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Showing posts with label Vampbard review. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Vampbard review. Show all posts
Tuesday, July 23, 2013
Review: Dangerous Proposition by Jessica Lauryn
Dangerous Proposition
Author: Jessica Lauryn
Release Date: June 25, 2013
Pinnacles of Power #3
Publisher: Siren-Bookstrand
Genre: Contemporary, Romantic Suspense
Format(s): e-book
Book Source: author
About the book:
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When Julia Dyson learns her father has been abducted, she believes his hidden profession may be to blame. But when she discovers a man’s name in her dad's caller history, a man suspected of shady business activity and also her teenage crush, she decides to take matters into her own hands. She confronts her father's presumed abductor, resulting in an unforgettable kiss.
In the course of one disastrous evening, diamond smuggling kingpin Colin Westwood learns that his best recruit is missing in action, and that the man has been keeping a secret for years—he has a twenty-six-year-old daughter. Determined to protect his identity, Colin vows to find the young woman, and keep her silent at any cost. Later intrigued to learn that she is actually the attractive woman he kissed, he makes Julia an offer. Come to New York City with him to search for her missing father…as his mistress.
What VampBard’s talking about:
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This is my third foray into the Pinnacles of Power series by Ms. Jessica Lauryn. I really loved the first two titles, and it’s logical that I liked Dangerous Proposition as well. I definitely enjoyed the entire journey we traveled with Colin and Julia!
Seriously. I’ll take a Dangerous Proposition from a hottie like Colin Westwood anytime! Doctor AND diamond smuggler? Mmmhm. Really, though. I was totally willing to take the leap of faith and believe that the Chief of Medicine or some other high-ranking doctor in a hospital setting was able to take enough time away from work to run a mafia-type operation. Julia Dyson, elementary school teacher, was totally right about him. She should have listened to herself sooner. Heat index: 3.5 out of 5.
While this title is the third in a series, I felt it could be read as a stand-alone, as there’s some pretty good reflection on prior events. Because the plot builds, I can’t really divulge too much info (isn’t that the way it always is with suspense?!?). Here’s the nitty-gritty though:
Julia Dyson is your typical run-of-the-mill elementary school teacher on summer vacation. Her dad is missing, and she decides to play Sherlock Holmes over the summer. Julia had periods where she annoyed me. A. Lot. She was second-guessing herself, her feelings, her emotions throughout the story. I understand that characters need to have flaws, but they usually resolve. I didn’t feel that this flaw resolved. As one of those strong, kick-ass women making it in society, I really get annoyed when women that have the potential to be fabulous role models end up a bowl of Jell-o over a dude. Seriously! Even though Julia kicked tush and took names later, she was in her own little world, trying to find a style that is easily mimicked when she should have been proud of who she was.
Dr. Colin Westwood, however, was one of the most beautifully written characters that I’ve seen in a while. The way he changed and evolved through the story was phenomenal. I was a bit dismayed at the way a few items played out, but no book is perfect, and not everyone can see things the way I see them! There are soooo many awesome things that happen to Colin that I can’t discuss! He is, however, the epitome of the brooding hero throughout the story.
I’m not quite sure why I wasn’t as into Dangerous Proposition as much as I was the previous titles in Jessica Lauryn’s Pinnacles of Power series. Great plot, execution. A few things that rubbed me the wrong way, but over-all worth the read if you follow the series. I’m always looking forward to Ms. Lauryn’s latest offering.
VampBard’s Rating:
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Liked it a lot - recommend (B+)
Reviews in the Series:
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Wednesday, July 17, 2013
Review: Return of the Fae by Lynn Cahoon
Return of the Fae
Author: Lynn Cahoon
Release Date: June 21, 2013
Council Series #2
Publisher: Lyrical Press
Genre: Paranormal Suspense with Romance elements
Format(s): e-book
Book Source: Publisher
About the book:
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A witch in training, a hunter on the prowl, and a world in jeopardy.
Learning the rules of being a witch takes years, but Parris McCall needs to master them in only weeks. Knowing how to wield her magic is the one thing she has to keep her grandmother safe and herself alive.
Ty Wallace is going mad with his desire for Parris, but he has to maintain an emotional distance from her. She’s a distraction in his quest to find Coven X before they grow too strong, taking The Council and everyone he knows down with it.
As Parris labors through the academy manuals, the couple takes a trip to find Ty’s mentor. He’s their only hope in helping Parris with her studies. To their dismay, the old man has disappeared. Their only clue comes from a witch banished for actions against The Council. When they return, not only do they find their own lives threatened, but casualties in the war between the covens have risen. And a new life hangs in the balance.
What VampBard’s talking about:
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Lynn Cahoon brings us the second book in her Council series with suspense, romance, and spells full of power. Return of the Fae lives up to its name. We do see the fae returning to Ty and Parris. We also see things between the couple intensifying, making the heat index 3 out of 5. They’ve got awesome chemistry, but ‘real life’ called, and they had to answer.
Per Amazon, this title is estimated to be a mere 113 pages. I’m guessing that’s why it felt like I was done reading before I even settled in to my spot on the couch. I continue to want more of Parris & Ty’s story. I want to see the happily ever after. I did purchase the first book in the series, A Member of the Council. I was glad I did, too. I like starting a series at the beginning. I do feel like Ms. Cahoon did a good job filling in back story as needed, however.
What worked for me was the chemistry between Ty and Parris. They seem as natural together as peanut butter and jelly. Jason Mraz & Colbie Callat (see video here). Tequila and lime. You get the idea. I think what I liked the most about this couple was the way they seemed to auto-bond – whether they would admit it or not – and it was all casual. Not intense beyond your most wild imagination. The suspense was perfect. Pacing – awesome. Secondary characters were set up just right. With enough involvement to keep things interesting, yet not take away from Parris and Ty. In fact, their relationship was enhanced by the others involved in the story. None of the characters were superfluous. They were all planned and purposeful.
What I wasn’t too keen on was the hot/cold of Ty. Make. Up. Your. Mind! It’s cool if he doesn’t want to really get involved with Parris until things have settled…but don’t sleep with her in the interim. Not. Cool. I see where it has value in the plot, but couldn’t there be another way to increase the romantic element?
Even though there was one little element with which I struggled, I really enjoyed Lynn Cahoon’s newest title in the Council series, Return of the Fae. I look forward to reading future titles in this series.
VampBard’s Rating:
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Loved it - enthusiastically recommend (A)
Purchase Info:
Tuesday, July 9, 2013
Review: Kiss Across Chains by Tracy Cooper-Posey
Kiss Across Chains
Author: Tracy Cooper-Posey
Release Date: June 29, 2013
Kiss Across Time #3
Publisher: self-published
ISBN: 978-1927423967
Genre: Historical Paranormal Romance
Format(s): paperback (318 pgs), e-book
Book Source: author
About the book:
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When dying becomes an act of love.
It is four years since Taylor and Brody almost lost Veris during the First Crusade. Now they know how to control time jumps, they have settled into a very nearly perfect, nearly human life, raising their daughter Marit.
When Brody defies Queen Tira to protect Marit, the three of them jump back three days in time to collect evidence the queen set up Brody for a drug bust in retribution. The jump sends them back to Brody's personal nightmare: Fifth century Constantinople.
While Brody survives as a flogged slave, Taylor masquerades as the wife of an aristocrat and searches for Brody to release him. They must wait for Veris to find them before jumping home and Taylor watches each brutal chariot race, wondering if this will be Brody's last. Brody once died in the Hippodrome and he is human this time, too....
What VampBard’s talking about:
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Ms. Cooper-Posey creates the perfect blend of present-day paranormal menage romance with history. Intriguing and indulgent of my desire to know the details, I found myself longing for stolen moments from ‘real life’ to spend with Taylor, Veris and Brody.
I was completely captivated with the third book in the Kiss Across Time series. Much like the first two. While I believe that Kiss Across Chains could work as a stand-alone title, I definitely would recommend the backstory that goes along with the series. Read. Them. In. Order. Ms. Cooper-Posey has done a phenomenal job weaving present-day and history in a seamless, silken web that keeps the readers ensnared.
I think what keeps me so engrossed in this trio is the inner conflict that the characters need to overcome in order to restore the timeline to some semblance of their present-day once they time travel. I really like their ‘today’. Marit, biological daughter of Veris and Taylor – conceived during a jump – is growing up, and naturally she has a nanny, Mia. Mia is definitely able to take care of herself as well as Marit. Alexander joins us from the last title. It seems as though Veris and Brody have created for themselves a tight-knit family, with Taylor as the matriarch.
Honestly, there’s nothing I didn’t like about this title. It took me up and down the roller coaster of emotions. It’s smokin’ hot!!! I’d rate it a 4.5 out of 5 for hotness factor; however, don’t pick up the series if you’re uncomfortable with M/M, or M/M/F menage action.
Veris was the ultimate savior. He literally saved Brody. Even though he had a lot to overcome in order to make that happen, Veris was able to keep it together when it really counted. Even though he wasn’t totally in the headspace to accomplish the task. He knew he had to do it for the greater good…for the present-day Veris-Brody-Taylor (and Marit).
Taylor, as usual, was the level-headed, quick-on-her-feet matriarch that seemed to be the glue that held everyone together. Even when it seemed like things were darkest. What I like the most about Taylor is that she is able to reign in her emotions and not broadcast them. I epically fail at that. The way she is able to quickly and seamlessly adapt to whatever is thrown at her is nothing short of amazing.
This book, for the most part, was Brody’s backstory. I absolutely felt for him. As a slave in Constantinople, as one forced to race the chariots… the beatings, and the moments of solace he found when he was with Taylor. They were all so vivid for me. Ms. Cooper-Posey painted a detailed portrait of Brody in this time in his life. By acknowledging his weaknesses, Brody was setting himself up for his future. With Veris and Taylor. His resolve to live with gusto – to go into the races and slave pits with the same tenacity he possessed during that time period, was nothing short of bravery at its finest. Brody knew what was going to happen. He suspected when, as well. If I knew the future, I don’t know whether I would be able to ensure that the timeline was as uninterrupted as possible.
Over-all, I really love this series. I know it’s going in my favorite of 2013. As much as I liked the previous titles in the Kiss Across Time series, I do believe that Kiss Across Chains might just have the dubious distinction of being my favorite title in the series thus far. Kudos to Ms. Cooper-Posey.
VampBard’s Rating:
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Purchase Info:
Reviews in the Series:
Monday, July 8, 2013
Review: Fangs for Nothing by Erin McCarthy & Kathy Love
Fangs for Nothing
Author: Erin McCarthy and Kathy Love
Release Date: July 2, 2013
Publisher: Berkley Trade
The Fangover #2
ISBN: 978-0425257449
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Format(s): paperback (304 pgs), e-book
Book Source: Publisher
About the book:
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When one of their own ties the knot with a dominatrix (no pun intended), The Impalers—a vampire rock band—are ready to party down. But trouble awaits them once again when they wake up…
Attending their bandmate Saxon’s wedding seemed simple enough for Johnny Malone and Drake Hanover. But after waking up in a dominatrix’s dungeon, they realize their cash and cell phones have been stolen—along with the bride’s wedding dress and the groom. And then there’s the matter of the two women in the room…
Loose cannon Johnny is handcuffed to Lizette, an uptight paper pusher. She wants to help save Johnny from the horrible fate in store for him at the hands of the Vampire Alliance, but he won’t sign the paperwork. Then there’s Josie, the waifish caterer from the reception, who rescues Drake from a sex swing. Josie may be cute and make a great cupcake, but Drake knows she might also be the thief. Or it could have been that gang of drag queens all dressed as Cher…
Regardless, Johnny and Lizette need to get out of these handcuffs. Drake and Josie need to find their missing belongings. And Saxon needs to be located before the Vampire Alliance comes down on them hard…
What VampBard’s talking about:
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Fangs for Nothing, a dual effort for Erin McCarthy and Kathy Love, combined cross-dressing with sunlight-avoiding vamp rockstars in one of the cutest, quirkiest, funniest reads this summer. I’m not gonna lie. I yearned for moments that I could sink my teeth into this cute story, set in the French Quarter of New Orleans.
Vampire + Domme = crazy wedding antics. Add in Cher through the Decades and the insanity begins! You’d think that Saxon and his bride, Zelda, would be the main focus of this title… but not so. We’re focused on Johnny and Lizette (love that name!) as well as Drake and Josie Lynn. Watching their antics to solve the age-old high school prom-ish mystery, ‘Who spiked the punch?!?’, was intense and hilarious!
What I absolutely adored: They all woke up in Zelda’s ‘dungeon’ in various states of undress and creative dress. Lizette’s propriety. Josie Lynn’s intensity. Johnny’s change. Drake…period. He qualifies as Hunk-o-the-book for me. The entire plot arc – especially the conflict resolutions between the couples.
Things I wasn’t too keen about: The bat thing. It was, however, creative!
It’s really difficult to write a review without gushing about some of the antics of the ensemble. It was such a fun read – I don’t want to ruin it for anyone! Fangs for Nothing is a perfect vacation read! Steamy enough to fill a sauna, yet light-hearted and comedic. Totally awesome break from my traditional reading fare.
VampBard’s Rating:
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Loved it - enthusiastically recommend (A)
Purchase Info:
Wednesday, June 26, 2013
Review: Smoking Hot by Karen Kelley
Smoking Hot
Author: Karen Kelley
Release Date: June 4, 2013
Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca
Good Girl series #3
ISBN: 978-1402263927
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Format(s): paperback (288 pgs), e-book
Book Source: Publisher
Note: according to GoodReads, this book also goes by the title Where There’s Heat
About the book:
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Everything She Wants...
Working the night shift at the sheriff's office has given deputy Raine McCandless more than enough time to fantasize about the kind of man she'd like to take prisoner, so when she arrives home to find a sexy intruder waiting for her, she's pretty sure she must be dreaming.
...Can and Will Be Held Against Her
But Dillon Taylor, with his stunning blue eyes and killer tan, is 100% real, just not 100% human. Half-man, half-angel, he'd love to answer every naughty prayer Raine has ever had. But Raine is in serious danger. And Dillon can only fulfill her every fantasy if he can keep her alive.
What VampBard’s talking about:
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Caveat: This is apparently the third title in Ms. Kelley’s Good Girl series. Had I know this prior to reading and writing this review, I may have viewed the title differently, or chosen to read the other two books prior to reading this one. I do that crazy kind of stuff. The information that this is in fact the third title in a series is not readily available via Amazon nor the author’s website, which is where I look for information about books. One shouldn’t have to look THAT hard to find this information, and it should be consistent across standard informational sites!
Smoking Hot by Karen Kelley was creatively told from the perspective of the leading lady, Raine. There was some pretty steamy scenes, as well. Dillon – OK. He was hot. The plot? Meh.
What I liked: Raine was a seriously flawed character. The way she was set-up as a character, she didn’t have a chance to be redeemed by the time the plot arc played out. I’m OK with that, though. I also liked the way Raine’s grandfather was involved, and he was hooking – up with someone. Go Gramps! Dillon – the one thing I liked about him was his smartarse-ness. This was a no-brainer read for me. I didn’t have to worry about keeping up with anything.
What I was ‘meh’ about: The plot. OK. This wasn’t about solving the bank heist AT. ALL. This was about ‘fixing’ Raine. I’m not cool with that. When it’s obvious to me that the main conflict in the story is taking a backseat to the character’s inner conflict, when in reality, they should be woven together seamlessly, it’s an issue. Dillon is ignoring his ‘rules’, and he knows the consequences. Mr. I-am-selfless-because-I-love-her was clearly pushing the limits with Raine and his boss. I felt that the characters were pretty flat.
What down-right confused me: It felt like there was a book or two that I missed. It would make sense that each of the nephilim would have their own book as they met their Daddy Dearests. If this is a stand-alone, I’m wondering what the purpose of introducing the sperm donors of the other nephilim that were Dillon’s ‘brothers’. Yes. That’s the kind of stuff that makes me go, “hmmm…”
I’m pretty take it or leave it with this title. I thought there was a lot of ground that could have been covered, and felt this title fell flat with a phenomenal concept potential.
VampBard’s Rating:
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Finished it - take it or leave it (C)
Purchase Info:
Wednesday, June 19, 2013
Review: Fire Inside by Kristen Ashley
Fire Inside
Author: Kristen Ashley
Release Date: June 4, 2013
Publisher: Forever
Chaos Series #2
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Format(s): paperback (335 pages), e-book
Book Source: NetGalley
About the book:
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Lanie Heron isn't looking for love-no surprise, considering her last serious relationship nearly got her killed. So when Lanie propositions Hop Kincaid, all she wants is one wild night with the hot-as-hell biker who patrols with the Chaos Motorcycle Club . . .
For Hop, Lanie has always been untouchable. She's too polished and too classy for his taste. But when she gives Hop the once-over with her bedroom eyes and offers him a night in paradise, he can't say no. And he doesn't regret it when he finds that Lanie is the best thing that's ever happened to him-in or out of bed. Now the trick will be to convince her of that.
What VampBard’s talking about:
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If anyone forgets to tell me to join the party with a FABULOUS author that can weave a tale like nobody’s business, I’m gonna have a drama! Kristen Ashley is definitely one of the new-to-me authors from 2013 that is hitting the auto-buy list! This Chaos Series of hers? Yeah. I bought the first book already. I have to find out about Tack.
Fire Inside is the newest offering in Ms. Ashley’s Chaos Series. When I read the blurb about this book, I was totally on-board. I have been looking for a way to pick up something by this author, and the second book in a series usually isn’t too late. O.M.Geee! I am not regretting one moment in the reading of this title.
There’s background info from the first book in the series, but I was OK jumping in here (I totally want to go back and read for myself, though!). Screwed up from the death of her fiancé seven years ago, as well as the near-death stabbing of her best friend, Ty-Ty, Lanie Heron was fighting inner demons. It was time she stopped. That’s where the one-night-stand on steroids with Hop Kinkaid comes in. All the inner conflict both Hop & Lanie endure to be together is simply REAL. No one is ready – especially the second time around – to open up and let someone in. It takes a lot of time and patience to win the heart of someone who’s been burned as badly as this couple. The conflict between Hop & Lanie was INSANE! I had to put my Kindle down several times because the emotion became simply overwhelming.
At the beginning, when Lanie was insisting this was a one-night thing, Hop knew better. From square one: “We shouldn’t sleep together. Sleeping is bad. Sex is good, sleeping together is something else,” she stated and she was right.”
One of the things I truly loved about this title was the copious mention of Bob Seger. *fans self* Any dude that can sing Turn the Page is simply panty-melting hot. And Lanie definitely was hot when Hop sang to her. If you think about the lyrics to that song, it’s definitely a literary device to foreshadow Hop & Lanie’s relationship. I. Lost. It. Sobbed like a baby later on in the book when I figured it out!
One of the most telling moments was when Lanie was rambling on in her own head about Hop. She talked about how he was invading her life, but she didn’t mind one bit at the 31% mark. In reality, I think that Lanie was ready to move on, but she had to wade through her baggage before she realized it was ok.
Seriously. As a 40+ reader, I appreciated the older H/H in this story. Hop is 40, and Laine is in her 30s. I mean, not everyone has a whirlwind romance with someone they dated in high school after a breakup with an ex-, and ends up with a HEA. Some of us are deeply rooted in reality, and reality is something that Ms. Ashley has in spades with Fire Inside.
There were so many favorite passages in this book… well, readers will need to simply pick up a copy of Ms. Ashley’s newest offering in her world of sizzling hot bikers with a heart.
VampBard’s Rating:
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Personal favorite - a must read (A+)
Purchase Info:
Monday, June 17, 2013
Review: Entwined With You by Sylvia Day
Entwined With You
Author: Sylvia Day
Release Date: June 6, 2013
Publisher: Berkley Trade
Crossfire series #3
ISBN: 978-0425263921
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Format(s): paperback (368 pgs), e-book
Book Source: Publicist
About the book:
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From the moment I first met Gideon Cross, I recognized something in him that I needed. Something I couldn't resist. I saw the dangerous and damaged soul inside--so much like my own. I was drawn to it. I needed him as surely as I needed my heart to beat.
No one knows how much he risked for me. How much I'd been threatened, or just how dark and desperate the shadow of our pasts would become.
Entwined by our secrets, we tried to defy the odds. We made our own rules and surrendered completely to the exquisite power of possession...
What VampBard’s talking about:
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I want to go on record saying that I was glad to see Gideon and Eva again. I absolutely adore them as a couple, and I have no doubt that they make the perfect couple. I see that. I feel that. Stuff happens in the lives of every person out there, and they manage. Why should we be surprised that a couple as perfect for one another as Gideon and Eva are managing? We shouldn't. Marriage and commitment has become something that appears disposable in today's society. It's not.
With that said, I had some issues with Ms. Day's latest offering in her Crossfire series, which has increased from three to five titles. I do adore the characters, but I feel:
- Gideon was a hot mess in this book. A wuss.
- Eva...Brett... grr.
- Conflict was unnecessarily increased. No couple should have to endure this much crap.
- Eva seems like she drank the Kool Aid. She normalizes thinking errors.
- Eva pushes past 'NO' and 'Stop'. Which pissed me off.
- Why add in the Cary drama? Oh... wait... I see now. Nevermind.
- Don't leave me hangin' about Megumi. I like the sassy receptionist.
- San Francisco. Foreshadowing book 4. That is all.
- Deanna. No one flips from ticked to helpful in 30 seconds flat. Over a glass of wine. Once scorned.
- Spying. Not attractive.
So, while there's a list of things that annoyed the crap out of me, I have to say that this was sweet sexy compared to the intense and smokin' hot encounters between Gideon and Eva in the first two titles. Entwined With You seems to be a transitional piece, and as 'that' book, I think it works. I liked the fact that Eva stopped worrying about what everyone else thought, and that she did something for her. For her heart and soul. It's no spoiler that Gideon and Eva end up together. A love like theirs is intense. It's a burning that draws in anyone observing, including readers. The slow simmer of their heat is undeniable. I don't know how many other euphemisms I can use to describe them. You get the idea. What I liked about the journey of this title was watching them basically tell the rest of the world to bugger off and seeing to their own happiness. There's several specific things that I really liked, but no spoilers!
Sure, we're left with stuff unresolved. There's 2 more books to work out the rest of the kinks, after all. I suppose I'm rather annoyed that I have to wait for 2 more books to see how the ultimate HEA plays out. As far as I'm concerned, we have a HEA now, but there's still some conflicts to resolve. Not quite sure why it's going to take two more books, though. It's obvious that Gideon and Eva can weather any storm. I'm interested to see how Ms. Day finishes up the series, but I don't know whether I'm interested enough to read the next two tiles in the series.
VampBard’s Rating:
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Liked it, but I had some issues - recommend (B)
Purchase Info:
Reviews in the Series:
Monday, June 3, 2013
Review: Kiss Across Swords by Tracy Cooper-Posey
Kiss Across Swords
Author: Tracy Cooper-Posey
Release Date: May 25, 2013
Publisher: Self-Published
Kiss Across Time #2
Genre: Paranormal Romance, Erotic, Historical Elements
Format(s): e-book
Book Source: Author
About the book:
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To save them all they must win back one reluctant heart…again.
Taylor Yates never dreamed growing up she would end up happily living with two drop-dead sexy vampires and time-hopping through their thousand years of personal history. Her life is complete…or is it?
When she finds herself at the siege of Jerusalem during the first crusade, Veris doesn’t know her at all and doesn’t want to. Worst of all, he and Brody are total strangers, and Taylor drives a wedge in deep between them by trying to seduce Veris at their first meeting—not something a lady of the day does if she wants to keep her head.
Taylor and Brody must woo Veris using the customs of medieval England, win his heart and his full commitment before Jerusalem falls in four days’ time—or when they return to their own time, their lives as they know them will be gone…
What VampBard’s talking about:
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Ohhh Emmmm Geeee! This was my mantra as I burned through the second book in the Kiss Across Time series. I couldn't get enough of the sensuality and intimacy between Brody, Veris and Taylor. Kiss Across Swords is definitely a must-buy for connoisseurs of paranormal menage with a historical bent. Pretty specific audience, huh? Not really. The series would be a great introduction to any of these genres for the novice reader. I'll walk y'all through my thought process on this one!
We definitely have to classify the series as paranormal. Veris and Brody are centuries old vampires. However, even if you're not into paranormal/ vampires, don't worry. It's really not something that is 'in-your-face' throughout the storyline. Some biting, some feeding (and feedings are off-stage), but nothing obnoxious. Historical elements. Um. Hello?!?! this story takes place, almost in its entirety, during the Crusades! There is DEFINITELY a historical influence to this title, and Ms. Cooper-Posey did some great research with regard to garments of the time, and available resources. Menage erotica is a gimme. Threesome in detail. Even when it's just M/M or M/F, the well-written scenes bring something to the story – their purpose is clearly to get the reader further immersed in the relationship between the partners. Which can be tricky, as intimacy is something shared between the three main characters, but not exclusively with all three at once. The M/M/F, M/M, and M/F content is flaming hot, earning 4.5 out of 5 for Heat Index.
There's a strange twist that I never expected to happen when I was reading the first title in the series, Kiss Across Time. Taylor is pregnant. Even though the present-day Veris and Brody are unable to father children, and Taylor would never dream of straying, the time-traveling escapades of this trio has landed them in unexpected waters. I found it especially emotional when both Brody and Veris found out about the pregnancy.
The conflict was so high throughout this title I felt like I expelled a huge sigh of relief when this installment of the Kiss Across Time trilogy ended. There's definitely a different 'feel' to Kiss Across Swords when compared to Kiss Across Time. Swords is more intense, whereas Time was giving us a quick introduction to the vampiric society and getting our buy-in as readers for the plot. We also became invested in the relationship between Veris, Brody and Taylor. Swords is definitely a continuation of the first installment, but is heavier in feel in comparison.
There are major implications should Brody and Taylor fail to cause Veris to fall in love with Brody again. This is one of those times where I'm pretty sure, were I in Taylor's position, I'd be pretty pissed about the time-travel thing, even if it allows her to catch a glimpse and live side-by-side with Brody and Veris in their past. The potential for unraveling the current space-time continuum is entirely too high for me. And, I'm pretty sure that Brody and Taylor never watched Star Trek, because they completely ignored the Prime Directive during their time-travel escapade. At the end of the story, there IS a HFN – the promise of a third book leads me to believe that there will be a HEA, and that the 'present-day' appeared to be nearly as they left it prior to their leap to 1066 Jerusalem.
Veris. He is definitely the logical thinker. It's always difficult to get someone that thinks logically to ditch that way of thinking and follow their heart. Veris is definitely not an exception to the rule. I liked the fact that Veris needed to be wooed by Brody for time-space to be restored. After all, some wooing would have taken place in the past, right? The last comment I want to make about Veris is a personal observation. I. Adore. Veris. The silent, thoughtful warrior is the type of person that seems to be wary of others, but once he lets them in, he is whole-heartedly committed to a relationship. I think that is why is was so difficult for Taylor (and Brody) to miss him. They knew he was committed to them, but didn't want him to necessarily have to work through his inner conflict on his own.
Brody. I think Brody is definitely the temperamental musician. He appears to lead with his emotions, but that occasional quiet, brooding exterior shouldn't fool us. He's a deep-thinker and capable of so much more than anyone can see on the surface. He loves with all his heart, and doesn't enter into a relationship unless he's going in with his all. I had a few 'awww' moments when Brody was with Taylor. He is SOOOO sweet! I look forward to hopefully seeing a LOT more about Brody in the next title.
Taylor. I'm going to be honest. I wasn't all 'Team Taylor' for this book. While she still remains a strong, positive heroine, I think that hers was the first story. I was meant to dote on her during the first title, and this time, it's Veris's turn to shine. Taylor, however, remains the intelligent, quick-witted, and creative woman that needs to simply figure out how to get her little family back together. With Veris away in Europe in the present, the travel back to the Crusades was one way that she could see him. And, I think that it was kind-of cool that she got to see how Brody and Veris met. It was even more awesome for the reader to watch!
I truly adored Kiss Across Swords. One of my personal quirks is that I bog myself down in keeping timelines straight, and ensuring that I understand how things align. Ms. Cooper-Posey did a fantastic job with the various timelines and resolving them back to present-day. Discrepancies in the present-day reality were explained so that I didn't feel as though they were continuity issues. I am infinitely happy with the Kiss Across Time series thus far, and I can't wait to dive in to the third title, Kiss Across Chains in a few weeks. Look for it July 1st!
VampBard’s Rating:
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Loved it - enthusiastically recommend (A)
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