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2013 reading goal:
15 new-to-me authors.
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Showing posts with label paranormal romance. Show all posts
Showing posts with label paranormal romance. Show all posts
Friday, July 19, 2013
Review: The Midnight Breed Series Companion by Lara Adrian
The Midnight Breed Series Companion
Author: Lara Adrian
Release Date: May 29, 2013
Publisher: self-published
Midnight Breed Series
ISBN: #978-1939193926
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Format(s): Paperback (332 pgs), e-book
Book Source: Author/Purchased with my own funds
About the book:
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Part human, part otherworldly, the Breed has lived among humankind in secret for thousands of years . . . and now fans of the popular, best-selling Midnight Breed Series can delve deeper than ever before into this hidden, seductive race of vampires and the dark, thrilling universe they inhabit.
A book that's been years in the making, the Midnight Breed Series Companion includes insider info on all of the novels, author notes on the creation of the story world and how the eleven-book (and counting!) series has evolved since its beginning as a contracted trilogy, a complete character guide, series trivia, questions from readers and more.
This special series companion also includes "A Touch of Midnight"--an all-new, never-before-published, original novella featuring Gideon and Savannah, which finally reveals the story of how this reader favorite couple met and fell in love, and answers many questions that fans have been curious about since the series began!
What I’m talking about:
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I’m going to put this out there - I adore the Midnight Breed series by Lara Adrian. Ms. Adrian has created a world with a unique vampire mythology filled with exciting action, intricate storylines, and passionate romance. If you haven’t started this series, I highly recommend you pick up the first book, Kiss of Midnight, and get to know the males of the Breed Order.
With that said, The Midnight Breed Series Companion is NOT for newcomers to Ms. Adrian’s series. It contains a wonderful introspection of the first ten novels, and therefore, contains numerous spoilers for anyone that has not yet read the first ten books.
For series fans... This is a MUST buy. The Companion is an excellent go to guide for fans! Ms. Adrian does a marvelous job breaking down her initial series thoughts, and added a number of details now that she is eleven books in (she did cover a little of what happens in the eleventh book, Edge of Dawn.) I loved reading her preliminary write up of the mythology. The book by book synopsis section was a great look back. I didn’t realize how much I’d forgotten. After the synopsis of each book, Ms. Adrian treats us with a new novella featuring Order techie, Gideon, and his Breedmate, Savannah.
A Touch of Midnight
A Midnight Breed Prequel novella
Boston, MA, October 1974. Savannah is an art history major at Boston University where she is working on an extra credit project helping to log and analyze a recent donation. Savannah hides her ability to see an object's history when she touches it. In a back room she discovers a sword, and when she accidentally touches it, she witnesses a valiant warrior. Then she sees the deaths of two small boys at the hands of a monster.
Gideon works with the Breed Order, attempting to eliminate all Rogues from existence after his two young brothers were murdered by rogues long ago.
Like most of the other Breeds in the Order, Gideon does not meet his Breedmate-to-be in a calm, safe setting. Because of what she has seen via her ESP talent, Savannah is targeted by a powerful Breed bent on destroying Gideon. The peril forces a quick lesson in the paranormal for Savannah and opens the doors for a speedy courtship.
At times I felt the romance was rushed, and even a little creepy in one scene when Gideon is overcome with lust as Savannah is freaking out. But this is a novella and things need to move quickly. If I didn’t know the pair from reading the full series, I may have let this be a factor, but I adore this couple, so I let it slide.
Overall, even though the "I love you's" came fast, and I was a little bummed that Gideon needed to lie to Savannah for a while, I understand the need for speed in the shorter-length setting. It's a novella, and it was entertaining to get their backstory. The novella itself is a well-written story. In the end, it made me happy and I enjoyed it.
Rating for the novella: 3.5 stars: Liked it - recommend (B+)
After the novella was a VERY DETAILED character list. Again, it is a great reference tool for fans of series... And I will use it when reading books and trying to recall who someone is! I felt like I was looking at an old yearbook - fun to reminisce.
Next came the reader/fan submitted questions, which are entertaining. I had the surprise pleasure of seeing a question that I submitted in the Companion! I enjoyed all of the questions submitted, both those for Lara and those for her characters.
Following the questions was a trivia section. I read through some of the trivia, but the questions were hard (I have horrible memory), so I didn't actually test myself.
Overall, I enjoyed The Midnight Breed Series Companion, and it is a terrific read for fans of the Midnight Breed series. It's not really for newcomers, and as Ms. Adrian points out in the beginning of the book--it's full of spoilers.
I would rate 3.5, B+ and a fun read for fans of the series. And even if you don't read right away, it's a great resource to have as the series grows.
My Rating:
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Liked it - recommend (B+)
Reviews in the Series:
Labels:
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:
Monday, July 15, 2013
Review: The Outcast Prince by Shona Husk
The Outcast Prince
Author: Shona Husk
Release Date: July 2, 2013
Publisher: Sourcebooks
The Court of Annwyn #1
ISBN: #978-1402280160
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Format(s): Paperback (320 pgs), e-book
Book Source: Publisher
About the book:
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Caspian Mort can feel the history in anything he touches, a gift he inherited from his father, the Crown Prince of Annwyn. Devastated over his ex-wife's infidelity, Caspian has withdrawn from human contact except when working as an antiques dealer.
While assessing the contents of the historic Callaway House he encounters the beautiful Lydia Callaway and senses that her home is haunted by a banished fairy. But what does the dangerous exile want? Unbeknownst to Lydia, she's the owner of the last remaining portal to Annwyn—a mirror hidden somewhere in the house. To keep Lydia safe, Caspian will have to divulge the secrets of his heritage, and risk losing his heart again.
What G & U are talking about:
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This new Court of Annwyn series from Shona Husk is fascinating. Gikany and Una enjoyed the first series we read of hers, Shadowlands Trilogy, but this one is much more engaging. The Outcast Prince is a thrilling start on what will be a darkly political fae series.
Annwyn is the fairy realm. However, this paranormal romance is different from what we have read of “fae” novels in the past. Annwyn and our world are separate but tied. Unrest in Annwyn has rippling affects into ours. If the King and Queen are warring and there is unrest – plagues erupt in our world. It is thoroughly interesting how these two distinct worlds overlap and collide. For those in the real world, Annwyn is both heaven and hell. Although the fae can enter world, there are consequences if they stay too long – consequences that lead to death.
Lydia Callaway has inherited the Callaway house. The Callaways are a little notorious in their part of the world. Her grandmother, in order to save her home after her husband was killed in the war, turned the old plantation into a meeting place (for men and their mistresses). While the Callaways had been a name of respect and genteelness, it became associated with whispers of scandals and wild parties. Lydia, a public relations person, owns her own mortgage and doesn’t feel able to keep her grandmother’s plantation. She turns to Caspian Mort to handle the evaluation of her grandmother’s estate so she can decide whether she can afford to keep it or not.
Caspian is more than what he seems. He is the son of the Prince of Annwyn, born in the mortal world. Caspian is bound by the laws of Annwyn due to his lineage, but is also mortal trying to live in the world he has always known. Because of his ties to Annwyn, he is psychometric; he has the ability to touch objects and learn the history of them. This skill is what allows him to be successful at his antiquities job.
When Lydia and Caspian meet, there is an undeniable connection. Both have been hurt and stigmatized by their past experiences. Watching them as they stumble along from a working relationship to a romantic one is passionate and endearing. We enjoyed how their journey was woven into the adventure of finding the Window, a mirror that grants access into Annwyn – something a banished fairy would kill for. Caspian, with his ability to see the fae, knows something is after the mirror. He hopes to find the mirror before the Grey (the banished fairy) finds it.
The world is awesome. Gikany and Una loved the world that The Outcast Prince takes place in. The descriptions of Annwyn were both surreal and yet imaginable. Although this is the first book in this new series, we were confused at times at some “little” things. For example – a banished fairy can become a grey, Bogart, imp or brownie. It is by holding on to one or two particular things that causes them to change, they are: power, magic, appearance, stature. We tried to figure it out while writing the review, and we get them mixed up. Not that it is vital to the plot, but in easing us better into the world and its rules, a glossary might help.
One aspect that bothered us about The Outcast Prince was that although Caspian and Lydia were three-dimensional characters, Caspian was more thoroughly sketched out. Lydia, for being in public relations and having this somewhat demanding job, was home quite a bit. It felt a bit flat along with the relationship with her mother (who abandoned her). We found it odd that her mother was able to disappear, when she bore the Callaway name (or we assumed she did). The way her mother popped in and out during the will issues (well, not her but her lawyer) was a bit flat for us as well. However, they were not large of enough issues to distract us from the main overall story arc (nor the steaminess between Lydia and Caspian).
We look forward to learning more of the background of Shea and the Queen as well as the story between the King and Queen. Much seemed to center around their relationships in the big picture and yet we had so little back-story of them. Even if it is in novella format, we’d love to see and experience some of that back-story. It might even aid in cementing the world-building.
Although there are a few issues, overall we enjoyed The Outcast Prince, and eagerly look forward to the next novel in the Court of Annwyn series, Lord of the Hunt. If you are looking for something new in paranormal that centers on the fae, pick this series up, you might get lost in it!
Their Rating:
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Enjoyed - strongly recommend (A-)
Purchase Info:
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:
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:
Friday, July 5, 2013
Review: Dire Desires by Stephanie Tyler
Dire Desires
Author: Stephanie Tyler
Release Date: July 2, 2013
Publisher: Signet
Eternal Wolf Clan #3
ISBN: #978-0451240019
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Format(s): Paperback (400 pgs), e-book
Book Source: Publisher
About the book:
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Jinx is a Dire wolf without a pack. Kicked out of the house by his king, and living with a vampire named Jez, Jinx has been trying to undo the damage he unintentionally caused during the reign of the Dire ghost army, which unleashed some of Purgatory’s worst monsters on the world at large. But when he hears that an unshifted Were is being held in a psychiatric hospital, he immediately drops everything to help her.
Gillian Black has no idea what’s happening to her—and Jinx discovers that she’s not just any Were, but a Dire wolf from the original Greenland pack. He helps her escape and promises to keep her safe from the men—and the wolves—who are hunting her and to teach her everything about being a wolf.
He must also fight his feelings, wanting to claim her as his mate…at least until after he defeats the supernatural enemies that threaten all of them.
What I’m talking about:
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Gillian Black has been institutionalized for much of her teen years. Never knowing what was wrong, only that she didn’t fit, she yearns to run free, naked in the woods. When Dire wolf Jinx and vampire Jez investigate monster sightings at the institution, they discover Gillian and realize that she is a Dire wolf on the verge of shifting for the very first time.
Almost feral in nature, Gillian sees Jinx as an opportunity to escape, but doesn’t trust that he’ll keep her safe. The pair make it out of the hospital and to the Dire mansion, where the rest of the Dire clan welcome Gillian. However, she only feels comfortable with Jinx, so when he leaves, she escapes and follows him.
The third book of the Eternal Wolf Clan series starts at a fast pace and doesn’t slow down for quite a while. Not only do we learn about Gillian, but the story attempts to bring the reader up to speed with all of the happenings since the last book. One thing about this series is that there are always a few side stories that are featured almost as prominently as the “main storyline.” While I mostly enjoy this, sometimes it makes reading the story difficult to follow. For example, the first few chapters were choppy and the dialogue sometimes too vague, and if I didn't know the background it would have been tough to follow. But a recap was laid out and everything "big" from the previous two books was mentioned, so newcomers to the series could probably pick up Dire Desires without having read the first two books.
Even with the few difficulties I experienced reading the opening chapters, the storyline was pretty engrossing, and I really enjoyed the book overall. And after the first six or seven chapters, that roughness seemed to disappear, and the story flowed more smoothly.
I adored Gillian and Jinx. The fact that she is a full-blooded Dire (the first female one in the stories thus far) added dimension to her character and allowed the author to create a wonderful match between Gillian and Jinx. She was his equal (or better) physically, and her innocence and naivety never were the cause for Gillian to make poor decisions. The pair were sweet and romantic, but also hot and sexy.
The fact that Gillian was institutionalized for so long and that her parents are willing to pay an exorbitant ransom for her return when they have been so blatantly ignoring her creates quite the mystery. Trying to discover Gillian’s past and following her as she tries to remain free creates some suspense and a lot of excitement. The storyline was very entertaining.
As I mentioned earlier, there are other side storylines that are featured in Dire Desires. While it created some confusion for me at first, I enjoyed all of them. I won’t take the time to go into each, but I want to mention a couple that I discussed in my reviews of the earlier books. First, there is quiet a bit on the weres, and Liam’s quest to fulfill is place as king and reunited his packs. Together with the twins Cyd and Cain (who were trained by the Dires), the trio mature and make significant headway on their quest. Second, ex-FBI agent Angus Black is back in town, changed from his experiences detailed in the past two books. I am really happy with the direction his character is heading, and I enjoyed every moment he was featured on the pages. Well, there is one exception that comes at the very end of the book. Let’s just say I am EXTREMELY unhappy with the turn of events because Angus is left in a bit of a cliffhanger situation; however, I’m willing to overlook it for now, depending on the outcome in the next story. Even with that, both of these side stories add significant depth and interest to the book overall.
The conclusion of Gillian’s storyline was satisfactory, although a bit easy when it comes to her parents, but overall very enjoyable. As I mentioned above, some of the side stories are left open-ended, and there was an epilogue that I believe sets up the next book.
Overall I enjoyed Dire Desires, and it’s my favorite of the series thus far. Gillian and Jinx make a great pair. I liked the conflict caused by Gillian's parents and her perceived mental illness. I loved Cain and Angus, and I liked the heroic nature of vampire Jez. One great thing about the book is that much of the previous open-ended nature of the series was brought forth and either concluded, or there was significant progress made in a positive direction. Although I was not happy with what happened to Angus at the end of the book, overall Dire Desires is a wonderful read.
My Rating:
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Enjoyed - strongly recommend (A-)
Reviews in the Series:
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