Must Love Hellhounds

Story Title: Magic Mourns
Story Author: Ilona Andrews
Story Length: 90 pgs.
Anthology Title: Must Love Hellhounds
Copyright: 2009 (Berkley)
ISBN: 978-0-425-22959-0
Series: Kate Daniels
Sensuality: Subtle

Who: Andrea Nash and Raphael
Where: Atlanta (alternate reality)

Can it be read at any point in the series, or as a stand alone? It could, but if you’re new to the series and hadn’t read Magic Burns and/or Magic Strikes, I would consider it a spoiler in regards to Andrea mostly, and Kate (how and why she’s on medical leave). The story takes place after the events in Magic Strikes.

Summary: Kate’s on medical leave, so Andrea takes her place at the Order of Merciful Aid. Since Kate’s cases tend to be either Pack-related or involving the Mercenary Guild, things have been kind of slow. Then she gets a phone call from some guy called Teddy Jo. He informs Andrea that he spotted a shape shifter being chased by a huge dog. A house-sized dog. Andrea’s definitely on the case, especially if it means she gets to shoot something. However, she hopes the shape-shifter in question ISN’T a certain bouda (were-hyena).

Much to her consternation, the shape-shifter in question is in fact Raphael. The house-sized dog? Well, neither knows what it is, requiring a phone call to Kate. Apparently, Andrea and Raphael are not very well read up on Greek mythology. The dog is none other than Fluffy Cerberus. Raphael was tracking whoever had body-napped his recently deceased step-father when he encountered the beast. There is no way Raphael is going to be sidelined on this case, so Andrea has no choice but to allow him to help her investigate. During their investigation, they get the opportunity to discuss his attraction to her and the reasons she is so reluctant to get involved with him.

Comments: This story is told in 1st person, just like the series, except from Andrea’s point of view. It’s a real treat to see the this world through someone else’s eyes. We learn more about Andrea then we probably would have in the series. Andrea tells Raphael about her past and we see a different side of Raphael.

It is interesting to note that Kate and Andrea have much in common: heavily armed, independent women with a big secret that could cause major problems if the wrong parties found about them. Both women are being pursued, romantically, by men who could have any woman they want. Neither women is convinced of the sincerity of the pursuit, believing they are just passing fancies of the men in question. We’ll have to wait for future Kate Daniel books to learn whether or not Curran and Kate have any chance at long term relationship; however, in this short story, we learn that Raphael is honestly attracted to Andrea and he wants a chance at a relationship with her, and her alone:

“Things happened before I met you and before you met me. Those things don’t matter. You had no control over your past, but here, right now, you control the situation and you’re voluntarily giving it up. You’re punishing both of us because of something that happened half a lifetime ago. It makes no sense.”

Raphael’s admission brought up something interesting that I noticed about the boudas. Even though they are sexually adventurous and have no inhibitions, once they find a mate, they seem to be faithful. The idea is re-enforced by Aunt B’s grief over the lose of her mate. He wasn’t bouda and I just can’t imagine…well, you can figure it out for yourselves.

The story has another treat. Andrea and Raphael visit the Casino, headquarters for the vampire-controlling masters of the dead. They go deeper into the place than we’ve seen in the previous books.

I heart Maxine. I just love her to death. And I really loved Teddy Jo. He’s insights at the end were enlightening.

All in all, a fun read and it worked really well as a short story.

Read: 16 September 2009

Favorite Quotes:
“You couldn’t detect your way out of a shoe if someone lit the way with neon signs.”
– Andrea expresses her opinion of Kate’s investigative skills (or lack thereof)

Rating:

LOVED IT !!

Disclaimer: I bought this book.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

This is a re-post, due to data loss. (Oct 09)

12 Oct – Amy – “I love Andrews’s books. I’ll need to pick this one up. Thanks for the review!”
12 Oct – Me – “You’re welcome! It’s a great read. Definitely not to be missed. ”

So…taking a little break from reading and scribbling.  Here are a few books I have on order, coming soon..or sometime this year.

This should surprise no one:

Magic Strikes

Nor this one. Oooo. Another purple cover…

Dark Crusade

Another book by the same author as above:

Amazon Ink

The next two are by the same author (Pamela Palmer). Anxiously waiting to hear when Book 3 in The Esri will be released:

Desire Untamed

Sapphire Dream

Nalini Singh’s new series:

Angels' Blood

These I’ll order directly from Harlequin:

The Whispering Room

Silent on the Moor

Midnight Cravings

Christmas Getaway

Author(s): Anne Stuart, Tina Leonard, Marion Lennox
Copyright: 2008 (Harlequin); pgs. 282
Series:  N/A
Sensuality:  Subtle

The stories in this anthology are connected by a main plot.  The only author I’ve read before was Anne Stuart.  The blurbs on the back are misleading, to say the least.

The overarching plot which connects the story is roughly this:  Crooked Boston cop Connor O’Bannion tries to set up fellow police officer, James Fitzpatrick (Claus and Effect) as a fall guy.  But Fitz goes on the run and Connor is due in Dallas to marry Molly Broadbent (Candy Canes and Crossfire), the woman he’s been dating for several years and he has now decided he needs to marry if he wants to advance on the force.  At the rehearsal dinner, it appears that Molly’s maid of honor, Jean Norville (Caught at Christmas), may have overheard him make some threats.  Figuring his cover is blown, Connor fails to show up at his own wedding.  He goes to ground for a few days and eventually ends up in Australia at Christmas, hoping to get his hands on the diamonds his cousin, Vincent Devlin, has hidden.

As for the individual stories…

“Claus and Effect” (Anne Stuart)
Dr. Elois “Ellie” Pollard is preparing for her own wedding when James Fitzpatrick kidnaps her at gunpoint, dressed as Santa.  Fitz hopes that Ellie can help him clear his name.  He observed Ellie at the funeral for Vincent Devlin’s wife, Erica and had wondered if she might know something, anything, that can point the finger at O’Bannion.  Unfortunately, Ellie only knew Erica through the woman’s brother, Joe Cartland (Candy Canes and Crossfire), whom she spent time with in a foster home in Australia.  Since Ellie doesn’t know anything, Fitz’s only other hope is his first partner, long retired.  He may have collected enough dirt on O’Bannion to prove him untrustworthy.  But now that Fitz has dragged her into this, Ellie’s in danger, too, and Ellie refuses to leave a patient (Fitz was wounded).

This story was fast paced and the characters were likable.  Ellie comes up with a clever way of getting passed a stakeout.  Enjoyable read.

“Caught at Christmas” (Tina Leonard)
As stated above, Jean Norville overhears something at the wedding rehearsal.  The best man, Connor’s crony, tries to take out Jean.  She’s whisked away by Molly’s brother, Sam, to his secluded ranch.  Sam’s a former Texas Ranger and he’s tasked with keeping an eye on Jean until Connor is nabbed.  Jean isn’t thrilled by this.  She rather be home in Boston, surrounded by her Christmas-loving family.  Sam, feeling bad — and not knowing how long she’ll have to stay with him — allows Jean to decorate his home and even bake Christmas cookies.  Sam himself isn’t much into the holiday and his parent’s bitter marriage has had a profound effect on both Sam and Molly’s views on relationships.  Jean’s efforts and her stories about her family finally make him realize what he’s missing.  But Jean’s barely there a day when the cops inform them that Connor has left the state, so Jean can go home.  Sam elects to drive, wanting to spend time with Jean.  And though Connor has gone into hiding, it doesn’t mean the coast is clear.

Of the three stories, I liked this one the best.  And I loved Sam.  This one isn’t as fast paced as the first, but I thought it moved pretty briskly and I thought the ending was just right — not too sugary.

“Candy Canes and Crossfire” (Marion Lennox)
After the non-wedding, Joe Cartland takes his dead sister’s children back to Australia.  But Joe doesn’t know a whole lot about them, since Erica spent most of her time in the United States.  Joe’s relieved when Molly arrives unexpectedly.  The children — Charlie, Lily, and Zoe — are very fond of Molly and perk up when they see her.  But Molly came to the secluded Devlin estate to get away and be alone after being stood up by a man who is not only crooked, but may also be responsible for the deaths of Vincent and Erica.  However, she relents and whips them all into the Christmas spirit.  But their quiet little holiday is short-lived.  Connor is still on the loose.

This one was a bit slower and I didn’t warm up to either lead.

Overall, I enjoyed the book.

Started: 8 December  2008
Finished: 28 December 2008

Rating:

Liked A Lot

Holiday With A Vampire II

Author(s): Merline Lovelace; Lori Devoti
Copyright: 2008 (Harlequin); pgs. 273
Series: Silhouette Nocturne #54 – Christmas Anthology
Sensuality: Warm

This anthology features a story by one of my favorite Nocturne authors, Lori Devoti.  In a departure from her other Nocturnes, this one is about a vampire, not shape-shifters.  Though this is a Christmas anthology, the holiday has very little presence.  If you’re looking for a book that’s doesn’t have all the trimmings (carols, gifts, decorating, etc.), then this book is a good choice.

“A Christmas Kiss” by Merline Lovelace
From the Back:  Vampire Delilah Wentworth’s hunt for a dentist on Christmas Eve lands her in the arms of Sergeant Brett Cooper, a mortal who gave up on the Christmas spirit, and on love, years ago.  Incapable of returning home by herself, Delilah needs Brett’s protection for the night — a night that leaves her aching for a forbidden mortal romance, and leaves Brett questioning whether he has truly given up on love after all.

I really liked Delilah.  Born in 1888 to a career military officer, her only goals in life were to marry a dashing lieutenant and have lots of babies.  She isn’t a sultry, bad girl vamp; she’s almost ordinary.  Delilah only feeds on the willing and only takes what she needs — not a killer nor in the habit of creating more vampires.  She’s also compassionate, going — with Brett –to the aid of a young, single mother with a case of food poisoning.

I wish the story had been longer.  I thought Brett’s acceptance of Delilah was too quick.  I also would have liked to have seen more of Delilah’s sire, Sebastian.

“The Vampire That Stole Christmas” by Lori Devoti
From the Back: On a mission for revenge against his adoptive family, vampire Drystan Hurst needs daemon Aimee Polk to help him put his plan into action. But Drystan doesn’t expect to fall in love with Aimee — especially when it means choosing between her affection and the ultimate family payback he has always dreamed of.

This is a story about two individuals — a vampire and a daemon — who must learn to accept themselves for who and what they are.  Drystan has a lot of anger and resentment towards the Myhres.  He’s bent on getting revenge and he sees his foster brother’s fiancée, Aimee, as the way to publicly humiliate them.  Aimee, a daemon of light, has recently failed to save the life of her most recent charge.  She’s decided that it’s best for her not to be one any longer, and will try to do good through Ben, who is politically ambitious.  She senses the darkness in Drystan, and her first instinct is to absorb it, but she knows that won’t help him if he doesn’t take the first step.

This story was my favorite and I liked that both characters were supernatural.  It made their acceptance of each other smoother.  I also liked the twist on vampire mythology.

Started: 20 November  2008
Finished: 27 November 2008

Rating:

Liked A Lot

Hallowe'en Husbands

Author(s): Lisa Plumley, Denise Lynn, Christine Merrill
Copyright: 2008 (Harlequin); pgs. 281
Series: Harlequin Historical #917 – Halloween Anthology
Sensuality: Varies

I picked up this book primarily for the Christine Merrill short story.  I read The Inconvenient Duchess and liked it. I had not read anything by the other two contributors, so this was an opportunity to discover new authors.

“Marriage at Morrow Creek” by Lisa Plumley (Western)
From the Back:  The only thing Rose Tillson ever wanted was a life of travel beneath the Western stars — and to marry secret sweetheart Will Gavigan!  All Rose needs is a small dose of Hallow’en magic to make Will realize she’s the girl of his dreams.

I did not finish this story.  Western-set historicals are not something I usually read, but I figured a short story would be something I could handle.  I couldn’t get into the story.  If the author writes contemporaries or set in other historical subgenres (Regency, Medieval, etc.), I would be interested in trying something else from her.

“Wedding at Warehaven” by Denise Lynn (Medieval)
From the Back:  When Brigit of Warehaven casts a simple spell to reveal her true love’s identity, she never expects to wed him that same night!  But until the mischievous trickeries of All Hallow’s Eve are over, Randall FitzHenry cannot truly claim his bride’s heart.

I liked this story very much.  The ways of society in those days — when a king could order two strangers to wed regardless of their personal preferences — worked well in a short story and made the relationship believable.  Brigit and Randall are likable characters.  Brigit is very mature and tries to do right by her people in her father’s absence, and Randall respects that.  Because of the loyalty between her and her people, Randall treads carefully in his dealings with both. Randall is a decent guy.  He came to Warehaven, on the king’s orders, to seize control of the keep and get to the bottom of the rumors that certain pagan practices have been reinstated.  He’s also a fair man.  When Brigit’s brothers-in-law refuse to tell him where the lord disappeared to, Randall locks them up in their chambers — with their wives — instead of tossing them in a cell.  He’s not interested in using violence, unless it becomes absolutely necessary, to get the answers he seeks.  As he tells Brigit later, “I do not kill for the sake of killing.  I do not murder innocent men.”

“Master of Penlowen” by Christine Merrill (Regency)
From the Back:  Arabella Scott cannot decide whether she’s been saved or abducted when she is rescued from highwaymen by a darkly brooding stranger.  In his eerily cold, dilapidated home, she has no choice but to trust her cavalry officer rescuer.

I really enjoyed this story.  It was darker and creepier than the others.  Lieutenant Richard Acherton, Arabella’s rescuer, is obsessed with solving the mystery — and finding the hidden treasure — of Penlowen, his ancestral home.  The quest has driven the Achertons to insanity and suicide, and Richard is determined that the curse ends with him — he either solves it or dies trying, leaving no heir.  He wants a home and a family, but without the treasure, he can’t afford to support a wife and children. Even driven as he is, Richard hasn’t failed to notice Arabella.  He finds her to be quiet lovely and is impressed with the fact that she didn’t swoon or go into hysterics when confronted by highwaymen.  For her part, Arabella is a little afraid of Richard — thinks he’s mad as a hatter, except she can’t deny what she experienced first-hand.  Both of them are alone in the world, with little to look forward to — Richard, genteel poverty; Arabella, a paid companion with no life of her own.  Success will mean they can have a life of their own choosing — Richard promises Arabella half of the treasure, if she will help him.  And since this is a romance, you know they’re going to end up together anyway.

Started: 22 October  2008
Finished: 1 November 2008

Rating:

Enjoyed it!

Christmas Wedding Belles

This is my second Regency Christmas anthology by Harlequin and I enjoyed it as much as last year’s. Though the stories were all set around the holiday, the stories were not about the holiday. Instead, the common theme was the high seas: pirate/privateer; smuggler; the Royal Navy. I wasn’t bothered by this, however, because I liked the nautical theme. I thought the stories were well written. Of the authors, the only one I’ve read before is Miranda Jarrett.

“The Pirate’s Kiss” by Nicola Cornick
Summary: {November 1808} Years ago, Lucinda Melville was engaged to Daniel de Lancey — who went off to join the Navy and seemingly forgot all about his betrothed. In humiliation, Lucinda married the first person who asked. Now a widow and a governess, Lucinda’s path crosses Daniel’s, who is now a notorious pirate.

Comments: This is “second chance” story, and I thought it worked well. Neither has really gotten over the other, and both try to resist the attraction. Lucinda believes that Daniel is completely unreliable — ready to go off on the next adventure — and doesn’t want to risk getting hurt again. Daniel was given the opportunity to be “pardoned” but he refused thinking he would be unable to adjust to a normal life — his activities, except the smuggling, were in service to the Crown. Though I knew everything would turn out right in the end, I felt Lucinda’s anguish when Daniel was taken prisoner after rescuing her from real pirates.

“A Smuggler’s Tale” by Margaret McPhee
Summary: {December 1803} Francesca Linden gets entangled with smugglers and finds herself falling for Lord Jack Holberton.

Comments: The author doesn’t wait long to put Francesca’s life is in danger. She follows her brother, Tom, down to the docks late one night thinking he’s involved with smugglers. The family is poor and she thinks he’s turned to smuggling to support the family. He is involved, but not in the way he assumes. Forced to go along with the smugglers, Francesca’s life and virtue are in danger from “Mr. White”, a nobleman with no scruples, and the rest of the crew. Tom and Francesca have no choice but put their trust in Jack. Jack — who recruited Tom — has infiltrated the smuggling operation to stop it. The only way to protect Francesca is to make it look as if he’s having his way with her. His ploy works so well, even Tom thinks that Jack has ravished her. After they all safely back on land, Jack courts Francesca — he admires her bravery and has fallen in love with her. Though she’s attracted to him, Francesca is enough of a realist to wonder if what his intentions are. It doesn’t help that her brother keeps reminding her that Jack has a reputation as a womanizer. I liked this story, it had a Cinderella-story feel to it, especially since Jack invites her and her family to a ball.

“The Sailor’s Bride” by Miranda Jarrett
Summary: {Naples, September 1798} Abigail Layton travels to Naples to catalog Sir William Hamilton’s antiquities shortly after the Battle of the Nile.

Comments: The author put her characters in a time and place with real people: Admiral Nelson; Sir William and Lady Hamilton. It’s love at first sight for Abigail and Lieutenant Lord James Richardson, though they seem to get off on the wrong foot at first. James, though the youngest son of an earl, has been at sea since he was 13 – for ten years – and not as comfortable in social situations. Abigail’s life has been wrapped up in scholarly pursuits so she’s never learned to dance or had a lot of finery. They spend much time together because he’s been detailed to help her catalog Sir William’s collection. Because Napoleon has captured Rome, they are running out of time to get it done and James is worried for Abigail’s safety. Their romance is sweet and I learned a few new things.

Started: 17 December 2007
Finished: 30 December 2007

Liked A Lot

Rating:

Holiday Heroes

Nearly my entire life has been spent around the military, so I’m always a little leery of stories that center around the Armed Forces. I’m always afraid that the author will make a mistake, something that I just know to be wrong, and I won’t be able to get over it enough to enjoy the story. I’m sure this happens with other professions — a lay person may not realize the goof, but readers with a background in the subject will pick up on it. I figured I was safe, with a book of short stories featuring a Marine and an Air Force general. After all, my background is Army. There are differences between the services.

“A Soldier For All Seasons” by Rachel Lee
Jon Erikson, a Marine on R&R from Afghanistan, meets park ranger Melinda Hawthorne. She remembers him from high school, him being a few years older, and she had a school girl crush on him. Neither is looking for an attachment. Jon is just looking for some peace and solitude before he goes back overseas, so he decides to camp out. Melinda hasn’t been comfortable around people since a traumatic event in her life, so she’s more than happy to be up at the ranger station by herself. Yet, they form a bond during a snow storm and tell each other their inner demons. It’s a sweet, romantic story of two lonely people making a connection. I enjoyed it very much.

“Christmas At His Command” by Catherine Mann
The premise of the story: Senator Ginger Landis is presenting a family heirloom during a rebuilt medieval church dedication and General Hank Renshaw is responsible for her safety. I just couldn’t get into it. The author’s writing style doesn’t appeal to me, so I just skimmed through to find out the who and why behind the death threats.

Started: 14 December 2007
Finished: 17 December 2007

Rating:

Enjoyed it!

It’s a Wonderful Christmas

An anthology of three stories, each based on a popular Christmas-themed story: A Christmas Carol, Miracle on 34th Street, and It’s a Wonderful Life. Of the original stories, I’m least familiar with Miracle on 34th Street. However, this didn’t detract from my enjoyment of Colleen’s story. Besides the theme of retelling a Christmas classic, the stories had something else in common: three of the main protagonists are employed in the same profession as their fathers, all who had died rather suddenly. Two of the stories are set in modern-day New Jersey and feature protagonists getting a second chance with the person they love. Kathleen Long is the only author that I’ve read before.

“An American Carol” by Jasmine Cresswell
Summary: A New Jersey businessman, Charles D. Brentwood — a descendant of Dickens — finds himself living his famous ancestor’s novel.

Comments: I thought the author did an excellent job, given the format, depicting the transformation of Charles from the miserly businessman back into the man he was before his father died. Charles’s mother, and his relationship with her, could have been fleshed out more, since it was so important to how and why Charles became such a cold and unfeeling person. The author gave Gloria, the under appreciated assistant, more modern worries: illegal alien parents afraid of deportation. Since her parents are illegals, they have no health insurance. And because Charles is such a miser, there is no company health plan.

“Miracle on Bannock Street” by Colleen Collins
Summary: Private investigator Stella Gray, star witness in “Santa Claus”‘s mental competence hearing, is given temporary custody of a troubled boy who is facing being sent to a juvenile facility. Though it seems that Stella enjoys her work, she misses the connection of family, especially once Bobby comes into her life.

Comments: Because of the flexible story line of the original, Miracle can be adapted to any time and place. The author set her story in 1955 Denver, and I think it works well for the story. The ending is a bit corny, but it’s a Christmas story — it’s expected.

“It’s a Wonderful Night” by Kathleen Long
Summary: Dr. Merri Downey wishes she left Dodge behind her for good, when she had the chance. Matt Riley wishes that too, and is doing what he can to make her go away. Both are shown what would have happened to their lives, and the people of Dodge, had things gone differently.

Comments: This was my favorite. Because of the format, major adjustments had to be made for this adaptation to work. I liked that both Merri and Matt had to see the difference Merri made in everyone’s life. Merri wanted out of Dodge because she didn’t think she could do great things there. Matt, who resented Merri choosing medical school and leaving Dodge over him, still held a grudge against her and never fully appreciated what Merri did for the town. They both make the wish that she had left for good after her father’s funeral. In the end, Merri realizes she is doing great things, and Matt finally lets go of his resentment to see that he still loves Merri. Great read.

Started: 30 November 2007
Finished: 14 December 2007

Enjoyed it!

Rating: