The Hellhound King

Title: The Hellhound King
Author: Lori Devoti
Copyright: 2010 (Harlequin); 280 pgs.
ISBN: 978-0-373-61829-3
Series: Silhouette Nocturne #82; Unbound #5
Sensuality: Warm
Genre: Paranormal Romance

Spoilers for the 4th Book!

Her: Marina Adal. Elfin princess – and a witch. Tired of being a political pawn of the royals in Alfheim, she fled to Gunngar. Her reign of terror there was nothing more than an act to keep the elf lords – a different group of elves than the royals – believing that she is on their side. Raf was the first, and only, person who made her feel she was wanted for herself, and not who she was or what she could do for him.

Him: Raf Dolg. Hellhound. Marina’s former lover. His need to avenge his family brought him to Gunngar and to the employ of the elf lords. Raf needs something they possess and all he is asked to do is spy on Marina. The last thing he expected was to start caring about her.

Elfin Politics 101: Alfheim was once ruled by royals. Marina is, it seems, the heir presumptive. However, the elf lords took power after her parents were killed. The elf lords are tech savvy and have introduced technology to Alfheim. Don’t be surprised when you see a car or a computer. Since no elf lord can claim the throne – it will only accept the true heir – they are willing to be the power behind it and they want Marina on their side. The royals, naturally, are traditionalist and want things returned to the old ways. In the power struggle to control the elfin princess, Marina’s uncle Geir has the advantage. He uses Marina’s younger sister, Ky, as leverage to keep her from fleeing Alfheim again.

What to do, what to do? Raf still needs what the elf lords have and that means he’s got to convince Marina that she’d be better off with them. However, it doesn’t take long for Raf to realize that Marina wouldn’t be any better off with the elf lords. If he turns his back on his chance for vengeance, and Marina abandons her sister again, they could leave Alfheim and start a new life together. But Raf can’t walk away and neither can Marina.

Forbidden: The elves have little tolerance for other beings, so it no big surprise that a hellhound has no business consorting with the princess. Right from the prologue, it’s established that Marina’s never met one before and that she’s fallen for Raf, big time. It breaks her heart to learn he was spying on her and she has him imprisoned. Raf is the typical hellhound — though it takes him a bit to realize that he’s in love, once he’s acknowledge it, he’ll doing anything to keep her at his side.

What I liked: Raf. I still love Ms. Devoti’s hellhounds (and garms). Like the last book, this one is also set in another world, though it does start off in our world. The dragon, the same one from Dark Crusade, makes an appearance, and if I’m not mistaken, the 6th book will feature him.

What I didn’t like: Marina. It was hard for me to reconcile the fact that this was the same character from Dark Crusade. In Dark Crusade, she’s a strong character — and the antagonist. In this book, she a helpless prisoner. If you read the two books back-to-back, you might feel disoriented. Other than that, I had no other real issue with the character. She is in a difficult position and she can no longer see a way out without help.

Recommended to: Fans of her previous books and fans of shape-shifters.

Started: 20 January 2010
Finished: 26 January 2010

Rating:

Enjoyed it!

Disclaimer: I purchased this book.

By having that gap between finishing the book and when I actually sit down to put my thoughts on paper, I have a better take on which books stay with me.  Since I have to refresh my memory on some points, I usually have to do a little re-reading.  If I really love the book, I tend to keep reading after I found whatever it was that prompted me to refer to the book.  That’s a bit annoying, since I should be writing, not reading.  The harder it is for me to put aside the book, the more likely the book is going to be a 5-star book, flaws and all.

With that in mind, I’m going to go ahead and give ratings to the books I’ve already posted.  I’ll eventually update the individual review posts.  Reminder: anything I give a 3-Star or above is a guarantee that I will try other books from the author.

Five Stars:  LOVED!

• Dawnkeepers (Jessica Andersen)
• Bedded for Diamonds (a.k.a. Priceless) (Kelly Hunter)
• Ravenous (Sharon Ashwood)
• Dark Crusade (Lori Devoti)

Four Stars: Liked a lot!

• Driven (Eve Kenin)
• An Unladylike Offer (Christine Merrill)
• Ace is Wild (Penny McCall)

Three Stars: Enjoyable Read

• Slave to Sensation (Nalini Singh)
• Cousin Kate (Georgette Heyer)
• Shadow Game (Christine Feehan)

Dark Crusade

Author: Lori Devoti
Copyright: 2009 (Harlequin); 271 pgs.
ISBN: 978-0-373-61809-5
Series: Silhouette Nocturne # 62; Unbound #4
Sensuality: Hot

Who: Heather Moore (witch) and Kerr Vikk (garm)
Where & When: Gunngar

Dark Crusade is the fourth book in Lori Devoti’s Unbound series. Though the books are written to stand alone, the story picks up right after the events in Guardian’s Keep. I would highly recommend reading Guardian’s Keep first to get a better understanding of Heather Moore, the heroine of Dark Crusade. A note about the hero: Lori decided to change the name of the leader of the rogue garm (wolf shape-shifter). See comments in this post.  Post may be considered a spoiler.

This story takes place entirely outside the human world. Kerr Vikk and the other rogue garm were banished to Gunngar after their attempts to gain control of a portal. Shortly after arriving, Kerr is picked to be Marina’s protector. The elfin princess and leader of the Jagers — light elves that seemed to rule this world — is on a crusade to rid Gunngar of witches. Kerr doesn’t question the Jager’s mission. He’s responsible for Marina’s safety. Her cause is her business. That changes when realizes someone he knows is in Gunngar: Heather.

Heather helped the garm, not because she believed in their mission, but because she was after power. Growing up, Heather had nothing. She betrayed a friend and mentor in order to gain something she could call her own. As punishment for her part in the rogues’ plans, Heather was banished to Gunngar. Like the garm, Heather had hoped for a fresh start. However, she learns right away that witches are being hunted. Arn, the tavern owner that gives her sanctuary, is very anxious to help her escape Gunngar. Unfortunately, the portal that brought Heather is a one-way, roving entryway. Gunngar’s portal was sealed by the Jagers. Heather’s only hope lies with her being able to persuade the garm to find and open the portal.

At first, Kerr is reluctant to help. His sense of responsibility for the other garm is strong. Since coming to Gunngar, and finally having something to guard, Kerr’s focus has been on doing his duty and certain things have escaped his notice. Heather’s arrival has opened his eyes to the fact that something isn’t right, that there is more to the story behind the witch hunt and the closed portal. Kerr also realizes that his feelings for Heather have grown stronger. The longer she stays in Gunngar, the more danger she’s in, and Kerr is afraid for her safety. He is determined to save both the other rogues and Heather.

Throughout the story, Heather grows as a character. Not necessarily a bad person, she’s just someone who made the wrong choices for selfish reasons. By the end of the book, Heather is willing to sacrifice herself to protect others. Kerr also develops as a person. From the beginning, Kerr has been a noble and trustworthy being, but his mission to find a place where all garm have something to guard has blinded him to the fact that sometimes it’s a good idea to questions others’ motives. Not everything is worthy of being guarded by a garm.

I’m afraid to say to much more about the story, for fear of spoilers. I continue to enjoy this series and the world-building. Heather and Kerr are both likable characters and the romance is believable. Heather finally has something she can call her own — Kerr’s love; and Kerr has something worth guarding — Heather. They have each other and they’re happy.

Lori introduces other characters that I hope to see more of in future books.

Started: 11 March 2009
Finished: 16 March 2009

Rating:

LOVED IT !!

What Others Have Said:
All About Romance

Books in the series:

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

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

Wild Hunt

Author: Lori Devoti
Copyright: 2008 (Harlequin); pgs. 276
Series: Silhouette Nocturne #41; Unbound #3
Sensuality: Warm

Who: Geysa (Valkyrie), and Venge Leidolf (hellhound)

The horn has long been the tool of the ErlKing, used to call his pack to the Wild Hunt. The Erlking and his pack would steal and destroy the souls of fallen warriors meant for Valhalla. The last victim of the Hunt was a Valkyrie. After her death, the ErlKing disappeared and the Hunt was no more. Now, someone is using the horn, and the Valkyrie — guardians and keepers of the souls at Valhalla — are determined to get the horn and stop the Wild Hunt forever. The only problem: they can’t hear the horn. Their plan: follow the hellhounds and spy on them.

Venge Leidolf is a hellhound, formerly bound to the witch, Lusse. Life in Lusse’s kennel was horrible for her pack, particularly for Venge, who was brought into existence to be used against Risk, her pack’s alpha and Venge’s father. Venge has known only rejection, humiliation, and torture. Even when he was made aware of the fact, Risk had little choice but to show no interest in the fate of his son. He wanted Venge to live and eventually be free of Lusse, and he couldn’t allow Lusse to use that weakness against him. With this background, it is no wonder that Venge cares for nothing and no one, with only one goal in life: killing Risk. Venge goes from place to place among the nine worlds, not caring if he lives or dies, acquiring skills and weapons he hopes will help him achieve his goal. When he hears the horn’s call, Venge answers it more out of curiosity than anything else and sticks around just in case the horn can be of use in his quest to commit patricide.

Geysa is half-Norn, half-Valkyrie. Norn are fortune-tellers, but Geysa’s never shown talent in that area like her sister, Runa. Though she has the inborn talent of the Valkyrie, the ability to lure men’s souls, Geysa doesn’t feel much like a Valkyrie, either. To complicate matters more, the luring ability has an unexpected effect on the hellhounds, so Geysa must keep her emotions shielded. In an unguarded moment, she snares Venge.

Venge frustrated and confused by Geysa. One moment he’s irresistibly drawn to her and can smell her emotions, and the next — he still finds her attractive and her scent compelling, but he can’t read her at all. Venge still finds himself falling for her, something he’s never felt for anyone else, and is afraid to admit those feeling or dare to hope that the feelings are returned. For her part, Geysa feels guilty for entrapping him, not realizing that his desire for her — after the shields are back in place — is real. Geysa’s mother was the last prey of the Hunt, so her hatred for hellhounds is more personal than the general enmity between the two races — yet she still wants to be with Venge, even if it means never returning to Valhalla.

I really enjoyed this book. The world building, based on Norse mythology, is fun. I have to say, hellhounds are not very observant — I mean, they weren’t a teeny bit suspicious of the fact that only Nordic warrior women seemed to live in the town. I loved the ending, and it seems that Lori left a few plot lines open for her future books. I think we haven’t seen the last of Sigurd or the Valkyrie.

Started: 19 May 2008
Finished: 26 May 2008

Rating:

LOVED IT !!

Already on order.

Hmmm. Still like the Risk and Kol covers better.

Pretty. Then again, I think the Nocturne line’s jewel-toned covers are very pretty in general.

Soon. So very soon. Like, in 14 days.

That’s all for now.

Guardian's Keep

Author: Lori Devoti
Copyright:2008 (Harlequin); pgs. 282
Series:Silhouette Nocturne #32; 2ndin the Unbound
Sensuality: Warm
Violence: quite a bit of fighting, but nothing graphic

Who:Kelly Shane (witch) and Kol Hildr (garm — human/wolf shape-shifter)

From the Back:Kol Hildr had spent the last century battling hellhounds and warlocks who sought to usurp his portal’s magic. A mighty shape-shifter with the ability to change into wolf form, Kol made accessing the powerful gateway nearly impossible — unless you were a witch of Kelly Shane’s talents. She had a score to settle and would do anything to close the portal that led to her unearthly prison. Though an alliance with her compromised Kol’s very purpose, something about the little witch overwhelmed his fierce, battle-worn soul. But when Kelly’s life might be in jeopardy, could Kol put aside the one thing he thought he valued most — the portal — to journey to the other side and save her?

Comments: Loved it. From the Passages Pro software (is it Vista compatible?) to Kelly’s uninvited house-guests. I don’t think we’ve seen the last of Kelly’s assistant. I’m thinking she’s the heroine of the fourth book. Lori has stated in October (on her blog) that the main characters of book four know each other already when the story starts. I first thought she meant Fenrir, but I hadn’t finished the book and saw the potential for a story in Heather’s predicament. Either way, I’ll be eagerly looking out for it. For now, waiting ever so patiently for Wild Hunt.

Started: 18 January 2008
Finished: 27 January 2008

Rating:

LOVED IT !!

Unbound

Summary: Risk Leidolf was a hellhound — a legendary, otherworldly creature who was both man and beast. For centuries, he’d been bound to do the bidding of a cruel witch queen. But after being ordered to destroy novice witch Kara Shane, the man within him rebelled. And the beast within him was held at bay — for now. Fiercely drawn to each other, Risk and Kara soon formed a passionate alliance as they set out to find her missing sibling — and the key to his salvation. For the power unleashed by twin witches could free him from the witch queen’s bondage.

Comments: As much as I loved Dark Gate, I have to admit this Nocturne is probably my favorite so far. I loved Risk. Trapped and manipulated by Lusse, a witch who steals other witches’ powers in order to prolong her life, Risk more than anything wants to be free of her. The only benefit of being the alpha of her pack is that it allows him the freedom to move about in the human world, — even if it means doing her bidding. He is sent to retrieve Kara, and for the first time, he is hesitant. He even goes so far as protecting her from another of Lusse’s hellhounds, sent as assurance that Risk is following orders.

The fact that Kara has a twin sister, Kelly, allows Risk to contemplate the possibility of finally being free of Lusse. For the first time, he allows himself to have hope. This opens the doors to other things that could put his plans in jeopardy: his growing attraction to Kara and the fear for her safety. His unpredictable and manipulative boss has made the stakes higher for Risk by revealing a little secret she’s kept from him. More than just his freedom hinges on finding Kelly.

Risk also knows that he must explain to Kara about what he is and what his initial interest in the twins is all about. Risk’s attempt to make Kara understand fails. Horrified and heartbroken, Kara orders him to leave. Not wanting to hurt her more, he leaves, determined to rescue Kelly and keep the sisters safe from Lusse, no matter the consequences.

Even though Kara starts off a little on the helpless side, she gains confidence in herself when she learns that she is a witch and becomes more comfortable with her powers. Without Risk’s help, she finds out what happened to her sister and boldly sets out to rescue Kelly, literally one step ahead of Risk and Lusse.

I’m looking forward to Kelly’s story, in January, and Venge’s later in 2008.

LOVED IT !!