Sandy M’s review of Breaking Dawn, Part 1 directed by Bill Condon
Paranormal/Fantasy/Adventure Film released by Summit Entertainment 18 Nov 11

Since the first movie in this series, we’ve made it a girls night out – my sister and nieces enjoying sushi beforehand and then taking in a couple of hours of vampires and werewolves. In the beginning I tried to read the books before hitting the theater. I normally like a book better than the movie when I do that, but in this case, I have to say I like each movie more than the books. Visuals actually seem to work much better than my imagination this time around.

My sister is an Edward girl. I’m a Jacob girl. I prefer the dark, smoldering look and that young Taylor Lautner certainly embodies that in my eyes. I’m disappointed they got rid of his sexy long hair, but he did have to mature into the near alpha that’s alluded to in this movie. I have no idea what my sister sees in Robert Pattinson. That’s just me. And then there’s the shapeshifting, all seamlessly done on film, revealing beautifully wild wolves. It’s exactly how I imagine it when I’m reading about werewolves. There’s plenty of snarling and snapping and biting to take things to a more dangerous level here.

Bella and Edward finally marry – Bella getting what she wants and Edward giving in to what he knows may not be the best for either of them. It’s a beautiful wedding, her dress is gorgeous, her dad is still trying to be happy about it all, all of his family finally support him in unison. The honeymoon is romantic, love and moonlight and clear waters on a Latin American island. And that’s where the bliss comes to an end. Bella realizes she’s pregnant, and something is so terribly wrong.

This new being is growing at an accelerated rate, sucking Bella dry. I have to give props to Kristen Stewart on how she plays the new bride hungry for a husband who is afraid to touch her again for fear of hurting her to the wan, protective mother who will let no harm come to her child. But there are those who feel she’s carrying a demon and want it destroyed. The Cullenses rally around her, though, along with Jacob, all with varying feelings about the situation and to protect her at all costs.

The action, just as in the previous movies, is swift and exciting, exacting and lethal. And the end of this movie is one of the best I’ve seen in a long time. Which is quite a long time, since I don’t see many movies anymore. But even though we know Bella will finally get her wish of becoming a vampire, we’re on tenterhooks through the delivery and subsequent rebirth. The way Jacob is released from his attraction, obsession, fixation, whatever it is to Bella is out of the blue and unexpected and I love it. Caught me completely off guard.

For me, this is the best movie of the bunch so far. Before it never bothered me to wait until the next came out. This time I can’t wait. It’s going to be a long year but well worth it to see ultimately how it all ends.

Grade: A

Summary:

The Quileute and the Volturi close in on expecting parents Edward and Bella, whose unborn child poses different threats to the wolf pack and vampire coven.

Watch the trailer.

Other books in this series:

November 16, 2012

Sandy M’s review of A Clockwork Fairytale by Helen Scott Taylor
Paranormal Young Adult published by Helen Scott Taylor 26 Aug 11

I became a fan of Helen Scott Taylor with her first book, The Magic Knot. Her lyrical writing and amazing imagination give you characters you’ll remember for a long time, along with stories that take you away into a land of magic that dazzles with danger and romance. Her new book, A Clockwork Fairytale, is no exception. The fact that it’s a young adult book makes it that much more endearing, watching a young love blossom in the face of fear and a hunger never felt before.

Melba is running around the city picking pockets and filching food and whatever else is needed to survive — all disguised as a boy. She’s been in the care of Master Maddox her entire life, never knowing her parents or where she comes from. One night she’s in the wrong place at the wrong time, and her life dramatically changes. Opportunity has given her the chance to spy for Master Turk, the best in the business, and she’s determined not to waste this moment. Even at 17 she has high aspirations in the spy game, along with a will to get her where she wants to go. This night Turk is her savior, so maybe her luck has already started to change.

Deciding at the last minute to take Mel under his wing, Turk exchanges pledges with the lad and they head toward Mel’s new home, one supplied to Turk by the Shining Brotherhood. It’s not long, however, before things begin to unravel and Turk discovers he’s harboring a girl – who is also the long-lost Princess Melbaline, no longer the abducted child but a young woman now on the cusp of a new life. Knowing his duty is to return Melba to her father, Turk, with the blessing of his master with the Brotherhood, begins to teach her how to be a lady and a princess and also how to bring forth her magic.

Once Melba’s gender is no longer an issue and she’s no longer a candidate for a spy, she begins to see the world differently – first the luxury of Turk’s home and all that comes with it and then Turk himself.  Her feelings and emotions are just blossoming and Turk is her knight in shining armor. What she doesn’t know yet is who she is. There are those who would still do what it takes to keep her from the palace, so Turk trains her in secrecy. Their attraction grows over the course of the weeks they’re together, but Turk knows Melba can never be his. Aside from the fact she’s royalty, he’s also never told her he’s a monk with the Brotherhood.

When she learns what Turk has in store for her, Melba wants none of it, only desiring to stay with Turk. But her father awaits and the day comes when Melba returns home at last. And then the trouble truly begins. While she’s known the fear and angst of living from hand to mouth, Melba has never known true fear at the hands of another. Being at the mercy of a man using magic for his own evil gains slowly turns into a nightmare for both Turk and Melba. But love prevails as they work together to right the wrongs that have hung over the royal house for so many years.

In and among this beautiful historical story is Earth magic, the raising of Jinns, a type of earth spirit, that are mostly used for good, but there’s also someone who uses them for ill. Turk is thrown into confusion at the attitude of his master toward his need and want of Melba. Melba is just as confused as to why Turk would rather give her away to duty than stay with her. They take to the rooftops and the underments of the city to race against time and danger. There are inter-related characters who all take on very different personas throughout, quirky to crazy, and they’re all quite interesting. Dante the Trash King is one I especially like.

If you’ve yet to read to Helen Scott Taylor’s Magic Knot Fairies books, don’t bypass the beginning of this new series. Helen Scott Taylor will become a favorite of yours too.

Grade: A+

Summary:

A rags to riches fairytale about a lost princess and a maverick young spymaster who must foil the plans of an evil magician bent on stealing her throne. Full of pickpockets, top hats, tiaras, clockwork doodads, danger and romance.

Read an excerpt.

Gwen’s review of Kiss of Snow (Psy-Changeling Series, Book 10) by Nalini Singh
Paranormal Romance hardcover published by Berkley 31 May 11

It’s no secret that I’m a huge fan of Nalini Singh.  I love to read her books.  The complexity of the worlds Singh creates transports me there every time I read them. Sure, the romances are satisfying, the heroes and heroines complicated and compelling. But the world!  The world is why I read.  It’s immediate, believable, and populated with enough good and bad to be really interesting. So it’s with a heavy heart that I say that I didn’t really love Kiss of Snow.

This tenth book in the Psy-Changeling series is the long-awaited union of the SnowDancer alpha, Hawke, and the young psy, Sienna.  In several earlier novels, you could see this pairing a mile away, and see how much it tormented both characters, so it’s nice to finally see these two together.  I’m not going to recap the characters or the plot – if you’re not reading this series, you do NOT want to start with this novel; you’ll be so far at sea with all the interwoven stories and established details, you may never know what’s going on.  Instead, I’ll just tell you what worked for me and what was not quite what I would have liked.

One of the characteristics of Singh’s writing that usually makes it so evocative is how she weaves several storylines into an overall arc, making for a really rich story.  Peppered throughout the romance are story threads from the bad guys’ perspective, from other good guys’ perspective, from the narrator’s perspective.  All of these bits mesh and normally push the story arc forward.

However, in Kiss of Snow, the weaving is choppy and sometimes difficult to follow.  It seemed to lack the smooth storytelling of Singh’s earlier novels.  While reading, I felt like I was being pulled in too many directions.  There’s the primary romance, a secondary romance, and many of the earlier romances in this book.  There’s the uber bad guys, the other bad guys, another two or three factions of good guys. We have a birth, several severe wounds, and some deaths.   Battles, fights, and more battles. Plotting, scheming, spies, traitors – all in one book. Normally this makes for a rocking good time in a novel.  Unfortunately, in this novel, it made for a bit of a mess.  All these elements seem like they’re just tossed in and shaken.  We jerk from one thing to the next with little to no transition and sometimes very few details to help us understand what we’re reading.

I had the most difficulty with the primary romance between Hawke and Sienna.  Their personal scenes were the most confusing for me – just as it felt like they were starting to know each other, something would happen, or the author would cut to another thread.  As a result, I had a frustrating time getting into this couple’s romance.  For example, at the end of the book for several paragraphs Singh makes what feels like an unnecessary mystery about Hawke’s name.  And then she never really reveals it – we’re left guessing and it’s a little frustrating.

The upshot of my review is that I’m disappointed, but I still read it.  Kiss of Snow is still a “B” book for me, but I expect a lot from Singh – particularly with the Psy-Changeling series.  This book, while good, didn’t quite meet my expectations and former experience with this author.

Grade: B-

Read other reviews and information on this series here.

Summary:

Since the moment of her defection from the PsyNet and into the SnowDancer wolf pack, Sienna Lauren has had one weakness. Hawke. Alpha and dangerous, he compels her to madness.

Hawke is used to walking alone, having lost the woman who would’ve been his mate long ago. But Sienna fascinates the primal heart of him, even as he tells himself she is far too young to handle the wild fury of the wolf.

Then Sienna changes the rules and suddenly, there is no more distance, only the most intimate of battles between two people who were never meant to meet. Yet as they strip away each other’s secrets in a storm of raw emotion, they must also ready themselves for a far more vicious fight…

A deadly enemy is out to destroy SnowDancer, striking at everything they hold dear, but it is Sienna’s darkest secret that may yet savage the pack that is her home…and the alpha who is its heartbeat…

Read an excerpt here (scroll down).

Other books in this series (in strict chronological order):

			“The Cannibal Princess” - free short story
	“A Gift for Kit” - free short story

C2’s review of Kiss of Snow (Psy/Changeling Series, Book 10) by Nalini Singh
Paranormal Romance published by Berkley 31 May 11

Faithful reader, you know how sometimes in long series there’s that one couple you want to get together – the one that so obviously must be together and you wait and wait…and then, when they finally do get their story, it’s a let-down?  That SO did not happen here!  Yay!!

Hawke is the alpha of the SnowDancer wolves.  He has been in charge since he was a teenager and the traumatic circumstances that put him there have shaped his personality.  He is intense and focused and his wolf is very near the surface at all times.  Hawke’s wolf recognized his mate when he was a child, however she died very young.  Since wolves only mate once, Hawke grew up with the knowledge that there would always be a piece of his heart missing.

From the moment they met, Sienna Lauren has disturbed Hawke on every level.  She is too young and not only isn’t she Pack, she is Psy.  The Psy were responsible for the death of Hawke’s father and the horrible events that led him to becoming alpha.  Still, there is something about her that draws him, even though he knows he will never share the mate-bond with anyone – and the connection isn’t one-sided.  Recently, Hawke’s wolf has decided that Sienna is an adult and fair prey.  And Hawke is having a hard time convincing his wolf and himself that isn’t a good idea.

Sienna and her family came to live with the SnowDancer wolves after they defected from the PsyNet.  As far as most Psy know, they are all dead. Sienna, especially, knows she must stay hidden.  She is an X Psy – a mysterious and deadly Psy designation.  She was taken from her family at a very young age and trained as an assassin/spy.

Ever since Sienna has been with SnowDancer, she has been drawn to Hawke but she senses the distance he tries to maintain between them.  Still, he has allowed her to train with the other novice soldiers – as long as she doesn’t use her Psy abilities against anyone in the Pack.  Since she isn’t a wolf, she is less aware of his Alpha-ness and is more defiant than the other young soldiers – and neither man nor wolf appreciate that.

Lately, Sienna Psy abilities have been less stable.  Theory says X Psy are less stable to start with – most die young.  Whether this is because of the dangerous nature of the X designation, the dangerous situations they often are placed in or just because that much power burns quick and fast is still part of the mystery surrounding the X.  Hawke and her uncle, Judd (have you read Judd’s book? because you should), are both concerned about whether Sienna will be able to maintain her control over her abilities or if those abilities will get away from her and cause untold damage.  But when a Psy plot is uncovered that endangers all of SnowDancer and DarkRiver, every soldier is needed and Sienna’s special abilities could prove invaluable in the fight.

Oh faithful reader, I don’t want to delve too much deeper into the plot. You just need to read the book and savor it.  With each new addition to the series, the Psy/Changling world gets richer and deeper and more complex.  We catch up with lots of old friends and get hints of new characters (I am very intrigued by the falcons) and also get glimpses of a time before the PsyNet became the vast, frightening entity it is. And watching Hawke and Sienna dance around each other – unable to stay away while knowing things will probably go horribly wrong – is delicious and sweet and smart and hot.

“She tried to prepare herself for the next kiss…but of course, there was no way to prepare for Hawke.”  Kiss of Snow, page 360

Does this book stand alone?  It probably could but, really, you should read the whole series – all the cool kids are doing it.  Don’t you want to be one of the cool kids?  Is it worth the hardcover price? I say yes! What are you waiting for?  Go read and enjoy!

Grade: A+

Summary:

Since the moment of her defection from the PsyNet and into the SnowDancer wolf pack, Sienna Lauren has had one weakness. Hawke. Alpha and dangerous, he compels her to madness.
Hawke is used to walking alone, having lost the woman who would’ve been his mate long ago. But Sienna fascinates the primal heart of him, even as he tells himself she is far too young to handle the wild fury of the wolf.
Then Sienna changes the rules and suddenly, there is no more distance, only the most intimate of battles between two people who were never meant to meet. Yet as they strip away each other’s secrets in a storm of raw emotion, they must also ready themselves for a far more vicious fight…
A deadly enemy is out to destroy SnowDancer, striking at everything they hold dear, but it is Sienna’s darkest secret that may yet savage the pack that is her home…and the alpha who is its heartbeat…

Read an excerpt.

Other books in the series:

Ash’s review of The Body Finder by Kimberly Derting
Young Adult Paranormal published by HarperCollins 15 Feb 11

With me, a book doesn’t have to have the best writing, it doesn’t have to be deep and thought provoking. In fact, I don’t like those books much. I want to be happy when I turn that last page, and The Body Finder left me very happy and wanting more.

The big thing is that I like Violet throughout the whole book, even when she is doing stupid things. Or ignoring the obviousness of her best friend’s feelings for her. Violet’s relationship with Jay is a big part of the story, and, of course, that makes me happy. I always worry that young adult books won’t give me the amount of romance I like in a book, since they are for teens, but it’s just right in this one. The scene where things change between them is perfect in its own innocent way. Plus, I am a sucker for friends-to-lovers plotlines.

Violet’s ability to find bodies is not an easy one and she could have been a whining teenage girl, but she handles it surprisingly well. The premise of what she does works because it is so simple to understand, but the way it works for Violet keeps it interesting. For example, each body has its own scent, sound, or sight that only Violet can sense. Violet doesn’t get any more information, so there is plenty of mystery. Kimberly Derting doesn’t shove a ton of stuff down your throat. Violet just happens to be a girl who can find where bodies, human or animal, are.

With me, young adult books seem to either have too much story or not enough. I took a chance and bought The Body Finder and I’m glad I did. It’s the newest addition to my keeper shelf and I am ready to start the second book.

Grade: A

Summary:

Violet Ambrose is grappling with two major issues: Jay Heaton and her morbid secret ability. While the sixteen-year-old is confused by her new feelings for her best friend since childhood, she is more disturbed by her “power” to sense dead bodies—or at least those that have been murdered. Since she was a little girl, she has felt the echoes that the dead leave behind in the world… and the imprints that attach to their killers.

Violet has never considered her strange talent to be a gift; it mostly just led her to find the dead birds her cat had tired of playing with. But now that a serial killer has begun terrorizing her small town, and the echoes of the local girls he’s claimed haunt her daily, she realizes she might be the only person who can stop him.

Despite his fierce protectiveness over her, Jay reluctantly agrees to help Violet on her quest to find the murderer—and Violet is unnerved to find herself hoping that Jay’s intentions are much more than friendly. But even as she’s falling intensely in love, Violet is getting closer and closer to discovering a killer… and becoming his prey herself.

Read an excerpt.

Other books in this series:

C2’s review of Eternal Prey (Gods of the Night, Book 3) by Nina Bangs
Paranormal Romance published by Avon 28 Dec 10

Well, faithful reader, we may as well get it out of the way, right? I know we are all thinking the same thing – “What in the name of Jurassic Park was the art department thinking??”.  But, please, try not to judge a book by its cover…I know it’s hard but try.

For those who are new to the series (your attention was caught by the cover, wasn’t it?), in her Gods of the Night series, Ms. Bangs has woven together dinosaurs, aliens and the Mayan 2012 prophecy with adventure and romance. It works surprisingly well, actually.

Meet our hero, Utah – in a former life he was a Utahraptor, a lean, mean fighting machine. Just the kind of guy needed to stop some bad stuff from happening in December 2012. Each dino-guy (also known as The Eleven) has to stop one of the baddies from the opposing side in order to prevent the human race from being wiped out in 2012. Utah’s baddie has the not-very-threatening name of Seven (and prefers an even more unthreatening name, as it turns out).

Also playing an important role in the saving of the human race is Lia, the human daughter of a vampire – since her mother was killed, she has been in charge of her mother’s area. She knows she will someday become vampire but her father has encouraged her to enjoy some human time first. Lia is assigned to be Utah’s driver because having a human in close proximity helps mask his presence. Utah is not happy with this pairing because one of his brothers was recently killed by vampires.

After a couple of run-ins with Seven and the big boss of the baddies, Zero, it is decided that, in order to find out what sort of mayhem Seven is planning, Utah and Lia – along with some of the other dino-guys and a fae prince – must work with the local vampire-in-charge (who may or may not be on their side). While working with the vampires, Utah fights his attraction to Lia – he sees all around him the creatures that killed his brother – but he begins to wonder whether Lia would still be herself if she became a vampire. In an unfortunate series of events, he gets to find out. Lia is forced to transition and becomes a vampire.

It is so hard to give any sort of summary of this book, faithful reader. I can’t do it justice. All I can say is, if you are at all intrigued by the premise and wonder about trying the book – go for it! The books in the series stand alone pretty well, although I think it is always best to start at the beginning. The Gods of the Night series is darker and more action-y than Ms. Bangs’ other series but her humor is still peeks through.

Grade: C+

Blurb:
A magnificent creature, Utah wants vengeance against the bloodsuckers who murdered his brother. Once the beast within him is unleashed, he won’t rest until every vampire is destroyed. But he never expected to encounter a leader of his immortal enemies who was so beautiful, bewitching . . . and mortal.

It is Lia’s destiny and her duty to stop the renegade vampires who are intent on annihilating the human and non-human races alike. But she never dreamed that Utah, once a deadly foe, would now become her ally and protector, or that loving him would be more dangerous than anything she’s ever faced before. For when Utah frees his predator soul, there will be no end to the carnage.

Read an EXCERPT.

Other books in the series:

Gwen’s review of One Touch of Scandal by Liz Carlyle
Historical romance released by Avon 28 Sep 10

Sybil and I were trying to figure out if this book was historical or paranormal.  We landed on “historical with important paranormal elements.”  How’s that for decision making?  Solidly in the middle.

In spite of our collective irresolute tendencies, I have decided that this could best be described as a good historical romance that uses the paranormal to help tell the story and move the plot forward.  Ahh, decisiveness. 

In One Touch of Scandal, Liz Carlyle has written a mid-Victorian era historical that has a hero with ESP and a heroine in a very serious pickle.  Hero, Adrian, belongs to an ancient organization that supports  and protects women and children with the Gift or those who are descended from people with the Gift. Heroine, Grace, is a governess who is suspected of murdering her fiancee/employer.

Adrian and Grace come together in a very believable and interesting manner that I won’t spoil for you.  In fact, that statement of believable and interesting could be said about the book.  The ending is a little sugary for my taste, but I still enjoyed it.

I am happy that both Adrian and Grace are flawed people who are sincerely trying their best to live with the hands dealt them.  I also like that they don’t have prideful TSTL moments.  It’s nice to read about a couple that I can identify with, not that I want to shake and say, “Get out of your own way, you idjit!”

The murder and suspense elements in the book are quite good.  There is a plot twist that is a ton of fun to read and downright scary good.  Loved it.

The only reason I’m giving this a B+, and not an A, is the ending.  It was good – just a bit saccharin for me.

If you’re a Liz Carlyle fan, you need this book.  If you like a little paranormal spicing up your historical, you’ll love this book.  It’s the start of a new series that I think will be tremendous fun to read.

Grade: B+

Summary:

Desperation drove her into the arms of a devil…

Grace Gauthier had taken a position as governess hoping to find security and peace in a life that had very little of either. She’s always yearned for a good marriage, a family, and a home, but it was not to be. And when the brutal murder of her employer leaves her unprotected and alone—as Scotland Yard’s prime suspect—she has no one to turn to except the mysterious and reclusive Lord Ruthveyn.

A dark-eyed Lucifer, Ruthveyn guards his secrets carefully. His shadowed past as the Queen’s most trusted agent in India is the stuff of whispered rumor, as is his mixed ancestry. Deeply moved by her plight—and haunted by her beauty—Ruthveyn is determined to save Grace by unmasking a killer. But his growing passion for her soon places his own heart at risk and threatens to expose his dark gifts—and his dark society—to the world…

Read an excerpt here.

Lawson’s review of Bitten by Cupid by Lynsay Sands, Pamela Palmer and Jaime Rush
Paranormal Anthology released by Avon 12 Jan 10

Obviously I’m a sucker for Lynsay Sands. When Syb handed me this book, I snapped it up. I get a lot of the historical romance as well, so this was something to lighten the historical TBR pile. Plus, Sands’ contribution is the story of Tiny, who I’m sure many have been asking for. I got to experience some new (to me) authors as well.

Vampire’s Valentine by Lynsay Sands

Tiny McGraw was a secondary character in A Bite to Remember. He’s a private investigator and Jackie’s partner. Tiny and Mirabeau LaRouche, an Argeneau cousin, are assigned to protect Dani McGill’s sister from the Immortal Hunter from those that are still looking for her. Mirabeau realizes quickly that she can’t read Tiny, her appetite is coming back and they’re lifemates. What made this story work outside of the obvious lifemate setup was Tiny’s enthusiasm for it as well as his enjoyment of getting Mirabeau to eat his cooking. It was cute, but not a lot of depth.

Grade: B-

Hearts Untamed by Pamela Palmer

Zeeland and Julianne are members of a race called the Therians. The Therians were shapeshifters once upon a time, but now they only shift in their dreams. They apparently have an enemy that could control some interesting magic. Zeeland left Julianne when he began to see her as a woman and felt Julianne was far too young. Julianne has waited for Zeeland for the last ten years, though the Therians are ok with free love and free bed partners.

This story was rather weak. The Therians didn’t make much sense, with their shapeshifting past and how they lost it. The backstory needed wasn’t really there. The characters all seemed a bit flat as well, there wasn’t much development. Not my cup of tea.

Grade: D

Kiss and Kill Cupid by Jamie Rush

This one was cute at first. Then came the serial killer’s thoughts and I was totally turned off. Especially when Kat, the heroine, hears these thoughts but can’t hear the thoughts of Adrian, the hero. Oh, and they’re part of a secret government project. I couldn’t get through this story at all. I’m not a bit suspense fan and the serial killer’s thoughts in the first couple of pages made me not want to read it.

Grade: DNF

I don’t know what overall grade to give this one, since the last story was a DNF.

Overall grade: C (or DNF)

Devon’s review of A Mermaid’s Ransom by Joey W. Hill
Paranormal Romance released by Berkely Trade 1 December  2009

If you’ve read my reviews of the previous two installments in this series (go on, check them out here and here), you’ll know I’m a great big fan of this author. She’s a consistent author of erotic romance that is both super hot and touchingly romantic, exploring themes of dominance and submission, faith and acceptance. I am loving this Mermaid series more and more with each book. This world of mermaids and angels is not as dark as some of Hill’s other settings, but it, and its inhabitants, are growing increasingly complex. A Mermaid’s Ransom really pushes the envelope with its hero. Those who like their tormented heroes to be truly tormented may like him as much as I did, but I suspect there are some who may not. Why? Read on and find out.

A Mermaid’s Ransom takes place twenty-odd years after the events of A Mermaid’s Kiss and A Witch’s Beauty. Alexis, the daughter of Jonah and Anna, is a grown up Merangel now. That’s right, she’s a Merangel, which means she sprouts wings and a tail at the same time. Seems awkward to me, but hey, what do I know. Anyhoo, Alexis is a happy-go-lucky college student liked by all due to her angelic energy and empathic abilities. Her lovely world is turned inside out when her increasingly dark erotic dreams become all too real. Alexis has been pulled into the realm of the Dark Ones by Dante, half Dark-Spawn, half Vampire.

Dante played a secondary role in A Witch’s Beauty, but he’s changed a lot since that book. He’s now the most powerful thing in the freaky, frightening Dark One realm, and he plans to use Alexis to escape the hell he’s spent his life in. Alexis is frightened, but also incredibly drawn to Dante, and she senses a spark of…something in him. Of course, if he does manage to escape, Alexis’ friends and family are gonna be none too happy with him. Plus, what is a vampire/demon who has spent his life in a hell dimension going to do in our world anyway? Probably not going to fit in.

Dante is a sociopath, plain and simple. It’s not his fault, he has spent his life in a place where the only emotions that exist are fear, rage, lust, and despair, and the only pursuits are showing dominance, causing pain and survival. It is an awful, frightening place, and Dante can be a frightening person. He feels attached to Alexis, very possessive and protective of her, and very attracted. But he has only the tiniest understanding of tender emotions, and he is confused by the things he feels. Dante has also done some whack shit in order to survive and triumph over his lifelong tormentors, the Dark Ones. He’s a mess. A totally freaking hot mess.

Alexis, kind of like her mother Anna, is almost Mary Sue-ish in her complete goodness and sweetness. What saves her from being annoying is her self-awareness (she has always felt that people are drawn to her due to her angelic aura rather than for herself), her sense of humor regarding the weirdness of the Dante situation, and her spine. Despite the fact that she’s afraid and uncertain of what will happen with Dante, Alexis is certain of her connection to him. This gives her the faith to stand up to Dante and her family and try to help him make his way in this world. Their romance is weird, fascinating and super sexy.

The plot is well paced, with moments funny and touching to temper some of the darker aspects. Jonah, Anna, Mina and David make welcome appearances, and help move things along. Hill can wax a bit…new age-y about the whole submission thing and the Goddess and what not, but not for too long. I also felt that the very end of the book, after the intense climax, was a bit of a letdown. But that leads me to my main concern. There is no magical 180 for Dante. He changes and grows throughout the story, but he ain’t no shiny, happy person by the end. He’s got a long way to go. Readers may find it hard to root for him. Me, I loved him, and I hope to see more of how they’re coming along in future books.

This is my favorite of the three books so far, and I’m looking forward to the next. I do recommend reading in order, and reading all three. If you’re looking for a paranormal that’s not run of the mill, give it a try. Complex characters, hot sex and food for thought to be found.

Grade: A-

Summary:
Growing up the daughter of a famous mermaid and the second in command of the angelic legions can put a lot of pressure on a girl. Though she loves her parents, Alexis has chosen to live among humans as an ordinary college girl, but she can’t hide the tranquil aura of angelic light and empathic ability that draws people to her. Unfortunately, while it draws men to her, none of them are willing to cross the line to find her true heart and soul – or even give her a decently passionate kiss. That is, until she begins to dream of a male trapped in fire and rage, who wants her so badly he’ll tear the universe apart to have her. However, while all she can feel is his pain and suffering, and a yearning to heal him, Dante sees her as the way to his freedom. He thinks he’s willing to destroy her to accomplish that, but once he kidnaps her into his world and is confronted with the girl who is the opposite of everything he’s ever known, he starts to wonder if his freedom is as important as keeping her by his side.
Read an excerpt here

Other books in the series:

Devon’s review of Big Bad Wolf (The Others, Book 8 ) by Christine Warren
Paranormal Romance released by St. Martin’s 29 September 2009

Christine Warren’s The Others series are a set of sexy, lighthearted romps based mostly in Manhattan. They follow an urban group of various supernatural races as they prepare for, and go through with, making themselves known to the human world. After awhile, I find that the heroines are a bit too similar to each other, but otherwise these books are a reliable choice for a fun read that’ll keep your interest for a few hours.

Although this is advertised as the eighth book in the series, it must be noted that Big Bad Wolf is a revised and expanded version of a previously published Ellora’s Cave ebook (as were One Bite With a Stranger and You’re so Vein). So the plot and the romance actually take place earlier in the timeline of the series, if you know what I mean. Those who began with Wolf at the Door, and earlier installments will already be familiar with werewolf alpha Graham Winters and his luna Missy Roper. While it doesn’t deter from my enjoyment, it can be a bit weird. Things haven’t happened yet, but I know they will. Newcomers to the series may prefer to figure out the chronological order, and read them that way, rather than going by the published order (see booklist at her site).

Graham is a sexy Alpha werewolf who is growing increasingly dissatisfied with his love life, busy as it is. Missy Roper is the human kindergarten teacher, way too mousy to get Graham’s attention. (Of course, she is really quite sassy and spunky, aren’t they all). When Missy’s friends get her dolled up for a party, she gains Graham’s immediate notice. Her scent, her looks…could she…could she be his elusive mate. Of course she is! However, Missy’s not thrilled that Graham doesn’t realize that he’s already met her, when she was the maid of honor and he was the best man in a wedding party. She doesn’t believe that someone as gorgeous as Graham could ever notice her.

There is not a whole lot of plot outside of the romance. A bit of tussling over the pack hierarchy, which doesn’t add too much excitement or suspense. What we have here is a slight but entertaining romance. Nothing new or earthshaking, but fun. It serves as a good introduction to the Silverback clan, who play a large role in later installments. Warren uses the tired soul mate trope, but she always makes it work. There’s chemistry, banter, and they actually get to know each other, as Graham tries to convince Missy that they belong together, and Missy tries to decide if she wants to get involved with Graham and this strange new world.

If you enjoy light paranormal romance that’s not too corny, this is a good series to try. This is a fun addition to the series, and may be actually be a good place to start.

Grade: B-

The Summary:
Graham Winters is a werewolf with a problem. His idiot cousin Curtis wants to take over as Alpha of the Silverback Clan because of an archaic Lupine tradition that says an unmated Lupine can’t lead a pack. So what is Graham supposed to do? Pull a mate out of his hat? Where else will he find the perfect woman for him in time to thwart Curtis’s plans?

As it turns out, the answer is right under his nose.

Six months of unrequited lust for a playboy werewolf have gotten Missy no closer to fulfilling her fantasy of becoming the love of Graham Winters’s life. But when her four best friends decide to dress her up for a blind date the night of Reggie and Misha’s engagement party, everything changes. Suddenly Graham is declaring his undying lust, the members of his pack are calling her Luna, and his cousin and rival are trying to kill her. Clearly, a little adventure can go a long way.
Now the question is whether Missy is willing to risk her heart and her life for a chance at finding out whether werewolves really do mate for life…
No Excerpt Found

Read Devon’s review of One Bite With a Stranger
Read Devon’s review of Walk on the Wild Side
Books in the series:

Lynne Connolly‘s review of Shadowlight by Lynn Viehl
Paranormal Romance released by Onyx 6 Oct 09

I’m a fan of Ms Viehl’s paranormal books. Her previous series ended with “Stay the Night” and was a lead in to this new series.

Jessa is an intelligent heroine, something I love about Ms Viehl’s books. And the hero, Gaven, isn’t a asshat hero. However, the book does take some time to settle down and it didn’t turn into a page-turner until about 100 pages in. I wouldn’t have read on if it had been a new to me author, but I trust Ms Viehl to deliver, and eventually, she did.

The plot, as is usual for her, is complex and there is a large cast of characters. Unfortunately they are all introduced in the first third of the book, and while there’s no confusion between them, it is frustrating to start to immerse yourself in a character’s dilemma, only to find yourself plunged into a different dilemma with a different character.

The big bad is Gennaro, the owner of a multimillion company involved in genetic research. The creatures in this world are infected by a virus, sometimes artificially induced, and Gennaro wants to synthesize this. Jessa touches people and sees their future, reads them. One of the reasons she falls for Gaven is that she can’t read him. I’ve read that trope before, and sometimes wondered why they can’t learn to develop a mental barrier, but it’s handled well here. Jessa wears gloves, X Men style, which works well for her.

I loved the fact that Jessa had loved someone before, someone she remembered with fondness.

I did enjoy meeting Lucan and Samantha again, from the Kyn series (their book is “Dark Need”) and to discover their connection is as strong as ever and that Sam is still working, still strong and her own person.  Their scenes are some of the most romantic in the book.

Because this isn’t what I’d call a romance. There is a strong love story going on here, but it’s not the main focus of the book. There are too many other things going on for that. The story, the multiple viewpoints and the complex plot mean there are other focuses of attention.

But once I was past the first third of the book it settled in nicely for me and I found the read absorbing and enjoyable. Ms Viehl’s prose is lovely, and its well worth reading the book for that alone. Precise, well chosen and never over the top purple.

The character that intrigued me most in this story is the subject of the next book (you get a sneak peek at the end). I’m definitely hooked.

Grade: B

“With just one touch, Jessa Bellamy can see anyone’s darkest secrets, thanks to whoever tampered with her genes. What she doesn’t know is that a biotech company has discovered her talent and intends to kill her and harvest her priceless DNA. Gaven Matthias is forced to abduct Jessa himself so he can protect her, but Jessa has a hard time believing the one man whose secrets she can’t read. As a monstrous assassin closes in and forces them to run, Jessa will have to find another way to discover if Matthias is her greatest ally-or her deadliest enemy.”

Dawna’s review of Soul Song (Dirk and Steele, Book 6) by Marjorie M. Liu
Paranormal Romance published by Leisure Books 3 Jul 07

I’ve always been told never judge a book by its cover. But when I glanced the sexy man emerging out of the turbulent ocean depths, ready to walk right off the page, I was compelled to pick this book up.  Soul Song by Marjorie M. Liu has a lot more going for it than just its cover art.  She’s created intriguing characters full of depth and a riveting story that will keep you turning pages.

Her hero, M’cal is a tortured merman sent to steal souls for an evil witch.  With a sirens voice he literally sings their souls right out of them.  He’s compelled to do so by order of the witch and has given up all hope of escape until he meets his latest victim, Kitala Bell, a renowned violin player.  The first time he sees her on stage with instrument in hand, her music calls to him.    For some reason he has the power to withstand the witch’s compulsion when it comes to Kitala.  He finds the desire to protect her rather than harm her, but the peril she’s in may threaten both of their souls.

Kitala makes her own kind of magic through her music.  Old Jaz Marie has tried to teach her how to use that magic, but Kitala never paid much attention to her grandmother.  She never wanted to accept the visions of death she saw either, but lately they have become more frequent and when she sees a beautiful woman in her audience with a knife through the eye, she can only do one thing: warn her.  By intervening, Kitala puts her own life at risk and is forced to form a partnership with a beautiful man whose voice can kill, but there is something about M’cal that doesn’t frighten her away.

What I liked best about this book was the fast pace and twists.  You never really know who the bad guy is until the very end.   And Ms Liu even does a good job of making you feel a bit of sympathy for the witch, be it very slight. In my opinion, it takes a good writer to do so.   I recommend this book for anyone who likes a perfect blend fantasy and danger, a sexy merman that can walk on land and a heroine who can hold her own.

I give this book an A because I haven’t found anything quite like it before and it definitely kept me turning pages.

Grade: A

Summary:

Against her will, Kitala Bell foresees the future. But only deaths, and only violent.

Kitala’s own future is in peril. From the ocean’s depths rises an impossible blend of fantasy and danger, a creature whose voice is seduction incarnate, whose song can manipulate lives the way that Kitala herself manipulates the strings of her violin…even to the point of breaking. He is a prince of the sea, an enigma-a captive stretched to the limit of his endurance by a woman intent on using him for the purest evil. And when survival requires he and Kitala form a closer partnership than either has ever known, the price of their bond will threaten not just their lives but the essence of their very souls.

Read an excerpt.

Other books in this series:

link to excerpt added… I know you are going ‘huh a paranormal’… when I have been doing nothing but bitching about there being too many paranormals in the reading world lately.  Look at that cover, isn’t it fab and it sounds amazing, a mix of middle ages, romance, historical intrigue, paranormal…part of me wants to stop what I am doing and read it now

In this captivating reinvention of the werewolf novel, S. A. Swann propels readers into the darkest days of the Middle Ages, weaving a rare blend of soaring romance, historical intrigue, paranormal thrills, and spiritual questioning to tell a story that forever changes those who hear it.

When a monk inadvertently discovers a lair of werewolf young, he unleashes what will become the Church’s most powerful–and secret–weapon. Clandestinely raised by the Teutonic Order, these lupine creatures serve as instruments of God against pagan unbelievers. Trained to slip into villages cloaked in human form, they are all but unstoppable. Only one, called Lilly, has cunningly fled her brutal master.

Uldolf is too young to remember the massacre eight years earlier that claimed his village, his arm, and his kin. But he knows the pain of loneliness. When he sees what appears to be a beautiful young woman, injured and cowering in the woods, he races to her aid. Uldolf and his adoptive family will do anything to protect the terrified girl, but the danger is greater than they can possibly imagine. For death is the only life Lilly has ever known–and if their humanity can’t pierce the darkness Lilly harbors in her soul, they’ll soon come to know it, too.

wonder if he pulls it off…

you can read an excerpt here… uh dunno where cuz I can’t find one here or here the authors site is either really useless or my computer didn’t load it all the way (verra possible). You need more than cover quotes and your blurb but that is a good start and better than nothing. Book releases August 25, 2009…

Lawson’s review of The Immortal Hunter (Argeneau Vampires, Book 11, or Rogue Hunters, Book 2) by Lynsay Sands
Paranormal romance released by Avon 31 Mar 09

I am a fan of Sands’ Argeneau or vampire (Immortals) series and will probably be for some time. This isn’t to say that some of the books are better than others, but there are many other stories to tell in this world. This is the second in a loose series following Council Enforcers, or rouge vampire hunters. Enforcers keep the peace in the community and when an immortal goes rogue, or starts hurting humans for a variety of dastardly purposes. The first book followed one of these hunters, and Immortal Hunter follows another, Decker (Argeneau) Pimms.

It’s hard to know where to start with this book. Most of the plot of this book, or at least the rogue hunter part, was introduced in the first book, The Rogue Hunter, in the prologue, and then never mentioned again. Probably not the best way to have things flow, but since it’s a loose series, letting it go is not a big deal. The action picks up right where Rogue Hunter left off, with Mortimer and his life-mate having to prove she won’t reveal all the immortal secrets as she’s decided not to be turned yet.

From some other events in Rogue Hunter that are revealed in this one, a rogue that has been on the run for 50 years is discovered and Decker and Mortimer’s partner Bricker are sent after him. The rogue, Nicholas Argeneau, is on the hunt of some other rogues who kidnap women and. . . let’s just say it’s not pretty. While trying to free two new victims of the rogues, as well as take them into custody, Nicholas disappears, as one of the rogues has escaped with one of the victims.

And the chase begins. The story takes place over about 48 hours, and it’s pretty fast paced. Decker and Bricker chase Nicholas and the rogues, as well as try to convince Dr. Danielle McGill, whose sister was taken by the one rogue, that they will get their man and her sister back alive. Danielle also has to cope with the fact that she’s been told she’s Decker’s life-mate and what that could mean for her own future.

Since the action takes place over about 48 hours, there’s a lot of things that are rather heavy handed, like Danielle’s being told about the immortals, being Decker’s life-mate, and some of her actions in trying to get her sister back. It’s not as though she’s TSTL and I’m sure many people would behave the same way in the same situation, but she comes across as a bit flighty rather than a strong woman. Decker is a bit the same way, as he does lie to Danielle a bit to hide the facts about his life, which of course most people don’t know, and seems to not know how to talk to her very well.

There’s also a big back and forth in the character’s actions in seeking the rogue and Danielle’s sister, as well as trying to find Nicholas Argeneau. Danielle, obviously overwhelmed by the whole thing, isn’t really thinking all that straight, what with her sister missing, the life-mate thing, but she does roll in the hay with Decker rather quickly (and literally) and buys into the immortal world and lifestyle much faster than quite a few of the previous newbies.

The other thing is the introduction of a new group in the vampire world, the edentata, which just seemed like a convenient plot device to add to the craziness of the rogues and their plan for. . .whatever they think they need to accomplish. Everything added together makes a big jumbled mess and there’s not an easy way to not be confused by the lighter moments mixed in with the darker moments that get mixed into the chasing down the rogues story. I don’t even know what grade to give this book. What comes out of it though, is perhaps a hope that Nicholas’ story, the next book, will be a bit less of a muddle and maybe explain things a little more.

Grade: C- D+ D ????

Read more info and reviews of this series by following its tag.

Summary:
.
Even vampires need a vacation. But Decker Argeneau’s ends abruptly when he’s asked to help hunt the group of rogue vampires targeting mortals — one that might include a defector in his own family. Before he can worry about that, though, he’s got to rescue the latest victim. It’s all part of the job, including taking a bullet for a beautiful doctor.
.
Dr. Danielle McGill doesn’t know if she can trust the man who just saved her life. There are too many questions, such as what is the secret organization he says he’s part of, and why do his wounds hardly bleed? However, with her sister in the hands of some dangerous men, she doesn’t have much choice but to trust him.
.
Except now Decker’s talking about life mates and awakening a passion that’s taking Dani beyond anything she’s ever known. Being undead may not be half-bad…especially if it means spending forever with a man who would love her with his mind, body, and immortal soul.
.
Read an excerpt (scroll down).

Other books in the series:

Sandy M’s review of The Sinful Life of Lucy Burns by Elizabeth Leiknes
Paranormal Chick Lit Women’s Fiction published by Bancroft Press 15 Jun 09

This isn’t the usual type of book I read, but when it was offered up by the publisher for review, and after reading the blurb, I thought why not. And now I’m certainly glad I did. This was a fun story with serious undertones told in a clear, crisp manner with quirky characters full of charm. I thoroughly enjoyed it.

Lucy Burns, who, as a youngster, only wants her sister to awaken from a coma after being hit by a truck, writes a “To Whom It May Concern” letter, promising to be forever in their debt if they allow Ellen to wake up. Ellen does wake up and life goes on as before, but only until Lucy turns 18 and heads off to college. That’s when He shows up in her life and Lucy becomes a facilitator for Satan, one of the many who escort sinners to their fiery rewards.

Lucy lives as normal a life as possible. She has her best friend Maggie and her son Finn next door. She even gets drunk and makes a fool of herself in front of a potential date. But, as far as Lucy is concerned, her life isn’t normal and she wants out, even though she’s got a body to die for and gets whatever her little heart desires every year as payment for her performance. Except sex, love, men, and all that good stuff that women want in their lives.

It’s finally meeting her childhood idol, singer Teddy Nightingale, that Lucy learns there is a way out. And now she’s determined more than ever to go through with it since meeting Luke, a blind college creative writing professor. But she also learns that obtaining her freedom isn’t as easy as it sounds and that it isn’t free either. The Boss emails her the criteria for leaving his employ and with very little time to work with, Lucy gets to work and is quite inventive in meeting His requirements, only to run up against a brick wall in the end, something she didn’t foresee. She should have known better, considering who she’s dealing with.

Lucy is a delightful character; fun with a wicked sense of humor, and, though she wants out, takes her job seriously. And she does it well, even more so when motivated. The secondary characters are well done, especially little Finn. We definitely don’t give children the credit they’re due. Of course, the romance reader in me wanted more of Luke and Lucy, but because of the consequences she faced if she even thought about a relationship, that just wasn’t possible. What I was given of them was quite nice, though. The sinners Lucy strings through her life on their way to their great beyond are from every walk of life and the way the author metes out their reward is interesting and unique, even giving Lucy certain powers to move things along when needed.

I’m glad I took a chance on this book. If you like fun, unique, quirky, and charming mixed with great writing and humor, you’ll want to read it too. I’m sure you’ll be as pleasantly surprised as I was.

Grade: B+

Summary:

Eleven-year-old Lucy Burns writes and mails a letter to “Whom it may concern” to save her sister’s life. Overnight, the sister miraculously recovers, and “He” comes to collect. Nineteen years later, Lucy has had all she can take of doing the Devil’s dirty work–luring evil people to their demise. She’s granted wishes every birthday–beauty and agelessness, among them–but never the one’s she really wants: a normal life, friends, love, and a family of her own.

Lucy wants out of her seemingly binding contract, and, oddly enough, her long-time musical idol, Teddy Nightingale, helps her figure out how she can do just that. But it’s not easy, and a lot of things hang in the balance. If she does what she needs to get out of her deal with the Devil, she’ll be able to have a real loving relationship, live her life in the open instead of in hiding, and see her sister and family–but there are bad consequences tied to that decision as well. Lucy must decide what is evil and what is good, what is right and what is wrong, and if, in the end, there’s ever any way to truly know.

Read an excerpt.

A Vampire’s Claim, the third book in Joey W. Hill’s vampire series, will be released by Berkley Trade on 3 March 2009. Read on for an excerpt!

The daughter of two vampires, Lady Daniela is considered aristocracy in the vampire world. Still, she has to fight for what she wants—especially since what she wants is to depose a brutal territory overlord. For that she’ll need the help of Devlin, a handsome, brave human who inflames her desire far more than any man or beast.

Even though she could easily lay her claim and take Dev on as a fully marked servant, she resists the urge—especially since Dev is still tormented by something in his past. But when her enemy makes an unexpected appearance, Dev surprises them both by yielding completely to his feelings for Danny and showing her the devotion of a true servant—until she decides to take his freedom without asking…

***
Lady Daniela has never taken a full human servant. At two hundred years, she’s always put it off, having a bachelor’s attitude toward bonding with another, even an inferior human. Until she meets Dev on her return to her sheep station in Western Australia in 1953. The laconic bushman is a war veteran with the talents to help her reclaim her station from her mother’s lover, who usurped her position there forty years before.

But the more she gets to know him, the more reluctant she is to bind Dev to her in a way that might get him killed. Dev has his own thoughts on the matter, though, and she’ll soon find it’s easier for a vampire to survive in the desert sun than for her to survive without him by her side.

***

EXCERPT

This comes from the second chapter, when Dev and Danny have just met in a hotel pub in an Outback town and Danny has taken him back to her rooms.

The small boardinghouse was nothing fancy, of course, a frame building set up on pilings for air flow. Basically, it served as an alternative to the hotel, which housed mainly single stockmen. But it was clean and they’d tried to create a parlor for guests to play cards or keep one another company. There was even a brace of not-too-dingy lace curtains at the doors leading out to the veranda. Dev watched, bemused, as she slid the meager furniture of sofa and chair against the wall to clear floor space before he could join her to assist. For all she looked so refined and willowy, she was a strong thing.

“Take out your whip,” she said. And without further ado than that, she began to pace back from him, until she was near the opposite wall. Then she started to slip the buttons of her white shirt.

That froze him in place, watching the cleavage evolve into the high white curves of her breasts, like a bird’s wings. And she didn’t wear some practical brassiere bought out of a catalog, like most women he’d known. Her bosom was held in a lacy, transparent garment that not only made it look ready to spill out at any moment, but showed him the soft mudge of mauvenipples. Saliva gathered in the back of his throat as she shrugged out of the shirt. When she loosed her hair, it drifted over the molded cups and swung back over her bare shoulders.

“Come here and take off my boots.”

He moved, even though the commanding tone bothered him some, as if she fully expected to be obeyed. *Don’t make an issue out of it, mate.* Wryly, he suspected that quelling directive had been barked straight from his cock to his floundering brain.

“Lady Daniela.” He wet dry lips. “So you never explained that. Am I with nobility, then?”

“Aristocracy. Nobility is a virtue. I have few of those.”

He let his gaze drift appreciatively. “I’d argue that, my lady.”

When he reached her, she was leaned up against the wall, folding her hands almost demurely beneath the cushion of her backside. Even though the pose lifted those breasts, drew his hungry attention to them, she braced her heel on his thigh, stopping his forward progress. “My boots, Dev. If you’d like to see the rest.”

Picking up her ankle, he slid to the heel to take hold. While she hadn’t said to do it, he also took off the thin sock beneath, his hands whispering along bare skin now, the slope of calf and delicate structure of her ankle, the arch of her foot. Her lips parted, her breath raising those lovely breasts on a trembling sigh. She liked his touch, then. That was good. Because he intended to touch her a lot, for as long as she’d put up with him.

She shifted, placed the other foot high on his thigh again, earning a hungry lunge from his cock contained only by the tough fabric of his moleskins. Once he slid that boot and sock off, she straightened and opened the clasp on her jodhpurs. One teasing wriggle and they slid down her flesh like a waterfall, no resistance from her silky skin. As if she were one of those Roman goddesses, it was like she was meant to stand like this, in an elegant, nearly naked pose. He was all for it.

More lace, more transparent fabric that hiked high on her legs and the delectable arse. He’d bet it was round and soft-looking as a pillow. He was a sucker for a fine arse. He liked all the parts, but that one. He couldn’t get enough of ogling, squeezing, smacking. even buggering. Tina’d always laughed and said she had to keep her back to a wall-

He pulled back, startled by the thought. Lady Daniela glanced up at him. “Something bite you?” That seemed to amuse her for some reason, but there was a serious question in her gaze.

Nothing but memories. But as he well knew, memories did more than bite. They tore, ripped, mutilated.refused to leave you alone-or dead. He wouldn’t care which they did, as long as they’d stop their tormenting.

As if she knew that, she crossed the room, putting that distance between them again. He’d never seen a woman walk like that. Not the exaggerated saunter of a whore, or the self-conscious movements of a modest woman deprived of her clothes. It was the way he imagined a goddess to walk, fully aware of her sexual power, willing to be generous with it if the man was worthy. He wasn’t, but at this point he was willing to beg, as soon as he
could find his tongue. She was giving him a hell of an eyeful, driving coherence away.

High firm tits, arse shifting along just right, smooth pale legs. She was a vat of cream, for sure, and he was the hungry tom who wanted to lick it all up.

“So here’s your chance, bushman.” She posed there, a hand on her hip, cocked provocatively, and tossed her hair back. “Touch me with that whip from the farthest reach possible, without leaving so much as a mark, and I’ll give you everything you want. If you hurt me. I’ll get what I want.” She smiled, unexpectedly. “Of course, it’s all the same really, isn’t it?”

It broke some of the tension, making him chuckle. But as he measured off the pacing he needed, he felt a moment’s uneasiness. There was a reason the stockman’s braided kangaroo hide whip was called his third arm. He had as much control over it as his own limb. But the one appendage Dev didn’t seem to have any control over, his cock, could seriously disrupt that control, and a stockman’s whip could carve a brand in a steer’s hide.

*So focus, damn it. You don’t want to hurt her.*

Or did he? Fleetingly, he wondered if he might cheat a little.just to see what she’d demand of him. The look in her eyes was the way a lioness centered herself before chasing down that helpless buck. He did and didn’t want to do it her way. Some part of him wanted to go to her, bury himself in wet heat, feel the desperate clutch of her hands as he drove her to climax. Because after he exploded inside her, for a short time he could drift in the fantasy of a reality he’d had for too short a time. A reality he’d never have permanently again, because his heart wouldn’t survive its loss twice.

*Stop it.* Control wasn’t only important in the use of the whip. It was what was most important of all. As long as you had it, it implied you had choice. Startled, he realized he’d echoed her words earlier, by the billabong. Control was what was important, above all.

He uncoiled the whip with one deft move of his wrist. “You sure you might not enjoy feeling a touch of pain, my lady?”

“That’s beside the point.” She curled her lip, showing him a flash of her canines, which seemed particularly sharp. “The bet is no pain, or I get to take everything I want.”

He could curl the whip around her body for hours, twirl her in a dance, touch the end of it to any pink fragile part, tease a nipple or the hint of her pretty pussy beneath the gauzy fabric. Or cut a brand into her flank as intricate as he might wish. His cock hardened inexplicably at that thought.

As she posed there, beautiful, statuesque, something far beyond his reach, her blue eyes never left his face. Then she destroyed him by raising her arms above her head so her breasts rose, the skin stretched over her rib cage, making it more defined, vulnerable. She stayed that way, as if her hands were bound from the ceiling, and his blood fired.

The whip sang out, the pop striking right where he intended. A spot high on her perfect right breast, the first place he’d place his lips to soothe the skin. He put enough recoil into the strike that the effect was a bee sting, raising a blush on the skin. No cut, but it definitely hurt. Proving that he could do it without pain, and had made the conscious choice not to do so.

Sometimes he thought his roughness with women, the need to hurt them a little, came from the fact that none of those women was the one he missed so much. But there was a different component to this. Bloody oath, she didn’t even flinch. But he sensed something change in the air as he brought the whip back to him, coiled it up in an efficient movement. If he had to give it a name, he’d say it was a wave of feral satisfaction, emanating from her
like blazing heat.

Holding the whip in a clenched fist, he saw her gaze travel to where his cock was straining against his trousers, then back over every tense muscle in his body. As her attention went up his bare chest, it reminded him of her touch through the bar rag, the way she’d seemed to savor every inch of him.

“I assume you’re a man of your word?” she asked.

“I am.” He found his mouth was dry.

“Take off your shirt.” When he complied, she began to move toward him. As her hips moved like the pendulum of an elegant clock, her breasts quivered in the cradle of that bra. He was sure the underwire beneath the lace was far more unforgiving and cruel than his hands would be. Or maybe not.

She stopped before him, gazed up into his eyes. Dev was unable to move, the proximity of her body to the raging need of his own overwhelming, paralyzing him. “When we’re alone, you may call me Danny,” she said. “All right?”

“Yes, my lady.” He wasn’t sure why he couldn’t comply with it just yet. Maybe he needed her remoteness. Maybe he was afraid that what was inside him would swallow her whole if she left no barriers between them.

“There’s something in your eyes, bushman,” she continued softly, looking up into them. “I want to keep this moment quite real between us. You said you’d let me have anything I want.”

“There’s not much to take, love.” And he was afraid what little there was, he might give her. He’d immersed himself in women before to keep the darkness at bay, but despite the fact this woman looked a handful of years younger than him, it was as if she understood the deep intricacies of the world, how they were heartbreaking beyond bearing. She wasn’t soothing him or telling him to shut it out. Instead she was throwing him a line, making him accept the port she was offering from his storm.

Her hand slid over his on the whip, started to uncoil it again. When he reached for her with his free hand, she caught his wrist, guided it behind him, then the other, the whip still in his grip. Before he could object or try to overpower her, she’d lifted on her toes and brought her mouth to his, pressing those straight-from-Heaven tits against his chest. The bra was so
thin he could feel the pressure of her hardened nipples.

Opening to her, he gave her his tongue, teased her with it, demanded with his lips what his body had to have. He was vaguely aware of her tangling his hands in the whip, and now he’d no objection to her game. Until he felt the kangaroo leather cinch, one shot past painful, and found she’d securely bound his wrists behind him.

She backed away from him then, holding the tail of the whip through his legs. When he started to move forward, she lifted it between them, putting an uncomfortable pressure against his testicles. Her blue eyes had sobered, but he found it somewhat reassuring they still reflected the raging desire he was feeling himself.

“Did you know that when a convict was brought here, sometimes he didn’t even know the length of his sentence?” Her voice had become that sultry murmur again, despite the grim topic. “Perhaps the judges forgot to tell him, or didn’t think him worth the effort. I think that would be the worst part of his lot. Truly helpless to his fate, forced to trust his master to tell him when his release would come.”

He told himself all he needed to do was twist to yank the whip from her. Instead, he remained still, watchful. “You didn’t jump when I marked you. As though you expected it.”

“I did. You don’t do what you’re told, because you want to defy the consequences. Prove you can handle them.” She came back to him then, one step, two.three. Reaching out, she caressed his jaw, then tipped his chin back, slowly, her nails digging in a little. She liked using her claws. A further tip, straining his neck some, a deeper gouge of those sharp edges.
“Plus, I trusted you. Can you trust me?”

Her breath was on his flesh, near the artery pulsing in his throat. For some reason Dev heard his blood pounding through it, his ears, his chest, as if rushing water was closing in on him.

“I doubt it.”

Gwen’s review of In Odd We Trust (Odd Thomas Series) by Dean Koontz and Queenie Chan, illustrated by Queenie Chan
Paranormal fiction graphic novel released by Del Rey 24 Jun 08

I have a deep and abiding love of graphic novels, manga, and anime.  It stems mostly from my almost slavish appreciation for good art.  These “new” images (what I believe stem originally from ukiyo’e) can be mind-bogglingly beautiful images.  When the drawing is done well, a good story is a bonus to me – I’m just there to soak up the images.  What I’m saying is I don’t need much plot to enjoy a good comic strip or cartoon if the art is good.  With this first Odd Thomas graphic novel, I can see aspirations, but I’m not sure if the delivery is there.  Read on to see what worked, or not…

I have never read any of Koontz’s Odd Thomas books.  The premise is interesting – he’s something of a male “Ghost Whisperer” with an edge and a spatula.  I can’t decide whether the Odd books are YA, though; based on this graphic novel, it feels like one.  The plot is a little simplistic – girl in trouble with a stalker, Odd saves her and puts the guy in jail.

However, the delivery of this thin plot is left even more anemic with the art.  In a manga/g-novel, quite a lot of emotion can be conveyed in a character’s facial expressions, but Chang’s characters seemed oddly wooden.  Their expressions seem to sway between amusement and a weird stunned expression.  That’s about it.  It’s a shame there wasn’t more variety.  And I could have wished more time had been spent on the backgrounds. It would have been nice to see the houses and environs of Pico Mundo a bit more stylistically rendered – it was all so up and down with no interest.

It also felt like large parts of the story were edited out of the g-novel for purposes of space or pacing.   Something else that left it a bit on the weak side.

So, in all, I can’t say I recommend this graphic novel to fans of the series. I think you’ll be disappointed unless you’re a diehard fan and just want to buy everything you can that’s Odd Thomas or Dean Koontz related.

Grade: D

Summary:

“Meet a young man named Odd . . . who helps the dead get even.”

From the infinite imagination of #1 New York Times bestselling author Dean Koontz comes the suspenseful graphic-novel debut of a natural-born hero with a supernatural twist.

Odd Thomas is a regular nineteen-year-old with an unusual gift: the ability to see the lingering spirits of the dead. To Odd, it’s not such a big deal. And most folks in sleepy Pico Mundo, California, are much more interested in the irresistible pancakes Odd whips up at the local diner. Still, communing with the dead can be useful. Because while some spirits only want a little company . . . others want justice.

When the sad specter of a very frightened boy finds its way to him, Odd vows to root out the evil suddenly infecting the sunny streets of Pico Mundo. But even with his exceptional ability-plus the local police and his pistol-packing girlfriend, Stormy, backing him-is Odd any match for a faceless stalker who’s always a step ahead . . . and determined to kill again?

Read an excerpt (scroll down to the thumbnails).

Other books in the series (mass market release dates where available):

P.S. Yes, my avatar is a graphic of a portion of Faye Valentine‘s face – some of her hair, her right eye, and right eyebrow.  I realize it looks a little like a Rorschach.

Gwen’s review of One Silent Night (Dark-Hunter, Book 16) by Sherrilyn Kenyon
Paranormal fiction long novella released by St. Martin’s 4 Nov 08

Kenyon’s site calls this a “long novella” and says OSN is a book to bridge the gap between the older books and the ones coming.  It serves to fill in some battles and back-story, I suppose.  Read on to see what worked and what didn’t work for me. 

To begin with, OSN doesn’t have much of a romance, which is why I didn’t label it such. I think that only fans of the series will find it interesting, and I don’t recommend it if you’re new to the series.

In this entry, we stay down the “not-so-Dark-Hunter” path and focus more on the alternate pantheons and baddies.  I’m okay with that – I figure Acheron ended the original storylines and we have ventured into another world.  It’s just that this other world seems overly complex and unknown.  I’m having a very difficult time keeping track of who’s who and what’s what in this new realm Kenyon is creating.  I mean, Nick is now something else entirely?  Really??  Why???

The story was okay.  We get a taste of romance between Stryker (normally Mr. Bad Guy Himself) and his first wife (all around Ms McNasty), but it’s just a taste. We’re supposedly introduced to a variety of main characters we’re going to see get their HEA’s in future books; Kenyon does a good job of making characters be there for a reason and avoids the “trot them out to perform for the company” style that can sometimes afflict an established series.  But I was underwhelmed.

I can only recommend this book to fans of the series.   Not awful, but, well, meh.  Now the little smackerel we get on her site promises MUCH better things to come in her Feb release, Dream Warrior, not to mention the cover is yummy and (gasp) doesn’t have Nathan Kamp on it.

Grade: C-

Summary:

While the world carries on unawares, Stryker, who leads an army of demons and vampires, is plotting an all out onslaught against his enemies-which, unfortunately for us, includes the entire human race. To avenge his sister, Stryker prepares to annihilate the Dark-Hunters. But things go awry when his oldest enemy returns. Enter his ex-wife. Zephyra. Just when he thought nothing could stop him, he’s now embroiled in a centuries old war with a shrew who gives new meaning to pain.

Read an excerpt.

Other books in the series (in suggested reading order, most recent print release linked where possible):

and Book 18, Bad Moon Rising, coming Aug 2009

Sandy M’s review of Twilight (The Twilight Saga, Book 1) by Stephenie Meyer
Young Adult Contemporary Paranormal Fiction Hardcover released by Little, Brown 5 Oct 05, PPB 6 Sep 06, MMPPB 1 Nov 2008

I finally got my first look at the Twilight Saga sensation that (almost) everyone’s gone crazy over.  With the movie only days away from release, I had to get this at least this first book read before checking out the film.  I always like a book better than the movie, too much is left out for the screen version, and that would definitely be so in this case. So much happens in this book they’d have to leave a lot of it out, so I want my own interpretation before seeing the spin put on it by the producers and director.

I have to say that the characters in this book are quite interesting, and I like the different take Ms. Meyer gives us on the vampire.  Of course, the best part of the story are Edward and Bella.  The beginning of their relationship when they first meet and Bella is unaware of his background is well done.  I so liked the scene in their science class when it seems to Bella that Edward can’t stand being near her for some unknown reason.  There’s not many things that can throw Bella, but that seems to put a dent in her self-confidence, even if it isn’t for long.  There are very few scenes like this in the beginning, though, and I found myself wanting to skip ahead, things are just so slow moving.

Once past that I found the Cullen family fascinating.  I liked the dynamic of the family, how they came together and how they’ve chosen to live separate from their kind.  Even though most of the family is glad Edward has found someone to love, Rosalie is made that much more interesting because of her attitude toward Bella.  Alice and her visions, which change as life changes, is another intriguing part of the story.

Things begin to pick up once family introductions are made.  Another favorite part for me is the baseball game the family played.  I had to chuckle for the reason they played during a thunderstorm.  And this is where the book really takes off and keeps moving until the end.  I like that the family sticks together in protecting Bella, especially when it’s another vampire who is causing the problems.  This part of the story is really terrific.

I’m always up for a good vampire story, and while Twilight is one of those, I’m not sure I see where all the hype came from.  At first I thought it’s the fact that it’s a young adult and since I’m a good number of years past reading those and it’s been some time since I have read YA, and since a good book is a good book, and since there are certain parts I really like and others that didn’t do much for me, this one has to go in the good column for me, not a keeper at all.

There are other vampire books I like much better and other books in general I’d rather see adapted for a movie.  At least it will be interesting to see what scenes were pulled to be used in the movie, which weren’t, and how well the actors portray the characters.  My biggest concern is how Edward will be portrayed.  He’s given such a wonderful description in the book, I’m not sure there’s an actor on the planet who can do him justice.

Grade: B

Summary:

Deeply sensuous and extraordinarily suspenseful, TWILIGHT captures the struggle between defying our instincts and satisfying our desires. This is a love story with bite.Isabella Swan+s move to Forks, a small, perpetually rainy town in Washington, could have been the most boring move she ever made. But once she meets the mysterious and alluring Edward Cullen, Isabella+s life takes a thrilling and terrifying turn. Up until now, Edward has managed to keep his vampire identity a secret in the small community he lives in, but now nobody is safe, especially Isabella, the person Edward holds most dear. The lovers find themselves balanced precariously on the point of a knife-between desire and danger.

Read an excerpt.

Other books in this series:

Lil Sister’s review of Moonstone by Marilee Brothers
Young Adult Paranormal from Bell Bridge Books released 1 Aug 08

Note from Sybil:  When BelleBooks contacted me about their new young adult line, I was pretty sure they would be right up my lil’ sis’s alley. I was right. Read on for her 14 year old opinion . Yes I need to make her write longer reviews, feel free to ask questions and I will get you answers.

I thought Moonstone was a pretty good book. Allie acted like a normal 15 year old girl, just with psychic powers. Other than that she could be someone I go to school with and it added a layer to story I could relate too.

Marilee Brothers did a great job with the plot of Moonstone and bringing it all together. I’ll definitely be looking for her next book.

Grade: A

Summary:

A sickly mom. A tiny house trailer. High school bullies and snarky drama queens. Bad-guy dudes with charming smiles. Allie has problems. And then there’s that whole thing about fulfilling a magical prophecy and saving the world from evil. Geez. Welcome to the sad, funny, sometimes-scary world of fifteen-year-old Allie Emerson, who’s struggling to keep her and her mom’s act together in the small-town world of Peacock Flats, Washington. An electrical zap from a TV antenna sets off Allie’s weird psychic powers. The next thing she knows she’s being visited by a hippy-dippy guardian angel, and then her mysterious neighbor, the town “witch,” gives her an incredible moonstone pendant that has powers only a good-hearted “Star Seeker” is meant to command. “Who, me?” is Allie’s first reaction. But as sinister events begin to unfold, Allie realizes she’s got a destiny to live up to. If she can just survive everyday life, in the meantime.

Read an excerpt.

Liviania’s review of Any Given Doomsday (Phoenix Chronicles, Book 1) by Lori Handeland
Urban Fantasy released by St. Martin’s 4 Nov 08

Former cop Elizabeth Phoenix receives information through flashes of information.  Unfortunately, it was one of these flashes that disgraced her and got her partner killed.  Now, her foster mother Ruthie has been murdered and her former lover/foster brother Jimmy Sanducci is accused.  It turns out Jimmy has power as well and now needs Liz to use hers.  He also needs her to get training from Sawyer, an old acquaintance whom Liz is extremely attracted to. I enjoyed my first exposure to Lori Handeland, her novella “Dead Man Dating” in Dates from Hell.  This one convinced me to continue picking up books with her name on them.

Any Given Doomsday was exactly what I needed the weekend I pulled it out to read.  I stayed up until 3 am that Saturday continually convincing myself I was just going to read “one more chapter.”  (I pulled this lie with my parents all the time.  I should know better than to believe it.)  I really liked Liz and could get into her story.  I think it was a bad decision on several other characters’ part to keep her in the dark about the extent of the paranormal world and not train her to fight young.  Liz, on the other hand, makes decent decisions for being caught in a rough situation.  She may not perform perfectly the first time she needs to fight a demon but she doesn’t whine about it.  She is not instantly useful, but she makes an effort to not be a deadweight damsel in distress.

Unfortunately, this leads to one of my strongest reservations.  Handeland mentions being exposed to urban fantasy by Laurell K. Hamilton.  I worry that Liz will follow the sad path blazed by Anita Blake.  Within one book she’s slept with two men and severely increased her powers.  I like a struggle and a problem to solve, not a ridiculously overpowered heroine with men to screw.  At one book it’s too early to judge anything about the series as a whole.

So far I am not irritated by either of the love interests.  Sanducci fights for the good guys, but obviously still has issues.  He cheated on Liz in the past, deliberately allowing her to discover his transgression.  His motives are somewhat murky, but I want to see more of his character.  Sawyer’s motives aren’t somewhat murky.  They’re completely murky.  Handeland does not leave him a complete mystery, but tells enough of his past to satisfy some longing for information.  Still, I was extremely pleased when the preview for Doomsday Can Wait seemed to promise more insight into Sawyer.  Even though Jimmy seemed to be the hero and Sawyer the side interest, I found him sexier.  I attribute this to his being a little creepy.  I like that in fictional men.

Paranormal romance fans may not appreciate that there are two love interests and no HEA in the novel, but I think it fits better under that heading than urban fantasy.  Any Given Doomsday lies on the border of the genres.  As it stands, I have some long-term reservations but found the first novel of the Phoenix Chronicles addictive and fun.

Grade: B+

Summary:

Darkness will summon her…

Elizabeth Phoenix once used her unique skills as a psychic to help in the Milwaukee Police Department’s fight against injustice. But when Liz’s foster mother is found viciously murdered—and Liz is discovered unconscious at the scene—her only memory of the crime comes in the form of terrifying dreams…of creatures more horrific than anything Liz has seen in real life. What do these visions mean? And what in the world do they have to do with her former lover, Jimmy Sanducci?

To places she’s never been before…

While the police question Jimmy in the murder, Jimmy opens Liz’s eyes to a supernatural war that has raged since the dawn of time in which innocent people are hunted by malevolent beings disguised as humans. Only a chosen few have the ability to fight their evil, and Jimmy believes Liz is among them. Now, with her senses heightened, new feelings are rising within Liz—ones that re-ignite her dangerous attraction to Jimmy. But Jimmy has a secret that will rock Liz to her core…and put the survival of the human race in peril.…

Read an excerpt here. Download the prequel here.

LauraD’s review of Faefever (Fever Series, Book 3) by Karen Marie Moning
Urban fantasy hardcover released by Delacorte Press 16 Sep 08

I confess to having never been a big fan of Karen Marie Moning’s paranormal romance novels. Thanks to a great heroine and an enigmatic hero(?), however, I am all on board with her Fever Series, and have been impatiently waiting for book three.

MacKayla “Mac” Lane arrived in Dublin to find out who killed her sister. She found not only the killer’s identity, but her own — Mac is a sidhe-seer, a rare human who can see the fae that walk amongst us. She has reluctantly partnered with the mysterious Jericho Barrons to try and stop the walls between the world of fae and human from crumbling and what would be left of the human race from their enslavement by the faery courts. Mac has the unique ability to sense when certain sacred fae objects are near, making her invaluable to both Barrons and to V’lane, a “death-by-sex” faery prince whose motives are very murky at this point.

Faefever starts off running and doesn’t really slow down. Mac becomes much more independent, as she uses the knowledge she has and the people she knows to do her own detective work instead of merely being Barron’s hunting dog. Of course, she still manages to get in trouble once or twice, and both Barrons and V’lane get their chance to rescue her — but in this version of Dublin rescue always comes at a cost. It was really enjoyable to see Mac become a stronger character, an arc I think will continue to develop in books 4 and 5.

I’d love to say that the author reveals the true soul of Jericho Barrons, but I’m beginning to feel we may not get that until the last page of the last book! However, some fascinating clues as to who (or what) Barrons might be are revealed. A new possible love interest for Mac is introduced, and he has ties to Moning’s Highlander books — it will be interesting to see if any of those characters make an appearance in the future episodes.

One of the things I really appreciate about this book and series is the strong sense of place. Dublin isn’t just a name-check, it’s a part of the book. Barrons’ bookstore is also almost a character; reading about Mac’s love for it makes me wish I could visit it someday. Without being overly descriptive the author does a great job making streets and buildings come alive on the pages.

If you haven’t yet read Darkfever or Bloodfever, I’d suggest reading at least one of those before this one. Faefever starts with world building and mythology complete, and not a lot of backstory is provided for new readers. It’s a wonderful series, and this is a great continuation — I’ve read it twice already, looking for more clues and tidbits I might have missed the first time around. Multiple plot lines are left unresolved, which again makes it impossible to read as a standalone.  Me,  I’ll be patiently waiting on book 4, Dreamfever.

Grade: B+

Summary:

He calls me his Queen of the Night. I’d die for him. I’d kill for him, too.

When MacKayla Lane receives a torn page from her dead sister’s journal, she is stunned by Alina’s desperate words. And now MacKayla knows that her sister’s killer is close. But evil is closer. And suddenly the sidhe-seer is on the hunt: For answers. For revenge. And for an ancient book of dark magic so evil, it corrupts anyone who touches it.

Mac’s quest for the Sinsar Dubh takes her into the mean, shape-shifting streets of Dublin, with a suspicious cop on her tail. Forced into a dangerous triangle of alliance with V’lane, an insatiable Fae prince of lethally erotic tastes, and Jericho Barrons, a man of primal desires and untold secrets, Mac is soon locked in a battle for her body, mind, and soul.

As All Hallows Eve approaches and the city descends into chaos, as a shocking truth about the Dark Book is uncovered, not even Mac can prevent a deadly race of immortals from shattering the walls between worlds with devastating consequences.

Read an excerpt.

Other books in this series:

Liviania’s review of Breaking Dawn by Stephenie Meyer
Young Adult paranormal fiction released by Little, Brown Young Readers 2 Aug 08

I come from the generation that made Stephenie Meyer famous. I first read Twilight four years ago, when it was still an ARC. I was the second person who read it – a friend passed it on to me because she enjoyed it and knew I liked vampires. I enjoyed it and passed it on to another vampire fiction lovin’ friend. Now I wish I’d stolen it from the school because I’m sure the Twilight ARCs are collector’s items. It’s hard for me to think of this series as a cultural phenomenon. For me it’s still that book I read in the car one rainy afternoon. I will admit, I even skipped Eclipse because New Moon was kind of lame. (Jacob’s a werewolf?! You mean, I wasn’t supposed to figure that out in the last book?) Still, it’s hard for me to discuss Breaking Dawn because it is a huge deal to many of my friends. 

I started to speak with my ex-roommate about her reactions before Philosophy class started and random girls joined the conversation. This is an honors-only class. We secretly enjoy reading Plato because he’s . . . Plato. We openly enjoy reading Stephenie Meyer. While reading the novel, I discussed my reactions to the series with my current roommate. When I stopped reading, I discussed my reasons with a neighbor who stopped reading the novel even earlier than I did. It’s no Harry Potter, but the Twilight series is very much a cultural touchstone to me.

Now, back when I first read Twilight I knew it was a silly, pure entertainment value sort of read. Since then I’ve corrupted the experience by reading a number of essays that dissect the characters and their relationships. I realize that Edward is a bit sociopathic and his relationship with Bella reads as one that will grow to be abusive. When I read this paragraph in the first chapter, I got creeped out:

Very, very convenient—too convenient—that my truck would wheeze its last wheeze just weeks after Edward and I had agreed to our lopsided compromise, one detail of which was that he be allowed to replace my truck when it passed on. Edward swore it was only to be expected; my truck had lived a long, full life and then expired of natural causes. According to him. And, of course, I had no way to verify his story or to try to raise my truck from the dead on my own. My favorite mechanic—

On its own it’s fairly innocent. No one wants someone they love driving an old deathtrap. But Bella’s dissatisfaction with her new car and lack of choice of the model bother me as an indication of their relationship as a whole. Just because Edward gets to replace her truck doesn’t mean that Bella shouldn’t be part of the decision process. It is her truck.

Despite real world social observations marring my experience, I could almost take it. Then I reached the (SPOILER AHEAD) pregnancy scene and nearly lost my lunch. I actually found the story amusing in a train wreck sort of sense. But I’ll give you a brief sample of where I lost it, about halfway through:

Another shattering crack inside her body, the loudest yet, so loud that we both froze in shock waiting for her answering shriek. Nothing. Her legs, which had been curled up in agony, now went limp, sprawling out in an unnatural way.
“Her spine,” he choked in horror.

DOES NOT WANT. Also, SPOILER DONE. I’ll keep Twilight. Despite everything, I kind of like it. However, the sequels can be skipped, especially this one. I don’t mind giving it a chance so that I can talk knowledgeably about certain plot points with my friends, but cleolinda’s summaries are a great way to get the highlights with more humor and better writing.

Grade: DNF

Summary:
When you loved the one who was killing you, it left you no options. How could you run, how could you fight, when doing so would hurt that beloved one? If your life was all you had to give, how could you not give it? If it was someone you truly loved?

To be irrevocably in love with a vampire is both fantasy and nightmare woven into a dangerously heightened reality for Bella Swan. Pulled in one direction by her intense passion for Edward Cullen, and in another by her profound connection to werewolf Jacob Black, a tumultuous year of temptation, loss, and strife have led her to the ultimate turning point. Her imminent choice to either join the dark but seductive world of immortals or to pursue a fully human life has become the thread from which the fates of two tribes hangs.

Now that Bella has made her decision, a startling chain of unprecedented events is about to unfold with potentially devastating, and unfathomable, consequences. Just when the frayed strands of Bella’s life-first discovered in Twilight, then scattered and torn in New Moon and Eclipse-seem ready to heal and knit together, could they be destroyed… forever?

The astonishing, breathlessly anticipated conclusion to the Twilight Saga, Breaking Dawn illuminates the secrets and mysteries of this spellbinding romantic epic that has entranced millions.
Read an excerpt here.

Devon’s review of Hostage to Pleasure (Psy-Changelings Series, Book 5) by Nalini Singh
Paranormal Romance released by Berkley 2 Sep 08

I am a latecomer to the world of the Psy-Changelings. At first I wasn’t sure this series would be for me, but the ginormous amount of glowing reviews by bloggers I respect, soon changed my mind. The first book I finally got around to reading was Mine to Possess, and I was hooked. This is a truly fascinating world, populated by fascinating characters. Hostage to Pleasure develops a storyline introduced in the previous book, and readers of this series will definitely not be disappointed.

The most interesting aspect of this world are the Psy. With their highly developed mental powers and lack of emotion, they are alien to me and almost creepy. Take Ashaya Aleine, the heroine of this book. She played a pivotal role in Mine to Possess, but it was very difficult to tell her motivations. We learn a lot more about Ashaya here, and it’s a very interesting backstory. The way the Psy function, with their net mind and all, is a bit difficult to understand, but fascinating.

She’s an unusual character and Dorian makes a great foil for her. The Changelings are the opposite of the Psy, rooted in gut instinct. He is tormented by his attraction to Ashaya, seeing it as a betrayal of his sister’s memory. They both have a lot of baggage to work past, including a very interesting villain (of sorts) who dogs Ashaya’s every move. The whole Psy lack of emotion thing is of course a major stumbling block, and their developing relationship is made all the more passionate by the things they have to get past.

But this was a book where I was almost more interested in the overall plot arc than the romance. Silence, the Psy protocol which indoctrinates the race into an emotionless state, is starting to crumble. The governing Psy council members are scrambling to keep their people under control and conflicting with each other over how to do so. I’m so curious to see how it all unfolds, in particular, what’s up with the new councilor Kaleb Krychek.

Hostage to Pleasure had a good romance, interesting characters and compelling plot. Although I believe you can read this without having read the others, it’s best to just start at the beginning, because you’ll want to go back and catch up anyway. I know I’m working on it. Characters from previous books make appearances, and they are actually playing an active role in the development of the story. I look forward to seeing what happens next.

Grade: B

The Summary:

Separated from her son and forced to create a neural implant that will mean the effective enslavement of her psychically gifted race, Ashaya Aleine is the perfect Psy–cool, calm, emotionless…at least on the surface. Inside, she’s fighting a desperate battle to save her son and escape the vicious cold of the PsyNet. Yet when escape comes, it leads not to safety, but to the lethal danger of a sniper’s embrace.

DarkRiver sniper Dorian Christensen lost his sister to a Psy killer. Though he lacks the changeling ability to shift into animal form, his leopard lives within. And that leopard’s rage at the brutal loss is a clawing darkness that hungers for vengeance. Falling for a Psy has never been on Dorian’s agenda. But charged with protecting Ashaya and her son, he discovers that passion has a way of changing the rules…

Read an excerpt here.

The other books in the series:

Devon’s review of Double Enchantment (Relics of Merlin, Book 2) by Kathryne Kennedy
Historical Paranormal Romance released by Love Spell 26 Aug 08

Earlier this year I read and greatly enjoyed Enchanting the Lady, the first in Kathryne Kennedy’s Relics of Merlin series. Luckily the follow-up, Double Enchantment, is quite strong as well. I feel corny saying this, but these books are enchanting. Set in a Victorian England full of magic, the setting is vivid and unusual, the characters interesting, and the romances are lovely. Romance readers who like fantasy should take notice.

Jasmina didn’t seem like she was going to be an appealing heroine at first. A member of the magically talented aristocracy, she firmly believes in her class’ superiority. Thus she is content to look after her self-absorbed and very flawed parents, to the extent of eschewing marriage. Although there are definite signs that her parents are screwed up (huge ones), she has never questioned her family’s priggish worldview. Until a spell goes awry and she gets involved with a hot stallion.

Sir Sterling Thorn is a stallion shapeshifter and baronet, a class despised as animals by the aristocracy. A disinherited elder son, struggling to start his own vineyard, Sterling would not have expected the beautiful Jas to take notice of him. But she does, to his delight. Unfortunately Jas is magical creation, quite the opposite of the icy, controlled, but real Jasmina. The two strike sparks off of each other from the get go, as they work together to figure out the mystery behind doppelganger Jas, which seems to have something to do with Sterling’s sister’s disappearance.

Jasmina turns out to be far more sympathetic than first expected, as she sheds her rigid façade. She is empowered and made vulnerable by her attraction to Sterling. Jasmina fears that it is really Jas that he loves. As an aside: is it just me, or do “Jasmina” and “Jas” sound a bit exotic and contemporary for the times? Don’t care for the name myself. Sterling was quite the dreamy hero—passionate, charming and protective. Despite the twin factor, it was always very clear that Sterling had distinct, separate feeling for two distinct, separate woman, and that his real feelings were for the real woman.

I really enjoy the milieu of this alternate Victorian England: the upper-class with their social events, the Underground with its black magic, and the sense of magic embuing everything. It’s great fun, and quite different from other “worlds” in paranormal romance. The plot is also interesting and original. I am looking forward to reading more of this series.

Grade: A-

The Summary:

Lady Jasmina was in a world of trouble. A simple spell had gone disastrously haywire and now there was a woman running around London who looked exactly like her—a woman with no sense of propriety whatsoever. All Society was whispering, and a baronet she’d never met was suddenly acting like he knew her…in a most intimate way. To find her twin and set things right, they’d have to work together—braving the fog-shrouded streets, a mysterious group called the Brotherhood, and a passion stronger than any magic.

Read an excerpt here
Read Sandy’s review here

I don’t get it. If you look at Brockway’s site she sez:

And, of course, I’ve been writing. My next book will hit the shelves February 2, 2009 and…drumroll… it’s a historical romance!

BUT then goes on to describe it as…

But this idea that has been percolating in my imagination for years, about a would-be witch and a paranormal debunker, kept bubbling to the surface. And each time I examined it, it was sexier, funnier, and more audacious than the last. Well, I can’t ignore audacious.So I wrote So Enchanting and here, debuting for the first time, is the cover New American Library created for it. Gorgeous, isn’t it?

correct me if I am wrong but ‘would-be witch’ and ‘paranormal debunker’ equals not ‘historical romance’…

Le sigh, hasn’t it been said over and over if you jump on a trend by the time you publish the trend is over and hell did historical paranormals ever ‘hit’?

So sad, I was sooooooo happy when I saw the first part. ::pout::

Is that just me? LOL or did everyone already know this?

Sandy M’s review of Double Enchantment (Relics of Merlin, Book 2) by Kathryne Kennedy
Paranormal Historical Romance published by Love Spell 28 Aug 08

I have the best time in Kathryne Kennedy’s special world of magic she’s created for her Relics of Merlin series. It’s fun and lighthearted, full of romance, all the while throwing loads of mystery and evil deeds at you. And her were-heroes are to die for.

As with most firsts, the first book in this series gives you such special people and places, and I fell in love with Sir Terrance from Enchanting the Lady and figured that, though the hero in her next book would be another I could fall in love with, I wouldn’t fall quite as badly as I did for Sir Terrance. I’m delighted to say I was very wrong! Sir Sterling Thorn is a were-stallion, big, bold and strong, just as he is in his human form. I fell very hard.

Lady Jasmina Karlyle is the glue that keeps her parents’ house in order and running smoothly. She’s also the one who keeps her mother out of prison when she decides to borrow things from people, mostly jewelry, with the intention of returning them but conveniently forgetting to do so. Jasmina has taken it upon herself to prowl the streets at night, breaking and entering to return these borrowed items so her parents can go on living in relative comfort and ease, demanding their daughter never marry so she may take care of them through their dotage. Personally, the parents irritated the heck out of me, especially when they doubt her later in the story. But Jasmina loves them and does what they ask of her with no thought to herself — until she meets the man who makes her heart gallop.

Though Sterling is the first born, it is his younger brother who inherited upon their father’s death only because Cecil manipulated his father and fed him lies about Sterling during his stint in the military. Still a baron, Sterling lives his own way and is immune to magic, as are all others of his class. He happens upon “Jaz” at the prince’s ball and falls instantly into lust, so much so he marries the girl after he deflowers her, much to his delight.

But his happiness is short lived when he discovers a second Jaz, the original one, that is. Jasmina conjured a twin of herself to fool anyone checking on her in slumber when she was actually out on one of her reverse thieving jaunts. Everything goes totally wrong when Jasmina recites her twin spell while holding the brooch her mother absconded with this time. In actuality it is one of the thirteen Relics of Merlin and causes her spell to go awry, thus giving her Jaz duplicate a little more human personality than is needed.

Sterling and Jasmina are thrown together to search for the brooch to reverse her spell and rid the city of Jaz-Gone-Amuck, thereby saving Jasmina’s already degraded reputation, and Sterling is given the opportunity at the same time to continue looking for his kidnapped sister. Needless to say, all these things are related in unusual and magical ways and a lot of fun and romance are to be had along the way.

I love the way Ms. Kennedy gives Sterling the characteristics of the stallion when he’s in human form. He is a large man with a mane of black hair and I could see him tossing his head, mane flying, each time it was described so. He playfully snorts and stamps his feet just like a horse when the situation calls for it. He is, however, much more magnificent when in his were-form, everything he is as a human is just intensified and made larger than life. One of the best scenes in the book is Sterling galloping and flying through the nighttime streets with Jasmina on his back, both as carefree as the wind. Lady Jasmina’s prim and properness works very well against his animal characteristics, and it’s a delightful process to watch her lose herself and her hoity-toity ways with each step of Sterling’s seduction.

This is an enjoyable series. If you haven’t read it yet, you should. This is what reading is all about. Leave your worries behind and just let go and have fun with a world of magic and romance and characters who will entice you to dream for a happily-ever-after just like theirs.

Grade: A

Summary:
.
Lady Jasmina was in a world of trouble. A simple spell had gone disastrously haywire and now there was a woman running around London who looked exactly like her–a woman with no sense of propriety whatsoever. All Society was whispering, and a baronet she’d never met was suddenly acting like he knew her…in a most intimate way. To find her double and set things right, they’d have to work together–braving the fog-shrouded streets, a mysterious group called the Brotherhood, and a passion stronger than any magic.
.
Read an excerpt here.

Other books in this series:

Read Devon’s review of Enchanting the Lady

Gwen’s review of Bloodfever (Fever Series, Book 2) by Karen Marie Moning
Contemporary paranormal fiction mass market paperback released by Dell 26 Aug 08
(Delacorte released hardcover 16 Oct 07)

Moning has started a different kind of series with the Fever books. They’re part urban fantasy, a (very) little bit young adult (so far), some paranormal romance, and lots of adventure. They’re the saga of a young woman’s journey thru some rather horrific events. A journey she takes with a gorgeous man who is a complete mystery to her, who saves her life time and again, and whom she cannot trust as far as she can throw. At least, that’s what she thinks at the beginning of this second book…

I love Moning’s writing. Her Dark Highlander series are some of my favorite paranormal romances, with Beyond the Highland Mist my absolute favorite of all. We’re very fortunate that the Fever books are told in the same world as the Highlander novels. We even get to meet, briefly, one of the MacKeltar‘s in Bloodfever (I just got a shiver – eek!) and there’s foreshadowing of more to come from him. I canNOT wait to see how that turns out.

In the Fever series, Moning departs from her typical writing style and gives us a first person telling from the heroine’s POV. Normally, I intensely dislike first person writing. It’s just so difficult for an author to do well. However, KMM makes it work with this series. The first person writing gives the action a sense of freshness and tension you probably wouldn’t feel if it weren’t told this way. Part of that is how incredibly funny and approachable I find the heroine, Mac. She approaches her predicaments with humor, courage, and a modern girl’s sensibilities.

The male lead – I hesitate to call him “hero” – is Jericho Barrons. We learn quite a bit more about this mysterious man in this book, but we still don’t know his motivations or history. There IS one very hot scene where he and Mac almost manage to get in each others’ pants. VERY steamy and classic Moning, but still no cigar, so to speak. I love Barrons as a hero. He’s an anti-hero hero. My favorite kind.

The story of what Mac is here to do with Jericho takes some forward steps in Bloodfever, but the story’s master plan still evolves slowly. We’re still left learning what is going on in this adventure. I could wish the plot moved a bit faster – same desire I had with the first book. According to Moning’s site, there are to be five Fever books. I hope the plot is like a snowball, gaining momentum as we reach the apex and start to go “downhill” in book three, Faefever. Regardless, it’s still very entertaining and there are a couple of interesting plot twists in Blood.

I can recommend this eminently readable book to anyone following this series, fans of Moning, and fans of contemporary paranormal fiction. I think it could stand alone – it has been quite some time since I read the first and I’ve forgotten (apparently) quite a bit of it, but I was still able to follow along.

Brava, KMM. I’m looking forward to book 3, Faefever, coming in September.  Bloodfever releases in mass market paperback 26 Aug 08.

Grade: A-

Summary:

Mackayla Lane’s ordinary life underwent a complete makeover when she landed on Ireland’s shores and was plunged into a dark, deadly realm unlike any she ever imagined. In her fight to stay alive, Mac must find the Sinsar Dubh—a million-year old book of the blackest magic imaginable that holds the key to power over both the worlds of Fae and Man. Pursued by Fae assassins, surrounded by mysterious figures she knows she cannot trust, Mac finds herself torn between two deadly and irresistible men: V’lane, the insatiable Fae, who can turn sensual arousal into an obsession for any woman; and the ever-inscrutable Jericho Barrons, a man as alluring as he is mysterious.

For centuries, the shadowy realm of the Fae has coexisted with that of humans. Now the walls between the two are coming down, and Mac is the only thing that stands between them…

Read an excerpt.

Other books in this series:

Book 4, Dreamfever, tbd

Book 5, Shadowfever, tbd

Sandy M’s review of Magic in His Kiss (The Magic Trilogy, Book 3) by Shari Anton
Historical Paranormal Romance published by Forever 1 Jul 08

This is the second book in about a week or so that started out slow for me and I had doubts that I would enjoy it when I was only a chapter or two in.  As before, the author turned me around in the nick of time with the end result being I enjoyed the rest of the book immensely and now would like to read the other two books in the trilogy.

Nicole was sent off to a convent when she was quite young, knowing one day she would be married off for political gain.  She always assumed it would the king who would do the deed, but when an old childhood friend suddenly appears at the abbey, her days of peaceful routine are numbered, as are her days as a single woman.  Things go a little awry, however, and she ends up on the run through England to reach Wales and her uncle who has his own plans for her.  Nicole is an intelligent young girl, noble born, and usually has a calm head in dire situations.  She also has a quick wit and tongue, which sometimes gets her in trouble.  Best about her, though, is her ability to speak to the dead and she tries to help them pass to the other side and put their souls finally to rest.

Remembering the young girl who caused trouble for him every time he turned around, Rhodri is at first hesitant to make the journey to escort Nicole to his mentor, Connor, Nicole’s uncle.  But he does as he is bade and when he finds the beautiful woman in the young girl’s place, he’s smitten immediately.  But his desires must be repressed, Nicole deserves better than the likes of a bard cum warrior.  On top of that, it seems she’s a little off in the head, claiming to talk to spirits of the dead. When the local earl becomes suspicious and carts them both off to his castle to await word from the king, Rhodri knows he has to act to carry out his duty to Connor.

Once on the road to Wales, his feelings for Nicole grow, loving the woman she’s become, the only woman who aggravates him to no end but who also draws out his best and who completes him.  Rhodri is a terrific hero.  He is a warrior, but being a bard who loves his music gives him a sensitiive and sensual side.  As much as he tries to do right by Nicole, his desire for her blindsides him and there’s a few scenes that are just terrific when things go wrong with her help during their trip, especially when he doesn’t need it.

This is a wonderful love story.  Journeying with Rhodri and Nicole gives you a look at them when they’re not at their best, but they still persevere and move on even when they’re at first fighting their attraction for each other.  The scene in which they first make love is wild and sensual and loving to the core.  This is my first book by Ms. Anton, and even with the slow start at the beginning, I ended up loving her characters and their story.

I look forward to reading not only the other two books in this series, which feature Nicole’s sisters, but her other books as well.  I enjoy her writing style and her voice very much.  She has a lovely way of drawing you in when you least expect it.

Grade: B+

Summary:
She was wild, willful,
and most certainly a princess.

But now she’s the king’s ward, and Nicole de Leon’s future is no longer her own. Bound by duty and honor she awaits an arranged marriage … until a handsome warrior appears to spirit her away. Nicole cannot resist his offer of protection or the darkening of desire in his eyes. But a powerful secret torments her, a psychic gift that only this rough warrior can help tame..

He was tempted, tantalized,
and most certainly not of noble blood.

Rhodri ap Daffyd’s duty is to defy the king and deliver Nicole to her uncle, his liege lord. But she’s not the spoiled young girl he remembers. She’s a woman steadfast in her loyalty and aflame with passion, a lady never meant for him. An act of defiance brings them together and duty threatens to tear them apart, but will the magic in his kiss reveal a destiny that can’t be denied?

Read an excerpt.

Other books in the series:

Limecello’s review of Beyond Fearless by Rebecca York
Paranormal romantic suspense published by Berkley 4 Dec 07

I wasn’t quite sure what to expect from this book. I’ve never read a book by Rebecca York before, and while I’m intrigued, I’m afraid I’m not enthralled. The premise of the book is interesting enough, but the story lost me after a while. There were a lot of unique qualities and intricacies, but put together, it became too much.

Anna Ridgeway is a psychic, and uses her powers to support herself as a magic show for hotels and clubs. She’s nice enough, but I never felt particularly attached to her. Yes, I rooted for her and didn’t want bad things to happen to her, but I didn’t identify with Anna. It’s hard to explain – but she’s a bit too withdrawn, or anxious. Anna is something of a contradiction, supposedly the most powerful character, but she never seems to be in control.

Zachary Robinson is a hero I had a hard time getting to know. It didn’t help that none of the characters really knew what was going on throughout the book. Zach doesn’t seem to have is rather static, and doesn’t exhibit a range of emotion. He’s a nice guy, and capable, but he lacks real warmth. While Zach is intimately tied to the heroine, and completely invested in her, you still don’t really get the sense of who he is or what he’s about.

I began reading the story, and wasn’t entirely sold, but remained interested. Zachary, then Anna are introduced to the reader individually, both in their “native” element – a place neither of them really gets back to. That might have something to do with why I felt neither Zach nor Anna were very established. I know too much explanation would have ruined the plot- or killed the suspense aspect, but it seemed like characters were coming out of the woodwork and even they didn’t particularly know what they were doing (in regards to the story).

Still, the main point is people are out to get Anna (and consequently Zach) – a lot of people, actually, and Zach and Anna form a psychic bond. They’re soul mates. Even this, I could get behind, but there were times when even my suspended belief ended. Anna and Zach “meeting” as children I accepted. The other psychics, or Dariens Lindsay and Jordan, who connect with them, I was skeptical about, but could understand. However, the fact that Anna and Zach could exercise not only mind control, but physically manipulate objects to the point of changing them physically, including the weather, I could not believe.

I think it was slightly difficult to really get into the book because too much was happening all at once. The characters could never catch a break – while spending time together they were being psychically attacked, trying to strengthen their own psychic connection, having sex, reaching out to other psychic presences good and bad, hiding from attackers and using mind control. I would have liked the story a lot more if certain aspects were scaled back a little. The book just went too far. Beyond Fearless felt rather incomplete, and I know it’s part of a series, but it felt like the characters had no closure. I also felt the strongest relationships occurred were when Lindsay and Jordan showed up and befriended Anna and Zach. One thing I did like, however, is how Ms. York gave her villain a back-story. He wasn’t very layered, but you knew where he was from, what he was about, and what his goals were. Well, one of the villains – there were a number of others that I believe have appeared and will appear in other stories.

As something slightly off topic, I’m afraid I didn’t particularly like Ms. York’s webpage. The layout is fine, but the links, and way those were set up weren’t so great. It wasn’t very user friendly, and I had a devil of a time trying to find this book link. [Likely some of it has to do with updates, or lack thereof.]

I liked the story, and thought what happened was interesting, and would like to get to know the characters better. Likely this will happen in the subsequent novels, and for those of you who enjoy series, and not only paranormals but romantic suspense (because this novel is both) – you’ll might like these books.

Grade: C–

On the lush Caribbean island of Grand Fernandino, Anna Ridgeway is working her “magic.” Blessed with uncanny psychic abilities since she was a child, she now uses her gift in a mind-reading act at a nightclub. But she’s been plagued with a sense of impending danger since she arrived on Grand Fernandino. Her feelings are confirmed when evil forces coalesce around her and international treasure hunter Zachary Robinson.

At first, Anna fears Zach’s very presence. But when they touch, their physical and psychic bond astonishes them. They find they share a common past- and an uncommon passion for each other. But there is a sinister figure from long ago who will never allow their love to survive. A man who has been hunting them all their lives…

Read an excerpt here.