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Vampires

REVIEW – Scorched by Sharon Ashwood

by Christina on January 25, 2010

in 4 Stars, Countdown Challenge, Magic, Other Supernatural Beings, Sharon Ashwood, Vampires

Scorched

Scorched

Title: Scorched
Author: Sharon Ashwood
Copyright: 2009 (Signet); 366 pgs.
ISBN: 978-0-451-22864-2
Series: The Dark Forgotten #2
Sensuality: Warm
Genre: Paranormal Romance

Spoilers for the 1st Book!

Previously — Holly Carver, along with her vampire business partner-turned lover Alessandro Caravelli, prevented the demon Geneva from wrecking havoc in Fairview, and in the process unveiled the entrance to the Castle. The Castle is a supernatural prison, existing on another dimensional plane.

One year later. . .

The Cop and His Innocent Vampire Milkmaid (or, The Two Unluckiest Irish Persons Ever) –  Conall “Mac” MacMillian got involved with the wrong woman — Geneva, got a reprieve of sorts via Holly, and has tried to maintained his humanity and calling in life as a cop. However, a certain vampire champion isn’t so sure he’s all cured. Alessandro spares his life, but tosses him into the Castle where he meets . . .

Constance Moore. Thanks to a newbie vampire, Constance’s Turning was incomplete. She was hauled off by the Guards before taking human blood. She has long been the servant to the once-powerful sorcerer Atreus. In the meantime, she has raised a foundling incubus,Sylvius, as if he were her own son and adopts stray shifters as pets. Her unlife could almost be described as ordinary. But Atreus is going insane and he didn’t stop Captain Reynard of the Guards from imprisoning Sylvius. Constance is distraught. Without the strength of a full vampire, she is not strong enough to fight the Guards. Constance is tired of being helpless and having others fight her battles for her. She is determined to find a human to bite, so that she can become a full vampire and save Sylvius herself.

It’s A Mystery, too! — Ever the cop, Mac can’t pass up helping a mother looking for her missing boy. His mission to rescue Sylvius is hampered by his own worries about what’s happening to him. His demon side is manifesting and he’s worried that he’ll lose the part of himself that makes him a cop. The good news is that he’s not a soul-eater anymore, but still — why is it happening now? Does it have something to do with the Castle? Mac learns that parts of the Castle are disappearing — is the magic breaking down? What will happen to the “residents” if it fails completely? Is Sylvius’s imprisonment a clue to the mystery or just a coincidence?

Catching Up With Caravelli and Carver — Though Mac and Constance are the main characters, Holly and Alessandro are still major players. Holly is the only witch with the power to close the portal to the Castle — meaning she’s more or less responsible for keeping an eye on it. Holly is busy with classes — exams!! — so Alessandro and the hellhounds are keeping tabs on it for her. Holly and Alessandro are genuinely happy with their life. However, Holly’s sister, Ashe, comes to Fairview with sharpened stake in hand to dust Alessandro. As much as she loves her sister, Holly is distressed by Ashe’s attitude and behavior.

Family, Family, Family — One of the themes of this book is family, whether it’s the one you are born into or the one you make. There are a couple of spoilerific ones that I won’t touch on, but many of the major players have family issues:

** Constance — came from a large family. She makes her own little family in the Castle. She falls in love with Mac, and everything would be perfect if Sylvius wasn’t a prisoner and the Castle wasn’t disappearing in chunks.

** Mac — Neither family nor friend wants anything to do with a recovering demon. Though he doesn’t want to be a demon, he eventually reconciles himself to his fate, gains  family and a new purpose in life.

** Holly — The sister she loves is back in town. Unfortunately, big sis thinks she knows best and tries to dust Alessandro. Holly has chosen to be with Alessandro of her own free will, knowing the pros and cons of their union, and she’s not afraid of telling big sis off.

** Alessandro — Holly has given him something beyond price and there isn’t anything he wouldn’t do for her. Ashe’s comments, however, cast doubts on his decision to be with her. He eventually takes Constance under his wing and has the beginning of Clan Caravelli — and it remains to be seen if he’ll mentor more vampires.

** Ashe Carver — Ashe has many issues, not the least of which is the guilt she bears for her parents’ death. She cares about her sister, but sincerely believes that she’s protecting Holly.

** Lore — His actions in the book are motivated by the needs of his family, his hellhound pack.

Ah, Romance — I liked the fact that Mac and Constance’s romance didn’t have major plot-related obstacles that would prevent them from being together. Meaning, with everything else that’s going on, they had a relatively smooth “path” to a relationship: being part demon allows Mac to be with her without all the angst about the vampire venom and talk of another “Chosen”. There’s no big misunderstanding or miscommunication.

What I Liked: I continue to like the author’s writing style and world-building. I also loved that, even though he wasn’t the main hero of the story, we still got to see how Alessandro is adjusting to domestic bliss. Then there’s Holly’ doodling at the emergency council meeting (“Blah, Blah, Blah”) and Mac turning Constance into an avid reader.

What I Didn’t Like: Nothing really stands out.

Recommend to: People who enjoyed the first book. I would recommend reading the first book to get the whole story about Mac, Holly, Alessandro, and Ashe.

Started: 1 December 2009
Finished: 9 January 2010

Liked A Lot

Disclaimer: I purchased this book.
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REVIEW – Once Bitten, Twice Shy by Jennifer Rardin

by Christina on October 17, 2009

in 1st Person POV, 2009 1st in Series Challenge, 4 Stars, Countdown Challenge, Demons, Fantasy, Jennifer Rardin, Other Supernatural Beings, The Year of Readers 2009, Vampires

Once Bitten, Twice Shy

Once Bitten, Twice Shy

Title: Once Bitten, Twice Shy
Author: Jennifer Rardin
Copyright: 2007 (Orbit); 335 pgs.
ISBN: 978-0-316-04354-0
Series: Jaz Parks #1
Sensuality: N/A

Who: Jasmine “Jaz” Parks
Where: Miami

Summary: Jaz Parks works for the CIA. Her boss Vayl is a vampire — one of the good guys — and an assassin. Their latest assignment was supposed to be a text-book op: eliminate a plastic surgeon with ties to terrorists. But the man in question is involved with more than just terrorism and someone is specifically targeting Vayl.

Comments: It’s been three months since I’ve read this book and it’s another one of those cases where I was so involved in the story that I didn’t bother with note-taking during the reading, nor did I jot down any after-read notes before moving on to the next book. Some skimming reminded me of what I really loved about the book.

I really liked the main character. Jaz is hardly perfect and she isn’t blessed with superstrength or other super-skills. She has the ability to sense vampires, but she got that skill at a very high price. She tough and funny, yet she’s also vulnerable. Jaz has issues that she has to work through and I’m glad the author didn’t try to resolve all of them in the first book — though it is important to also see that Jaz is working through them, so hopefully we see that over the course of the series. Jaz is also a very caring person. She loves her family (most of them, anyway) and she worries about putting friends in danger.

Vampires as romantic leads is not my favorite theme in general; however, because I loved the TV show ANGEL, if the vampire in question reminds me of him, then I’m more inclined to the like him as well. That’s the case with Vayl. Like Jaz, he’s not perfect and he seems almost human is his vulnerability. I like that he is not overwhelmingly powerful and that he actually does need Jaz’s help.

I also liked the secondary cast of characters who Jaz and Vayl turned to for help. I liked the world-building and the writer’s voice. I plan to read the rest of the series. Hopefully, I’ll take notes.

Started: 14 July 2009
Finished: 18 July 2009

Rating:

Liked A Lot

Liked A Lot

What Others Have Said:
Bitten By Books
BSC Review
Love Vampires
Books and Other Thoughts
Birdbrain(ed) Book Blog
Blog Critics

Disclaimer: I purchased this book.

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

21 Oct – Mishel – “This a series I have yet to start but have been meaning to for quite some time. Jaz definitely sounds like my kind of heroine =)”

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Reviewette – Magic Mourns by Ilona Andrews

by Christina on October 10, 2009

in 1st Person POV, 5 Stars, Anthology, Ilona Andrews, Magic, Other Supernatural Beings, Paranormal Romance, Shape-Shifters, The Year of Readers 2009, Vampires

Must Love Hellhounds

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 !!

LOVED IT !!

christinasig

Disclaimer: I bought this book.

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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. :) ”

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REVIEW – Ravenous

by misscz on March 22, 2009

in 2009 "Pub" Challenge, 2009 1st in Series Challenge, 5 Stars, Countdown Challenge, Magic, Paranormal Romance, Sharon Ashwood, The Year of Readers 2009, Vampires

Ravenous

Ravenous

Author: Sharon Ashwood
Copyright: 2009 (Signet); pgs. 334
ISBN: 978-0-451-22617-4
Series: 1st in the Dark Forgotten
Sensuality: Warm

From the Back: Holly Carver is a small-time witch who busts ghosts for tuition money, but she ends up wrangling a demon when a haunted house job goes bad. Her Undead business associate, Alessandro Caravelli, suspects the demon is somebody’s not-so-secret weapon. The supernatural community is at war, and Holly’s unpredictable magic holds the key to the doorway to the demon realms. Soon Holly is on everyone’s must-have list, and not in a good way…

Comments: I first discovered this book when Kmont featured it on her blog. I’m glad that I picked it up. I’ve discovered another new series to follow.  The author created a world that has several potential story lines to follow.

In Holly’s world, supernatural beings have come out of the shadows and joined society. They own businesses. The attend college. They even teach. However, like anything else where human prejudices are involved, integration hasn’t been smooth and there are many who are not open-minded. For the most part, Holly lives a normal life. She’s about to start taking college courses, encouraged by her boyfriend, Ben Elliot — an economics professor at the local community college. But Holly’s also a witch — descended from a long line of witches.  A childhood accident has handicapped her powers, so she sticks to the “little m” magics — ghost busting — to pay the bills.  Anything major — “big M” Magic — leaves her in agonizing pain.

One aspect of Holly’s life that’s far from normal — even for a practicing witch — is her business partner. When Alessandro was human, in Florence, the Medicis were still an up-and-coming banking family. Though he has his own business and works with Holly, Alessandro’s official vampire role is the queen’s champion — enforcing vampire law and carrying out any necessary executions. He’s very protective of Holly — in fact, he loves her. For the most part, this — coupled with the presence of Ben in her life — has kept his feelings unrequited. Being with Holly would endanger her. Vampires are predators and it would only be a matter of time before Alessandro would lose control and take Holly’s blood. He’d rather leave her than risk hurting her. Complicating the situation is the queen, Omara. She’s in town and her presence puts Alessardro’s loyalty to the test. Omara needs Holly’s help; however, she’s not too concerned with Holly’s safety. Omara is manipulative and uses Alessandro’s feelings for Holly to get what she wants.

There is secondary story line concerning Detective Conall Macmillan, who unwittingly gets tangled up with some pretty nasty supernatural things. From the sneak peak provided at the end of the book, it looks as if the second book will focus on him.

I really loved this book. I liked the author’s style and I loved the characters. Holly is just your average girl next door (almost) — the woman on the cover can’t possibly be her. Alessandro is strong, but not over-the-top alpha. I’m looking forward to the next book.

Favorite Quotes:
“Interrogation is my job.  I know how to do it properly.”
“You always get to question the prisoners.”
“Apparently I’m better at it.”
“Boys, I’m glad you’re both in touch with your respective inner children, but skip the tantrums.”
– Alessandro and Pierce (another vampire); Omara

“You boys come up with all the fun activities, don’t you?”
– Holly, to Alessandro, regarding his and Mac’s plan to visit the cemetery

“Will you people stop trying to eat me? It’s pissing me off! I can’t take one more goddess-damned thing trying to chew on me!”
– Holly, yelling at the demon leader

Started: 12 February 2009
Finished: 18 February 2009

Rating:

LOVED IT !!

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Holiday With A Vampire II

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

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

Liked A Lot

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