Kiss of Midnight (Lara Adrian)

Title: Kiss of Midnight
Author: Lara Adrian
Copyright: 2007 (Dell); 402 pgs.
ISBN: 978-0-553-58937-5
Series: Midnight Breed #1
Sensuality: Hot
Genre: Paranormal Romance

From the Back: He watches her from across the crowded dance club, a sensual black-haired stranger who stirs Gabrielle Maxwell’s deepest fantasies. But nothing about this night — or this man — is what it seems. For when Gabrielle witnesses a murder outside the club, reality shifts into something dark and deadly. In that shattering instant she is thrust into a realm she never knew existed — realm where vampires stalk the shadows and a blood war is set to ignite.

~&~

1. Reason for choosing this book:
I’ve had this book in my pile for a few years and I made it my goal to read at least this book and the next in the series by the end of the year. Also, this book met the requirements for the first shelf called in a game of bookshelf bingo I’m participating in on Good Reads. The comments below are from my post on the game’s thread, with some editing.

I initially passed on the Midnight Breed series without really knowing much about it, but decided to give it a try when I learned that the author made them descendants of an ancient alien race.

2. Reasons for liking/disliking this book:
I liked the idea of them being part alien, part human. They are alive, not undead. The aversion to light could be explained by their alien DNA, just as their digestive systems couldn’t process the plants and animal products, and therefore have to rely on human blood to sustain them. I also liked that the Breed are born, not made.

I really liked this book. I read it a lot faster than I thought I would. To me, it did not feel like 402 pages. I liked the couple. Gabrielle sometimes made stupid decisions, but I didn’t think she was “too stupid to live” either. Lucan is a stubborn, one-track-mind kind of guy, but I also think he’s learning to loosen up a bit. At one point, I thought, “This guy needs a hobby. Or a wife.” Since he’s not the type to take up knitting or scrap-booking, it’s a good thing he finally caught on to the fact he was in love.

I do plan to continue with this series, and bought them all awhile ago, based on my reading of the prologue alone.

3. Reasons for recommending this book:
A different take on the vampire myth.

Started: 23 July 2011
Finished: 25 July 2011

Rating:

Liked It A Lot!

Disclaimer: I purchased this book.

Unchained (Sharon Ashwood)

Title: Unchained
Author: Sharon Ashwood
Copyright: 2010 (Signet); 359 pgs.
ISBN: 978-0-451-23073-7
Series: The Dark Forgotten #3
Sensuality: Warm
Genre: Paranormal Romance

Possible spoilers for the first two books!

Previously, in Fairview…Ashe Carver — Holly’s older sister — came to town intent on staking her vampire brother-in-law, convinced he had Holly in his thrall. Instead, she ended up joining forces with Alessandro and Mac to save the Castle from destruction. Holly gives Alessandro some very unexpected news.

Six months later…

Madame Librarian: Ashe has officially retired from the monster slaying biz. She’s got her daughter Eden with her now, and she wants to prove that she can be a good mother. To that end, she works at the library, located in the local mall. Now the only battles she routinely engages in are ones with the bookstore clerks, consisting of pranks and practical jokes. But Holly and Alessandro have a new baby in the house, so Ashe is willing to pick up her weapons, on their behalf, to keep Fairview safe for all law-abiding beings. She ends up partnered with Captain Reynard, chasing an invisible and deadly creature through the botanical gardens. And that’s just the beginning of their problems.

Captain of the Guard:  Reynard is everything you’d expect in a hero from a historical romance novel, as if he had stepped from the pages of one. The second son of British nobility, destined for the army. Unrequited love for a woman who chose another. The rakish good looks and behavior. But life as a Castle guardsman has changed him — over 250 years in the prison has made him more disciplined, honed his skills and his sense of duty, and smothered all the feelings and desires from life outside the Castle. Leaving the Castle to hunt the creature is dangerous — the longer he stays in the world, the harder it will be for him to return to the nothingness of his existence in the prison.

Soul Mates:  Someone has stolen the jar that contains Reynard’s soul and removed it from the Castle. He can exist, for a time, separated from it. However, the longer he remains outside the Castle, the more alive he feels and the magic that binds him to the prison weakens. Eventually, he will die. He asks Ashe for help. Reynard hasn’t forgotten that he nearly died in her arms during the battle to save the Castle and he feels a connection. But Ashe has her hands full with her own problems. Eden’s paternal grandparents have hired lawyers and are looking to get custody of the girl. Plus, there’s a powerful vampire in town who wants what Alessandro has and he thinks Ashe — because she’s Holly’s sister — can give it to him. The fact that it has nothing to do with genetics alone and everything to do with the love Alessandro and Holly have for one another is completely lost on the fellow. Add “creepy stalker” to Ashe’s list of troubles.

All in the Family: Once again, there is a strong family theme. Ashe is trying to be a good mother and get to know her daughter. She still harbors guilt over her own parents’ deaths. Reynard’s love for his own family is the reason he ended up in the Castle in the first place. Then there’s Ashe’s vampire stalker — he wants an heir. Even Miru-Kai was motivated by his desire to save someone he cared for like family.

Going Out for a Book Can Be Dangerous in Fairview: As they are heading for the big showdown, Holly notices the newest release of a real author and Alessandro tells her he’ll get it for her if they save the day before close of business. But the scariest part — some of the most destructive scenes take place in places you can find books — the local bookstore, the public library, and a used bookstore. All those poor books! The horror!

The Romance:  Reynard doesn’t want to die or fade away, but he’s not sure he could return the empty life now that he’s fallen for Ashe. He isn’t the least intimidated or put off by Ashe’s strong personality — even though he’s from a time when women were more genteel, he likes the fact she can stand toe-to-toe with him. For her part, Ashe has already been widowed once, and she’s not sure she can cope with falling in love with someone who’s doomed. Reynard doesn’t treat her like she’s a delicate damsel; she’s a warrior and he respects that — not once does he tell her it’s too dangerous for her and he should handle things. How can she not fall for a man who understands her so well; a man who would risk his life to save her daughter?

The Bottom Line: While re-reading parts of the book, to refresh my memory, I really fell in love with the characters. Okay… I fell in love with Reynard. His dilemma, even knowing how it ends, still got to me. I really do like Ashe, now that she isn’t butting heads with Holly, thinking she knows better than her little sis. And Miru-Kai. A character like him just doesn’t just disappear without being heard from again. I wonder when and where we’ll be seeing him again. I hope the author has plans for him.

Started: 21 February 2011
Finished: 26 February 2011

Rating:

Loved It!

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Disclaimer: I purchased this book.

Darkness Dawns (Dianne Duvall)

Title: Darkness Dawns
Author: Dianne Duvall
Copyright (Author): 2008
Copyright (Kensington): 2011; 345 pgs.
ISBN: 978-1-4201-1861-2
Series: Immortal Guardians #1
Sensuality: Hot
Genre: Paranormal Romance

From the back: Once, Sarah Bingham’s biggest challenge was making her students pay attention in class. Now, after rescuing a wounded stranger, she’s landed in the middle of a battle between corrupt vampires and powerful immortals who also need blood to survive. Roland Warbrook is the most compelling man Sarah has ever laid hands on. But his desire for her is mingled with a hunger he can barely control. In his nine centuries of immortal existence, no woman has tempted Roland as much as Sarah. But asking her to love him is impossible — when it means forfeiting the world she’s always known, and the life he would do anything to protect…

1. Reason for choosing this book:

I picked this book to fulfill a shelf requirement for the bookshelf bingo I’m participating in over at Good Reads (link is to the team’s official thread). One of the rules is to post a rating and tell the rest of the team what you liked/disliked about the book (it is required to post something or the the team won’t get credit for the “stamp”). Since that’s the case, I thought it would save time to re-post what I wrote there, here on my blog. I might not do this with every book. It will depend on what I wrote at the time. I chose this one to start with because I wasn’t going to add anything to what was already said.  Other than some formatting difference, this write-up is the same as this one here in the official thread. I also thought what I’d already written fit the Three Reason Review format.

2. Reasons for liking/disliking this book:

I liked this book a lot. What I liked:

The world building. Immortal Guardians and vampire have a lot in common. The fangs, sensitivity to sunlight, increased strength and speed, and a need for blood. What makes them different is their “gifts”. Immortal Guardians were born with certain gifts (telepathy, empathy, healing, teleportation, etc.). Once turned by a vampire, their uniqueness transforms the virus. They are less sensitive to sunlight and they don’t have the same level of dependency on blood. Vampires go crazy from the blood lust, have shorter life spans, and rarely work together as an organized group. The Guardians are led by Seth, the oldest (Roland is 937 years old and Seth is still older than that). They protect humans and destroy vampires. They also have a network of human support staff.

The romance. The author took the time to allow Sarah and Roland to get to know each other. Though he initially conceals the truth about himself out of necessity, once Sarah learns Roland’s not human , he answers her questions. They talk about themselves, sharing things about their pasts, and they even discuss the reality of sustaining a long term relationship. There’s no big misunderstanding, no trying to push away from her on his part due to some well-intentioned, but misguided sense of nobility.

Roland. Besides the above, he was likable. A warrior, but not overly alpha. He’s been betrayed, more than once, by people he cared about, people he thought cared for him in return. A couple of them had been women, but that didn’t turn him into a woman-hater. It made him standoffish and hard for him to trust others. He avoids social interactions with humans, so there’s a couple of times throughout the book where he’s at a loss at how to handle things, especially in the beginning. Even his interactions with other Immortal Guardians over time were kept to a bare minimum. He’s a loner. I think his gift made him a naturally compassionate, caring person.

Sarah. Though she wouldn’t last long going up against a vampire alone, she’s no helpless damsel-in-distress either. She save Roland’s life. She strong enough not to fall to pieces at the first sign of danger. She’s pretty good with a gun, having learned to use one while she was living in Texas, and she can definitely fight back — she stabs someone in the butt.

I thought the pacing was pretty good, considering all the talking that goes on in the book. There are two story lines: who has been targeting Roland and how did he manage to amass a small vampire army, and the search for the mysterious person Seth can hear psychically calling out in pain. Maddeningly, the author allows Seth to find out what so special about the person he finds but leaves it as a cliffhanger for the reader. The other story gets a resolution.

I did have one niggling problem: you can see it coming a mile away — because it is a romance novel after all — but I think I would have preferred the Guardian’s scientists doing the “Eureka!” moment than having Seth basically saying “Hey, remember those cockroaches and tornadoes?” Those who’ve read the book will know what I’m talking about.

3. Reasons for recommending this book:

A different take on vampires. Some interesting secondary characters that I hope the author gets the chance to write more about.

Started: 16 April 2011
Finished: 17 April 2011

Rating:

Liked It A Lot!

Disclaimer: I purchased this book.

Magic Bleeds by Ilona Andrews

Title: Magic Bleeds
Author: Ilona Andrews
Copyright: 2010 (Ace); 349 pgs.
ISBN: 978-0-441-01852-9
Series: Kate Daniels # 4
Genre: Urban Fantasy
**** SPOILERS ****

From the back:  Kate Daniels works for the Order of Knights of Merciful Aid, officially, as a liaison with the mercenary guild. Unofficially, she cleans up the paranormal problems no one else wants to handle — especially if they involve Atlanta’s shapeshifting community. When she’s called in to investigate a fight at the Steel Horse, a bar on the border between the territories of the shapeshifters and the necromancers, Kate quickly discovers there’s a new player in town. One who’s been around for thousands of years — and rode to war at the side of Kate’s father. This foe may be too much even for Kate and Curran, the Beast Lord, to handle. Because this time, Kate will be taking on family.

**** SPOILERS ****

1. Reason for choosing this book:
I chose this book because it’s my #1 favorite Urban Fantasy series.

2. Reasons for liking/disliking this book:
The characters. Kate’s a strong person, but she still can be hurt, both physically and emotionally. Same with Curran — Gordon’s Curran POV for this book illustrated how much Kate means to him.

Some observations/thoughts:

• After reading the prologue, way back before the book came out, I speculated that the reason Curran was a no show was due to loups. It was the first thing that made any sense to me. I never believed for a moment that he’d stand her up on purpose: he won a bet involving food and a scantily clad Kate — he’d been hauling rocks for weeks and he’s had plenty of time to fantasize about the evening. Nothing short of his duty to the Pack and injury/death would keep him from attending.
• Did Mahon have a hand in the two challenges that prevented Curran from going to Savannah? I can’t see him deliberately goading his people into challenging Curran — that would be throwing aways lives, plus one might have gotten REALLY lucky and beat Curran (I know, impossible, but still…). Yet, it seems too coincidental to be a random, unrelated thing.
• Even if Curran had gone to Savannah, some variation of the breakfast table conversation that takes place later in the book would have occurred — and with the same results.
• It’s good to know that I wasn’t wrong about Roland targeting the Pack because they’ve become too powerful. Makes me even more interested to know the details behind why and how Greg gained Friend of the Pack status. Did he know about Curran’s background?
• Aunt B explains it all. Again!! One of my favorite scenes in the book.
• Some interesting new characters: Barabas, Jezebel, and Naeemah. I wonder if we’ll be seeing Naeemah again in future books. And Grendel.
• Still don’t like Saiman. Still don’t trust him.
• Good to see Dali again.
• Great antagonist! And what a hoot. The scene in Kate’s apartment is great. Calling the apartment a hovel! Giving relationship advice. Too funny.
• Looking forward to seeing what happens with Andrea and the Order.

3. Reasons for recommending this book:
There’s a little of everything in it: action (okay, maybe more than a little of this), romance, humor, great characters (as I type this, I can’t help thinking about Peter Falk’s character in The Princess Bride movie — the book gets a number of mentions/references in Magic Bleeds)

Favorite Quote:
“We should clap or something,” Curran said. “She’s trying so hard.”
“Maybe we could scrounge up some panties to throw.”
– Curran, Kate

Rating:

LOVED IT !!

Started: 16 May 2010
Finished: 16 May 2010

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Other books in the Series:

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Disclaimer: I purchased this book.

Moon Called (Patricia Briggs)

Title: Moon Called
Author: Patricia Briggs
Copyright: 2006 (Ace); 288 pgs.
ISBN: 978-0-441-01381-4
Series: Mercy Thompson #1
Sensuality: N/A
Genre: Urban Fantasy

From the Back: Mercy Thompson’s sexy next-door neighbor is a werewolf. She’s tinkering with a VW bus at her mechanic shop that happens to belong to a vampire. But then, Mercy Thompson is not exactly normal herself . . . and her connection to the world of things that go bump in the night is about to get her into a whole lot of trouble.

~&~

I saw this format on the Book Girl of Mur-y-Castell’s blog. She, in turn, got it from Jenny at Jenny Loves to Read. I think I’ll give it a try.

1. Reason for choosing this book:
Seen it recommended by readers who were fans of Ilona Andrew’s Kate Daniels series.  I hadn’t planned on reading it just yet — but lo! — one of the GoodReads groups had picked Patricia Briggs to be the featured author for November. I’ve had Cry Wolf in my TBR since it first came out, but decided to start from the beginning.

2. Reasons for liking/disliking this book:
I have to say, I wish I had picked this book up sooner. Mercy does remind me of Kate, though different enough that it’s not like I’m reading the same character. She is perfectly capable of taking care of herself, and she has  a penchant for driving hot, Alpha men crazy.  Mercy has had a comparatively normal life.  She has a small circle of family and friends, some who are part of the pack, though generally she avoids attracting the attention of the wolves.  There are vampires, though they’re not any more date-worthy than Ilona’s. However Stefan, the VW owner, seems different from the rest of his group.

I was comfortable with the world-building is this book.  I wasn’t confused or frustrated with how the information was conveyed to the reader.

I also loved Mercy’s sheep.  Too funny.

3. Reasons for recommending this book:
I would recommend this book to readers who are new to Urban Fantasy. The series isn’t long  — the sixth book comes out in hardback in 2011, so there is time to get caught up.

Favorite Quote:
“I forgot to tell you that I joined the secret society of villains while I was away,” I told Samuel, exasperated. “I am now trying to put together a harem of studly, muscle-bound werewolves. Please. Remember, I didn’t know Mac until he dropped in my lap sometime after the villains screwed up his life.”
– Mercy

Started: 1 November 2010
Finished: 17 November 2010

Rating:

LOVED IT !!

Disclaimer: I purchased this book.

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.

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

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 =)”

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.

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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. ”

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 !!

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