So, here I have another pirate book. Once again the pirate in question has all his teeth and reasonably good hygiene and I'm totally cool with that beSo, here I have another pirate book. Once again the pirate in question has all his teeth and reasonably good hygiene and I'm totally cool with that because I like men with all their teeth. Who bathe fairly regularly. I kinda thought that Jacqueline was a bit forward for a woman of her time but seeing as she was in her mid 20s and not married, I could handwave that. Because, you know, to be unmarried at that age in that time was like the kiss of death. So, she's looking for some action. I'm cool with that. She ends up on this pirate's ship and he's hot and cleaner than most and he doesn't have scurvy and that's a good thing. Especially since she wants to tangle up in the sheets with him something fierce. So all this is cool and I'm like, "I like pirates who are clean and don't have bad breath" and then the ending popped up on me and I was like "O_o wait. What?"
The ending goes kinda mystical and I really wasn't expecting that. And by "really wasn't expecting that" I mean that I REALLY WASN'T EXPECTING THAT. The book started out being a fun, little historical romance with PIRATES and ended up in the paranormal romance category. Now, I like paranormal romance. I read tons of paranormal romance. I want to star in a paranormal romance (I'M FILLING OUT MY APPLICATION AS WE SPEAK!). It just took me by surprise.
And therein lies my problem. If a book starts out as one thing and morphs into something entirely different it takes me a bit to catch up. I liked the book, don't get me wrong (because, PIRATES!) but I wasn't ready for this. It like watching the movie The Frightners. The movie starts out kinda goofy and silly and halfway through it becomes kinda scary-ish. It was like watching two entirely different movies without having to change the disc. For the record, I like that movie. A lot. But the first time I watched it, I was all... "huh? what? but this isn't how it was supposed to be." That's how I feel with this book.
Weirdly, I still like the book. I'm confused by it, but I enjoyed it.
-Kelly @
Merged review:
So, here I have another pirate book. Once again the pirate in question has all his teeth and reasonably good hygiene and I'm totally cool with that because I like men with all their teeth. Who bathe fairly regularly. I kinda thought that Jacqueline was a bit forward for a woman of her time but seeing as she was in her mid 20s and not married, I could handwave that. Because, you know, to be unmarried at that age in that time was like the kiss of death. So, she's looking for some action. I'm cool with that. She ends up on this pirate's ship and he's hot and cleaner than most and he doesn't have scurvy and that's a good thing. Especially since she wants to tangle up in the sheets with him something fierce. So all this is cool and I'm like, "I like pirates who are clean and don't have bad breath" and then the ending popped up on me and I was like "O_o wait. What?"
The ending goes kinda mystical and I really wasn't expecting that. And by "really wasn't expecting that" I mean that I REALLY WASN'T EXPECTING THAT. The book started out being a fun, little historical romance with PIRATES and ended up in the paranormal romance category. Now, I like paranormal romance. I read tons of paranormal romance. I want to star in a paranormal romance (I'M FILLING OUT MY APPLICATION AS WE SPEAK!). It just took me by surprise.
And therein lies my problem. If a book starts out as one thing and morphs into something entirely different it takes me a bit to catch up. I liked the book, don't get me wrong (because, PIRATES!) but I wasn't ready for this. It like watching the movie The Frightners. The movie starts out kinda goofy and silly and halfway through it becomes kinda scary-ish. It was like watching two entirely different movies without having to change the disc. For the record, I like that movie. A lot. But the first time I watched it, I was all... "huh? what? but this isn't how it was supposed to be." That's how I feel with this book.
Weirdly, I still like the book. I'm confused by it, but I enjoyed it.
Back to demons! Another one that I just found fun to read. Eve Sinclair is a demon who helps sway souls toward Hell. When her brothers play a prank onBack to demons! Another one that I just found fun to read. Eve Sinclair is a demon who helps sway souls toward Hell. When her brothers play a prank on her and she unexpectedly finds herself in the clutches of the very pissed off Dragon Commander, Eve tried to fight off her attraction to him while being swayed by the protective feelings she has toward the Royal Dragon Egg. Hot dragon/demon loving commences.
Merged review:
Back to demons! Another one that I just found fun to read. Eve Sinclair is a demon who helps sway souls toward Hell. When her brothers play a prank on her and she unexpectedly finds herself in the clutches of the very pissed off Dragon Commander, Eve tried to fight off her attraction to him while being swayed by the protective feelings she has toward the Royal Dragon Egg. Hot dragon/demon loving commences....more
Another free download through Amazon, I have to admit that I wasn't all that impressed with it. I'm not sure if it's part of a larger series of storieAnother free download through Amazon, I have to admit that I wasn't all that impressed with it. I'm not sure if it's part of a larger series of stories or if it's a stand alone, but there was so little world-building that I didn't get a feel for the inner goings on of the world until nearly the end. Honestly, if the description of book didn't include the fact that Kate was a princess, I never would have know from the story alone. That feels like sloppy writing.
Merged review:
Another free download through Amazon, I have to admit that I wasn't all that impressed with it. I'm not sure if it's part of a larger series of stories or if it's a stand alone, but there was so little world-building that I didn't get a feel for the inner goings on of the world until nearly the end. Honestly, if the description of book didn't include the fact that Kate was a princess, I never would have know from the story alone. That feels like sloppy writing....more
Guys. I don't know if this is the normal price or if I should chalk this up to a New Year's miracle, but this book was only .86. EIGHTY-SIX CENTS. It'Guys. I don't know if this is the normal price or if I should chalk this up to a New Year's miracle, but this book was only .86. EIGHTY-SIX CENTS. It's like I stepped into a Tardis and went back to 1962 and people are smoking pot in the parking lot and if the books are too expensive in 1962 I can jump back in that Tardis and go to 1902 or 1925 or 1933 and I'll somehow find a time where ALL books are .86 and it'll be awesome. DO YOU GUYS KNOW HOW MANY BOOKS I CAN BUY WITH $10 IF THEY'RE ALL ONLY .86???
I was so excited about the price that this book could have pretty much sucked and I probably still would have had some giddy, bouncing moments. Oddly enough, the book didn't suck. There were things that were driving me a little crazy about it, but the writing was solid, the characters were interesting and the overall plot was intriguing.
So, what wasn't I so keen on? Carlie's weirdly standoff-ish and almost prudish behavior. I think I could have stood it more if she wasn't so judgmental. Some of her observations about Tyler came off as almost hateful. I can accept that she had issues but she spent a blistering night with this guy and she still treated him like he was a certified man-whore. Hello, honey, you slept with him of your own free will while concealing your identity. Get off your high horse.
Despite all that, I really did like the book. Everything stemmed from Carlie's self-esteem issues and the fact that she doesn't want to give another person the position of power over her. She afraid that loving someone will make her weak. Tyler also has issues and together they somehow manage to maneuver around one another enough to end up in each others orbit.
Honestly, I liked the book. It was fun and sexy and it had a GREAT price.
There's something about this book that made it very enjoyable and I can't quite put my finger on it. I figured out the reveal about a dozen pages intoThere's something about this book that made it very enjoyable and I can't quite put my finger on it. I figured out the reveal about a dozen pages into it (or whatever the equivalent is on a Kindle) so that wasn't it. I think it was mostly watching Sarah bumble around as a completely inept spy. The poor girl was so out of her element it was painful. Painful and funny. In a OMG! What was she thinking? sort of way.
Even though I figured out the reveal, the book was engaging from beginning to end. Sarah was so clueless about everything, from the way she was overwhelmed by Julien's house to not knowing how to dance. And it worked. Julien is driven by the events that destroyed his family. It has shaped him and sends him to his home country time and again despite the danger it poses to him as an aristocrat.
A quick historical read that was definitely fun enough that I'd like to read the next book in the series.
Oh, this book is Naughty with a capital N. I guess that's what happens when a sexually frustrated witch breaks her celibacy and tangles up with two hoOh, this book is Naughty with a capital N. I guess that's what happens when a sexually frustrated witch breaks her celibacy and tangles up with two hot men while investigating gruesome murders. Sex. Lots and lots of sex. I'm not complaining AT ALL, mind you. I'm just pointing out that years of enforced celibacy are bad. For everyone.
For those that don't know, December Quinn is the delightful and fabulous Stacia Kane (Downside Ghosts, Megan Chase). I loved her world-building in the Downside Ghosts series and quite frankly she can write some steamy scenes that pack a punch (Chess and Terrible, anyone?). This is not for the faint of heart or prudish. Stuff happens. Sometimes it's bad. Demons, apparently, don't like to make sweet love but rather bloody, gouging love that leaves them limping afterward. Yes, I did enjoy reading it it, thank you for asking.
All in all, it was a sexy way to spend a few hours. Ferrin and Dorand were enjoyable characters and I always appreciate a girl who gets caught with her pants down in public. In a literary sense, mind you.
I picked up this short story knowing nothing of the series it was based on (except the title). It was fun and intriguing enough that I'm curious to reI picked up this short story knowing nothing of the series it was based on (except the title). It was fun and intriguing enough that I'm curious to read 13 to Life now.
I always enjoy a well-written short story. It's interesting to me that an author can take a few short pages and turn it into something that makes you I always enjoy a well-written short story. It's interesting to me that an author can take a few short pages and turn it into something that makes you want to know more about what's going on.
No, I haven't read any of the Succubus Diaries books. But now I would like to. Isn't that exactly what a short story like this is supposed to do? Consider it done.
It's kinda a running joke (and I know I've mentioned this before) that I'm the least emotional person EVER when it comes to books and movies. Things wIt's kinda a running joke (and I know I've mentioned this before) that I'm the least emotional person EVER when it comes to books and movies. Things will move me, don't get me wrong, but they don't move me to tears or anything. Guys, it must have been a stressful holiday or something because I was way over identifying with the poor main character. There were tears. Actual tears. And now that I'm looking back on it, I really don't think I should have been sobbing over this girl's isolation from society and the way people immediately believe the worst of her. Seriously.
The beginning of the book totally captured me (see above re: the crying and over-identifying) and I couldn't stop reading it. Then I got to the end and it was satisfying and I went to bed. I swear to you that when I woke up this morning I had to consciously try to remember the ending. It's like it fell out of my head in the middle of the night. Weird. Really weird. Especially considering how the beginning of the book left me a soggy mess.
I guess I'm trying to say that I totally dug this book for reasons I can't figure out. The characters were fun, but they weren't so astoundingly awesome that I couldn't shake them from my head (like Terrible and Chess from Stacia Kane's Downside Ghosts series). I just don't know why I was crying like a baby while reading this. I wasn't actually 'crying like a baby'. More like a soft and heartfelt sobbing. Quietly. It was moist without being wet. And that's kinda gross somehow.
Anyway. It's a Harlequin Historical so the sex is present but not overly graphic. I liked the idea behind the Thief-Takers a lot. I'm just confused at how this one affected me.
This was one of those books that kept popping up on my "people who bought X book also bought" list over at Amazon. Since it was under a dollar, I deciThis was one of those books that kept popping up on my "people who bought X book also bought" list over at Amazon. Since it was under a dollar, I decided to splurge and give it a try. Guys, this book was different and cool and interesting. It's about trolls and Changelings and families and falling in love in the most inopportune times.
If I'm honest, I liked the first part of the book better than the end. But that's just me. It's a thing I have with multi-book story arcs. I love the initial setup and then you fall into a time where all these balls are being put in motion for events that will come in later books and part of my weeps a little inside because I'm all about the instant gratification and getting my heroes into bed. Wait, what? This book isn't a sexy romance. The chasteness of it has its own appeal (steamy kisses... yum). I need to stop expecting my heroes to tangle up the sheets every chance they get.
In the end, I really enjoyed this book. It's a different take on the idea of Changelings. Or, maybe it's not, since it's still revolves around switching out one baby for another, but that's not what I was trying to say. It's fun. There's a ball. There are hot kisses. There's the idea that family is what you make it, not what you're bound by blood to.
A quick little prequel for a book I've been eyeballing. I liked it. It intrigued me enough that now I really want to read The Demon Trapper's DaughterA quick little prequel for a book I've been eyeballing. I liked it. It intrigued me enough that now I really want to read The Demon Trapper's Daughter.
I always figure that if a short story can capture your attention and make you want to dive into the bigger picture it did something right. This one diI always figure that if a short story can capture your attention and make you want to dive into the bigger picture it did something right. This one did just that. I haven't read Glimmerglass, but it is on my wishlist and now I'm seriously tempted to go buy it. Nice.
In this short story, Moira Rogers has given us a peek into the lives of some of the heroes of the Southern Arcana books. Struggling with the life-chanIn this short story, Moira Rogers has given us a peek into the lives of some of the heroes of the Southern Arcana books. Struggling with the life-changing events of Crossroads, Nick and Derek are both happy at their fortune in finding one another and burdened by the toll it took on some of their closest family members. As they make plans for their future they work to help those around them heal and find peace.
Once again, these characters are so very well-realized and dynamic that even a story of this length is a fantastic glimpse into another world. However, I absolutely recommend starting with book 1 of this series to get the full effect of this outstanding world.
A quick peek into the events of Haunted Week from the Downside Ghosts series. I love the revamped ending and how it just makes me more curious to knowA quick peek into the events of Haunted Week from the Downside Ghosts series. I love the revamped ending and how it just makes me more curious to know how everyone survived the rising.
Stacia Kane, once again, builds her world fully (even in a short story such as this) and makes the characters come alive. Although this short can technically stand alone, knowing the drabbles of history about this time period we've been given in the books gives it much more impact.
I've read the other books in this series and I must admit that this book, while not my absolute favorite, closed out the main storyline with a bang anI've read the other books in this series and I must admit that this book, while not my absolute favorite, closed out the main storyline with a bang and gave the poor Zetithian survivors a bucket of hope for what the future will bring.
Probably my favorite aspect of this book was how neither Trag nor Micayla had any idea how to deal with the instincts they felt for others of their species. The first time Micayle meets Trag she hisses at him, completely to her chagrin. Having never met others of her kind, she doesn't know what's normal and what's not. For his part, Trag has never met a woman who hasn't fallen at his feet over either his looks or for the sexual abilities of the males of his species and he's at a loss how to approach her. It's sweet and funny how they fumble around when they're in each others presence.
Overall, it was a satisfying end to the series arc. It looks like there's a 7th book coming out in the Spring of 2011 which will hopefully give us a little more story on how this nearly extinct species is going to fare in the future.
Vivi Andrews has created a fun and compelling world where ghosts, magic and psychics exist and the employees of Karmic Consultants do their best to heVivi Andrews has created a fun and compelling world where ghosts, magic and psychics exist and the employees of Karmic Consultants do their best to help the world with their strange gifts. I've thoroughly enjoyed the other books in this series and I've yet to run across a character that hasn't resonated with me in one way or another.
Ciara's ability to find stolen goods is the one bright spot in her otherwise barren existence. She's come to terms with the fact that she'll never have a normal life and she's made the best of it. Nathan believes she's a fake and sets out to prove that she's been involved in the jewelry heists all along. She's pissed that he's maligning the one thing she good at.
I do wish the story had been a bit longer. I enjoyed all the buildup and seeing how prickly the two were around one another and wouldn't have minded it being drawn out a bit more. When things start happening, they come fast and furious. It worked, don't get me wrong, but I wouldn't have minded spending a little more time watching the two of them dance around one another.
Fun with an added side of public nudity. Plus, how can you go wrong with pink-clad go-go dancers with outrageous silver eyelashes? HOW?!?! You can't.
Oh, wow. I liked this book. A.Lot. More than most BDSM books. I think there's a fine line between showing the relationship between a Dom and sub as beOh, wow. I liked this book. A.Lot. More than most BDSM books. I think there's a fine line between showing the relationship between a Dom and sub as being full of trust and pushing boundaries and using this type of book as an excuse to heap abuse on a character. Cherise Sinclair delved into the D/s relationship and made it sexy and lovely and hotter than hell.
Master Z is a fantastic character. He's patient and dedicated. He's committed to giving those who enjoy this type of lifestyle a safe place to live out their fantasies. He feels an instant attraction to Jessica and he's willing to take the time to educate her on what she's unwittingly stumbled into.
I loved the secondary characters that pepper the background. I assume that the other Doms that had the same charismatic quality as Master Z will be the main characters in their own books. You know, being Masters of the Shadowlands and all.
All in all, a very fun and naughty read. I'm looking forward to the rest in the series.
I'm not quite sure what to think of this book. I feel like there was something missing overall. On one hand, being the first in a series tells me thatI'm not quite sure what to think of this book. I feel like there was something missing overall. On one hand, being the first in a series tells me that there's more to come and the rather abrupt ending will have more resolution somewhere down the line. On the other hand, I kept waiting for some sort of conflict to pop up. And I literally mean some sort of conflict. Any sort of conflict. Everything that could have potentially been conflict fizzled out. Even the one big thing that might have caused some sort of rift between our main characters was told in a round-about way that didn't get us up close and personal with the incident.
As for the characters, I never felt much of a connection to them. Everything that happens comes fast and furious, starting with the first time Carson sees Ruby in person and climbs naked into her bed while she was sleeping (which, quite frankly, I would not have taken half as calmly as she did) right on down to the first time they tangle up the sheets. I'm not saying this is always a bad thing except that I never felt like I really got to know the two of them. They were there. They fell in deep lust with one another. They boinked. End of story.
Even after writing this out, I still don't know how I feel about this book- except that I'm still waiting for something more to happen.
Since I'm normally not a big fan of contemporary romance, this book took me by surprise by how much I enjoyed it. Lauren and Drew had some fun chemistSince I'm normally not a big fan of contemporary romance, this book took me by surprise by how much I enjoyed it. Lauren and Drew had some fun chemistry going on. Was I completely convinced that Lauren would just toss over her staid, boring fiance for a fling with smokin' hot Drew? Yes and no. I think she was primed to break out of her predictable lifestyle but I don't quite know that she would jump so wholeheartedly into an affair with someone she'd known for such a short time. However, the story and characters were so engaging that I just went with it.
There's a bit of a mystery thrown in as Lauren and Drew have to unravel where her sister and his father have disappeared to. The more they learn the more they come to see that there may be more going on than they originally thought. I'm actually terrible with mysteries but I figured it out before the big reveal, so take that as you will.
Overall, it was fun and sexy. Delving into Washington politics to sort through the mystery was interesting, although that's very much not my normal type of thing. I guess I'm saying that I enjoyed it quite a bit.
I've had a run of books lately that I don't dislike exactly but which I feel like there's something missing from. I can't even pinpoint what I feel isI've had a run of books lately that I don't dislike exactly but which I feel like there's something missing from. I can't even pinpoint what I feel is missing. I just get to the end of the book and start looking around like a piece of the puzzle was left on the floor and the picture isn't quite complete without it.
Here's the thing, I know that the first book in a series doesn't tie up all the loose ends. You wouldn't want it to or the rest of the series would be pretty damn boring. I know that good backstory should be doled out slowly so you don't get hit with information overload. I'm not denying either of those things at all. But I also think that you should feel like the information given and the ends that were tied up completed enough of a loop to keep you happy while you edge toward more answers.
Although the main storyline with Lukian and Peren was tied up (as in the mating and claiming and what have you), I feel like we barely skimmed on the surface and never got more than our toes wet. The secondary characters, who have entire books devoted to them in the series, didn't feel like they had much depth. You never got to know them as more than just background noise.
I'm not sure if I really like this book. It's a shame, too, because I've enjoyed several other series by this author. I just never really connected to what was going on in this one.
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