Woah. I'm suaully not a fan of menage but this one was different because Lucy didn't have to choose between the two gorgeous men, she could have both!Woah. I'm suaully not a fan of menage but this one was different because Lucy didn't have to choose between the two gorgeous men, she could have both! Dayum!
And the sex was hot, hot and hot some more. I liked that the two guys, Kasper and Tony both very much adored and enjoyed Lucy ;) There was no jelaousy because this was a relatioship that happened to be between 3 people. I really liked the characters, Tony and Kas more than Lucy cause, well, she got to keep them all to herself! And the conversation between Lucy and her brother was quite funny, I bet he could never imagine discussing his sister's sex life with two other men!
I really liked this short story about two friends 'with benefits'. I adored the writing style, the characters. For an erotica and a short story it hadI really liked this short story about two friends 'with benefits'. I adored the writing style, the characters. For an erotica and a short story it had a nice and slight character development and even a little bit of depth. It left me with a smile and a wish for my very own friend with benefits *sigh*...more
**spoiler alert** Another wonderfully written book by Lisa Kleypas. The tune of these books is a bit different than the Wallflowers I think, because, **spoiler alert** Another wonderfully written book by Lisa Kleypas. The tune of these books is a bit different than the Wallflowers I think, because, for starters, we have two Gypsies who have an altogether different culture, who also happen to have adapted to the English life well. And then there's the Hathaways. They're not the usual English family with their eccentricities. But that only makes you love them more. So, when you put them all together, you get a nice historical series with a different taste. But it's a good different, and I think Lisa Kleypas needs a pat on the back here for not repeating herself with a similar stroyline with slightly different characters. She managed to create a whole different world in her previous one and I think that's why she'll remain as my favourite historical romance author.
Going back to the book itself, this beautifully written one tells the story of Win, the fragile invalid sister, and Kev, the Gypsy boy who was adopted by the family who later came to be one of them.
I'll start with Win. I have to admit she surprised me. In a good way though. From the previous book, she seemed like a mature girl who, in my opinion, acted as a buffer for her older sister Amelia. As opposed to her sister's frantic nature, she was more serene. Perhaps that had to do with the aftereffects of her illness, nevertheless her picture was one of a quite one.
This book had a different tone for the way it was told with the flashbacks and leaps in time. I enjoyed the past moments with Win and Kev, it made me see the basis of their relationship and made me understand both of them better. I was able to see Kev before he was rasped by the Hathaway family, and Win, before the scarlet fever has claimed her strength.
And then there was the two year gap that we jumped, while Win was away in France to get her long awaited treatment and when she came back, she was the same sweet Win, but also very different. I was glad to see she not only got her strength back, but she was also a very determined woman. All the change that happened in her was in good direction. Her efforts to make a life for herself with the man she loved were enviable. I was also glad to see that even though she was repeatedly rejected by Kev, she still had her dignity and determination attached.
Which brings me to our hero. Oh, how I love a tortured man..They are the best ones to fall for, because when they do, it's so intense it makes your heart beat faster and your blood rush.
I think we can divide Kev's life in two, 'before Hathways' and 'after Hathways'. His 'before' is very painful, filled with horrible memories where he's forced to beat and perhaps even kill other children for the entertainment of others. And sorrow, pity or tears are not allowed. He's brought up as an animal and he comes to the Hathaways as a wounded one. A wounded animal is tricky. You should approach with great care but once you gain the trust, I think, there's no coming back.
And the Hathaways earn Kev's trust. His loyalty too. Even though it seems like the biggest reason for him to stay with them is Win's tender heart that he longes to have, it's nice to see that he cared for all of them, parents included. And after all the trauma and hardship the family had gone through, he was a nice steady existence among the Hathaway siblings.
These two, Win and Kev, made me shed tears in the previous book and they sure went on to nudge my heart in this one. Kev had many beautiful words and thoughts, "I love you. I love every part of you, every thought and word..the entire complex, fascinating bundle of all the things you are. I want you with ten different kinds of need at once. I love all the seasons of you, the way you are now, the thought of how much more beatiful you'll be in the decades to come. I love you for being the answer to every question my heart could ask." Just so beautiful..
I enjoyed the brother storyline of Cam and Kev. We had a chance to know, and might I add, adore, Cam more. He fought his way through the hard exterior of his brother and made him openly care for him. Even though it took him only to drink the coffee he despised and to almost die :)
I'm reading and looking forward to the rest of this series with the same intensity as I did with the Wallflowers. And I have to finish with quoting the best part of the book, the last page. The perfect ending to a beautiful book.
"' You are Andrei,' she whispered. It was a name for a warrior. A son of Kev Merripen could be no less. 'Your gadjo name is Jason Cole. And your tribal name..' She paused thoughtfully.
'Jado,' came her husband's drowsy voice from beside her.
Win looked down at Kev and reached out to stroke his thick, dark hair. The lines on his face were gone, and he looked relaxed and content. 'What does that mean?' she asked.
'One who lives outside the Rom.' 'That's perfect.' She let her hand linger in his hair. 'Ov yilo isi?' she asked him gently.
'Yes,' Kev said, answering in English. 'There is heart here.'
**spoiler alert** I wish we had a means to erase our minds of any book's memories and read them again and again just so we can have that first time ex**spoiler alert** I wish we had a means to erase our minds of any book's memories and read them again and again just so we can have that first time excitement and pleasure..Even though I feel a bit sad that this series, the 4 Wallflowers' books that is, is over, it will not be the last time I'm with them. As my official favourite historical romance series now, I'm planning to wear the books out until I'll need new copies!
This book tells the story of the dreamer of the Wallflowers, Daisy Bowman, and the man her father pressures her to marry, the long despised Matthew Swift.
As it is clear, this match starts out with the Bowman sisters' prejudice towards our hero and from the beginning Daisy is horrified by the idea of marrying a man her father approves. It's known to us that the sisters do not like the way their father made a life for himslef, focusing only on material things and giving little thought on emotional issues. He doesn't even show any affection to any of his children or his wife and rightfully Daisy and Lillian are compelled to hate the man their father sees as close to a son. But of course our Matthew turns out to be nothing like the girls predicted.
I just have to say I adored Matthew Swift. He was compassionate, passionate, smart. A total gentleman. I loved his first encounter with Daisy when he came to Stoney Cross Park. I very much enjoyed Daisy's shock over seeing the man she so despised for years to have become a man who's well built and quite attractive now.
And as I read and read, and became aware of the longing Matthew felt towards Daisy, the intensity of it, I wanted to get into that book and comfort him myself, Daisy be damned! I think one of the most adorable scenes happened in this book, where him and Daisy wait outside of Lillian's room while she was giving birth, and Daisy discovered the button Matthew was carrying for years with her hair in it. I knew then I wanted him to get everything he ever wanted.
Other than the button incident, Matthew had many adorable scenes, either with Daisy or with all the Wallflowers, like when he helped little Isabelle, Annabelle and Smion's little girl, about her teething, and he knew about Daisy's favourite wine, and when he was trying to convince Llandrindon to marry her, the way he described her..I can go on and on and it still wouldn't be enough to tell how wonderful and sweet Matthew Swift was.
As for Daisy, I absolutely loved and adored her. She was very much like me and some of my friends here :) Her love for books, the fantasy world, her lively spirit, her love for animals, her desire for adventure and her kind and loving personality. Not to mention her crazy side that locked herself with Matthew Swift in his room to seduce him!
It's not that I expected any less but it was great to read their struggle against the hardships that Matthew's past has brought forward. I felt sorry for him for what he's been through and was so glad to see everyone stick by him, even Lillian, who never really trusted or liked him from the beginning. And of course Westcliff, the man who's always around to help save the day. As opposed to what they pointed out several times in the book, he's a good judge of character, save for Annabelle's case :)
Daisy and Matthew really fit well, they were every bit the younger couple. And by the end of the book, when Matthew disappeared when that carriage went down, I wanted to weep with Daisy. I can't imagine going through something like that, where you have no way of knowing whether the person you love is alive or gone forever. I really teared up in those last couple of chapters.
And last but not least, I want to mention St Vincent and Evie. I just love any interactions between these two. A heated look here, a light passionate touch there. It should make people think they're like fire in private. Of course we already know exactly just how fiery they are ;) So it was no surprise I was so utterly happy when I found out Evie was pregnant! That little scene with the secret touch that no one saw except for Daisy, was adorable.
I feel like I must say more things, not only about this book but for the whole series because I loved it so. I cherished every single book, every single couple, every single struggle and every single secret passionate longing. I loved the way they loved. And I'll do everything I can for more people to know about these people....more
**spoiler alert** I think it's become quite impossible for me to give this series any rating other than 5 stars. I'm already feeling blue because the **spoiler alert** I think it's become quite impossible for me to give this series any rating other than 5 stars. I'm already feeling blue because the next one will be the last of the series.
This book of the Wallflowers quartet tells the story of the womanizer Lord St. Vincent and the shyest of all wallflowers, Evie Jenner.
I love Evie. From what we've known of her so far, she was very withdrawn, shy around other people but she has the heart of gold. We've already told a bit about her overbearing family but I didn't know things were this bad for her. I couldn't believe the things her brute uncles did to her, she was a sure victim of violence and negligence. They practically tortured the poor girl by using physical and emotional pressure, and even denied her food when she didn't act to their liking. If this was a tv show it'd be Law and Order: Svu.
So I could totally understand and support her decision to make an offer of marriage to St. Vincent, who, very recently had kidnapped and tried to force Lillian into marriage himself.
I felt so bad for Evie, for all she's been through, I think I wanted her to be the happiest. I mean, of course I wish for all Wallflowers to be happy and all, but Evie was such a tortured heroine that I wanted to get into that book and strangle those uncles of her myself. With bare hands. Perhaps a few kicks to the groin to ensure they'd suffer to the fullest.
St. Vincent, on the other hand, was a more closed box. We first met him when he was his most nonchalant and playful and flirty, and then he turned into the kidnapper and finally the last hope for Evie. I have to say I was angry with him by the end of the previous book. He did deserve to fall to his knees for a woman. Or get shot, whatever :)
But of course I couldn't stay mad at St. Vincent for long. He was so considerate and charming to Evie, even before they got married, when they were travelling hastily to Gretna Green. I guess he was waiting for the right woman to melt his heart.
I loved the way he treated Evie. It might've seemed like he was indifferent and careless towards her, but Lisa Kleypas gave enough hints here and there to let us know that he felt much different inside. After all, he was a player, he wasn't used to loving someone with such intensity and by the end of the book this is made more clear when he constantly refused to acknowledge his true feelings and the true intensity of those feelings for Evie.
Even though I knew this was supposed to end happy, I have to admit I was on edge reading those pages after St. Vincent got shot for Evie. But I also loved those parts the most in the book because we got to see St. Vincent at his most vulnerable and I know my heart melted for him. He was a bad patient though :) I loved his childlike personality in those pages.
Needless to say these two were a perfect match. Who better to reform an infamous rake other than the shy beauty?
Which brings me to Lillian and Wescliff. I was so glad to see them, for a while I wondered if we were ever gonna see any of the other wallflowers but of course when things go bad, Wescliff to the rescue! It seems like he's always there to help save the day, great man, soon to be a father. I was so happy to hear that!
Lisa Kleypas enchants me with her writing. There's something about the way she writes the romance and the characters that they come off the pages and sit with you while you read and laugh and shed a single tear with them.
I can't wait to read the next one where the adventurous Daisy finds her happily ever after....more
**spoiler alert** 'Wallflowers' series will always be my first love in historical romance. And even though I've only read the first two books so far, **spoiler alert** 'Wallflowers' series will always be my first love in historical romance. And even though I've only read the first two books so far, I have this distinct feeling that I will forever cherish these stories, the romances and the wonderful characters.
With this book, we're told the story of Lord Westcliff, close friend of Simon Hunt -the previous book's hero- and Lillian Bowman, the sharp-tongued wallflower.
Lord Westcliff, I already loved from the previous book. Sure, he was cynical, seemed to be a bit hard-headed, but he was loyal and totally checking Lillian out in their half naked rounders game! Marcus, Lord Westcliff is the kind of man who's used to be in charge and have control over his life, and on some occasions, the lives of others. But don't let this description fool you, because he's actually a very tender man who only wants the best for those he loves and he's cold and distanced only for the way he's been brought up by the man he calls father. I'd say 'tough love' but that sperm donor of his had nothing even remotely related to love in his actions towards his son.
Even with such a man as a father Lord Westcliff seems to have grown up pretty well. He may be difficult sometimes but he also knows the meaning of true family and friendship and loyalty, and thanks to Lillian's appearence in his life, love. Needless to say I absolutely loved Lord Westcliff and I was so happy to read him find his happiness.
Now, Lillian was also a character I loved so from the previous book. Then again, I don't think there's any one of these people I have even doubted a little from before. I just loved her sharp tongue! She was the kinda heroine that if she was told in modern times would no doubt be a kick ass heroine. I very much enjoyed how she constantly challenged those around her and how crazy she made Westcliff! I'm a complete lover of bickering love -something I might've mentioned a few times before :P- so this couple was top notch for me.
Apart from the main couple, I loved the appearences from Annabelle and Simon, and was so happy to find out they're expecting.
I loved the whole perfume mystery, it was something I very much enjoyed reading and when it was revealed that the secret ingredient was in fact Lillian herself, it was an 'awww' moment for me.
I thought Daisy and Evangeline were explored more in this, we got hints here and there about their personalities. I know we already know them, especially Daisy since she's Lillian's sister and more extroverted than Evangeline. But Evie is still a bit closed. I'm really looking forward to knowing more about her and reading her fall in love and rid herself of that horrible family of hers.
Which brings me to Lord St Vincent. I did think he was adorable when he appeared, even though he made passes at Lillian and was clearly trying get himself some sort of financial releaf. He's a versatile character, a man who's unpredictable but I gotta admit I didn't expect his kidnapping, secretly marrying and forcibly seducing Lillian plan. At all. Even after they found her, and even after he was attacked by Westcliff I still expected a marshmallow explanation about the way he acted. I sure look forward to how he'll atone for his actions. Because a player like him sure would make a good match for the shy wallflower.
There were many scenes that did things to my insides. I just love how Lisa Kleypas writes love scenes, the intimacy is just beautiful. And the way the characters connect with each other, the lovers fall for each other is just as beautiful and smooth.
Needless to say I cannot wait to read the rest of this series. I already made up a nice space for all the books on my bookshelf!...more
This book kept me awake till 3 am last night..It reminded me why I loved nice, funny, sweet romance books, I am still a romantic after all and I guessThis book kept me awake till 3 am last night..It reminded me why I loved nice, funny, sweet romance books, I am still a romantic after all and I guess I'll always enjoy a good chicklit.
This is the story of Delaney who comes back to her hometown after leaving ten years ago following a not-so-nice experience involving the town's bad boy Nick. Now, let me tell you about these guys.
Nick is the illegitimate son of Delaney's stepfather, the unwanted child who's always been rejected by his real father and who lived with his mother and half-brother all his life. He grows up hating his father who never acknowledged him and watching him accept the seven year old girl who moves in along with his new wife from the sidelines.
Nick is your common bad boy. And Delaney is the good girl who always felt somewhat thankful to Henry for marrying her mother and giving them a better life. You see how they fit, right?
After a rather embarassing experience for Delaney, she leaves town ten years ago only to come back at present for the death of her stepfather and the reading of his will. Of course, she's not aware of the secret formula of a good romance book, and before she knows how it happened she has to stay in this town for one full year if she wants to claim her three million dollar inheritance. And of course the recipe is not yet completed without Nick's inheritance clause: if he wants his share of the inheritance, he has to not sleep with Delaney for one full year. Awesome so far, yeah?
To add insult to injury, we know Delaney hates her hometown and can't wait to leave as soon as possible but she also likes the sound of millions, she also likes a little bit of Nick, growing up both fascinated and intimidated by him. There's also our bad boy Nick, who gives Delaney a hard time all her life, resenting the fact that his own father never acknowledged him when Delaney had the life who was supposed to be his. Oh, and he's a little infatuated with Delaney. Doesn't this sound so dreamy?
This was, apart from being a sweet story of romance with a fair share of pleasurable love scenes, a funny book. I laughed quite a lot reading it, either it was because of something Nick said or something Delaney did. Entertained me a lot.
I hearted Nick. He was the laid back womanizer with an attitude of I-dont-give-a-fuck. It's always a pleasure to watch those guys fall for someone.
So, I enjoyed this book to the fullest and I recommend this to everyone who loves a light romance with a bit of humor....more
This book is based on an old Norwegian fairy tale called 'East of The Sun and West of The Moon'. My acquaintance with this story goes back to a collecThis book is based on an old Norwegian fairy tale called 'East of The Sun and West of The Moon'. My acquaintance with this story goes back to a collection of erotic short stories based on fairy tales, Enchanted: Erotic Bedtime Stories For Women. Before that, I've never heard of this tale and I was pleasantly surprised when I realized what story this book was based on.
The original tale tells the story of the daughter of a poor peasant who's given away by her father to the White Bear in exchange of wealth for the rest of the family. Her husband is in bear form throughout the day but come night, he becomes a man and shares her bed on the condition that she never look at him. One day the girl gets curious and thinking there could be no harm, while her husband is still asleep, she lights a candle and finds he is a very attractive man. Her husband, waking up, tells her that his stepmother has put a spell on him to make him a bear and if the girl could have lasted one year without seeing him he'd be releived of the curse. But since she sees him before the time is up, he tells her that he has to go the stepmother's castle which is located 'east of the sun and west of the moon' and marry the stepmother's ugly daughter now. After he vanishes, the girl sets out to find him and after a long journey and many encounters including the East Wind, South Wind and North Wind who help her through her journey, she reaches the castle where the evil stepmother and her daughter, said to be trolls, reside.
'Ice' is based on this lovely fairy tale but of course it is not that simple. I have to say, I was amazed by Sarah Beth Durst's storytelling. She took a simple story and made it a truly wonderful journey filled with many beautiful, breathtaking, and at times, suffocating scenes. Her language was very realistic, it made it so easy for me to get into the heroine's mind and understand her struggles and doubts.
The heroine, Cassie, was an amazing character. I don't think I've ever come across a YA novel character who's this determined to make something happen. She's the daughter of a scientist, she's lived all her life practically in ice, she knows hot to survive, how to track. These are all thanks to her upbringing, but the rest, the fight she has in her, the determination, are what make her a great heroine. On her journey, from the moment she meets the polar bear till the end, she has to overcome many obstacles both psychologically and physically, and I'm sure if it were any other person this story would've ended before it even started. But then again this is what makes it so unique.
I don't want to say more about the storyline because the way the author changed the tale is so beautiful in my opinion, and original, that whoever reads it should see it unfold themselves.
I ooh'ed and aww'ed during this book and towards the end I had a slap-my-forehead moment. And I definitely loved it. ...more
I can't remember how I first saw this book and added it to my to-read pile but I'm glad I did. There were parts of the story that were a bit complex tI can't remember how I first saw this book and added it to my to-read pile but I'm glad I did. There were parts of the story that were a bit complex to imagine but once I let go and went with the flow, it was all good and I enjoyed it very much.
The world is under threat of many random natural disasters and certain people are able to prevent these. They work in pairs, Souces and Shields; while a Source has the ability to detect and avert the disasters by channeling their powers through themselves, a Shield is the one who, well, shields them from the aftereffects of absorbing that mcuh power that otherwise would most definitely kill them. And this 'bonding' between pairs is for life, if one dies, so does the other. Depressing yet? Add to that the possiblity that you're paired with someone you despise, and then you've got yourself hell on earth.
Which is close to what Dunleavy -Lee- feels. She's bonded to the sweetheart of all Sources and Shields, Shintaro Karish -Taro-, the boy whose charms has made everyone fall in love with him while all Lee wants is to stay on the sidelines and do her job as a Shield without any spotlight or action. Needless to say her wish does not come true.
I gotta admit, at the beginning I was afraid of not liking Lee, she was strong but she also was self-centered and had the potential to be a cocky and annoying heroine. Thankfully while I stuck to the story, she became more likeable. I still thought she sometimes had too many questions that weren't necessary and/or too smart. I do look forward to her character development though, in the future books.
Now, Taro, our hero, is another story. I liked him from the start. Through the point of view of Lee, he's described as the charming, handsome sweetheart with talent but not much wits or conscience to go with it. But as we read on, we see that he's in fact more than what Lee believes. He's a Source and usually Sources steal the show. While most of them might've acted the way that was expected of them, Taro immediately made it clear that he's different. He has a heart and, as opposed to common belief, a conscience as well. He really was charming and pretty funny, and overall, an adorable guy who made me come to the point where I wanted to smack Lee for being so hard on him.
Like I said earlier, I did find some parts of the story a bit hard to imagine and follow, but it was generally very enjoyable. I gotta say it actually got much better towards the end where the real action and mystery took place. The beginning was a little bit about introducing us to the story and the world.
I'd recommend this to those who like fantasy, and I sure look forward to how our hero and heroine will work on their relationship as well as averting all kinds of disasters, natural and annatural....more
**spoiler alert** Yet another good one from the Dark-Hunter series. Even though this might've had a tiny bit less action than the usual Dark-Hunter li**spoiler alert** Yet another good one from the Dark-Hunter series. Even though this might've had a tiny bit less action than the usual Dark-Hunter life, I still liked it. I enjoyed the fact that it evolved more around the couple as they were forced into a difficult situation.
This one told the story of Wulf, the 'forgettable' Dark-Hunter and Cassandra, the last remaining Apollo blood.
I liked the romance between these two. They were practically thrown into the baby scene. And even though apparently it's something they both would've been happy about, when they're forced into it, people tend to feel a bit pissed off, Artemis. something to keep in mind. I'm getting a little tired of her childish shenanigans. Anyway, back to our couple, I enjoyed reading their interactions. They were immediately attracted to each other and despite their differences and the hardships of their situation, they made it work. In the months of Cassandra's pregnancy, they formed a friendship, a connection that made them a family and it broke my heart to even think about Cassandra's end.
The action, like I said, diminished after they came to live through the pregnancy, but I still enjoyed the interactions. And I was so glad to read about the life of Apollites underground. It was a fresh look on Wulf's side to enemy and I really liked the different look on thhose people, Apollites and Daimons alike. We found out that not all Apollites are after a good fight, and not all Daimons are bloodsucking evils. I'm a sucker, no pun intended, for the balance of good and evil in every individual. I like to see things not just black and white, but in shades of grey. And I believe this whole thing with Apollites and Daimons just raised the bar a little for this series.
There were additional characters that I really liked in this one, especially Urian, the supposed enemy. He was the best example of the idea of not all bad guys are actually bad, and I loved his devotion to his wife, the risks he'd taken for her, and the courage he displayed when he decided to join Acheron and the others rather than forget about his time with Phoebe by erasing his pain. It was obvious he was very much in love with Phoebe, and I'm still not sure what happened to her, if it's final that she's dead, but I kinda wish we could read his book too. His soul sure is tortured enough to be a book in the series.
I have to admit, I had a bit hard time following the bread crumbs about Acheron's life, I swear that man is not just a closed box but an impenetrable fort! But gotta hand it to the guy, he does have a good sense of humor. Most of the lines that cracked me up in this book belonged to him. I don't know if he still appears after his book, but if he doesn't, I'll sure miss the guy! Always happy to see Simi. It was priceless to see her freak everybody out when she appeared as a replacement baby in Acheron's arms.
Apart from all the action, plotting, mysterious characters and the hot romance, there were a few times that made me tear up. The whole thing with Cassandra has to die shortly after her child's birth thing was hard. And I could definitely understand and relate to them when they thought maybe she should go Daimon, and whenever she cried saying she didn't want to die. And that's another thing I admired about the people who lived underground. They had courage when it came to death, even though they didn't really deserve it, rather are paying for the bitchiness of the past bitches and assholes.
Overall, I loved this book. Sometimes I forget these books are supposed to happen at the time, like Talon's storyline was also going on in this one, and Zarek too. When Talon and Wulf's conversation appeared in the beginning from the previous book, I was like 'Hey! wait a minute, I've read this already!'. It took me a minute to remember the storylines intertwine sometimes....more
What a beautiful book. This is by far the best of the series I've read so far. A well 5 star deserving read.
This time we're with Zarek, the antisocialWhat a beautiful book. This is by far the best of the series I've read so far. A well 5 star deserving read.
This time we're with Zarek, the antisocial Dark-Hunter who hates everything and everyone, and Astrid, the daughter of the goddess of Justice who's charged with the 'judgment' of Zarek to determine whether he could live with others or should die.
I gotta say, Astrid's got a handful. I absolutely loved her, I think she may be my favourite female of the series so far, she was determined, strong, understanding and, as opposed to what she thought of herself, passionate and loving. She was definitely a perfect match for Zarek's frozen heart. Since she's been 'judging' charges for a very long time and finding them all guilty so far, Astrid has doubts about her 'humanity'. She believes her compassion has long died and she's in need of a break from all her duties. That's when Acheron, who's still desperately trying to save Zarek from a very cruel fate, comes and asks her personally to judge Zarek and decide if he's worthy of living. This is the point where I'm blown away by Acheron's knowledge of all things.
Zarek was a very difficult guy. He's been through a lot, he's been tortured, hated, beaten, humiliated and never ever loved. By anyone. He doesn't know the words love, compassion and mercy because he's never shown any. So, over the years, he's become this bitter man who hates everyone most especially himself. He doesn't see himself worthy of anything, especially Astrid. But from the very beginning we see that he actually has a big heart and he's helpful and a very lonely guy who secretly craves the love he's been denied all his life.
I have to admit, I came dangerously close to crying reading about Zarek's past. He's such a scarred soul that all you want to do is become Astrid and move the story further by embracing him and never letting go. Of course there's a long way to that point when it comes to this guy because he's just too bitter. Any act of kindness he considers with doubt. For him, nothing is ever free and the cost is always too high. And naturally it's not easy to deal with someone like him, they always tend to push you away, but Astrid was so nice with him. After she was convinced he was 'innocent' she concentrated on breaking the wall he's built on the outside and let the real man pour out.
There was one other thing about this book that made me love it so much, The Little Prince. The parts where Zarek quoted from the book, either in his dreams where he begged for an end to his loneliness or in reality when he said the words to Astrid in loving, they were my favourite parts. There was just something so beautiful about a man like Zarek to cherish a story like this one.
I was also glad to see more insight to Acheron's character. He's a complete mystery to me, starting from his strange relationship with Artemis, to his devotion to his Dark-Hunters and, realized in this book, his love for the demon girl he carries on his skin. I thought his book was too far in the series but it seems like ten or so books are not enough to make us understand this guy. A part of me can't help but think it would be a great loss for the Dark-Hunters to lose him to a HEA!
So this is my favourite book of the series so far. It was beautiful, emotional and full of love....more
Now, this was a much better start to a series than its predecessor, Fantasy Lover. I don't remember right now how much time has passed between the twoNow, this was a much better start to a series than its predecessor, Fantasy Lover. I don't remember right now how much time has passed between the two but it was clear that the writing has much improved.
This actual start to the Dark Hunter series tells the story of Kyrian of Thrace, a fierce warrior who sold his sold for vengeance against those who wronged him and became a Dark Hunter, and Amanda Devereaux, the only member of her hectic family of vampire hunters and witches etc who has denied her true self and abilities.
I was glad to see Kyrian who mentioned in the previous book back. He was a friend of Julian the sex slave, and I think was the right choice to ease into the series while connecting this to Fantasy Lover. Also, I found myself really liking Kyrian when Julian mentioned him and was happy to read his story.
Since I already sort of liked Kyrian from before, I started the book with a sympathy towards him and thankfully his character turned out to be better than what I hoped. I liked his tortured character and his ability to love in spite of his past pains.
As for Amanda, when she first appeared I was afraid, with her attitude towards Kyrian when they first met, I might not be able to like her. But she turned out to be ok too, she was nice and willing to face her true self and the things she didn't like about herself for Kyrian.
One complaint I might have about the women in this series so far is the use of the word 'buster' by them, I just couldn't get used to it! It made them sound cocky at times even when they weren't. I'm pretty sure if I woke up one day, after being on the receiving end of a bump in the head, and found myself next to a huge, however much sexy, dangerous looking man and a voice echoing around the walls telling us we were to be dead soon, I wouldn't address him as 'buster' and try to boss him around. So the beginning was so-so but then it turned good. And I found I liked this series. I'll be looking forward to reading the rest and find out about the other Dark/Dream/Were Hunters and their happily ever afters....more
**spoiler alert** Now that I finished this, a part of me wonders why it took me this long to start it in the first place! Oh, what a wonderful additio**spoiler alert** Now that I finished this, a part of me wonders why it took me this long to start it in the first place! Oh, what a wonderful addition -and partly an end- to this series.
This one was about Sin, the Smurfette -Oh Wraith!-, and Con, the half werewolf half vampire dream-come-true. Do I need to make it clear that I love him? No? Alright then.
I absolutely loved this story. It had emotions, strength, love, battle, friendship, sibling love and loyalty. And probably some more. We already knew a bit about Con and Sin from the previous book where they had a brief -and hot!- encounter but with this book we got to learn a lot about their characters and their pasts that shaped them to this day.
I was under the impression that Con was the kind of guy who's old and in control and demanding but he blew me away in this book. Sure, he's tough and has this impressive aura that gives away vibes of danger and sex but he's also very scarred and detached and vulnerable. He's of a species that few know about and are scared of so I think that's why he's able to connect with Sin better than anyone else. He's immediately drawn to her sexually and let's face it, no surprise there, but soon realizes that he wants more and that his desire for her goes deeper than the physical. It always makes me happy to read a guy like him to fall and fall hard for a woman.
Sin is not so different. She's spent her life at the hands of others, meeting their demands, prisoned. All she ever wants is her freedom and up until the very end of the book, even after she becomes the master assassin, she's not truly free. If she's not bound to someone else, she's limited by her own actions. She refuses to feel at all because in her world that's a weakness you pay with your life. I felt so bad for Sin, she was a true fighter, a very strong female and I admired her courage throughout the book.
The relaitonship Con and Sin had was a delight to read, it gradually increased from physical attraction under the circumstances to a tender connection, devotion and love. And it couldn't have been more believable and better told. With every paragraph, every chapter I could see how they were becoming closer and closer to each other and to a fate that would bind them forever.
Talking about relationships, I have to say I loved the one the siblings had here. The devotion they had for each other was just very beautiful. Especially the part where they all thought Con was dead and while Sin had her breakdown, how they held her so close..*sigh* Yeah, I'm a sucker for emotion so sue me.
There were many laugh out loud moments in this one. I realized I enjoy Larissa Ione's sense of humor, she cracked me up on many occasions. When Shade came to see Con after he was trying to detox on his own and offered a bag of Sin's blood to him, does anyone remember what happened? Yes, ladies, that's the scene. If you're anything like me that part of the book is etched to your brains as well, it was flat out hilarious! Damn, Ione, you sure know how to play a girl's mind! :)
I loved the whole big family thing, I'm glad all the Sem brothers and sister all found their one and only and finally came together and now have their much deserved one big happy family picture. I'm looking forward to the updates about them in the future books, kinda wish to read about Lore and Idess' baby -another wonderful moment when he asked his brothers about that, aww- and if, and yes please, Tayla gets pregnant.
I gotta admit, I wasn't very familiar about the four Horsemen of the Apocalypse, so I'm going to look that up since that's the storyline for the spinoff series. I did enjoy the exerpt though, I love it when an author takes something and makes it their own.
Let me see, there are probably some stuff that I forgot to mention even though I freaked out about them while reading. Well, no need to say this but there were some pret-ty nice love scenes in this one. As some of my friends pointed it out to me, I will never be able to look at playing in the snow the same way I did before this book. Snowballs and rolling around in the snow has forever changed for me.
ps. I knew I'd forget about something. LUC! How could I have forgotten about the smexy werewolf after I wished him to have a HEA of his own?! And I did freak out about his HEA! I was so so happy to read that he found someone too, and a baby yes!, I really loved that guy. The part where he thought to himself that Kar looked 'adorable' in his socks and right before I read him mindslap himself I thought 'why, Luc, since when do you call anyone adorable??' lol....more
**spoiler alert** Ah, what a beautiful little story..The story of Rafe Bowman, another one of the rakes who awaits to be reformed by the right woman, **spoiler alert** Ah, what a beautiful little story..The story of Rafe Bowman, another one of the rakes who awaits to be reformed by the right woman, and Hannah Appleton, the right woman.
I didn't think to check who the pairing was in this book before I read it and the blurb on the book mentioned only Natalie, but it was impossible to see the instant attraction between Rafe and Hannah.
I really liked Rafe. It's clear he comes from the same bloodline as Lillian and Daisy, they're such similarly unique characters! He was aodrable and utterly loveable. He was funny and I enjoyed his American ways very much, especially where he explains the ways to make a woman accept his ways by kissing her and then kissing her more until she bends to his will :) Such charm.
And Hannah. She was the proper English lady, though she did have an appetite for excitement. I guess otherwise she wouldn't have been a good match to a Bowman.
The two were absolutely lovely in their interactions and from the very first scene they had together you could see sparks flying and passion blooming to turn to love later on.
And of course I loved seeing the Wallflowers again. I can't get enough of them! I loved that Evie and St Vincent had their share of on-page time, I just adore those two, if I hadn't made that clear already. And Lillian and Westcliff..I couldn't believe my eyes when Lillian thought Westcliff might be interested in another woman but I think I could sympathize with her. I could see how the situation looked from her side but glad they worked it out. And in the stables! Quite a show it must've been for the horses!
I missed Matthew and Daisy, and having already read the first Hathaways book, I knew she was pregnant but I kinda hoped we'd get the news in this book. And I missed a little Simon and Annabelle, but I know they had their reunion celebrated in private.
And I really liked the epilogue, where the supporting cast's futures were summarized neatly for us, because I did wonder what happened to Mr Clark :) And that last few pages gave me a christmas movie ending feeling, where a good solid voice, like the one of Patrick Stewart, lets us know that all was well and everyone lived happily ever after.....more
Kyo and his best friend-from-rival-clan's fave books when they first met were hilarious, not to mention creative! ;)Kyo and his best friend-from-rival-clan's fave books when they first met were hilarious, not to mention creative! ;)...more
A good start to a series. Although the storyline might be a tiny bit confusing at times, it still was good enough to make you wonder and there were soA good start to a series. Although the storyline might be a tiny bit confusing at times, it still was good enough to make you wonder and there were some interesting characters involved.
The story's told by Riley Jenson, part werewolf part vampire hybrid, whose twin brother Rhoan goes missing on a mission for Directorate of Other Races one day where he works as a guardian/assassin and so Riley sets out to find him. On the way, she becomes allies with both current friends and colleagues, as well as a very old and sexy vampire.
Werewolves in this book are described as highly sexual creatures when around the full moon phase and since the whole of the book revolves around that particular time frame we get a lot of action from Riley. As part of being a werewolf, Riley's quite lax with her sexuality, she simply dresses up provocatively and goes to a werewolf bar where she has sex with others of her kind and voyeurism is really not much of a problem. Though we find out through the book that Riley has good sense and actually reduced the number of lovers to two, the hard-and-fast Talon and more gentle Misha. As much as I tried to understand the true nature of the weres in this book and respected it, I couldn't help but be bothered a bit by the moon heat that captured Riley and, even though she insisted her body fully responded to the heat and was willing, forced her to welcome a number of intrusions on her body when otherwise without the heat she wouldn't have consented to. Let me explain this, on two occasions that I remember Riley finds herself drugged only to wake up to a man inside her and thanks to the heat, even though her mind hates the man and the act with the man, her body nonetheless responds to it and she finds release. I don't know, this detail rubbed me the wrong way a bit.
And since we're talking about the extreme sex drive near the full moon, it surprised me with all the sex thoughts Riley had whenever she was in vicinity of the hot vampire Quinn and with about 80 percent of her brain occupied with sex that she was able to consentrate on the job at hand -no pun intended. I hope in the upcoming books the poor girl has an adventure or two without the pressure of the full moon on her.
Other than these thoughts that I had, I did enjoy the book. And there were some nice characters in it, the sexy vampire -because who can resist a sexy vampire?-, Riley's twin Rhoan and his not-nearly-enough-appreciated-by-him lover Liander -and together they make another fave m/m couple of mine.
So really, I do look forward to read how the story progresses and what happens to certain characters. ...more
**spoiler alert** I liked it. It was a good combination of crime, mystery and humor. Informative about linguistic differences between american and bri**spoiler alert** I liked it. It was a good combination of crime, mystery and humor. Informative about linguistic differences between american and british accents :) There were parts that made me laugh and there were parts where I thought things were ridiculous but it was still fun. Read it through my flight, it kept me busy. Although gotta admit, Evadne -the 'murder mystery author'- needed to be told off at times. A nice enough 'locked room mystery' as a refenrence to my favourite mystery author, Agatha Christie....more
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