some of it was a little bit hokey, it was mostly sweet and satisfying for long-time readers. I also enjoyed the way in which Ms. Day ended the book.
Overall I feel let down by Heart of Atlantis. I think because I had built it up so much in my mind, it just couldn't meet my expectations. The emotional component of what made Quinn and Alaric so explosive in the preceding books was missing in this, their story. The book began in the midst of intense actions without giving the reader any buildup. I wanted and needed more time with Quinn and Alaric when they weren't already in the midst of war and experiencing such strong emotions.
With that said, there were some positive pieces, and it was satisfying to see everyone safe and sound and together. I really enjoyed the final battle scene and a couple other pieces I’m not going to mention because of spoilers. I also enjoyed the interactions between Quinn and Poseidon. Once again, the goodbye scene with Jack was difficult and sad, as it should have been.
In the end, Heart of Atlantis is a MUST read for fans of Ms. Day’s wonderful series. Hopefully you will find what you are looking for in this, the final tale from Atlantis.
My Rating:
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Liked it, but I had some issues - recommend (B)
Reviews in the Series:
Saturday, November 10, 2012
Saturday Conversations 11/10/2012
Today I'm short on time, so no lengthy conversations! But I do have a simple question for you... I'm wondering what book/s you are most looking forward to in the next couple months. For me, I'm excited to read the final book in Larissa Ione's Lords of Deliverance series, Rogue Rider (Nov. 20, 2012, Grand Central). Also, Alyssa Day is finishing off her Warriors of Poseidon series with The Heart of Atlantis (Dec. 4, 2012, Berkley). I've been long-time fans of both series and look forward to see how they conclude (look for reviews of both to come!)
What about you? What books are you looking forward to in the next couple of months?
Wednesday, August 3, 2011
Cover Love: Heart of Atlantis
LOOK WHAT JUST CAME IN...
Alyssa Day has released the cover for her 8th WARRIORS OF POSEIDON book. I give you Heart of Atlantis.
All I really know is that it’s the much anticipated (and long overdue!) story of Alaric, high priest to Poseidon.
So awesome!! The cover is fabulous with that lovely chest and the tiger... did you read the last book?! Hehe! I cannot wait for the release of Heart of Atlantis in February 2012 (*sobs* that's such a long wait!). For more about the Warriors of Poseidon series, please visit Alyssa’s website HERE.
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
Review: Vampire In Atlantis
Vampire In AtlantisAuthor: Alyssa Day
Release Date: June 7, 2011
Publisher: Berkley Sensation
ISBN: #978-0425241790
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Format(s): paperback (336 pgs), e-book
I received a copy of this book from the PUBLISHER for the purposes of an honest review.
From the author’s website:
The most unexpected of all allies to Poseidon’s warriors has proven to be the fiercest—Daniel, a vampire and Night Guild mage. But even the strongest alliance can be destroyed when an 11,000 year-old desire is reborn…
A vampire’s oath, a maiden’s quest…
Daniel, vampire and ally of the Warriors of Poseidon, has fought on the side of humanity—even against his fellow creatures of the night—for more than 11,000 years. But the crushing weight of futility and the reality of always being starkly, utterly alone has forced him to finally give into despair. He took the first step into the sunlight that would destroy him—and instead walked into Atlantis.
And the blackest of magic that could consume them both…
Eleven thousand years ago, Serai was one of a group who agreed to be placed into magical stasis to ensure the future of the Atlantean race. When a dark sorceress steals the gemstone that protects her sleeping sisters, she awakens to a vastly changed world—and the one man she could never, ever forget. And with an ancient evil tracking their every step, the long-lost lovers must battle both the darkest of magic and the treacheries of their own hearts.
What I’m talking about:
After leaving the country and main story-arc for the previous book, Atlantis Betrayed, we find our way back to Atlantis and the US. Last we saw the vampire known as Daniel, he had taken over as Primator, Ruler of the Primus, the third house of the US Congress. In Ms. Day’s world, vampires and shifters revealed themselves to humans roughly ten years ago and are slowing taking over life as we know it. A small band of human rebels have aligned themselves with “good” shifters, vamps and the Atlanteans to protect humans from the evil.
At the beginning of Vampire in Atlantis, Daniel decides to give it all up and end his life with the true death, being burned by the sun. As he awaits the first rays to hit his skin, he is pulled into a magic portal, arriving in Atlantis at the feet of his thought-to-be-long dead true love (we are talking 11,000 years “dead”). The two escape Atlantis and begin an adventure to search for the Emperor, one of the missing, mystic gems from Poseidon's trident. They are in a race against time, for the Emperor is being misused by a witch and each drawn on the gem’s powers places Serai closer to death.
I have to say that after the last two books in the Warriors of Poseidon series, this one pales in comparison. While still a good story, at times the dialogue between the main characters or other Atlantean warriors felt choppy and forced. Likewise, it took me a long time to warm up to the romance between Daniel and Serai. The Daniel we’ve read about in the prior books was one of strength, yet in this story, he had given up and was ready to end it all. I don’t recall such strong depression in early books. In addition, Serai, who was in stasis for 11,000 years, fluctuates between a modern, strong-willed woman and one lost from all those years ago. (She was “fed” information annually through magic so that she was up to date on current events and lingo, but there seem to be some gaps in her education, as well as a bit of information overload.) With that said, the couple grew on me over the course of the book, so that by the time the heroic sacrifices are made and the climax occurs, I felt the sting of injustice in my heart and held a tear in my eye.
The story also involves another regionally powerful vampire, Nicholas, a sorceress, Ivy and her young teenage son, Ian. Once again, I enjoyed their story line, and hope this isn’t the last time we see them; however, I had some issues with the characters and events. In the beginning of the story, Ivy comes across as a power-hungry witch that dabbles in the dark arts--someone that cares little about her “underlings.” Likewise, Nicholas is a blood-thirsty vampire with his eyes set on US domination. However, both characters change significantly over the course of the book - which is fine, when justified. However, I felt that Ivy just changed without due course or explanation, while Daniel’s behavior was written off that he has always been hiding his true nature. I didn’t feel that the characters, particularly Ivy, were changed because of the events taking place around them.
Finally, the story brings in a military branch of the government sort of out of no where - their actions never fully explained and their departure a bit too abrupt for my satisfaction. I would have like to seen their involvement from the beginning of the book. And don’t get me started on the “spirit of the portal.”
With all that said, I did like the book and felt it was a worthwhile, enjoyable read and an integral part of a great series (one on my auto-buy list). Even the strongest series have a weaker book from time-to-time. The book forwards the overall story arc and brings us once step closer to seeing Atlantis rise to the surface. I highly recommend this series for paranormal fans looking for something a little different than the norm. This book can be read as a stand alone - Ms. Day does a good job of bringing the reader up to speed on any relevant pieces of the backstory.
My Rating:
Liked it, but I had some issues - recommend (B)
Saturday, June 4, 2011
Sunday Snippets #61
Vampire in Atlantis
Berkley Sensation Publishing
June 7, 2011
With a desperation born of passion, he took her mouth with his own. Claimed it--claimed her--though he could never deserve to keep her. Kissed her as if he were a dying man and she the only chance at life.“Remember this,” he said fiercely. “Remember the feel of my mouth on yours, my body against yours, when you find that perfect Atlantean man someday.”
She started to protest, be he silenced her with his lips, kissing her so hard and deep that he could almost pretend that she belonged to him and always would. It would have helped him find his way back to sanity if she’d fought him.
Instead she pulled him closer, and he was lost.
Long minutes later, he raised his head, coming back to himself enough to realize they stood unprotected in the middle of the path, and their enemies were closer than was safe. Serai clung to him, her body trembling, and he had never wanted anything as much as he wanted to strip her clothes from her and take her, bury his cock in her warm sweetness, and make her his.His timing sucked.
“I love you,” she said.
And the bottom fell out of his world.
He opened his mouth to answer, but nothing came out but a hoarse, choked noise, and then finally he made his stunned brain work and words happened. “Your timing sucks.”
Monday, September 13, 2010
Review: Atlantis Betrayed
Atlantis Betrayed
Author: Alyssa Day
Release Date: September 7, 2010
Publisher: Berkley Sensation
ISBN: #0425238105
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Format(s): paperback, e-book
From the author’s website:
Poseidon’s warriors have learned that the battle to protect humanity produces unexpected enemies--and alliances. And one of the most powerful of all Atlantean warriors will soon find both…in one daring beauty.A warrior’s mission, a woman’s desire…
What could Christophe, powerful Warrior of Poseidon, have in common with Fiona Campbell, prim and proper Scottish illustrator of fairytales by day and notorious jewel thief known as the Scarlet Ninja by night? Answer: The Siren, a legendary Crown Jewel that Fiona has targeted for her next heist. It’s said to be worth millions, but to Christophe it’s invaluable. For the Siren also happens to be one of the missing jewels from Poseidon’s trident.
What could Christophe, powerful Warrior of Poseidon, have in common with Fiona Campbell, prim and proper Scottish illustrator of fairytales by day and notorious jewel thief known as the Scarlet Ninja by night? Answer: The Siren, a legendary Crown Jewel that Fiona has targeted for her next heist. It’s said to be worth millions, but to Christophe it’s invaluable. For the Siren also happens to be one of the missing jewels from Poseidon’s trident.
And the unnatural evil that could destroy them both.
But breaking into the Tower of London is a two-person job, so Christophe and Fiona team up to commit the crime of the century. As newfound passions fire their motives--and cloud their judgment--they realize they aren’t the only ones after the priceless gem. A dark force is shadowing their every move, and threatening to shatter their trust with revenge, betrayal, and a haunting revelation about the past.
But breaking into the Tower of London is a two-person job, so Christophe and Fiona team up to commit the crime of the century. As newfound passions fire their motives--and cloud their judgment--they realize they aren’t the only ones after the priceless gem. A dark force is shadowing their every move, and threatening to shatter their trust with revenge, betrayal, and a haunting revelation about the past.
What I’m talking about:
In the sixth full-length book (and eight installment) of the Warriors of Poseidon series by Alyssa Day, we journey to London. This is the first book that is set outside of the US and away from the on-going and familiar vampire versus human rebels story arc, and it was a refreshing change of pace. This isn’t quite Ms. Day’s typical Poseidon story, but has a lot of familiar similarities. Although it primarily centers on Fiona and Christophe’s story and leaves out most of the on-going story arc, we still see shifters, vamps and some new supernatural beings.
Self-segregated warrior, Christophe, is hanging around London and is tasked to obtain one of the seven sacred jewels from Poseidon’s trident. His heart isn’t really in the game, but Christophe is looking for a change of pace from the everyday dredge of protecting humans from the power-hungry vampires. While on a scouting mission to steal the famous gem, Christophe meets the Scarlet Ninja, and after she shoots him and leaves him for dead, he follows her home. He worms his way into her life and the two begin a tentative and passionate partnership.
Although it took me a couple of chapters to get into this story, I became engrossed with the plot and love story. The book focuses on the jewel heist and when it doesn’t go as planned, the story shifts into a fact-finding whodunit mystery. The tempo was upbeat and the passion was SMOKIN’! In fact, I think that this may be the hottest book of the series. Fiona and Christophe have amazing chemistry and their passion is powerful. I really hadn’t paid much attention to Christophe before this story, but he shines center stage in Altantis Betrayed. And Fiona is a fantastic leading lady! Both characters are strong-minded and courageous, yet each learns when to give and when to accept support from the other. I adored that they grew to love each other through and not in spite of their circumstances. They didn’t find silly reasons not to be with one another and allowed their love to grow and bond them as one.
I had only minor quibbles with the book. I felt that there was a build up of sorts to some of the minor characters in Fiona’s life, but they had no real storyline - mystery but no closure. Also, I felt the final scene of the story was a bit rushed and choppy, but regardless, it was still satisfying.
New characters were introduced, but most were contained within this book. We got a little insight into youngling Warrior, Denal, and possibly a big hint into his future HEA (but his book is not coming soon!) Overall an excellent and steamy ride.
My Rating:
Really enjoyed - strongly recommend
Other reviews of Atlantis Betrayed:
My Review of Atlantis Redeemed (Warriors of Poseidon Book #5)
Friday, March 26, 2010
Review of Atlantis Redeemed
Atlantis Redeemed
March, 2010
Berkley Sensation
Warriors of Poseidon Book 5
Berkley Sensation
Warriors of Poseidon Book 5
ISBN: 0425233030
From the author’s website:
Poseidon’s warriors have learned that the battle to protect humanity produces unexpected enemies--and alliances. But none more unexpected than the bond between a cursed Atlantean warrior and a woman whose sight surpasses any lie…
A warrior with no emotion …
Doomed by Poseidon millennia ago to live life bereft of feelings, Atlantean warrior Brennan’s curse is shattered when he meets Tiernan--a human with the ancient Gift of Truth Telling. Attraction turns deadly when the woman he could never forget becomes the woman he can never remember. With the fate of Atlantis on the line, will a warrior’s uncontrollable desire destroy the world?
A warrior with no emotion …
Doomed by Poseidon millennia ago to live life bereft of feelings, Atlantean warrior Brennan’s curse is shattered when he meets Tiernan--a human with the ancient Gift of Truth Telling. Attraction turns deadly when the woman he could never forget becomes the woman he can never remember. With the fate of Atlantis on the line, will a warrior’s uncontrollable desire destroy the world?
A woman with an eye for the truth…Tiernan’s job as an investigative reporter is perfectly suited to her unique ability to see through any falsehood. But when she discovers human scientists conducting hideous experiments on humans and shape-shifters alike, only a wildly sexy Atlantean can help protect her from the those determined to see her fail—and die. When the future of the world is at stake, can she overcome death itself so together they can protect mankind?
What I’m talking about:
Ah, a great addition to Alyssa Day’s Poseidon Series. We’ve watched dear Brennan suffer without emotions through four books and now he gets his chance to shine. Atlantis Redeemed is a great combination of story line, action, love interest.
Brennan is a strong warrior who has been unable to feel any emotions for the past 2,000 years due to a curse placed upon him by the mighty sea god, Poseidon. Brennan remained a loyal servant for Poseidon all these centuries, not really believing the curse would come to fruition. The curse states that when Brennan meets his one true soulmate that he is doomed to experience every emotion he missed feeling over the course of time since the curse was placed upon him. This makes for an interesting character. I enjoyed the examination of Brennan’s array of emotions as they flooded into his being. Ms. Day did an excellent job transitioning from calm warrior to angry soldier to lustful mate. This was especially rewarding for those who have followed Brennan throughout the series.
Another aspect of the curse is that Brennan is destined to forget his true mate when she is not in his presence. This part of the story was not as strong. I was a bit disappointed that Brennan could fairly easily recall Tiernan once a strong enough emotion triggered a response and bring back some of his memories (like if she was threatened enough or when they kissed passionately). However, the curse has more pieces to it and they all play out in the story to a happy ending.
In Ms. Day’s prior Poseidon books, the warriors carried on with “he-man” attitudes, especially when it came to their women. Many times the conflict in the previous stories was due more to outdated male attitudes and strong-headed females than fighting the vampires. So, I was happy to see that this “he-man” attitude was not as strong of a character trait for Brennan. Sure, he wanted to protect Tiernan, but he worked through his emotions and didn’t often play the MAN-card. And when he did, it seemed more out of genuine concern, rather than Atlantean warrior personality.
The overall story arc of Warriors vs. Evil Vamps continued along with one door closing and another opening. This is very similar to the other books within the series. I felt that the action storyline was developed more to support the love story rather than a strong overall story arc. There is nothing wrong with this, unless you enjoy a strong overall story arc in the series you read.
Finally, for those of you that have followed the series, there are some reveals about Quinn, Alaric and Daniel.
Rating:
Rating:
For an except of Atlantis Redeemed, please visit Alyssa Day’s website.
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