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Showing posts with label Kensington Publishing. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Kensington Publishing. Show all posts
Tuesday, July 2, 2013
Review: Spartan Frost by Jennifer Estep
Spartan Frost
Author: Jennifer Estep
Release Date: June 25, 2013
Publisher: Kensington
Mythos Academy #4.5
ISBN: #978-0758294777
Genre: Young Adult (Urban Fantasy), novella
Format(s): E-book
Book Source: Purchased with own funds
About the book:
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I'm Logan Quinn, the deadliest Spartan warrior at Mythos Academy. At least I was--until the day I almost killed Gwen Frost.
Professor Metis and Nickamedes say that I'm fine, that Loki and the Reapers don't have a hold on me anymore, but I can't risk it. I can't risk hurting Gwen again. So I'm leaving Mythos and going somewhere far, far away.
I know Gwen wonders what's happening to me, whether I'm safe. I can't tell her, but this is my story. . .
What G & U are talking about:
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Gikany and Una have fallen in love with the Mythos Academy series. We love Gwen and the world she inhabits. We tend to get completely caught up in the stories and lose all sense of time. Ms. Estep gives us a treat in this series with Spartan Frost – a short novella that gives us a glimpse into Login-freaking-Quinn’s mind. If you are a fan of this series, this novella is a must read!
Through this very short novella, we see how torn and broken Logan is over his betrayal of Gwen. He is still reeling from being tricked by his stepmother and bound and controlled by Loki through a necklace, which causes him to almost kill Gwen – his beloved Gypsy Girl. Spartan Frost is a bit of an emotional jaunt as we see Logan home with his father – with whom he has a broken relationship. However, we are given a glimmer of hope at the end. That is until you read the short snippet from Midnight Frost and become agitated at the peril Gwen finds herself in. Our only complaint is that it was a novella… and we just wanted more!
If you haven’t started the Mythos Academy series, you are seriously missing out. This is a series parents can read with their kids (seventh grade and up) or as an adult to enjoy. They are really just great reads.
Their Rating:
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Loved it - enthusiastically recommend (A)
Purchase Info:
Reviews in the Series:
Labels:
Thursday, March 28, 2013
Review: Lady of Ashes by Christine Trent
Lady of Ashes
Author: Christine Trent
Release Date: Feb. 26 2013
Publisher: Kensington
Lady of Ashes #1
ISBN: #978-0758265913
Genre: Historical Mystery
Format(s): Paperback (420 pgs), e-book
Book Source: Publisher
About the book:
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In 1861 London, Violet Morgan is struggling to establish a good reputation for the undertaking business that her husband has largely abandoned. She provides comfort for the grieving, advises them on funeral fashion and etiquette, and arranges funerals.
Unbeknownst to his wife, Graham, who has nursed a hatred of America since his grandfather soldiered for Great Britain in the War of 1812, becomes involved in a scheme to sell arms to the South. Meanwhile, Violet receives the commission of a lifetime: undertaking the funeral for a friend of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert. But her position remains precarious, especially when Graham disappears and she begins investigating a series of deaths among the poor. And the closer she gets to the truth, the greater the danger for them both…
What Una is talking about:
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Lady of Ashes is a book that piqued my interest. I grew up watching Agatha Christie and Masterpiece Theatre with my mom. There is a very soft spot in my heart for historical mysteries. Only recently have I started indulging that love. I requested this book from Twimom as a way to rekindle a love of a genre and fondly remember my mother as the anniversary of her death looms. What better novel to read than a historical mystery about a female undertaker in Victorian England who may have uncovered a serial killer?
First, let me say that I thoroughly enjoyed Lady of Ashes, once I let go of waiting for and eagerly searching for the mystery. As the beginning book of a new series, there was quite of bit of building to where we discover the apparently odd deaths. However, that is not to say that it is a bunch of historical “window dressing” drama. Ms. Morgan is a fascinating character. I found myself drawn to her, understanding her passion for a rather odd trade for a woman, especially a married one. Her gentile nature combined with her iron backboard presented a female character that not only was realistic in the period, but understandable as she accepted her role in society (to an extent) even while pushing boundaries.
By a twist of fate, Ms. Morgan is accidentally acquainted with the Prince Consort, who is impressed by Violet’s skills as an undertaker. Here is an excerpt that nicely sums up how Ms. Morgan is viewed by her peers:
The queen handed the card back to her husband with a sniff. “You say this woman was actually embalming a man? How horrifying for you, my love.”
Albert tucked the card inside the top desk drawer of the Blue Room at Windsor Castle, originally built as a fortress and now the longest-occupied palace in Europe. The present residents enjoyed luxurious state apartments, renovated early in the century by George IV. Victoria brought further improvements to the castle, including running water, but had refused the installation of gas lights, preferring candles as so many Britons did.
“Quite the opposite. I was enthralled. Curious that we aren’t doing it here. It seems a worthy endeavor to me.”
“Hardly!” Victoria wrinkled her nose. “It sounds like a disgusting practice to me. And being performed by a woman, no less.”
“I thought so at first, too, but she was very competent, liebchen.” He tapped the desk drawer. “Remember Ms. Morgan when my time comes.”
This excerpt is also an excellent example of how Ms. Trent adds those historical facts without it reading or feeling like a history lesson. That aspect is something that tends to dissuade me from reading some historical novels; if I wanted a history lesson, I would take a class or buy a textbook. However, these facts and milestones are seamlessly woven into the storyline, enriching the storytelling.
The only complaint I had, which was really just a misunderstanding of the summary excerpt I had read, made me feel as if the whole of the novel was a murder mystery. It is only a small portion (and nearer to the end), but what was a complete surprise to me (quite enthrallingly) were the domestic conflicts that seemed to take center stage. The novel summary in this review is far more accurate a description and should not give the misconception I had. The trials that Ms. Morgan faces for a Victorian woman, I feel, would have broken anyone else. I truly admire her will and strength of character. Reading about this period in her life was truly fascinating.
The escape I found in Lady of Ashes was immensely enjoyable and a world I look forward to revisiting. The next book in the series is scheduled for sometime next year. If you have any interest in historical mysteries, I am confident you would enjoy Lady of Ashes.
Una’s Rating:
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Enjoyed - strongly recommend (A-)
Purchase Info:
Tuesday, March 12, 2013
Review: Froggy Style by J.A. Kazimer
Froggy Style
Author: J.A. Kazimer
Release Date: Feb. 26, 2013
Publisher: Kensington Books
A F***ed-Up Fairy Tale #2
ISBN: #978-0758269133
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Format(s): Paperback (288 pgs), e-book
Book Source: Publisher
About the book:
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Jean-Michel La Grenouille has a lot going for him. He's a prince. Handsome. Filthy rich. And definitely charming. But he also spent his first few years as a fly-catching, pond-dwelling frog. All that saved him was the kiss of The One, the girl who saw nobility through his slimy form and fell into True Love. Okay, fine. Technically she was a toddler who tried to eat him, but whatever. The curse broke, and as long as he finds and marries her by his 30th birthday, he's a free man.
Trouble is, he's going to be 30 in ten days, and he's getting some seriously cold-blooded feet. He's pretty sure Princess Sleeping Beauty is The One. But his best man has some villain issues, his in-laws-to-be belong in a really special castle, and a smoking-hot lady biker named Lollie Bliss has him rethinking all this happily-ever-after stuff. Oh, and he may have accidentally put out a hit on his blushing bride. Oopsie.
What B is talking about:
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As far as heroes go, Jean-Michel La Grenouille falls a little short. He’s rude, spoiled, and unrepentantly conceited, unless you ask him, of course. Sure, he’s more handsome than just about any other prince ever born, and has enough shoes to fill a mansion, but he’s a giver, darn it! With a curse threatening to rebound on him imminently, and a potentially murderous bride-to-be, he’s got his hands full. But not as full, at least when it comes to a certain beguiling, lying tattoo artist, as he’d like.
When I first started reading Froggy Style, I’d forgotten how much good, demented fun this series is. Far from the cleaned up versions that defined so many childhoods, these fairy tale denizens have series issues, and not just a few disturbingly bad habits. Deserving of every slap, insult, and attempt on his life, Jean-Michel, aka “The Frog Prince,” is no exception.
There are so many fun characters in Froggy Style, and Ms. Kazimer doesn’t skimp on a single one. From the gin-soaked fairy godmother to the manservant in jester tights (who’s recently found happiness in the company of a stripper named Candi), this story has plenty of colorful personalities to go around. Jean-Michele starts off as a decidedly two-dimensional jerk, but warms considerably the more dire his own situation becomes, and by the middle of the story, I admit I liked him quite a lot.
Froggy Style is one of those rare books that asks nothing more of the reader than to sit back and have a good laugh. It’s ridiculous and occasionally barbaric, but never pretends to be anything other than a fun time for anyone with a like-minded sense of humor. Like its predecessor, Curses!, this story took a little while to really take off, but the more well-rounded Jean-Michele became, the more wonderful the entire story was as a result. Like all good fairy tales, Froggy Style comes down to the quest for “happily ever after,” even if the path our hero takes makes him a little more despicable with every step. In the end, even Jean-Michele learns a thing or two about sacrifice and what true love is really about, making the ending far more rewarding than I anticipated.
B’s Rating:
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Enjoyed - strongly recommend (A-)
Purchase Info:
Reviews in the Series:
Thursday, February 14, 2013
Review: Under the Gun by Hannah Jayne
Under the Gun
Author: Hannah Jayne
Release Date: Feb. 5, 2013
Publisher: Kensington
The Underworld Detection Agency Chronicles #4
ISBN: #978-0758281104
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Format(s): Paperback (352 pgs), e-book
Book Source: Publisher
About the book:
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When you’re near the top of the Underworld Detection Agency, the claws really come out…
Quick thinking and loyalty have taken human Sophie Lawson a long way in the UDA—along with a healthy dose of magic immunity. But when her old boss Pete Sampson asks for help after a mysterious two-year disappearance, she’s determined to find out what high-placed demon has put two ruthless werewolf killers on his tail. Of course, sucking up to her icy vampire department head and negotiating a treacherous inter-office demon battle are the kind of workplace politics that could easily get a “breather” way worse than reprimanded. And sexy fallen angel Alex is doing whatever it takes to heat up Sophie’s professional cool and raise feelings she’s done her best to bury. Too bad their investigation is about to uncover the Agency’s darkest secrets…and powerful entities happy to sign one inquisitive human’s pink slip in blood…
What G & U are talking about:
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Under the Gun is the fourth book in the Underworld Detection Agency Chronicles. This is a series that we strongly recommend you start from the beginning. Gikany and Una jumped into this series with book four and wished they had started it from the beginning. The main character, Sophie Lawson, makes repeated references to events that occurred in the previous books that have shaped who she is and why she takes the actions that she does. The biggest reason we wished we had started with Under Wraps, the first book in the series, is that the book is hysterically funny. There were times that we had to stop reading to wipe the tears of laughter from our eyes before we could continue. However, we cannot help but wonder how many subtle references and humorous inferences we may have missed out on.
The main thread of Under the Gun is Sophie’s struggle to find the serial killer who is tearing apart young women in San Francisco before the werewolf hunters kill her former boss, Pete Sampson. The mystery in this book is well done. Ms. Jayne does an excellent job of keeping the killer a mystery without it feeling contrived. Sophie isn’t someone who can kick butt and take names. She’s physically weak, and terrified of guns. Her biggest strengths are her snarkiness, her stubbornness, and her recognition of her human frailty. She’s not afraid to ask for help when she needs it. One of the funniest scenes in the book is of her learning to use a sword so she has something to defend herself with.
Gikany and Una both enjoyed this Under the Gun and look forward to the next book in the series. Do yourself a favor and start this series from Under Wraps. You won’t regret it. We hope to go back and start the series from the beginning so we'll be prepared for the next book.
Their Rating:
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Liked it - recommend (B+)
Purchase Info:
Wednesday, January 2, 2013
Review: Crimson Frost by Jennifer Estep
Crimson Frost
Author: Jennifer Estep
Release Date: Dec. 24, 2012
Publisher: Kensington
Mythos Academy #4
ISBN: #978-0758281463
Genre: Young Adult (urban fantasy)
Format(s): Paperback (384 pgs), e-book
Book Source: Publisher
About the book:
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For a moment, a face flashed before my eyes—the most hideous face I’d ever seen. No matter how hard I tried to forget what had happened, I saw him everywhere I went. It was Loki—the evil god that I’d helped set free against my will.
I should have known that my first official date with Logan Quinn was destined to end in disaster. If we’d gotten into a swordfight, or been ambushed by Reapers, I’d have been more prepared. But getting arrested mid-sip at the local coffee hangout? I didn’t see that one coming.
I’ve been accused of purposely helping the Reapers free Loki from his prison—and the person leading the charge against me is Linus Quinn, Logan’s dad. The worst part is that pretty much everyone at Mythos Academy thinks I’m guilty. If I’m going to get out of this mess alive, I’ll have to do it myself…
What G & U are talking about:
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Crimson Frost is the fourth release in the Mythos Academy series. Gwen is finally at the center of attention, but for all the wrong reasons. Gikany and Una recommend reading this series from the beginning as many references are made in this novel to previous events. Plus, this is a very well written series, and you should just start from the beginning.
We begin right where Dark Frost ended, with Logan and Gwen on their first date at the coffee shop. However, it is rudely interrupted when the Protectorate, the police of their society, arrive to take Gwen into custody for several charges. The most notable of these charges is the willful release of Loki from his prison. In Crimson Frost, we follow the trial of Gwen as she tries to clear her name and find out the Reapers’ plan for strengthening Loki.
Although the shocking arrival of the Protectorate is completely out of the blue, Crimson Frost starts a little slowly. This is partly because the charges against Gwen seem so ridiculous, but also because you don’t out who is responsible for these charges until you are almost halfway through the story. Despite these issues, it is still a fast and gripping read. Gikany and Una nearly inhaled it. The camaraderie between Gwen and her friends continues to provide Gwen with the steadfast foundation she needs. We enjoyed their interactions and especially the infiltration of Gwen's grandmother into their world.
Crimson Frost is a nail biting and suspenseful fourth edition on the Mythos Academy series. The mythology is fresh, the character engaging and the plot twists and turns nicely. All of this with Ms. Estep's enchanting writing style makes it a very enjoyable read overall. We eagerly look forward to the next novel, Midnight Frost, due out August 2013.
Their Rating:
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Loved it - enthusiastically recommend (A)
Purchase Info:
Reviews in the Series:
Review: Blood of Dawn by Tami Dane
Blood of Dawn
Author: Tami Dane
Release Date: Dec. 4, 2012
Publisher: Kensington
Sloan Skye #3
ISBN: #978-0758267115
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Format(s): Paperback (352 pgs), e-book
Book Source: Publisher
About the book:
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Being a skeptic is somehow making Sloan Skye one of the best profilers in the FBI's new Paranormal Behavioural Analysis Unit. True, her so-called love life isn't any less tangled, but she's beginning to believe she's found a place where her uber-geek smarts and her more out-there methods fit perfectly. Unfortunately, all the incredible things she's seen can't prepare Sloan for the ultimate horror show ...returning to her old high school. Someone - or some thing - is draining blood out of local teenage girls while they sleep. And the only way Sloan can solve the case is to push past her training and surrender to powers beyond her formidable logic to root out one very elusive killer...
What G & U are talking about:
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Blood of Dawn is the third book in the Sloan Skye series. Gikany started from the beginning of the series while Una jumped in on Blood of Dawn. Considering the references to previous events in the preceding novels, and that all three novels take place with in a three week period, we strongly recommend that you start the Sloan Skye series from the beginning.
Blood of Dawn is a quick read. Gikany and Una both unsuccessfully tried to slow down the pace of our reading so we would be better able to retain the story and its nuances for our review. We found it impossible to do so due to the nature of the writing. The novel flows very well, and it is easy to get completely caught up in both the FBI investigation and Sloan’s personal life.
Sloan is working as a summer intern for the FBI in their new Paranormal Behavioral Analysis Unit, and the Sloan Skye series chronicles her professional and personal development as she learns more about the unseen world. For an extremely intelligent woman, she is easily blindsided by interpersonal interactions. However it is these interactions that humanize Sloan. The witty banter and remarks that are littered through the novel help to lighten what is a fairly dark career path. To be a profiler seems to be a hard emotional road to traverse.
Although the overall plot and identity of the culprit was fairly easy to surmise, Blood of Dawn was still an enjoyable read. Considering the resolution of the case and how Sloan was left, Gikany and Una would like to read about Sloan's next case.
Their Rating:
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Enjoyed - strongly recommend (A-)
Purchase Info:
Wednesday, December 12, 2012
Review: Provoked by Rebecca Zanetti
Provoked
Author: Rebecca Zanetti
Release Date: Nov. 1, 2012
Publisher: Kensington
Dark Protectors #5
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Format(s): e-book
Book Source: Publisher/ NetGalley
About the book:
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A TIME FOR WAR…
A casualty of the war between the demons and the vampires, Jase Kayrs has been missing for six long years. His older brothers want answers—but they’re going to have to get them from an unlikely source. For when Kane Kayrs tracks down Amber Freebird, what he finds is a blonde, vegan pacifist who has no intention of using her skills in his war…
A TIME FOR LOVE…
Amber enjoys her life of chaotic freedom and has no intention of falling in line just because a sexy-as-sin vampire insists on order. Unfortunately, he discovers she may be the only hope they have of finding his brother, and there’s no way he’s going to let her go—even if it means mating her to gain her cooperation. The two are as different as can be, yet when the dominant Kane and the untamed Amber finally unite to rescue Jase, they just may find that opposites really do attract…
What VampBard’s talking about:
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Anyone that has read my reviews knows that I always like the tortured heroes. Kane, the leading vamp from Rebecca Zanetti's Provoked, won me over immediately; his phenomenally sexy brain, domineering personality, and that shred of vulnerability that even the most overbearing heroes share, puts him on my list of Top Hotties for 2012.
While I did find the cliches that are expected in PNRs were rampant in Provoked, they were used in a way that was tweaked from the norm. Two races of vampires. Shape-shifters and Werewolves were different entities. Witches aide and abet the paranormal population. It surely isn't your normal Vampire Diaries. Even though I haven't read the first four titles in Ms. Zanetti's Dark Protectors series, she did a great job catching up this virgin series reader, and I don't think she over-explained for those that have read previous titles in the series.
Amber, our unexpected heroine, has discovered that her grandmother has been keeping a secret from her for her entire life. Well, more than one secret, actually. An entire slew of them. When unusual elements begin sniffing around Amber, on the heels of her granny's accident that sent her into a coma, Amber finds herself in need of a hand, no matter how much she envisions herself as an independent, strong woman. Yeah. Not so much in the world of the paranormal. After all, she had no clue that she had hidden gifts and talents that were needed to battle demons. No biggie, right? Amber actually ends up, in my opinion, completely subservient to Kane; he only 'allows' her control on his terms, and she seems OK with that. Meh. To each, his own.
As secondary characters go, I like Amber's granny. This little spitfire had guts to spare. Kane's brothers also provided a great deal of supporting character behaviors. They kicked him in the tush when he was being a blockhead. And, they also gave Kane a standard to which he could aspire.
I did, however, like Kane as a leading character. I thought he stole the show. Not only did Kane have the dark, good looks and physical prowess of a leading man, he possessed a mind like a steel trap. Intelligence and what appeared to be cold calculation were the mainstays of Kane's interactions with others. He would minimize his emotions and empathy to protect his heart from the inevitable pain that could be caused in the long run. Because of his compassion, combined with his scientific mind, Kane strove to contribute to his community – the shifter and vampire world – by discovering an inoculation for the virus that was a threat to the shifter world, witch world, and the mates of the vampires. Positive contribution to society, and all that jazz.
Provoked was a nice little story to occupy a cold and snowy Sunday. I hope to continue reading Ms. Zanetti's Dark Protectors series, simply to find out whether the good guys end up with the win.
VampBard’s Rating:
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Enjoyed - strongly recommend (A-)
Purchase Info:
Monday, December 3, 2012
Review: Angel In Chains by Cynthia Eden
Angel In Chains
Author: Cynthia Eden
Release Date: Nov. 27, 2012
Publisher: Kensington Brava
The Fallen #3
ISBN: #978-0758267634
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Format(s): Paperback (352 pgs), e-book
Book Source: Publisher
About the book:
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As a fallen Angel of Death, Azrael is cursed to walk the earth alone in search of redemption. One night, as he wanders the streets of New Orleans, he discovers a woman surrounded by panther shifters. No longer able to contain the anger simmering within, Az summons his dark powers and attacks, determined to protect this innocent human from certain death.
Only Jade Pierce is no delicate flower. She’s spent years learning to survive and fight the evil forces sent by her ex-lover who refuses to let her go. But after seeing Az in action, she figures she could use a little supernatural help. And so she plans a course of seduction guaranteed to arouse his interest and his angelic passions…
What B is talking about:
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Jade Pierce may be human, but she’s also deadly, strong, and clever. A survivor first and foremost, she’s lived her life on the run from her psychotic shifter ex for years. As much as she’d like to see Brandt dead, she knows she can’t kill him on her own, and has gotten very good at knowing when it’s time to escape. Getting close to anyone else has only led to the destruction of those she cares about, and standing up to Brandt was never an option she could allow herself to consider. Until she met Azrael.
Though he now roams the streets of New Orleans as a “fallen,” Azreal spent his entire heavenly existence bringing death to those whose time on earth had ended. Once the commander of angels, Az will do anything to get his wings back, but something about the fiery woman he’s decided to help makes him think that Heaven isn’t what he really needs after all. As much as he wants redemption, Az soon discovers that temptation is even better.
Angel in Chains is essentially a rescue story at its onset, but becomes much more than that by the end. Jade and Az both have ulterior motives for joining forces, and have no qualms about using each other to those ends. Jade wants protection from Brandt, and Azrael believes that saving her will be his redemption and path back to Heaven. But, as their story progresses they discover what sacrifice really means, and their determination to see each other survive will either save the earth, or destroy it utterly. It’s not an easy transition, but Ms. Eden manages it with feeling and sincerity that continues to grow throughout the story.
Azrael and Jade are absolutely perfect for each other. Hot, sexy, erotic—all three apply in this case, as both characters briefly try to resist each other, knowing their mutual surrender to their desires is inevitable. Azrael is a virgin, but he’s clearly a sexual creature, and Ms. Eden thankfully never attempts to portray him as an uncertain innocent. There’s nothing particularly innocent about either of them, as a matter of fact, which I really enjoyed. Az never puts up a strong defense against the temptation of Jade, but instead convinces himself that, since he’s already fallen, pleasure is an acceptable and worthwhile pursuit. Az is, in short, a very bad angel. And I, like Jade, wouldn’t have him any other way.
Angel in Chains was a captivating read, and I’m once again sorry that I’ve not read the first two novels in the series, something I intend to correct soon. While Jade and Az are fantastic characters, the author gives her other characters just as much complexity, and I was unable to dismiss any of them as truly “minor.” Brandt is the bad guy I loved to hate, and I was very pleased that his traumatic history wasn’t used as an excuse for the atrocities he committed. Never trading sex for substance, Angel in Chains is more than just a romp between humans and immortals, it is an exciting, engaging story about falling in love and the salvation that goes with it.
B’s Rating:
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Loved it - enthusiastically recommend (A)
Purchase Info:
Angel Betrayed (The Fallen #2)
Angel In Chains (The Fallen #3)
Wednesday, October 10, 2012
Review: Blaze by Joan Swan
Blaze
Author: Joan Swan
Release Date: Sept. 25, 2012
Publisher: Kensington
Phoenix Rising #2
ISBN: #978-0758266408
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Format(s): Paperback (400 pgs), e-book
Book Source: Author
About the book:
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With a man like him, every mission becomes personal…
Ever since FBI agent Keira O’Shay started tracking a young boy named Mateo, she’s felt a connection even her empathic abilities can’t explain. She needs to save Mateo from the cult leader holding him hostage. Nothing can interfere with that—not even the reappearance of Luke Ransom, the hot-as-hell fire captain she’s regretted walking out on for three long years.
Losing Keira left Luke vulnerable—in every way. When they were together, the powers each possesses were mysteriously enhanced. But it’s the sexy, surprising woman beneath the tough exterior that Luke’s really missed. Even if she betrayed him utterly. And even if agreeing to help her uncover a government conspiracy means watching his life and his heart go up in flames again…
What I’m talking about:
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Right from the opening, Blaze, brings action, adventure and heat to the reader. The book begins with FBI agent Keira O’Shay in the middle of a cult-like hostage situation. Her extrasensory instincts tell her that they are outside of something more than a religious commune. Her worst fears are confirmed when shots are fired and a man is down. Keira, an expert snipper, is called in and her new back up is her ex, Luke Ransom, whom she hasn’t seen since she left him three years ago.
Things go from bad to worse when the place begins to explode around the pair before they can rescue they trapped children. Keira’s focus is on saving a young boy, Mateo, with whom she has shared a psychic bond for a year. With the help of Luke, Keira manages to escape with Mateo, just barely. And then, the situation really gets ugly. Keira and Mateo are kidnapped, Luke saves them, and the trio are on the run, hiding from some powerful government players.
I was sucked into Blaze immediately. The only difficulty for me was trying to piece together the who’s and what from the first book, Fever (I’d forgotten some of the key characters and going-ons). Although I would have benefited from (and enjoyed) a reread of the first book, a new-to-the-series reader can easily jump in with Blaze.
The hostage situation, followed by the continuing government conspiracy (from Fever) created wonderful tension and suspense from the get go. And the sexual tension was off the charts! The fact that Keira and Luke loved one another deeply and both regret their decisions that lead them apart made me cheer for the pair all that much more. I was emotionally invested in the couple from the start.
There were several beautiful moments shared between Luke and Keira that had me sniffling more than once. After being apart for so long, neither were certain how to act and just be around the other. Although sometimes everything felt so natural, they were both afraid to let go and totally open up. But thanks to their unique abilities, they were able to tap into one another’s thoughts and emotions. This allowed for some intense and passionate moments that warmed me to my soul. And as they began to open up (wait for the moment that Luke confesses his celibacy!), the sexual tension mounted until it boiled over into the HOTTEST reunion sex scene EVER! The scene is sexy yet, honest and real. I adore that when they finally reunited, it was as themselves, knowing that there were problems and issues, but willing to work on them to be together because they loved one another. I love this couple!
Outside of the love story, we are treated to the continuing storyline of a team of firefighters that have been altered by a chemical explosion in a warehouse. Since that moment, each has developed unique “powers,” but also plagued with emotional baggage. Keira and Luke are two members of this team. In Blaze, we learned more about what happened, and witness the group (almost all) together as a team. I love that the team is a close knit family and how they can still work as a team, even after all they’ve been through. There are some not-so-good government employees, lead by the mysterious Jocelyn, after this team, and now that they are bonding and reuniting, Jocelyn feels pressure to raise the stakes. Something big happens at the end of Blaze, that could have significant repercussions for Jocelyn, and holy hell, I cannot wait to find out what happens next!
My only real complain is that I wanted more! Luke and Keira were on again, off again throughout the entire story - sorting out their baggage and coming to terms with each other. I wanted more of the pair at the end once they finally got past all of what was keeping them apart.
Overall, I completely enjoyed this book and adored this couple. There was intense emotion. Real ones. Struggles most of us can related to... Perhaps not the actual situation, but the feelings of uncertainty and fear. Ms. Swan does a beautiful job communicating these heightened emotions while fitting them into the story without sacrificing the plot or action. I highly recommend Blaze to anyone who enjoys a suspenseful story, and values an emotionally-driven romance.
My Rating:
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Loved it - enthusiastically recommend (A)
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