by Christina on February 15, 2010
in 2010 "Pub" Challenge, 2010 Harlequin/Silhouette Romance, 3 Stars, Canine, Countdown Challenge, Lori Devoti, Magic, Other Supernatural Beings, Paranormal Romance, Shape-Shifters, Silhouette Nocturne, What's in a Name 3
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 misscz on April 12, 2009
in 2009 "Pub" Challenge, 2009 A to Z Challenge, 5 Stars, Canine, Countdown Challenge, Lori Devoti, Magic, Other Supernatural Beings, Paranormal Romance, Shape-Shifters, Silhouette Nocturne, The Year of Readers 2009
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:
by misscz on February 16, 2009
in Amanda Stevens, Anthology, Deanna Raybourn, Fun Stuff, Ilona Andrews, Lori Devoti, Nalini Singh, Pamela Montgomerie, Pamela Palmer, Scribblings, Silhouette Nocturne
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
report
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
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Haunted
Author: Lisa Childs
Copyright: 2006 (Harlequin); pgs. 296
Series: Silhouette Nocturne #6; Witch Hunt #1
Sensuality: Warm
Who: Ariel Cooper (witch) and David Koster
Where: Michigan
Ariel Cooper is descended for a long line of witches, each who had a different “gift”. Ariel’s gift is that she can see the dead. When she and her sisters — Elena, the eldest and Irina, the youngest — were children, they were taken from their mother. Before that event, Myra Cooper told them the family legend and gave each of her daughters one of the family charms to help protect them. Ariel and her sisters were separated and she hasn’t see them since.
Life has been rough for Ariel. Bounced around from foster family to foster family, and thought to be crazy, Ariel has found it hard to get close to people. Even so, she’s managed to go to college and become an elementary school teacher. She’s been dating the brilliant and wealthy David Koster for six months, having met when one of her student writing assignments led to him visiting her classroom. Though she’s had her heart broken before, Ariel can’t help but fall for this kind and generous man. In the time that they’ve been dating, she’s manage to keep her secret from him, afraid that she’ll lose him.
But all that changes when the ghost of one of her students appears suddenly in her classroom. Ariel had long suspected that the little girl was being abused, but without proof, she could only do so much. She sends the police, already knowing it’s too late to save the child. The incident leaves her wracked with guilt. For not being able to help the little girl, for keeping secrets from David and for pushing him away when he was trying to comfort her, and for putting his best friend, police officer Ty McIntyre, in danger.
The incident has also made David realize that he’s afraid to lose Ariel. He loves her, at that frightens her. Shunned once before by a former boyfriend, Ariel struggles with telling him the truth. She keeps putting it off, and instead focuses on finding out what happened to her sisters. The reason for the urgency is that an old enemy of the witches is out for revenge, and several members of Ariel’s extended maternal family end up dead, including her own mother. The mysterious killer is after the sisters and their charms.
Since this is the first book in a trilogy, the main story threads — the sisters reuniting and confronting their enemy — are not resolved in this book. The primary focus is on Ariel’s struggle with being rejected all her life. She was never adopted and her name was never changed, nor did she leave the community she grew up in. If any of her family had really wanted her, they could have found her easily enough. She is stunned to learn that a least one of her sisters lives nearby.
This was a quick read, once I had several hours on uninterrupted reading time. It wasn’t a scary story or very suspenseful. Since romance books like this must have a happy ending, the author’s attempt to make us believe the hero was actually the bad guy wasn’t very effective. I never once thought David was the culprit.
Started: 6 September 2008
Finished: 10 September 2008
Teaser Tuesdays post
Rating:
Enjoyed it!
