by misscz on December 7, 2008
in 4 Stars,Anthology,Christmas,Countdown Challenge,Demons,Lori Devoti,Merline Lovelace,Paranormal Romance,Silhouette Nocturne,Vampires
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!
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Christmas Wedding Belles
Author: Nicola Cornick, Margaret McPhee, Miranda Jarrett
Copyright: 2007 (297 pages)
Series: Harlequin Historical (871)
Sensuality: Warm
Violence: Nothing too graphic
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:
