Shannon C.’s review of Last Hope by Moira Rogers
Paranormal erotic romance eBook released by Loose ID 6 Jan 09
Standard Disclaimer: I consider the two writers that make up Moira Rogers to be personal friends. I still think I can make a go of writing an honest review, but if you disagree, you might want to read some other review. That being said, while I did enjoy this book, a number of things held it back from reaching the pinnacle of awesome that I know this author duo can reach.
The setting of this novel is Mystic Ridge, which seems to be a sanctuary for paranormal creatures of all kinds. A group of humans who aren’t fond of supernatural beings have been attacking shapeshifters and other psychics, but they make the mistake of going after a dominant werewolf woman. Nurse and empath Kiara is called onto the scene in order to treat her, and in so doing runs into Adrian, a private investigator and werewolf. Adrian wants to catch the people responsible for the killings, but he doesn’t count on his wild attraction to Kiara.
There was a lot I liked here. The world feels concrete, and I never once felt like these characters lived in a vacuum. It is refreshing to note that both characters have friends outside of each other, a fact I often lament in other books I’ve read. Both Adrian and Kiara are likeable, and I felt both were equally well-drawn. I also like that these two constantly subvert several paranormal tropes, like that there’s no downside to having sex with an empath, and having female characters who aren’t always bowled over by the alpha-ness of their men.
My problems were largely subjective. I felt that the conflicts between Kiara and Adrian were largely irrelevant. Kiara is always completely understanding, and Adrian is domineering in a way she finds sexy. The result was that, though I did like them both, together they just weren’t very interesting to me and I didn’t get that thrill from knowing that a couple of characters I’ve been rooting for are finally going to find happiness.
My other major beef with the story is that it all felt like something I’d read before. I can think of several books with supernatural-hating humans. I can think of others where werewolf politics play a major role. This book does not set itself apart from anything else.
I’m glad to see that this writing duo is going to start doing more urban fantasy in the future. I think their voice will work better in that genre than it does in paranormal romance. Still, this isn’t a bad book, and if you’re a fan of hot shapeshifters, you should definitely check it out.
Grade: B-
Summary:
Sex has always been awkward for Kiara, mostly thanks to a strong empathic gift that men seem to find far more interesting than the woman who possesses it. Tired of men who assume a psychically shared orgasm is the end of their responsibility, she’s spent the last few years concentrating on her job. But when her latest patient brings her face to face with a shape-shifter private investigator with sexual energy to spare, she can’t resist the temptation to offer him what she senses he wants: her absolute surrender.The last thing Adrian needs is a distraction. His latest case has taken a turn for the fatal, and the pretty psychic nurse is looking like she might be the next victim. But no alpha could resist her trusting submission, and what starts as a passionate one-night stand turns into something far too deep. When it turns out the only way to keep her safe may be to declare himself the leader of Mystic Valley’s shape-shifting wolves, he’ll have to decide if he’s ready to accept one responsibility he never wanted–even if it means losing her forever.
Publisher’s Note: This book contains explicit sexual content, graphic language, and situations that some readers may find objectionable: Strong violence.
Read an excerpt.
