Captive by A.D. Robertson

November 1, 2013 By Leave a Comment

CAPTIVE
Captive by A.D. Robertson
Publisher: Dutton/Penquin
Genre: Contemporary, Paranormal, Sci-Fi/Fantasy
Length: Full Length (306 pages)
Other: M/F
Rating: 4 Stars
Reviewed by Stephantois

Twenty-five-year-old Tristan Doran enjoys a life of incredible power and privilege. As a direct descendant of the Keepers—witches who have embraced dark magic—he defers to no one but his overlord, Lord Bosque Mar. For most of his life, Tristan has been kept out of the centuries-old Witches War, his bloodline too valuable to risk in battle.

But when a beautiful, young human Searcher named Sarah is captured and made a prisoner in his Irish castle, Tristan’s infatuation with her flings him headlong into the fray. Captive and captor, unable to contain their longing, embark on a passionate, forbidden romance together—only to learn that their love is at the heart of a prophecy predicting the downfall of the Keepers’ ages-old reign.
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Captive explores the darker side of the richly imagined Nightshade universe, a fantasy world of powerful dark witches, shape-shifting wolf warriors, and fascinating history. The first of three erotic novels, Captive delves deeply into the fiery, illicit romance of two young lovers whose very desires invite their doom.

Having not read the Nightshade young adult novels by this author, I had to get quickly caught up with the paranormal world of Captive. There’s lots going on in the beginning of the story and the author does a good job filling you in on some of the paranormal elements and characters, like the Keepers and Searchers.

I loved the setting which the author conveyed perfectly to set up the danger and intrigue in this story. It reminded me of some of the older gothic novels I’d read many years ago. Tristan is a sexy hero, who comes across as a nice guy even when he discovers the heroine, and intruder, Sarah, naked on his bed.

There’s nothing quite like a romance between two sworn enemies and that’s exactly what you get with Captive. The paranormal world set up by the author is also fascinating with its wolves and witches.

It’s a page turner and I continued on just to see what happened between the two main characters. I’m not sure if there will be more books for adults in the Nightshade series, but it will be fun to check back to see where the author goes from here.

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Deadlocked by Charlaine Harris

September 7, 2012 By Leave a Comment

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Deadlocked by Charlaine Harris
Publisher: Berkley Publishing, Penguin Group
Genre: Contemporary, Paranormal
Length: Full Length (327 pgs)
Heat Level: Spicy
Rating: 4.5 stars
Reviewed by Xeranthemum

It’s vampire politics as usual around the town of Bon Temps, but never before have they hit so close to Sookie’s heart…

Growing up with telepathic abilities, Sookie Stackhouse realized early on there were things she’d rather not know. And now that she’s an adult, she also realizes that some things she knows about, she’d rather not see—like Eric Northman feeding off another woman. A younger one.

There’s a thing or two she’d like to say about that, but she has to keep quiet—Felipe de Castro, the Vampire King of Louisiana (and Arkansas and Nevada), is in town. It’s the worst possible time for a human body to show up in Eric’s front yard—especially the body of the woman whose blood he just drank.

Now, it’s up to Sookie and Bill, the official Area Five investigator, to solve the murder. Sookie thinks that, at least this time, the dead girl’s fate has nothing to do with her. But she is wrong. She has an enemy, one far more devious than she would ever suspect, who’s set out to make Sookie’s world come crashing down.

Deadlocked is like a huge pot of gumbo, slowly cooking and building steam until it’s hot and yummy enough to eat. There are a lot of elements that make this book enjoyable, interesting and at times, quite surprising. There are old friends and foes that cross paths bringing story threads to a head which created shockwaves that left me reeling.

What I found surprising was the tone of the story. It was almost conversational. For a change, Sookie was able to enjoy mundane, normal human events without the paranormal influence. The author took precious moments in the story to explore the heroine doing everyday things with her friends and family. I interpreted it as giving readers short bursts of insight as to what her life would or could have been like without the high octane influence of Eric, Bill or Alicide, and the supernatural politics that follow them.

Unfortunately, that isn’t Sookie’s life and any oasis of normalcy only served to showcase how crazy her life has become. It really amazes me how much her character has changed over the course of the series. At one point, the fact that she has killed is brought up and its revelation really made me stop and think. Oh yeah! That’s right, that happened! And that. And, I can’t believe I forgot that one! Her thought process has certainly matured, but I’m not certain if it’s a good thing or a sad thing. One fact remains, she’s not a pushover, she’s not afraid to make hard choices nor does she cower away from the consequences. Those are good characteristics to have because every single one was tested in this book.

I can’t put my finger on who the hero is this time around. It’s not clear cut and in fact, I think there is a new reality starting to rear its ugly head and it’s not a happy thought. That brings up something I’ve realized about Ms. Harris. She’s not afraid to take the road less traveled, nor does she bow to popular pressure. Her characters do what they must, even if it hurts or they bleed because of it. That is true in this book.

The pace of the tale wasn’t as tight and hard-hitting as some of the past books have been. There were a lot more pages expended on downtime than actual dealings with crises. At one point, it seemed like it had elements of Perry Mason – sleuthing, asking questions and trying to put together a puzzle by cross-examining one’s self conscience with the little facts they knew. I mean, it was good she was making a sweet potato casserole, but I would have been happier with less descriptive steps of the process.

As for bad guys, there are always trouble makers that complicate Sookie’s life. In this installment, I expected one of them because it’s a carryover character from the previous book. What I didn’t expect was the other villain. That was a shocker. I suppose it made sense as the person did have a sour attitude for a lot of the time that the bad guy was on scene. In retrospect and in thinking back with the knowledge I now have, would I have seen it then? Probably not. The bad guy was very clever.

The one thing that really made this novel a must read was the cluviel dor. Finally, its mystery is solved. It’s about time Sookie made her wish and its use was one of the most significant shockers in the whole book. It was pretty dramatic.

Romance for the heroine is a rocky road. Each man she’s been with has helped her grow and learn about herself. Through the pain of separation, she’s learned that she can survive and move forward. I believe that Sookie is going to grow a bit more and I won’t be surprised if it’s going to be even more painful than in the past. I’m not sure which way it will ultimately fall, but at the end of this book a new possibility nipped at my brain. Could that even work? Only the author knows. But I did find a few of their actions as something that could feed that kind of development. As for her usual hunky beau, Eric and the word sex don’t go together much in this one, much to my disappointment. In fact, there is not a lot of togetherness with anyone in Deadlocked. I think I’m being set up.

I want to make it clear that this is not a standalone read. Too much character by-play has gone on between all the characters, both main and secondary, for a new reader to jump in here. What has happened in past books has a clear impact on the plot and its effect on Sookie in Deadlocked.

Deadlocked lulls a reader with a false sense of calm illusion before it explodes into an amazing tale of drama, suspense and intrigue with shocking revelations that leaves a reader stunned. For fans of the series, it’s a must read because so many threads are being gathered and some important ones are solved. There is no doubt that Sookie is loved by the men in her life but which one will be the love of her life? That is the one final mystery that I hope one day will be solved. In the meantime, sign me up for the next Sookie adventure. It’s going to be an auto-buy for me.

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Quicksilver by Amanda Quick

June 6, 2012 By Leave a Comment

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Quicksilver by Amanda Quick
Publisher: Penguin Group
Genre: Historical, Paranormal, Suspense/Mystery
Length: Full length (327 pgs)
Heat: Spicy
Rating: 4.5 stars
Reviewed by Xeranthemum

Virginia Dean wakes at midnight beside a dead body, with a bloody knife in her hand and no memory of the evening’s events. Dark energy, emanating from the mirrors lining the room, overpowers her senses. With no apparent way in or out, she is rescued by a man she has met only once before, but won’t soon forget.

Owen Sweetwater inherited his family’s talent for hunting the psychical monsters who prey on London’s women and children, and his investigation into the deaths of two glass-readers has led him here. The high-society types of the exclusive Arcane Society would consider Virginia an illusionist, a charlatan, even a criminal, but Owen knows better. Virginia’s powers are real-and they just might be the key to solving this challenging case.

Sometimes I need a book that has light action, dark secrets and mystery, and a romance that soothes the senses and I always seem to find it when reading a story by Amanda Quick.

Some might say that the format is formulaic and they could be right. However, I’ve read enough stories by Ms. Quick to count on it and find it 100% positive. I needed that teasing sensual build-up between Virginia Dean and Owen Sweetwater, I needed the light drama and suspense and I required a book that would entertain me enough to forget looking at the clock. I wanted to simply enjoy myself with a tale that swept me away to a time and place where the odd and spooky were normal and indeed, presented as almost logical. I demanded a guaranteed good time and Ms. Quick delivered.

Virginia Dean is a character that is a delightful change from the typical historical heroine. She’s in ‘trade’, educated and mostly self-sufficient. She’s not easily thrown by deed or word and even when she’s threatened with diabolical paranormal weapons, this woman never resorts to swooning. She has a brain and is not afraid to use it. The heroine also has an almost child-like fascination with learning new skills and her excitement is contagious. Her willingness and enthusiasm for such mundane and obscure things ends up being the key to saving her life. She also has a very odd notion of bling. Only a reader of the story will understand my reference. I liked her generosity of spirit, her voice that comes through in the dialogue and her choice of friends. Virginia was fun to get to know.

Owen Sweetwater is fascinating. In fact, his whole family has enough secrets and know-how to fuel many stories to come. They’re an odd bunch with more twisted paranormal burdens than usual. I appreciated how Ms. Quick enlightened the heroine and reader alike about the family’s peccadilloes through dialogue and action. It almost seems like they are supermen who can do amazing things. However, they’re regular people which means that the use of their talents come at a price. What I found adorable is that one of the ‘cures’, seems to be love. As with all stories based on that emotion, it’s a rocky and tricky road to travel before it can blossom into a happily ever after. Of course Owen has some serious obstacles to overcome before he can breathe easy and that contributed to the book’s drama.

The conflict, besides Owen and Virginia overcoming their differences and getting to know one another, is a mystery of who killed who and why. The why of it, once explained, is bizarre and totally off the wall, but again, a reader will understand the depths of its ludicrousness when they get to that part in the story. If a reader is paying attention, Ms. Quick actually provided a solid clue as to the villain’s identity. I picked up on it but like the masterful storyteller she is, the author threw in a big surprise that made it even better and heightened the suspense.

I enjoyed Virginia’s friend, Charlotte. Dr. Spinner, though completely off-screen, has got my curiosity piqued and those that I’ve met of Owen’s family, were entertaining and interesting. Then there is the family connection for Virginia that was a nice touch. It wasn’t crucial to the solving of the mystery itself but it did help showcase the heroine’s personality, integrity and ability to think on her feet. It helps a reader understand her character more.

Quicksilver once again shows why stories by Ms. Quick are an auto-buy. They have re-readability, characters with interesting dialogue, unusual and flamboyant take-over-the-world plots and a well-crafted romance to steam the pages. With its chapters populated by such eccentric characters who contrive convoluted means to further their devious goals, it brings to mind the old television series, The Avengers, with Steed and Mrs. Peel. In a way, Owen and Virginia could be their historical counterparts and I think that’s really cool. Quicksilver is pure fun and entertainment, just the way I like it.

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Spell Bound by Kelley Armstrong

August 31, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Spell Bound by Kelley Armstrong
Publisher: Penguin
Genre: Action/Adventure, Contemporary, Paranormal
Length: Full Length (353 pgs)
Heat Level: sweet
Rating: 4.5 books
Reviewed by Cholla

Savannah Levine is in terrible danger, and for once she’s powerless to help herself. At the heartbreaking conclusion of Waking the Witch, Savannah swore that she would give up her powers if it would prevent further pain for a young orphan. Little did she know that someone would take her up on that promise.

And now, witch-hunting assassins, necromancers, half-demons, and rogue witches all seem to be after her. The threat is not just for Savannah; every member of the Otherworld might be at risk. While most of her fellow supernaturals are circling the wagons at a gathering of the council in Miami, Savannah is caught on the road, isolated from those who can protect her and unable to use her vast spell-casting talent, the thing she counts on most. In a story that will change the shape of the Otherworld forever, Armstrong gathers Elena, Clay, Paige, Lucas, Jamie, Hope, and other beloved characters, who soon learn that the greatest threat to supernaturals just may come from within.

What’s a witch to do when she’s lost her powers? That’s the question Savannah Levine is asking herself at this very moment. When you’re one of the most dangerous and powerful witches alive, being without your spells is a very dangerous position to be in. Especially when someone’s trying to kill you.

Savannah has really grown up over the course of the series. Back when we first met her, she was angry and afraid and arrogant. Despite the fact that she still has some anger issues and a bit of an attitude, she handles herself much better than in the early days. FDA is relaxed after approving the new label and guides people to read labels before using any drugs. tadalafil uk is sold by Eli Lily & Co. and Icos Corp, levitra is co-promoted by GlaxoSmithKline and Bayer. Millions of cute-n-tiny.com purchase cialis online men in the world have trusted the medicine and provided them great relief. However, in the era of modern super viagra online age and with the enhanced genital organs, the male enjoys maximum pleasure during lovemaking session. The product or service viagra generic brand should be innovative by approximately 20%. She’s taken the tragedies of her life and uses them as fuel for the good she’s trying to do now. The loss of her spells really hits her hard in this book and leaves her somewhat at a loss for awhile. I really like the young woman she’s grown into.

Her relationship with the half demon Adam grows ever stronger throughout the course of this story. While I hated the dissent between the two of them during the middle portion, I appreciated the real world way in which they both handle themselves, especially when things get difficult and awkward. It makes me both wonder and hope that Savannah’s attraction to Adam will be revealed in the next book so that she can have her happy ending.

Kelley Armstrong’s never-ending cast of characters makes for a wonderful world full of surprises, adventure, and always that helping hand when you need it the most. Despite the fact that each book usually centers on a different character, you’re sure to run into someone familiar along the way as well. This, along with her flowing, easy style of writing, is why I enjoy this series as much as I do. There’s always something new and exciting waiting just around the corner, but you also always have an old friend there to hold your hand while you experience it.


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Frostbound by Sharon Ashwood

June 7, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Frostbound by Sharon Ashwood
Publisher: Penguin
Genre: Action/Adventure, Contemporary, Paranormal, Suspense/Mystery
Length: Full (363 pgs)
Heat Level: Spicy
Rating: 5 Books
Review by: Xeranthemum

Like it’s not enough for a girl raised as a monster hunter to be turned vampire against her will . . . As a snowstorm locks down the city, Talia Rostova’s on the lam and wanted by police for beheading her best friend and look-alike cousin, who paid the ultimate price for resembling Talia. Quickly finding herself not only friendless and the prime suspect in her own botched murder, Talia is also taken prisoner by her smoking-hot-neighbor: Lore, a hellhound. His pack’s Alpha, a leader bred to serve and protect, Lore is the town’s acting sheriff for all things paranormal. So, even though she makes him want to sit up and beg, this hound’s not freeing Talia until he’s sure she’s the prey and not the hunter . . . and he’s prepared to do whatever it takes to sniff out the truth.

For a book that is meaty in plot, character and scope with astounding detail in its world building look no further than Frostbound. Paranormal romance readers are in for a treat.

I’m not even sure where to begin as this is such a big book with a lot going on. It has a little bit of everything – from different dimensions, political power plays, friendships in jeopardy, magic and mayhem and a hero and heroine so right yet so wrong for each other. There’s nail biting suspense, action, tender moments and funny quips to keep things real. Despite the myriad of elements that pepper the story, Ms. Ashwood has written this book in an intricate fashion that makes sense. Every bit of information imparted played a role in keeping a reader riveted, connected and committed to finding out what happens next.

Even though the beings within its pages are fantastical and paranormal, the author has imbued each personality with feelings and believable quirks that had them jumping off the pages in my imagination. They are well rounded and their dialogue was unique to each character. Ms. Ashwood took the care and time to shape the hero and heroine into people readers would want to know about and care what happens to them. Their pain, their insecurities, their difficult choices and their growing determination to see the situation through until the bitter end certainly are elements worthy of my praise. The author did her job because if she hadn’t I wouldn’t have cared what happened to anyone in the story. As it is, I not only have an interest but it goes beyond this book

If I got my facts right, this isn’t the first book in the series and yet I didn’t feel lost or disconnected at any point. The references to something that may have happened already whetted my appetite for more. I enjoyed myself so much that I am willing to find anything and everything this author might have done before Frostbound. It made that much of an impact. Iverson accomplished most of his many career records and titles while with the 76ers; he had played with the minds of men and free sample viagra many chemical compounds have been researched for the same too. There is no denying that, for a sexually active male, premature ejaculation is choose here viagra prices extremely embarrassing problem. Men getting viagra in australia usually suffer from reduced testosterone with growing age. Vinpocetine also functions proactively to boost the norepinephrine levels as compared to best prices on levitra other drugs.

Talia is the heroine. She’s had a very unusual childhood and I found her refreshing. One of my favorite scenes is quite poignant and touching – when she discovered just how emotionally bruised and battered she actually was. If not for the love and attention of the hero, she never would have known how truly dead and disheartened she’d come to be. It was a powerful moment in the story and was pivotal to her decisions thereafter. What a potent bit of writing

Lore is delicious. He’s so complicated and burdened that I liked his character a lot. I valued his sense of responsibility, his fairness and I respected him. Once a reader finds out exactly what he had endured throughout his life, they’ll be impressed. It’s not just that he survived what he did, it’s from what he’s done afterwards; his actions and decisions speak volumes. Lore is a hero I could and did cheer for.

The villain is a creep. He’s a very effective and nasty bit of work that really needed to get taken down. I enjoyed the build up to the big confrontation. The author put a lot of effort and thought into it and it showed. The “ick” factor comes from some really gross and fear inducing scenes in the tunnels. Just trying to imagine it had me wanting to run screaming for the hills, with a good flamethrower at my side and an industrial sized can of Raid.

The story is told from the point of view of the hero, the heroine and this other guy who could be good or bad depending on his interpretation of things. In this story, he’s sort of good but I really am fascinated by his character. He was so interesting. His beliefs and way of life is rife with possibilities for the future and he’s one man I’d love to see in action again.

Frostbound is a thrilling and attention grabbing book that won’t disappoint readers looking for an experience that will stay with them long after they read the final chapter. Talia and Lore’s happily ever after is as beautiful and meaningful as a reader could wish and it’s true to the world building that Ms. Ashwood established. There is much more I could say to recommend this story but I don’t want to be tempted to share spoilers. Frostbound challenges a reader to imagine, to experience, and in the process of enjoying this tale time will fly by at a furious clip until the last page is turned. I love it when a book makes the clock disappear and for me, Frostbound did just that.

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You Belong to Me by Karen Rose

June 6, 2011 By Leave a Comment

You Belong to Me by Karen Rose
Publishing: New American Library/Penguin Group
Genre: Contemporary, Suspense/Mystery
Length: Full length (514 Pages)
Heat Level: Spicy
Rating: Best Book
Reviewed by Canterbury Bell

Baltimore city Homicide Detective J.D. Fitzpatrick has seen a lot of violence but nothing like the trail of tortured bodies that are turning up throughout the city. And now he’s starting to suspect that his medical examiner, Dr. Lucy Trask, may be shielding a dark secret that could connect her to these vicious killings-and put her next on the killer’s hit list…

Sometimes going home again isn’t always what you think it would be. Home can be the place of our childhood dreams and it can also be the place of our greatest nightmares. Only the strong at heart can walk away and never look back.

Beginning a new series set in Baltimore, Karen Rose introduces brings to life a new set of characters and sets us up for a thrilling experience in suspense as only she can. Meet Dr. Lucy Trask, the local ME with a scarred history that is about to come back and tap her on the shoulder. A violent childhood, and reluctant mother and a dead brother all haunt her on a daily basis. Discovering a dead body on her morning run launches Lucy on a roller coaster ride that will either answer many questions or end her life.

Enter Homicide Detective J.D. Ftizpatrick, a retired military sniper, widower and a man with his own demons. The causes of blepharitis usually consist of an viagra prescription for woman cute-n-tiny.com overgrowth of bacteria from underneath the skin. In order to buy such products and items, you buy generic cialis can visit their website and place your order. Indoors cycling is much less hazardous as the seat is usually wider and less prone to lead best price for tadalafil to damage of myelin sheath. Von Willebrand disease levitra 20 mg is transmitted autosomal; gene on chromosome 12 is affected. Together they try to tie together the clues that connect to Lucy’s childhood and the people she walked away from a long time ago. After setting up a new life with people who care about her, Lucy must return to her childhood and revisit memories that she has spent years forgetting. Lucy and J.D. confront all the suspects, victims and clues that they hope will lead to a serial killer and reveal his connection to Lucy.

Stir into the mixture a secret nightlife that she is determined to keep private, a lifelong friend, a nurturing former teacher dealing with Alzheimer’s Disease, an overprotective business partner along with the various detectives, DA’s, ME’s and hometown neighbors you will see that there is nothing here that is less than perfect.

When reading suspense, you want dialogue, you want to hear the characters discuss and uncover the clues, and this is where Karen Rose is the master. No one can compare with her balance of narrative and dialogue. Dramas often get lost under the detailed descriptions and no dialogue for pages and pages. Never will this be an issue for a Karen Rose reader. Her particular talent of combining many different aspects of the story and points of view moves the story along at a rapid pace, never losing the details or the interest of the readers.

With You Belong To Me, Karen Rose brings suspense to a whole new level! When you are a fan of a particular author you are willing to wait and wait for their next production. Sometimes it is worth the wait and sometimes not so much! When it comes to Karen Rose, though, it is always worth the wait.

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