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Showing posts with label Lora Leigh. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Lora Leigh. 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:
Labels:
Wednesday, August 8, 2012
Review: Stygian's Honor by Lora Leigh
Stygian's Honor
Author: Lora Leigh
Release Date: Aug. 7, 2012
Publisher: Berkley
Breeds #27
ISBN: #978-0425246078
Genre: Paranormal Romance, Erotic
Format(s): Paperback (374 pgs), e-book
Book Source: Publisher - won ARC at RAGT12
About the book:
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Window Rock, Arizona, is the last known location of Honor Roberts, who vanished when she was just thirteen. It was her only sanctuary from the Breed research that would surely have ended in her death--one such insidious experiment should, indeed, have killed her. That she lived is both a miracle--and a great mystery.
Stygian's mission is to find Honor Roberts, no matter the cost. Now, with the help of Liza Johnson, assistant to the chief of the Navajo Nation, he is closer than ever to his goal. But will the discovery of Honor Roberts mean the destruction of the mating heat that has developed between Stygian and Liza?
What I’m talking about:
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“Hmmm... What are my thoughts on this book?” That is what I wondered as I finished the 27th Breed story. I have mixed feelings, but that is probably more a reflection of the direction of the series and a combination of reading so many of these books, rather than Stygian’s Honor as a stand alone body of work. As I've said countless times before, Breeds is my guilty pleasure. But lately the books have left me a bit unsatisfied, and Stygian’s Honor is no exception. My biggest complaint is that the books feel very formulaic. Although the set up and situations are unique to each story, there are common denominators that are frankly becoming tiresome for me: the alpha breed male determined to "break" his female, the human female mate who feels mating a breed will ruin her life, Jonas being an ass (and he reaches a whole new level in this book!). In addition, the once erotic sex scenes have become a series of words and phrases repeated time and time again. And at times, the point-of-view changes from one character to another without any clear indicators, which can make the story difficult to follow.
With that said, there are some things I liked in this book. First, I really enjoyed several of the conversations between Stygian and Liza. Many were open and direct, which was a refreshing change from other pairings. She is much more knowledgable about the Breeds and their secrets than other heroines in past stories, and she was willing to let Stygian know where he stands. In addition, Stygian knows from the start that Liza is his mate and embraces this fact. He doesn't want to lie to his mate and while he doesn't, he is still careful to not reveal too much.
Second, I was very happy to see Cassie back in action. Although her role is small, it was exciting. We saw more of her special "abilities" front and center. In addition, we witnessed a few more clues as to what may be coming. I'm still trying to figure out who she will mate with one day... I have my suspicions.
Another plus is Coyote Breed, Dog. I enjoy his sarcasm and wit. His character is tough to read, and I like trying to figure him out. There is one short scene near the end of the book that has me reeling and wondering what Dog is up to.
As for the overall story arc, we last left off with Jonas et. al. searching for two human females and two Breed males that were part of the Genetic Council's testing of the Breed Mating hormone program. Jonas believes these four carry the answers to cure his young daughter from the effect of the drugs former Council member Brandenmore used on her. The team is set up on Navajo land and are bullying their way to find answers. In Stygian’s Honor we do get some of these answers, but not many. I don't feel like the Breeds are any closer to solving the mysteries of the Brandenmore drug.
I liked Liza for the most part. She is strong and fiercely independent. I also appreciate that Stygian makes a huge and successful effort to allow her to remain that way. However I felt that her character was too "wishy-washy,” with radical emotional shifts and apparent changes in beliefs when it comes to her family and the Breeds. One minute she wants out from the Breeds, the next she's happy. She goes on about how she loves and trusts her father, but then rails on him. It was inconsistent behavior that frustrated me.
Another thing I'm not happy about is that Liza is tied into a covert group known as the Navajo Underground ... This team of friends plays a large roll in her life, and we see a lot of them in the beginning of the book. However, once Liza falls under Breed protection, we hear nothing of this group again. It felt off and gave no closure.
Even though the scale seems to weigh heavy on the negative side in my review, the book was still enjoyable. There is a reason these books are addictive and I am not ready to give up the habit just yet.
My Rating:
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Reviews in the Series:
Friday, June 8, 2012
RAGT Wrap Up and Shameless Summer Giveaway Hop
Well, I’ve had a few days to process the whirl-wind trip that was my weekend in Ohio, and I’m here to give you the highlights AND to giveaway some GREAT prizes! Keep reading for the giveaway details!
Second reason I made the trip: my amazing book friends and blogging tweeps. After meeting so many of you in Philadelphia last year, I had to take this opportunity to see you again (and hang with some of the Sisterhood of the Werefly!).
I landed in the Dayton, OH airport about 10:30 AM on Friday June 1st and was back there by noon on Sunday June 3rd. It was a quick but wonderful visit! I got to spend time with Nima and Ang (who could not attend the event because Nima’s daughter was graduating high school), and I got to get in lots of author and friend time at the event.
So, here are some of the highlights of my trip...
Friday June 1:
First of all, if you’ve never been hugged by Bells from Hanging with Bells, you are missing out! She alone was worth the trip and I miss her already! I got to meet up with many of the friends I’d met in Philly: Bells, Mandi (from Smexi), Danielle (Lush), Penny, Dren, Marq, and Jaime Saare. I also got to meet several of my tweeps for the first time... Like Colette (aka A Buckeye Girl Reads), Liza (MsLizalou), NikiBrandyberry, Penny’s sister: QueenCityE, Bridget Locke, Jackie (Literary Escapism) and Nicole (aka Adam S. Walker - or as you would know her, Admin for Shiloh Walker). And bonus... I got to hang with Trelaina again (after meeting her in August when I was in Chicago). LOTS OF FUN!
That night there was a book signing and I took advantage... I got to meet Sherrilyn Kenyon... Yes THE SHERRILYN KENYON!! She is so sweet and I would have loved to talk with her longer, but there was a line and well, I was a bit tongue-tied & fangirl. I also finally got to meet Shiloh Walker after tweeting with her for the past couple of years. Then I spent time catching up with some of the authors I meet last year in Philly... PJ Schnyder, Judi Fennell and Stephanie Julian. All such wonderful women. I really enjoyed talking books with Judi (I kind of monopolized her for a while!)
After the signing, we played some very interesting Pictionary sponsored by Carina Press. Let me tell you, even if it looks like it, the answer is not “penis!” We laughed a lot! I also took the opportunity to meet Angela James, editor at Carina and another twitter buddy.
After hanging in the bar for a bit, I took off back to Nima’s house, where I made it up until 1:00 AM (I woke at 3:30 AM Friday morning).
Saturday June 2:
I was up bright and early! I headed back over the hotel for breakfast and conversation. After the buffet, we broke into small groups, and I selected the one with Virna DePaul. Although I’d never read any of her books, I’ve heard some amazing things about her characters and world-building. I am so glad I went! Meeting Virna is one of the highlights of my trip. She is such a nice person and I enjoyed discussing how bloggers/reviewers fit into the mix. She will be at AADNOLA this August and I cannot wait to chat with her some more.
Next I went to a discussion sponsored by Berkley Publishing. Although much of the discussion centered around the submission process (and I am not a writer), I learned many new things about the world of being a published author. I also won an ARC of Lora Leigh’s Stygian’s Honor. WOOT! You all know how I love me some BREEDS!
At lunch I tracked down another person I wanted to meet: Sue Grimshaw from Romance at Random (Random House). I’ve chatted with her often on Twitter and enjoyed meeting her live and in person. Another wonderful woman!
The rest of the time was spent chatting more with the people I’d come to see and meet. I finally headed back to Nima’s about 10:00 PM, and when I got there, Nima, Ang and I stayed up until nearly 3:00 AM catching up!
NOW FOR THE FUN... a GIVEAWAY!
I’m participating in the SHAMELESS SUMMER GIVEAWAY BLOG HOP!
While I was away, I thought of all of you - my readers! Really, I did. And I was able to pick up a few fun things to share.
First Prize: the first three books from Sherrilyn Kenyon’s League Series: Born of Night, Born of Fire and Born of Ice - all SIGNED by Sherri herself!
Second Prize: A SIGNED copy of The Sweetest Thing by Jill Shalvis AND a hand-crafted bookmark made by Shannon K. Butcher.
Third Prize: A copy of Guilty Pleasure by Lora Leigh AND a book cover flat and bookmark signed by Lila DiPasqua.
How to Enter and Giveaway Rules: To enter, please leave me a comment telling me what author you’ve never met, but would love to meet some day. To be eligible for the contest, comments must be made by 11:59pm EDT on Friday, June 15, 2012. One entry per person, the winners will be selected from eligible entries using random.org. Contest is open to US and Canadian mailing addresses ONLY; please leave your email address so I can contact you. I am not responsible for items lost in the mail. You do not need to be a Google Friend Connect follower of my blog, but it is appreciated.
Special thanks to Jen at Red Hot Books, Brie at Romance Around the Corner & Michelle at Michelle's Book Blog for sponsoring the Shameless Summer Giveaway Hop. Please visit these other great blogs for more chances to win other great prizes!
PS... If you don't want to enter the contest, but still would like to leave a comment, please do so and just note "no contest entry."
PS... If you don't want to enter the contest, but still would like to leave a comment, please do so and just note "no contest entry."
Monday, December 19, 2011
Review: Lawe's Justice
Lawe’s Justice
Author: Lora Leigh
Release Date: Dec. 6, 2011
Publisher: Berkley Sensation
Breeds #26
ISBN: #978-0425243954
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Format(s): Paperback (368 pgs), e-book
Book Source: Purchased with my own funds
About the book:
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Diane Broen's lived to protect her younger sister Rachel from harm. But now that Rachel has been mated off, Diane's occupied herself with less fulfilling tasks at the Genetics Council--until she's paired with a new team member, a Breed male notorious for his attitude, and a touch that makes her recoil.
Lawe isn't thrilled with her either. A lion at heart, he prefers a lair of solitude. When it comes to females, he'd rather snarl than purr. And while fate may have paired them to fight on the same team, neither is willing to admit to the obvious: the mating heat between them is positively incinerating.
It's only when danger threatens that they make a hotter-than-hell connection--one so explosive it could destroy them. Or, as providence reveals, bind them together, forever.
What I’m talking about:
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Lawe’s Justice opens with a horrifying memory of the Breed Lab where Lawe and his brother Rule grew up - a memory of their mother being cut open and studied while alive. The story then jumps to present day where Breed Director Jonas is investigating a rogue Breed who is killing human researchers who were involved with similar experimentations. Meanwhile, we meet Diane, a human mercenary hired to find three individuals (victims) that fled from the lab. Jonas, the perpetual interfering manipulator, sends Lawe in to debrief Diane, knowing that she is Lawe’s mate.
Diane and Lawe have lived the past several months trying to avoid one another, knowing they were mates and not yet ready to deal with the commitment that comes along with being mated. Once together, they realize they can no longer fight their attraction. However, Diane refuses to be protected and “placed on a shelf,” and fights to continue as a warrior and solider in the fight to protect all Breeds.
The story was a bit tough to follow at first - all these names tossed at the reader without much detail to back up the action. All I could figure out for the first few chapters is that the rouge Breed, Gideon, was chasing after the same people Diane was looking for. I’d say it wasn’t until I was about a third of the way through the book until I started piecing together who Gideon and Diane were searching for and how they all fit into the larger picture.
What blew me away with this book was the intense an emotionally raw dialogue between Lawe and Diane. She poured our her heart and soul to him over and over. Diane is a strong woman who refuses to be treated with kid gloves. She wants Lawe to stop protecting her and fight along side of her. She is full of fervor and refuses to give up her fight. Her internal struggles were passionate as she acknowledged her physical and emotional desire to be Lawe’s mate, which felt in direct contrast to her drive to fight and be free. Diane’s heartfelt pain drew me in and had me hoping for Lawe to change as well.
Diane also shared some beautiful moments with Jonas’ mate, her sister Rachel. These interactions also highlighted Diane’s inner turmoil as she watched her sister stand along side her mate and seemingly in opposition to Diane.
However, at around the 70% mark (I read on Kindle), I noted that Diane’s honest and heart-wrenching dialogue was getting to be a bit repetitive. And then she started coming off as whiny. I became disinterested in her feelings and just wanted the story to progress.
Speaking of the story... Once I figured out (I thought) who everyone was, who they were trying to locate, and why they were searching (Gideon for revenge, Diane to help find a cure for her niece), and I thought the parties were getting close to locating them, things started falling apart for me. It seemed like there were new players every few pages and I got very confused.
And the ending... I was not happy. For a book that started out so strong, the ending was pretty weak. There was no conclusion in the story for the hunt for the missing lab victims - not even a satisfying lead. I understand the need to have a strong story arc in a multi-book series, however in this case, the entire book was about the hunt and it lead nowhere.
Lawe’s Justice was probably a 4.5 star story for about two-thirds of the book, and then it went downhill for me. Diane was a breath of fresh air, and I adored the conflicts she and Lawe dealt with. However, their friction grew tiresome and the story just wasn’t that strong in the end.
My Rating:
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Liked it, but I had some issues - recommend (B)
Saturday, April 23, 2011
Review: Navarro's Promise
Navarro’s PromiseAuthor: Lora Leigh
Release Date: April 5, 2011
Publisher: Berkley Trade
The Breeds Series #24
ISBN: #978-0425239780
Genre: Paranormal Romance, Erotic
Format(s): paperback (320 pgs), e-book
I purchased a copy of the book for my own reading pleasure.
From the author’s website:
In the wolf breed novel, NAVARRO’S PROMISE, Mica Toler’s best friend is the wolf/coyote hybrid breed, Cassie Sinclair. And now Mica is being drawn into her world in ways she had prayed she never would be when the charming wolf breed Navarro makes good on the promise he made her on a dark, explosive night.
The Breeds guaranteed that no harm would come to Micah Toler but they never allowed for her sensual fascination with Navarro Blaine. Aloof, cool, and mysterious, he draws her in as no man ever has. But Micah never wanted this. She had her own dreams, her own desires, and being stalked and seduced by a wolf breed wasn’t part of that plan.
Now she knows her life is in danger. What Navarro knows is that she’s his mate and that the breeding and training that created him is being peeled away in his desperation to claim a woman that refuses to be claimed.
He has her body. She craves his touch. And as the breeds converge the past will rise up to haunt Navarro in ways he never expected.
The Breeds guaranteed that no harm would come to Micah Toler but they never allowed for her sensual fascination with Navarro Blaine. Aloof, cool, and mysterious, he draws her in as no man ever has. But Micah never wanted this. She had her own dreams, her own desires, and being stalked and seduced by a wolf breed wasn’t part of that plan.
Now she knows her life is in danger. What Navarro knows is that she’s his mate and that the breeding and training that created him is being peeled away in his desperation to claim a woman that refuses to be claimed.
He has her body. She craves his touch. And as the breeds converge the past will rise up to haunt Navarro in ways he never expected.
What I’m talking about:
Once again, I stress to you all... The Breeds Series is my guilty pleasure. You can read about my love in my recent review of the novella “Primal Kiss” HERE.
Chronologically, this story takes place after Styx’s Storm and the recent novella “Primal Kiss.” The story focuses on Breed Enforcer, Navarro Blaine and human Mica Toler. Mica grew up among the Breeds and is best friends with one of the Breed protected children, Cassie Sinclair. Mica is now an adult, but has dreamed of and loved Navarro since she was 16. She guarded her emotions from him for years, but when the evil Phillip Brandenmore threatens her life, Mica and Navarro are thrown together in a dangerous fight for survival.
NOTE: due to some technical issues with the book, I have described a scene that may be slightly spoilerish. In addition, I have mentioned some things about the conclusion of the book that are spoilers.
I’m going to say right up front that this book was a bit of a let down for me. It still had the erotic sex scenes and the fast-paced action, but for me, it lacked the “punch” of many of her other Breed stories. Not only that, but the book is actually missing an pivotal scene that lead to some confusion while I was reading it! A little backstory here... I do not read other reviews or information about a book until after I’ve read it. I received a heads up from tweep @HaileyEdwards that a scene was missing, but I didn’t want to research it until I was done. And sure enough... right about page 299, at a critical moment in the book, we have Mica and Navarro leaving the labs all mad at each other and jump to the bed, post sex, spilling out the emotions we’ve been waiting for the entire story. Oh, and the bad guy happens to be there as well. It was a total WTF?! moment. After doing some research on both the author’s and publisher’s websites, the only thing I could find out about this “error” is that it was a mistake, the author plans to put the scene up on her website, and the books will be reprinted soon. (The information HERE is located on Ms. Leigh’s FORUM) I called my local Barnes & Noble store, which knew nothing about the problem, but said that they would exchange my book for me when the new ones are available.
Anyhow, back to the review... The overall story was okay, and I doubt that the missing scenes will solve the things I didn’t care for in the book. What I did like: the mating heat and signs have taken an interesting twist and I like how it was directly tied to emotions - in the past we were lead to believe the heat happens, but will only match up “perfect pairs,” and the emotions of either partner didn’t seem to have an impact. Not so with Navarro and Mica. It was a nice adjustment to this little-known phenomenon. I also enjoyed seeing more of the mysterious Cassie and getting a better idea of how Eli (the feline doctor) is doing after being near death and betrayed by those close to her.
What I didn’t really care for: first of all... the story seemed very repetitive to me. I got tired of reading about Mica’s juices flooding her pussy, that Navarro was not experiencing the mating heat, that the Breeds have to hide the mating phenomenon, and that although Merinus was over 40 years old, she still looked so young, etc. etc. Also, I felt that Mica’s reactions to events surround the mating heat were overly conflicted and hyper-emotional. She admitted that she’d been in love with Navarro since she was 16, yet she was so freaked out for a while, even bordering on hateful feelings. I understand that she was afraid of getting her heart broken, but it just seemed over the top to me.
Finally, the ending of the story was a disappointment. Unless the missing scene can pull together several plot line developments, I feel that the conclusion of the story was lackluster. There was build up of a spy in Sanctuary (yes, another spy... go figure!), but it was never more than a passing mention in the end. Mica was the focus of Brandenmore’s evil plans, yet we never really found out what he was up to, and he was just brushed under the rug in the end.
I am giving this book a 3 for its rating. I love the Breeds, and this book did have some wonderful scenes that held an emotional impact. I felt it fell short in the end, but is still a must read for fans of the series. If you are new to the series - definitely do NOT start here. It’s not the best example of how wonderful this series truly is.
My Rating:
Liked it, but I had some issues - recommend (B)
(recommend for fans of the series,
but not for new comers to the series)
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
Quickie Review: "Primal Kiss"
“Primal Kiss”from the Anthology Primal
Author: Lora Leigh
Release Date: February 1, 2011
Publisher: Berkley Trade
The Breeds Series #23
ISBN: #978-0425239056
Genre: Paranormal Romance, Erotic
Format(s): paperback, e-book
I borrowed a copy of the book for my own reading pleasure. (thanks Mandi!)
From the author’s website:
When the bad boy lion breed, Creed Raines, crashes the family cabin while Pharmaceutical CEO Horace Engalls' daughter is vacationing, it sets off a series of events that even Creed couldn't have imagined beginning. Mating Heat blows sky high, hot and overwhelming, and reminding him of all the reasons he had fought to avoid it. Especially with the shy, though incredibly stubborn decidedly willful, much loved and cherished Engalls Princess, Kita Engalls.
But for Jonas Wyatt it could be a blessing in disguise, because only Horace Engalls knows the true scope of Phillip Brandenmore’s evil. And only by holding Kita hostage to the truth Jonas demands, will it ever come to light. But can mating heat bloom and became the fiery tendrils of love when Kita suspects her breed has betrayed her?
But for Jonas Wyatt it could be a blessing in disguise, because only Horace Engalls knows the true scope of Phillip Brandenmore’s evil. And only by holding Kita hostage to the truth Jonas demands, will it ever come to light. But can mating heat bloom and became the fiery tendrils of love when Kita suspects her breed has betrayed her?
What I’m talking about:
Once again, I stress to you all... The Breeds Series is my guilty pleasure. Ms. Leigh writes some of the hottest erotic paranormal stories out there, and this novella is no exception! As an avid reader of this series, my review may not make sense to those of you that have not YET picked up this delicious series.
Chronologically, this story takes place after Styx’s Storm and prior to the recently released Navarro’s Promise (review later this week). As with most of Ms. Leigh’s novellas, “Primal Kiss” contains key plot development for the overall story arc. In this case, we find out more about Phillip Brandenmore and his evil plot to create a “fountain of youth” serum from mating Breed pairs. At risk, his niece, Kita Engalls, the unknown (at the time) mate of Breed Enforcer Creed Raines. She is wanted by both the Breeds and purest-human groups as leverage to get knowledge from Brandenmore.
The pace of this story is quick. There are few bumps in the road and both Kita and Creed readily accept their lot as mates including all of the complications that come with the Breed mating hormone. The primary focus of the story is the romance between Kita and Creed, which is erotic and sensual. The story climaxes with a showdown between the Breeds and Brandenmore, which was a bit sketchy with details and lacked emotional tension - but you can’t expect everything to be perfect in a novella-length story.
All-in-all another pleasurable read in The Breed Series. LOVE IT!! A must read for fans and a fun introduction for those that have missed out on this amazingly fun series.
My Rating:
Enjoyed - strongly recommend (A-)
Monday, October 18, 2010
Review: Styx's Storm
Styx’s StormAuthor: Lora Leigh
Release Date: October 5, 2010
Publisher: Berkley Sensation
A Breeds Series Book (#22 according to Goodreads)
ISBN: #978-0425237397
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Format(s): mass market paperback (304 pgs), e-book
From the back cover:
When Storme Montague’s father and brother are killed by the Breeds, her father’s research is also destroyed--except for a crucial date chip that both the Council and the Breeds would kill to possess. Betrayed to the Council, she is rescued by Styx, a Wolf Breed who is different from most other Breeds she has ever known. Storme has something he wants too--but it’s not a data chip.
There’s never been a woman who bad boy Styx couldn’t seduce. But can the charmer of the Wolf Breeds charm the enemy?
Or has the enemy come up with a plan of her own? A plan that could destroy the tentative balance the Breeds have created in society and among their allies--and that may ultimately destroy them both...
What I’m talking about:
Lora Leigh’s Breeds Series is my guilty pleasure. I admit it. I really enjoy the books. Yes, they tend to follow the same basic storyline. Yes, the males are bit hard-headed and dominate/possessive. Yes... I love it! And this story is no different.
Spoiler Alert (this contains information learned in previous Breed books and may be a spoiler if you haven’t read them)
Picking up about 6 weeks after the end of Lion’s Heat (my review HERE), we find out there there may be information out there to help Breed Director, Jonas Wyatt, figure out what was done to his infant daughter. That information is hidden by Storme Montague, who’s father and brother were Council scientists that helped create the Breed race. She was raised in a Breed laboratory setting and witnessed a rouge Breed murder her brother and father. Storme has been on the run for ten years and doesn’t trust ANYONE. The Breeds have followed Storme from afar, always protecting her without her knowledge, hoping she would come to them one day and share the secrets that her father and brother left with her. Unfortunately, time has run out and the Breeds send out Wolf Breed Styx to bring in Storme.
Styx is not your average Breed. He is known as quite the ladies man and for good reason. Even when scared, this is Storme’s first impression of her undiscovered mate:
Squared, strong features drew instant female attention, as did the exotic eyes that appeared to be lined with kohl. High cheekbones, well-molded male lips, broad shoulders, a strong chest and impressive biceps. He was larger and broader than the other men, and looked exactly like what he had been created to be. A Scots warrior. He would have looked at home in a kilt with a sword strapped to his waist.
Styx knows Storme is his mate, yet the mating process doesn’t complete after they have hot and steamy smex. He is perplexed and frustrated, and he cannot share the information with Storme until he knows if she will betray the Breeds or not. At first I thought this may be a repeat of either Mercury’s War or Tanner’s Scheme, but Ms. Leigh tweaks the story enough to make it a bit different. Unfortunately, we never really learn why the mating process was delayed, and I felt a bit let down by that.
What I did enjoy (besides the passionate and very hot romance) was that Storme got the chance to fall in love with Styx before the mating took hold. Although she is involuntarily taken and protected by the Breeds, she is treated with kindness and respect. Styx doesn’t try to force the mating and he doesn’t try to overtly dominate Storme. She does hate and fear the Breeds and her captor/mate, but she starts to observe that her perceptions may not be true. She struggles with her emotions and fights the dueling attraction and lust verses her long-held beliefs. This is a refreshing change from some of the earlier Breeds Series books.
We didn’t learn much about the overall story arc and conflict of Breed verses Council, and there were more unanswered or open questions (see earlier comment on delayed mating process). However, I enjoyed the focus on Storme and Styx. The romance was extremely hot and I felt more of a connection with this couple than I did in the previous couple of stories.
This is a must read for Breed fans. However, if you haven’t been following the series, I don’t know if this book would be well received. As I wrote in my review of Lion’s Heat, you can start with Megan’s Mark and get enough background and story to make the series worthwhile. But if you haven’t followed the series, you really should!
My Rating:
4: Really enjoyed - strongly recommend (A-)
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