"Let me guess, Velkan wants to see me?" "No. The only thing His Highness would like to see in regards to you, Princess, is your disembowelment."
It
"Let me guess, Velkan wants to see me?" "No. The only thing His Highness would like to see in regards to you, Princess, is your disembowelment."
It is a Romeo and Juliet story embedded into the Dark-Hunter Universe.
The main characters are Esperetta, daughter of Vlad Tepes, and Velkan Danesti, once a sorcerer, now a Dark-Hunter with shape-shifting abilities. They were enemies by families but fell in love and got married in secret more than five hundred years ago. Both of their families disowned them, and after a tragic chain of events, Retta ran away from Velkan.
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The story is very tense from the beginning: what happened to Esperetta in fact? Can she believe Velkan? Who is the real monster? Which one is real: their mutual hatred or desire?
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Dignity and pride don’t allow them to express their feelings. They are both unbelievably stubborn not to reach for each other for five centuries. It is just unimaginable for a mortal like me to waste so much time.
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Anyway, it is nicely worked-out, both for the main and the secondary characters. Aside from one little mistake in the plot, it is a great story. ...more
Cat and Bones are on a job to protect a spoiled heiress, Tammy Winslow, whose life is in danger because her cousin wants her dead.
As Don does5 stars!
Cat and Bones are on a job to protect a spoiled heiress, Tammy Winslow, whose life is in danger because her cousin wants her dead.
As Don doesn’t succeed to find said cousin (Gable), Cat and Bones take the matter into their own hands. They make a nostalgic visit (or two) to the place of their first date, the nightclub called Bite.
The story accurately summarizes the events of the previous books. The newly turned and grief-stricken Justina is here, an unusual self-defense lesson is presented, as well as a hot sex scene and an action scene where Justina (view spoiler)[ saves Bones’ life (hide spoiler)].
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A great novella of the Night Huntress series. Recommended. ...more
Book 1, well, half of it, told from Bones' viewpoint. Insta-love is explained. I loved it, though from about 50% I started to skip the dialogues, and Book 1, well, half of it, told from Bones' viewpoint. Insta-love is explained. I loved it, though from about 50% I started to skip the dialogues, and just focused on Bones' thoughts.
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Bit by bit, she was breaking out of the box that her mum, her grandparents, and her neighbors had shoved her into. Soon, she’d be free.
Story 6000 years earlier, Cratus, a sentinel of Zeus, had defied Zeus’ order and had spared a life he should have taken. He had been punished severely,Story 6000 years earlier, Cratus, a sentinel of Zeus, had defied Zeus’ order and had spared a life he should have taken. He had been punished severely, his godhood taken, and forced to live on Earth as a mortal, deprived from even the tiniest morsel of happiness or satisfaction. Plus, he has been tortured and killed every night, and resurrected by the morning ever since.
The story sets in the present: the Greek pantheon is threatened by two Source gods, Noir and Azura. As Cratus (now Jericho) is a Source god himself, the Greeks send two Oneroi gods, Phobos and Delphine, to convince him to fight on their behalf, and in return he’d get back his godhood and powers.
The first 30 percent is very repetitive and boring. The rest seems chaotic and soap-opera-like. New and old characters are thrown randomly into the plot: Greek Gods, Source Gods, Oneroi, Skoti, Atlanteans, Daimons, Dark-Hunters, Gallu demons, the “original gods of sun and of fire” – I’m not sure I mentioned everyone. Plus the maze in which they are all connected somehow.
Romance The insta-love is justified with fate, no development.
Characters Jericho is tortured yet he has compassion and a soft side – unexpected even for him. He is tall and handsome with a lethal aura, and insanely hot.
Delphine is beautiful and perfect, with grace, a playful and caring attitude, and incredible fighting skills.
By the way, in this world all of the male characters are insanely handsome and tall, with a lethal aura, and all the women are petite (except Astrid, who is tall), beautiful, funny and wise.
All in all I read Dream Warrior two years ago, but I had to re-read it now because I didn’t review it then and I couldn’t remember a word from it.
I started to read this series more than 10 years ago, and I loved it back then. But obviously, my reading taste has changed a lot, and I don’t enjoy PNR books as much as I did. I’ve abandoned not only this one, but many PNR series I had started to read because of the same reason. Sometimes I feel guilty about it, so I read the next one in line, but they usually don’t satisfy me. Sadly, it happened again with Dream Warrior....more
Sugar and lover boy... Oh, my... Everything was so OTT - the sex scenes, the inner drama, the dialogues, the fight scenes. So pompous, so exaggerated,Sugar and lover boy... Oh, my... Everything was so OTT - the sex scenes, the inner drama, the dialogues, the fight scenes. So pompous, so exaggerated, so theatrical. I've got unused to this writing style. Was PNR always like this?
“You can't go through life alone. Trust me on this one. It's lonely as hell.”
Short and satisfying.
Celena, a Squire, who lives for the rules
“You can't go through life alone. Trust me on this one. It's lonely as hell.”
Short and satisfying.
Celena, a Squire, who lives for the rules, is in constant worry for the ones under her care, and does everything to ensure their safety. It is especially true for Rafael, for whom she has been longing secretly for years.
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Rafael Santiago, an ex-pirate, now Dark-Hunter is fascinated by Celena’s fierce beauty, and strict protectiveness. After an almost fatal, but luckily ended adventure they confess their feelings for each other, and live happily ever after.
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I’m amazed again by the fact that Ms. Kenyon is able to jam incredibly many things into only a couple of pages: humor, background story, emotions, a Daimon attack, an Apollite wedding, surprises, action, erotica, and Acheron. Nicely done! Too bad it is short.
Not My Sinner is a sequel to Sinner's Fall, the story of Mateo Oliveros and Tommy Jankowski.
Mateo and Tommy are married now, but their marr4.5 stars!
Not My Sinner is a sequel to Sinner's Fall, the story of Mateo Oliveros and Tommy Jankowski.
Mateo and Tommy are married now, but their marriage is not as perfect as they want to believe. Something is missing and something is wrong.
“Ma, I’m happy. I have everything I could possibly need.” Not everything, a tiny voice in his head whispered.
Mateo doesn’t give himself over to their marriage completely. He is holding back, and sadly not only one thing but more. He keeps secrets and hides his real self from Tommy. His reasons for that are understandable, and he is convinced that he does the right thing.
Tommy was his life. He’d do anything, whatever he had to in order to protect Tommy. That included making sure his two worlds didn’t ever collide.
Tommy feels that something is not right, but first he thinks it is only the sex. It is confirmed when they meet Mateo’s ex, Dima Zhirkov.
“You been hiding yourself from me,” he said finally. Mateo froze. “What?” “Your needs, you’ve been hiding them from me. I need you,” Tommy whispered. He reached up and nipped Mateo’s chin. “All of you. You’re holding back.”
But that’s not all. When he finds out what Mateo has been hiding from him, Tommy breaks down and leaves him.
“You don’t trust me.” Tommy looked as if he’d been punched. “You don’t trust that I’m stronger than that scared, fucked-up kid you first met. You don’t trust that I can deal with the difficulties of being with you.” “That’s—” That was the truth, wasn’t it? Teo was scared of what might happen if Tommy had to face the tough side of who he was.
But Mateo is wrong. Tommy is strong enough to deal with Mateo’s dark side. What breaks him is Mateo’s silence and lies. He is unable to deal with that. It is a serious issue, a severe marriage crisis, still, everyone makes mistakes. Tommy has every right to be mad, but not to throw a tantrum. Teo lied to him, yes. It’s maddening, yes. Is divorce the solution? No.
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Neither Teo nor Tommy are good relationship material. They have to learn how to live in a relationship, in a marriage, and how to communicate with each other.
I loved them together. Not My Sinner is an amazing addition to Sinner’s Fall, and a great insight to Mateo and Tommy’s life.
There are many-many beautiful and heartbreaking moments in this story. The hate-attack scene was devastating, it broke my heart.
The erotic scenes are loaded with emotion, and insanely hot.
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My only complaint is the make-up sex. Though I loved the (view spoiler)[domineering Tommy, blood-play (hide spoiler)] is not really my thing. I can accept even appreciate it, but not when it is done by anger and hurt and revenge.
(Watch Me) Body You is the second book of the Run This Town series, which is a sequel/spin-off of Brooklyn Sinners. Though RTT is enjoyable w3.5 stars
(Watch Me) Body You is the second book of the Run This Town series, which is a sequel/spin-off of Brooklyn Sinners. Though RTT is enjoyable without reading BS, the latter is highly recommended too!
(Watch Me) Body You is the story of Israel Storm, head of The Rude Boys and his best friend, Reggie Turner.
Is and Reggie are clicked from the first moment they met. But for a while Reggie’s feelings for Is morphed into something more, something not exactly brotherly. Is feels the same, but unlike Reggie, he doesn't admit it, even to himself, let alone his best friend.
This awkward shit was fucked. He had no idea how to fix it, how to fix them without thinking or talking about what he didn’t want to think or talk about.
The denial part makes half of the story. You’d think it is too much, but the struggle of these two idiots (Reggie tries to provoke some response out of Is, meanwhile Is does his best to deny everything and pretends that nothing has changed between them), the anticipation and the sexual tension are very enjoyable.
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The problems come after this.
My main problem with the story that Is’ reason to deny his feelings is not clear. There is an assumption by Mateo though… (view spoiler)[
“Because even if you try to ignore it, the reality doesn’t change.” Teo’s tone was kind, but no less chilling. “Many of his contacts are still back in Jamaica, Reg. Don’t let the positive shit that’s happening over here fool you, because for men like us, things aren’t that nice back there. You know this.” Reggie nodded, numb. Teo sighed. “Forget that for a second and think about the men who work for him here, who are all exclusively Jamaican. If they find out, that’s it. It’s over for him.” He patted Reggie’s knee. “Don’t get your hopes up. I care about you both as brothers, and if you feel like you say you feel, I know that shit isn’t gonna go away. Realize why he might not react the way you want him to.”
(hide spoiler)] Okay, it is understandable. But Mateo says “that shit isn’t gonna go away.” And yet, it is forgotten like it has never been an issue. What is Is’ real reason? That’s it? Or something else? Is and Reggie never talk about it, it never occurs again in the story. And if that’s it, how in the hell that shit goes away that easily?
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The Romance Nice anticipation, tension, then Is takes a 180, and voilà: happily ever after. Is changes his mind when X and Dima drops that Reggie might have moved on. He storms over at Reggie’s place in a jealous tantrum, and promises forever to him. It's just ridiculous. I mean, Is is an adult not a teenage boy, he is very well aware his own emotions, even if he denies them. Only the possibility of Reggie with someone else can trigger him into action?? Not to make Reggie happy, not to come clean with his feelings, not the possibility of a happy future together. No. Only jealousy...
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But at least jealousy finally blasts him out of denial.
Apart from that, the romance was really engaging: hot sex and deep emotions. What else do you need?
In case it wasn’t already clear as to why I’d take a bullet for you.” He tugged on Is’ wrist, brought him closer. “I love you. And in my world that’s the point of everything.”
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Suspense/Crime storyline [image]
Family drama As for Is, it had potential but it was wasted. Reggie’s family issues seemed to be there just for the balance but it was not bad.
The secondary characters are awesome!! X and Dima, Mateo, Tek (can’t wait his book!), and Quinn.
Is watched, bemused, as X wiped the blood from the corner of Dima’s mouth with a thumb then licked it off. “That was a punch, Rush. You know I’m the only one allowed to beat you.” Is had no idea what that meant, but it held some kind of effect on Dima because he damn near fucking melted standing there.
Overall, despite its flaws, (Watch Me) Body You is a pretty enjoyable read.
I had a hard time with this review. I thought that maybe reading Not My Sinner - where Dima is introduced - would
“Let's play then, Rush.”
I had a hard time with this review. I thought that maybe reading Not My Sinner - where Dima is introduced - would make it easier. But no, nothing could have prepared me for this book.
(Watch Me) Break You is a rivals-to-lovers gay romance, with memorable characters, action and thrill, blood and tears, and lots of kink.
The Story
Dima Zhirkov is the head of a Russian gang running the streets of Coney Island. He is fucked up like crazy. He is into women and men, hardcore sex ((view spoiler)[ pain, breath play, blood play (hide spoiler)]), drugs and booze. But his usual ways don’t seem to work for him anymore.
Dima sets eyes on Xavier Storm in a private club. Seeing X in action, Dima is immediately captivated. He instinctively knows that X would give him what he craves. So he determines to hunt him down.
Xavier Storm is the silent leader of The Rude Boys, rival gang of the Russians, and he is after Dima’s territory. When they meet in the club, X recognizes Dima, but of course doesn’t tell it to him. He tries to stay away from the Russian, but Dima doesn’t let him have the luxury of choice.
Sex and pain Dima can handle, and X delivers the most depraved kind. Their connection is explosive, their games are addictive, but Dima can end it whenever he wishes. At least that’s what he thinks. When he realizes otherwise, it is too late.
Characters
Dima Zhirkov appears first in Not My Sinner, as Mateo Oliveros’ ex. In Not My Sinner he is a gorgeous guy with wicked humor, and an aura that tells you that you better behave.
But he is not that simple. Dima is a criminal. He uses drugs and alcohol on a daily basis. He is extremely violent and dangerous. He kills without remorse. He fantasizes about killing and basks in the thought of warm blood on his hands. He is a psycho. He is uncontrollable and unpredictable. Not to mention his very special sexual needs.
Still, I loved him. And when you ask why, the only thing I can say that he is irresistible. Though not in a sweet and adorable, but in a dark, wicked way, but yeah, that’s the reason.
Dima seems to be fearless, but has insecurities just like anyone else, and a secret soft side.
“I don’t know how to do this.” Dima motioned between them. “It scares me,” he whispered. “The way I feel, the way you make me feel. It scares me.” Too much to put into words. He’d never had something to lose before.
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Xavier is unapproachable, stoic, and powerful. After Dima shows up, he tries to grasp his hallmark control with both hands but he loses the fight quickly. He has no defenses against the crazy Russian, he is simply swept away by him. And though first he doesn’t want any kind of relationship with Dima, not even sex, let alone love, as the story progresses, and X realizes that he has feelings for him, he isn’t scared or hesitant. It is amazing how clearly he sees the situation, how aware he is in his own emotions and Dima’s possible reactions.
X lost track of everything but the taste of Dima. He was surrounded by the Russian, his senses taken over by him. He'd fight it, but he wasn't meant to win this. From the instant Dima accosted him in the bathroom at the club, X realized this was meant to happen. He was meant to give in, to be here on his knees, holding Dima’s face between his hands, kissing him as if he'd be lost without the sweet taste of the other man filling his taste buds.
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The Romance
Dima doesn’t believe in more. He thinks ‘more’ is not for a man like him.
Xavier was in love once but he lost it. His tragedy is heartbreaking, and unbelievably cruel. He would have never thought he would want love again: the craving, the need, the fear, being out of control – not his favorite things.
He was willing to do whatever was necessary to keep this silly grin on his face. To keep his heart beating faster and his pulse racing. His reaction was similar to what he’d felt with Quinn, but different. He’d fallen in love with Quinn slowly, quietly. With Dima, it was like a baseball bat upside the head, these feelings. They completely swamped him, made him want different things, made him want to be different.
Xavier doesn’t expect love, he doesn’t see where it comes from. And sadly, I can’t see it either. Yes, there is chemistry, attraction, lust. Dima and X are incapable to stay away from each other. Their need for each other is visceral. But somehow, in the whirlwind of emotions and sensual erotic scenes, I missed the development of the romance – if there is one. My fault maybe, but even if it is insta-love, it is impossible not to be affected by it. X and Dima’s love is heartbreaking and heartwarming at the same time.
The Erotica From the reviews here I know it is too much not only for me but for other readers too. There was a moment when I considered abandoning this book. I’m so glad I read it anyway. The presence of emotions makes the sex a bit less rough as the story progresses – not much less, and it remains insanely hot, no need to worry!
“Aw, Rush.” The blows fell faster, harder. “You have me. Couldn’t lose me if you tried.”
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Avril Ashton is an amazing writer. Her stories are captivating and extremely intense. (Watch Me) Break You is one of those stories that makes your heart beat faster and your pulse race.
Recommended to readers with some BDSM reading experience (do not start with this one!), who are open for more.
That wouldn’t do for Dima. He’d demand more. No way would he accept being topped by someone who wouldn’t or couldn’t show their pleasure at his submission. His gift. Because submission was a gift to be treasured. Appreciated.
Though not perfect, it was pretty good and interesting until 70%:
- Interesting world-building, - Great main character: the beautiful and fem2.5 stars
Though not perfect, it was pretty good and interesting until 70%:
- Interesting world-building, - Great main character: the beautiful and feminine but kick-ass fighter Jory, - A baby dragon pet, - Promising conspiracies and conflicts, - Extensive and seemingly complicated connections between the characters.
Far from perfect: the romance. And not just because it’s insta love – you know when insta-lust equals love and a lifetime relationship – let’s not go there, it’s a dragon-mating thing. I’m not opposed to insta-love in paranormal romances when it is executed plausibly. But here I didn’t feel the chemistry and connection between the characters. Maybe a little between Jory and Val, but there is nothing between Jory and Rai. And all the overused endearments can’t substitute affection and intimacy.
Oh, and what about that political and social rivalry between Val and Rai mentioned at the beginning of the story? It is just dissolved in the fog of desire.
Val and Rai’s characters are not adequately drawn, and sometimes even Jory’s character is inconsistent.
There is an intrigue against Jory by his own family, but this storyline is very weak too.
And finally, just like Jory, I’m very unsatisfied with this divided ménage.
Too bad, because the base of the story is interesting, the mate-hunting workshop is a great idea and I really liked the black baby dragon, whose name was… oh boy… Precious.
An ARC copy was kindly provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
Shadow’s Awakening is the first book of the Shadow Warder series, the sAn ARC copy was kindly provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
Shadow’s Awakening is the first book of the Shadow Warder series, the story of Hannah Green, a Shadow, held captive by Vorati demons and Conner Munro, one of the most devoted Warder soldiers, living totally for his job. But things change, so Conner needs to change, too…
For the first time in his adult life, he was deliberately going against Warder laws. And for what? A woman—a Shadow—he didn’t know? Conner stared blindly into the woods surrounding the cabin. If he was caught with Hannah he’d have no reasonable explanation for his behavior. Worse, he didn’t care.
The world-building is outstanding: it is complicated, well-structured, interesting, with lots of potential. The conflict between Shadows and Warders has its roots deep in the ancient times. Their history, magic, and abilities are complex and rich.
Shadows and Warders’ common enemy, the Vorati demons, are more than capable to keep up the thrill and anxiety level of the events. They are creepy, disgustingly evil, and powerful.
The story starts well, but it slows down after the first rescuing scene. After 50% it is exciting again. Till the very end, it is full of unexpected twists and turns. I loved its structure – it was like a movie. Exciting and frustrating – in a good sense. The alternating multiple viewpoints add a lot to the story: I enjoyed being dragged from one scene to the next.
Ms. McGregor’s writing style is refined and impressive, she easily keeps all the lines together.
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Fierce, badass and likeable hero and heroine, well-drawn and engaging secondary characters. I want almost everyone’s own story, right now! My favorite is Kiernan, with his love for the ladies and explosives… [image]
“So then what? We knock on the front door and ask if they’re holding a Shadow captive and can we have her?” “Not exactly. How do you feel about blowing up one of the cars?” “I always feel good about blowing something up,” Kiernan said with a grin.
BUT. Yeah, sadly there is a but… The romance has serious shortcomings. It’s insta-love again, just like between Celeste and Gabe in the prequel, Shadow's Passion. I understand the mystical ancient bond, and all that things, but I felt the romance rushed and most importantly the non-communication pissed me off throughout the story. I’ve been fed up with Hannah and Conner’s inner monologues, and misassumptions about what the other might think. Hannah’s way of thoughts was especially inconsistent. Please, please, talk to each other!
All in all, although the romance didn’t knock me off my feet, the paranormal aspect of the story is close to perfection and refreshingly unique. Recommended!
“What I feel for you, love is too fucking tame a word.” His voice got rougher, harsher. “This thing between us, pretty boy, this fire we make,
“What I feel for you, love is too fucking tame a word.” His voice got rougher, harsher. “This thing between us, pretty boy, this fire we make, nothing can touch it. Nothing comes close. Nothing.”
If you didn’t get enough of Pablo and Shane in Sinner, Savior, Save Me, Sinner is a must read. It’s satisfyingly lengthy, engaging and exciting.
Shane Ruskin and Pablo Castillo are building a life together. A rough start gives way to smooth sailing, but before the men could settle into their lives, one of Shane’s former cases comes back to bite him in the ass. Things quickly get out of control and once again, Shane’s life hangs in the balance.
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It was amazing to see how open and committed Pablo has become. And it is heartbreaking how scared and lost he is of the possibility of losing Shane.
The possibility had been real. Losing Shane, he’d come a hair’s breadth away and it ate at him, that fear. It froze him up, fucked with his breathing, with his stomach. That fear. It took him places. Took away his sense of reason. That fear. He never wanted feel it again.
He is unstoppable and more ruthless than ever, when it comes to the safety of his lover.
“You don’t fuck with me and mine, and not expect to bend over and get yours in return. Metaphorically speaking, of course. I’m in a committed relationship.” Pablo winked.
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Save Me, Sinner is a perfect addition to the story of Pablo and Shane. Don’t miss it!...more
2nd read: Loved it, even more than for the first time. 5 stars now, and highly recommended! [image]
“I need you alive. I need you breathing.” H
2nd read: Loved it, even more than for the first time. 5 stars now, and highly recommended! [image]
“I need you alive. I need you breathing.” He took in a breath then let it out in a rush. “I need you.”
I love when some external reason makes the relationship difficult. Gabe being a detective at NYPD, and Angelo being a criminal, precisely the head of Los Pescadores, one of Brooklyn’s most notorious gangs, are definitely dealing with this kind of problem. They are perfect together, their chemistry is sizzling hot, and uncontrollable.
He stroked his tongue over Pagan’s teeth and tongue, searching deep, needing more of that taste. That indescribable taste of Angelo Pagan he was quickly getting drunk on. “Oh my God.” Gabe didn’t recognize the words falling from his lips. They sounded wrecked, ravaged. Like his insides. Staring at Pagan’s lips, red and glistening from his kisses, he couldn’t catch his breath. Rough fingers palmed his throat. “Can you forget that, amante?” Soft kisses brushed his forehead, nose and eyes. “I can’t. I dare you to try.”
Gabe is an open-minded person: he feels natural being attracted to a man, and refuses to freak out.
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“Sometimes it scares me how natural this is,” Gabe whispered. “How I don’t question the way I feel about you. I don’t think anyone else can make me feel like I’m fucking melting every time I look into their eyes. But you do.” He grabbed a fistful of Angelo’s hair and yanked his head back. “Every single time, you do.”
I loved the way Gabe dominated over Angelo, the feared gang leader, in bed, taking control of him, and how Angelo enjoyed that. It was perfection. The erotic scenes are breathtaking and inspirational.
Angelo is amazingly self-giving and I appreciated that he tried to be honest. But it simply was not in his nature to be completely open about his ‘occupation’. He needed time for that, and it was nicely done. His character is well-developed, and every aspect of it, even the ugliest, is presented without glamour.
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Angelo Pagan leaned against the archway leading into his living room, arms crossed, relaxed sensuality oozing from his every pore. Clad in head-to-toe black, the man looked like the sexiest freaking burglar ever.
There is a perfect amount of drama, suspense, and violence in the plot for an erotic romance.
The secondary characters are intriguingly done too.
All in all The story is sometimes unrealistic, here and there sugary sweet, but still enjoyable, with great characterization, well-built plot, and decent romance. The main appeal of the story is the steamy and intense erotica.
“You make me crave things I never thought I’d crave again.”
This book is very different from the previous installments of the seri4.5 stars
“You make me crave things I never thought I’d crave again.”
This book is very different from the previous installments of the series in many ways, and it also represents a turning point. A very important thing is revealed that could give a completely new turn to the events.
In The Darkest Craving the relationship between Kane and his demon, Disaster differs very much from the other Lords’ relationships with their own demons.
While the other warriors have never liked their demons either, they have used the demons’ abilities, strengths, and have established some kind of agreement and peace with them.
Unlike Kane. He hates Disaster. He hates his demon with infinite and immeasurable hatred. He hates him with every fiber of his being. He has been suffering from Disaster in a very different way than the others. Disaster is a malevolent, humiliating, useless being for Kane. It's like as if Kane carries an extra enemy within his body.
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Kane is unexpectedly fierce and brutal and ferocious. He was always in the background before, playing coy, keeping distance from the others in order to protect them from his demon. In his story, he is amazing from the very beginning. He is a true warrior, unstoppable, and fearless, despite the fact that Disaster is always against him.
The story presents a new paranormal race, the Fae, and also shows their realm Séduire in details. Set in mainly Séduire, the story takes you to a completely different scene than the previous books. The Lords here are celebrities, there are even fan clubs. But it's not really a pleasant place.
In Séduire, beauty mattered more than brains and clothing mattered more than food. Political intrigues were always in full swing. An open mouth was a lying mouth. Power was just as valuable as cash. Lust, greed and torture were always on the menu. Josephina hated it here.
Josephina's life is miserable and tragic. She can’t see any other way out of it but death. Though she fought against his family before and tried to get free, she always failed, and she just gave up hope. She is all alone, without help or anyone’s sympathy. Everyone around her is cruel, selfish, and cold. Her family hates and brutally uses her, and she has no friends. (Just one thought: it seems pretty impossible that there is not even a single positive or compassionate person in Séduire. It's too black and white.) But Josephina is also very brave, playful, and compassionate.
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Kane and Josephina’s relationship is different from the other couples’ in the series. In every other case the warriors’ demons are either tamed or intimidated by the women. Unlike Disaster. Disaster hates Josephina, wants to make Kane leave her; eventually wants to kill her. He actually hurts her physically many times.
Josephina has very special abilities, but she is confused, insecure in her own capability and worthiness. She is all alone, until she meets Kane, so it is hard for her to accept help. First she refuses Kane's help because she sees her situation hopeless. She knows even if Kane rescues her from Séduire, they will have no peace from her family ever. Josephina slowly learns to recognize the situations when she needs help, and becomes confident enough to ask for it. It takes both of them time to figure out what to do and how to do it. On their path, battles, adventures, and danger accompany them.
I loved Kane and Josephina together. Their love is sweet, passionate and based on mutual understanding. I especially loved their mental connection.
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When they’d met, they’d both been in a very dark place. They’d lacked hope. Their fears had overwhelmed them. Together, they’d climbed out of the depths of hell — literally and figuratively. They’d found reasons to laugh. They’d let go of hate and embraced love. The weaknesses they’d had had been blasted by fire and were now strengthened with steel. They hadn’t broken. They wouldn’t break.
Secondary characters All of the Lords and their beloved ones are amazing! And OMG, Cameo and her new companion! I just can’t believe it, but like it very much! And Torin... Oh. My. God. But there is not enough of Paris and Sienna.
The ending Maybe it's too dramatic and miraculous, but it makes sense. No deus ex machina this time, like in the case of Aeron's comeback. It is well done: complicated, coherent, makes you think a little bit.
There are many more things in this book that could be talked about: William and the Horsemen of the Apocalypse; Kane: his feelings, his suffering, and his very complex personality; Josephina’s life, abilities, and possible future; the imaginary world of the series, which is becoming more and more complicated; and the secondary characters. But this review is already too long, so I won't. :)
“This place drives me nuts sometimes: nutty vampires, a bitchy werewolf, a zombie, a grumpy billionaire, and a vampire on a hunger strike.”
“This place drives me nuts sometimes: nutty vampires, a bitchy werewolf, a zombie, a grumpy billionaire, and a vampire on a hunger strike.”
Sounds crazy, doesn’t it? Well, sadly, the book isn’t that hilarious as you may think from the quote above. All of the aforementioned creatures appear in the story, and more, still, the story falls short. Let’s see what we have:
The zombie. Totally pointless. As if he just accidentally took the wrong attic.
The “bitchy werewolf”. It's Antonia, who doesn’t want to be called Toni. Pretty much that's it.
The “grumpy billionaire”. Jessica. But grumpy? Why? Because she has principles?
The “vampire on a hunger strike”. Well, that’s Betsy. She decides not to drink blood anymore:
"—it's just something I have to do for myself, you know? Not drink, I mean. I know it seems dumb to you—what'd you call it? My stupid bid for independence? If I was you, I'd probably think it was dumb, too. But it just seems—this whole past year—like I've been on a ride I can't get off. This is something I can control.”
It becomes clear soon that – not surprisingly – she can’t control it because she is a freakin’ VAMPIRE! She is totally unreasonable, and dizzier than ever.
“Actually, I was starting to think about blood a lot more and more. You know those cartoons when the wolf looks at his friends and they turn into rib roasts and stuff before his eyes? Jess and Marc were starting to look reeeally good.”
What else?
Laura, the daughter of the Devil. Disappointingly spiritless.
The visit of the European vampires. Boring. I really feel for Alonzo, and I totally disagree with Sophie.
Jon is back at the apropos of the release of Betsy’s biography written by him. He is upset. I’m bored.
I had high hopes for Cathy, but sadly she couldn't fulfill them.
Certain parts of the story are boring beyond belief. I personally don’t give a damn about which parlor is Betsy’s favorite, or the design of the wallpaper.
Anything else? Actually, not much. No action. No story. No dynamism. No excitement. No drinking blood (yes, it is still the vampire story I’m talking about…). No passion. No sex.
Good points: - Sinclair – he is so cool and gorgeous! - Light humor and witty dialogues.
All in all. Although Undead and Unpopular has some funny moments, it doesn't live up to the previous books of the series. Hope the next one turns out to be better.
The Gauntlet is a Kit Marlowe short, chronologically the first novella in the Cassandra Palmer series.
Kit Marlowe is only a newby vampire, but he had The Gauntlet is a Kit Marlowe short, chronologically the first novella in the Cassandra Palmer series.
Kit Marlowe is only a newby vampire, but he had been given an extra deal of power, elevating him to a master’s rank, in order to help his mistress, and save the Queen. He is in sore need of a red-haired witch to complete a mission, so he goes to the prison to find one.
“I am pleased to make your acquaintance, Mistress Urswick,” he said wryly. “I am Chris Marlowe, although my friends call me Kit.” “You have friends?” “Strangely enough, yes. I would like to number you among them, if I could.”
But freeing the witch doesn’t go smooth, chaos erupts, and all of the prisoners are trying to get free. It’s not easy for Gillian to trust a vampire, but she has no other choice.
Gillian hugged Elinor against her, every instinct she had screaming that she was mad to put their lives in the hands of a creature who saw them merely as prey. But if her only choice was between dying now and dying later, she would take later. “If you betray me, I will use my last breath to curse you!” “I would expect nothing less.”
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The Gauntlet actually is the story of Gillian’s escape: it’s very exciting, filled with fight scenes, magic, and revealing some of the history of the witch covens, and also the Silver and the Black Circle in England.
A rain of arrows shot by. One of them grazed Kit’s arm, leaving a stinging track across his skin, while another buried itself in the wood between his spread legs. He stared at it wildly – there were certain things he was not willing to sacrifice for queen and country.
The plot could have been constructed more precisely, as they are having extremely long conversations in the middle of a fight, but it’s a great and fun story. Marlowe is really charming.
Kit stared after her until the gathering shadows swallowed her up. Witches. He’d been right all along. They were completely mad. He smiled slightly, his lips still tingling from her final touch. But what glorious madness.
My review is only for Rogue Elements by Karen Chance.
Having Cyrus’ full attention was like being the only rabbit in the world in front of a pa
My review is only for Rogue Elements by Karen Chance.
Having Cyrus’ full attention was like being the only rabbit in the world in front of a pack of starving wolves.
The leader of the werewolf clans turns to the Silver Circle’s police force, named the War Mage Corps for help finding kidnapped female werewolves.
The Silver Circle is the only link to the Cassandra Palmer series in this story, as there was not much about Weres before… Because of this, first I didn’t want to read it, thinking it is easily skippable. But it turned out to be really interesting, and I’m glad I read it.
The main character is Lia, who works for the Corps, and narrates the story.
The story is a little fast and crowded, but the suspense is great, with twists and turns, some really fun scenes, and necessarily a superhot werewolf, Cyrus, with questionable allegiance.
Cyrus had taught me that it was possible to never stop being friends and yet to end up enemies.