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Aisling Grey #2
Fire Me Up
Aisling Grey is back-and in more trouble than ever. She thought being a courier would be easy. It's not. She thought being a Guardian would come naturally. It doesn't. She thought she could get out of being a wyvern's mate. She can't. And she never thought she'd be irresistible to men. But she is.
352 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published May 3, 2005
About the author
Katie MacAlister
108 books5,925 followersFor as long as she can remember, Katie MacAlister has loved reading. Growing up in a family where a weekly visit to the library was a given, Katie spent much of her time with her nose buried in a book. Despite her love for novels, she didn't think of writing them until she was contracted to write a non-fiction book about software. Since her editor refused to allow her to include either witty dialogue or love scenes in the software book, Katie swiftly resolved to switch to fiction, where she could indulge in world building, tormenting characters, and falling madly in love with all her heroes.
Two years after she started writing novels, Katie sold her first romance, Noble Intentions. More than thirty books followed during the years after Noble's publication. Her novels have been translated into numerous languages, been recorded as audiobooks, received several awards, and placed on the New York Times, USA Today, and Publishers Weekly bestseller lists. She also writes for the young adult audience as Katie Maxwell, and for the mystery world as Kate Marsh.
Katie lives in the Pacific Northwest with her husband and dogs, and can often be found lurking around online.
Two years after she started writing novels, Katie sold her first romance, Noble Intentions. More than thirty books followed during the years after Noble's publication. Her novels have been translated into numerous languages, been recorded as audiobooks, received several awards, and placed on the New York Times, USA Today, and Publishers Weekly bestseller lists. She also writes for the young adult audience as Katie Maxwell, and for the mystery world as Kate Marsh.
Katie lives in the Pacific Northwest with her husband and dogs, and can often be found lurking around online.
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October 16, 2017
It was going to be 3.5-4 stars but the last 10% was just ridiculous and there are so many plot holes I could drive a tanker through them so it is 2.25 stars. Thanks to my Buddies Book and Baubles peeps for keeping it fun.
Aisling Grey how do I loath thee, let me count the ways.
I hate the way you constantly think you know what you are doing and just make every situation worse.
I abhor that you have oodles of power being a Gaurdian/Demon Lord/Wyvern’s mate and yet you didn’t put an ounce of effort into figuring out what any other those things mean or how to tap in and control any of those things.
I detest the way everything that is happening to you is everyone else fault and you can’t take a smidge of responsibility. MAYBE if you didn’t become a lustful ninny every time Drake is around you, you would have had an actual conversation with him and learned a little more about Dragon Politics and the challenges that he is currently facing. Perhaps you might have talked to him before every action you made hurt his position in the Dragon community and his own Sept.
I am disgusted by the sheer stupidity you seem to show at every crossroads. I had no idea that once you have your brain removed it was still possible to function in society. If the dimwit society had a leader it would be you by the sheer abundance of your dimwittedness. Or is it dimwittery?
I’m annoyed with how flip floppy you are with your emotions. One minute you deny even being Drakes mate and then in the next breath you are having dreams about him and then running to his room to jump his bones and give a binding oath to put the Wellbeing of the Green Dragons above all else. Which leads me to….
I resent that you made an oath you were not capable of keeping. In no regard did you ever put any of the Green Dragons or your mate before yourself. You never asked any pertinent questions like I don’t know just spitballing here. Where is the Keep for the Green Dragons, How long had Drake been the Wyvern and how did he become Wyvern, who in the Green Dragons is on the verge of challenging Drake to become Wyvern. Who are the other Green Dragons and how many are there (we’ve seen exactly 3). Is there a book on Dragon History or Politics so I don’t seem to break every law and social norm since I’ve already made that mistake more than once?
You are a complete anathema to Drake, probably the guardians and maybe even Demon Lords at this point. I’m pretty sure with that last, yet again brilliant statement at the end of the book you’ve pretty much ensured the death of millions. But hey you have your pride so well done.
Look Drake isn’t completely blameless in the saga that is their complete failure of a romance so far but I’m pretty sure that by the sheer ineptitude of the Mate he has waited for, for centuries he has just been driven insane. I mean to find out the woman who is going to be your eternal til death do us part chick only has about ¼ to ½ a brain must be a big blow.
I’m not going to excuse his behavior but I’m so annoyed with Aisling that I’m totally going to take his side in this. He is trying to save millions and prevent a war and she is trying to find a mentor and keep herself on the good side of some magical board. I’m pretty sure one of these things is slightly less important than the other.
Jim is the best thing in the book. I love his sass and snark and he is really the best Demon side kick. I was sad when we went about a third of the book with him just missing. Still he is the shining star for me.
There is so much going on and it seemed like there were 15 different sub plots that were supposed to go together but then didn’t really go together. There are things just thrown in for no real reason other than to make the MC wear an amulet that attracts all mortal men to her. I’m so annoyed that even the amulet didn’t really serve any purpose to the story other than to meet the hermit. The killer’s motivations didn’t make any sense. The ending was rushed and just thrown together haphazardly and I’m a little disappointed that most of the stuff I cared about was just brushed by and not discussed at all or brushed under the rug.
I think there is a lot of lazy writing in this. There are some very cool ideas but it was like she tried to throw every idea she had into one book and it just became a jumbled mess. There are demons, dragons, a supernatural conference, a dragon peace summit, a professional virgin, a snobbish ex-guardian, a mentor search, a magic amulet, a hermit, a taxi driver from Paris in Budapest, a magical council, two nun ghosts, incubi, a demonic gate to Abbaddon, a gaggle of Aisling besotted mortal men, a band of gypsies trying to steal said amulet, a few murders and a close miss, a demon doggie on a diet…etc etc etc. It is amazing to think I’ve forgotten something on that list but I’m sure I have.
It was like there was a hat with a thousand different words in it and 100 were just randomly selected and fit into a book.
I’m of course continuing because at this point it has just become fun to point out all in inconsistencies and I really want to see if Jim our lovable demon dog one day has enough and just eats Aisling.
Aisling Grey how do I loath thee, let me count the ways.
I hate the way you constantly think you know what you are doing and just make every situation worse.
I abhor that you have oodles of power being a Gaurdian/Demon Lord/Wyvern’s mate and yet you didn’t put an ounce of effort into figuring out what any other those things mean or how to tap in and control any of those things.
I detest the way everything that is happening to you is everyone else fault and you can’t take a smidge of responsibility. MAYBE if you didn’t become a lustful ninny every time Drake is around you, you would have had an actual conversation with him and learned a little more about Dragon Politics and the challenges that he is currently facing. Perhaps you might have talked to him before every action you made hurt his position in the Dragon community and his own Sept.
I am disgusted by the sheer stupidity you seem to show at every crossroads. I had no idea that once you have your brain removed it was still possible to function in society. If the dimwit society had a leader it would be you by the sheer abundance of your dimwittedness. Or is it dimwittery?
I’m annoyed with how flip floppy you are with your emotions. One minute you deny even being Drakes mate and then in the next breath you are having dreams about him and then running to his room to jump his bones and give a binding oath to put the Wellbeing of the Green Dragons above all else. Which leads me to….
I resent that you made an oath you were not capable of keeping. In no regard did you ever put any of the Green Dragons or your mate before yourself. You never asked any pertinent questions like I don’t know just spitballing here. Where is the Keep for the Green Dragons, How long had Drake been the Wyvern and how did he become Wyvern, who in the Green Dragons is on the verge of challenging Drake to become Wyvern. Who are the other Green Dragons and how many are there (we’ve seen exactly 3). Is there a book on Dragon History or Politics so I don’t seem to break every law and social norm since I’ve already made that mistake more than once?
You are a complete anathema to Drake, probably the guardians and maybe even Demon Lords at this point. I’m pretty sure with that last, yet again brilliant statement at the end of the book you’ve pretty much ensured the death of millions. But hey you have your pride so well done.
Look Drake isn’t completely blameless in the saga that is their complete failure of a romance so far but I’m pretty sure that by the sheer ineptitude of the Mate he has waited for, for centuries he has just been driven insane. I mean to find out the woman who is going to be your eternal til death do us part chick only has about ¼ to ½ a brain must be a big blow.
I’m not going to excuse his behavior but I’m so annoyed with Aisling that I’m totally going to take his side in this. He is trying to save millions and prevent a war and she is trying to find a mentor and keep herself on the good side of some magical board. I’m pretty sure one of these things is slightly less important than the other.
Jim is the best thing in the book. I love his sass and snark and he is really the best Demon side kick. I was sad when we went about a third of the book with him just missing. Still he is the shining star for me.
There is so much going on and it seemed like there were 15 different sub plots that were supposed to go together but then didn’t really go together. There are things just thrown in for no real reason other than to make the MC wear an amulet that attracts all mortal men to her. I’m so annoyed that even the amulet didn’t really serve any purpose to the story other than to meet the hermit. The killer’s motivations didn’t make any sense. The ending was rushed and just thrown together haphazardly and I’m a little disappointed that most of the stuff I cared about was just brushed by and not discussed at all or brushed under the rug.
I think there is a lot of lazy writing in this. There are some very cool ideas but it was like she tried to throw every idea she had into one book and it just became a jumbled mess. There are demons, dragons, a supernatural conference, a dragon peace summit, a professional virgin, a snobbish ex-guardian, a mentor search, a magic amulet, a hermit, a taxi driver from Paris in Budapest, a magical council, two nun ghosts, incubi, a demonic gate to Abbaddon, a gaggle of Aisling besotted mortal men, a band of gypsies trying to steal said amulet, a few murders and a close miss, a demon doggie on a diet…etc etc etc. It is amazing to think I’ve forgotten something on that list but I’m sure I have.
It was like there was a hat with a thousand different words in it and 100 were just randomly selected and fit into a book.
I’m of course continuing because at this point it has just become fun to point out all in inconsistencies and I really want to see if Jim our lovable demon dog one day has enough and just eats Aisling.
October 12, 2017
Continuing our weekly Wednesday UF Buddy read over at BB&B.
Well I was hoping I would enjoy this one more than the first one but sadly it was even worse.
Aisling is definitely not my kind of heroine. I really want to like her because she can be really funny at times, she seems to have a backbone, but sadly when she’s around Drake, her love interest, all that turns to dust and she turns into a doormat that succumbs to his whims as soon as she just looks at him, or he kisses her. Have some pride, woman! Then there’s the fact that she doesn’t seem to be the brightest bulb and what is supposed to be funny and light just becomes ridiculous.
"I should not have to compliment you. You are my mate. You will always look the part."
Yeah, Drake is one of the worst heroes EVER. I have no problem with arrogant and domineering heroes as long as the heroine doesn’t let him get away with it and he at least changes toward the heroine as the story progresses. But Drake is still two books later a selfish, unromantic asshole who has absolutely no interest in Aisling as a person, her likes, wants and dreams. All he cares about is himself and his clan. But apparently because he’s a dragon, she’s his mate and he wants her, I’m supposed to be okay about his actions? Yeah, I’m definitely not as stupid as Aisling and I would have kicked him to the curb long ago.
Jim gave me a long, appraising look. "You're not going to go all Buffy/Angel on me, are you? Mooning around bemoaning the forbidden love that cannot be? Because if you are, I'm finding myself a new demon lord. Love I can take, but mooning is not in my contract."
The only light in the very dark tunnel is Jim, her demon/dog sidekick! I love this hilarious and sarcastic demon and I want one of my own.
October 12, 2017
*** 4 ***
Continuing our weekly Wednesday UF Buddy read over at BB&B.:)
"...“I have much power. In the days to come I will grow stronger, and I would hate for you to find yourself on the wrong side of that which cannot be avoided.” “Hyperbole and mystic aggrandizement, you mean?”..."
I really get a kick out of this series! But let me be clear - this is a Chick-Lit-Paranormal-Fantasy type of book, in which the heroin is silly, clumsy, klutzy, clueless and all together, not the sharpest tool in the shed... Actually, she has no imaginative thinking, has a hard time making logical conclusions and the one thing she has going for her is her earnest desire to be good and decent, mostly upbeat human being. Since I know and love many people who fit this description and I know how dull and empty life would be without them, I tend to enjoy books written about them, in which "them" I include Aisling Gray, Charley Davidson and Stephanie Plumb, to name a few... I really like all of those ladies and enjoy the books which feature their calamitous stories. If you find this type of book to be lacking, I would not recommend it for you. For those of us who need this silliness in our lives from time to time, you should definitely check this author out:)
"..."I'm busy here, Aisling!" Jim's voice drifted down the lawn as I struggled with my assailant. The man grunted when I stomped his foot, retaliating by slamming his elbow into my jaw so that I reeled backwards.
"Effrijim, I command thee to stop thy pooping and help thy master right this frigging second!" I yelled, my fingers clawing the man's hands as he fought to release my belt.
"Fires of Abaddon, Aisling, don't ever do that to me again. It's bad for my prostate or something—hey, who's that?"
"Get him," I snarled”..."
Yep, as in the previous book, Jim is the best character in the series!!! I love that Demon in dog form, who is a failure as a Demon, because he has a "good heart", despite Demons not having hearts... He is loyal and funny, and sucks at his job as a sidekick, but he is so spectacularly bad at all of his endeavors, that he steals the spotlight from under everyone else. Drake, the Dragon mate of Aisling, attempts to be all alpha and bossy, but Aisling succeeds in always making things very difficult for him. A good opportunity for her to really mess with his life arises during a Dragons Summit, which is being held at the same time and place as the Esoteric Conference at which Aisling is determined to find herself a Guardian Guide, or teacher, as it might be imperative for her fulfilling her destiny as a Guardian herself. Her job as the Mate to the Green Dragons Sect Leader is to sit, be pretty and agree with whatever Drake's position is. Obviously, this is beyond her abilities, so things get messy and it is very possible she could start a war between the Dragon Sects... Not on purpose, of course.
"...“As I approached the elevators, a familiar man passed me, pausing to say, "You will—"
"Stop it right there!" I yelled, interrupting Paolo the Diviner before he could cause any more trouble for me. People in the area turned to look at us. I lowered the volume of my voice, but kept my tone as mean as I could. "I have no idea why you've decided to become my personal voice of doom, but I would appreciate it if you would stop telling me that I'm going to trip, or spill stuff on myself, or be arrested, or any of the thousand other disasters I'm sure you behold in my future, because frankly, I don't want to know. OK?"
Paolo looked offended. His nostrils flared. He backed up a step, looking down his long nose at me, his lips pressed together tightly.
"I'm sorry to be so brusque," I said, realizing I had insulted him. "And I want you to know that I appreciate your concern for my well-being"—a little white lie never hurt anyone—"but I will take my chances with life on my own."..."
This was fun, since we got to meet couple of characters with different powers, like the Paolo, who is an Oracle and the pain of Aisling's existence while in Budapest, several other Guardians, whom she tried to convince to become her mentors, and the most interesting professional of them all - the Professional Virgin!!! Now there is a profession I could have not qualified for and would have never wanted, so more power to her, I say!!! I just wish she was not such an annoying, self-absorbed bitch:):):) Also, we met our first female Dragon, and she made an impression, I can say that much:)
So, If you think this sounds like something you might enjoy, I wholeheartedly recommend it! It is a wonderful way to spend an afternoon laughing:)
"...“A knife!" I yelled, still brandishing my pillow. "Jim, I command you to get me a gelding knife. If this guy
wants to be a stallion—"
He dissolved in a flurry of white smoke even before I could finish the sentence.
Ha! Victorious again!"
Yeah," Jim drawled while I remade the bed and fluffed up my pillows. "Aisling, two; sexy, naked men
who just want to give her the pleasure of a lifetime with no commitment, zero.” ..."
Now I wish you all Happy Reading and many wonderful books to come!!!
Continuing our weekly Wednesday UF Buddy read over at BB&B.:)
"...“I have much power. In the days to come I will grow stronger, and I would hate for you to find yourself on the wrong side of that which cannot be avoided.” “Hyperbole and mystic aggrandizement, you mean?”..."
I really get a kick out of this series! But let me be clear - this is a Chick-Lit-Paranormal-Fantasy type of book, in which the heroin is silly, clumsy, klutzy, clueless and all together, not the sharpest tool in the shed... Actually, she has no imaginative thinking, has a hard time making logical conclusions and the one thing she has going for her is her earnest desire to be good and decent, mostly upbeat human being. Since I know and love many people who fit this description and I know how dull and empty life would be without them, I tend to enjoy books written about them, in which "them" I include Aisling Gray, Charley Davidson and Stephanie Plumb, to name a few... I really like all of those ladies and enjoy the books which feature their calamitous stories. If you find this type of book to be lacking, I would not recommend it for you. For those of us who need this silliness in our lives from time to time, you should definitely check this author out:)
"..."I'm busy here, Aisling!" Jim's voice drifted down the lawn as I struggled with my assailant. The man grunted when I stomped his foot, retaliating by slamming his elbow into my jaw so that I reeled backwards.
"Effrijim, I command thee to stop thy pooping and help thy master right this frigging second!" I yelled, my fingers clawing the man's hands as he fought to release my belt.
"Fires of Abaddon, Aisling, don't ever do that to me again. It's bad for my prostate or something—hey, who's that?"
"Get him," I snarled”..."
Yep, as in the previous book, Jim is the best character in the series!!! I love that Demon in dog form, who is a failure as a Demon, because he has a "good heart", despite Demons not having hearts... He is loyal and funny, and sucks at his job as a sidekick, but he is so spectacularly bad at all of his endeavors, that he steals the spotlight from under everyone else. Drake, the Dragon mate of Aisling, attempts to be all alpha and bossy, but Aisling succeeds in always making things very difficult for him. A good opportunity for her to really mess with his life arises during a Dragons Summit, which is being held at the same time and place as the Esoteric Conference at which Aisling is determined to find herself a Guardian Guide, or teacher, as it might be imperative for her fulfilling her destiny as a Guardian herself. Her job as the Mate to the Green Dragons Sect Leader is to sit, be pretty and agree with whatever Drake's position is. Obviously, this is beyond her abilities, so things get messy and it is very possible she could start a war between the Dragon Sects... Not on purpose, of course.
"...“As I approached the elevators, a familiar man passed me, pausing to say, "You will—"
"Stop it right there!" I yelled, interrupting Paolo the Diviner before he could cause any more trouble for me. People in the area turned to look at us. I lowered the volume of my voice, but kept my tone as mean as I could. "I have no idea why you've decided to become my personal voice of doom, but I would appreciate it if you would stop telling me that I'm going to trip, or spill stuff on myself, or be arrested, or any of the thousand other disasters I'm sure you behold in my future, because frankly, I don't want to know. OK?"
Paolo looked offended. His nostrils flared. He backed up a step, looking down his long nose at me, his lips pressed together tightly.
"I'm sorry to be so brusque," I said, realizing I had insulted him. "And I want you to know that I appreciate your concern for my well-being"—a little white lie never hurt anyone—"but I will take my chances with life on my own."..."
This was fun, since we got to meet couple of characters with different powers, like the Paolo, who is an Oracle and the pain of Aisling's existence while in Budapest, several other Guardians, whom she tried to convince to become her mentors, and the most interesting professional of them all - the Professional Virgin!!! Now there is a profession I could have not qualified for and would have never wanted, so more power to her, I say!!! I just wish she was not such an annoying, self-absorbed bitch:):):) Also, we met our first female Dragon, and she made an impression, I can say that much:)
So, If you think this sounds like something you might enjoy, I wholeheartedly recommend it! It is a wonderful way to spend an afternoon laughing:)
"...“A knife!" I yelled, still brandishing my pillow. "Jim, I command you to get me a gelding knife. If this guy
wants to be a stallion—"
He dissolved in a flurry of white smoke even before I could finish the sentence.
Ha! Victorious again!"
Yeah," Jim drawled while I remade the bed and fluffed up my pillows. "Aisling, two; sexy, naked men
who just want to give her the pleasure of a lifetime with no commitment, zero.” ..."
Now I wish you all Happy Reading and many wonderful books to come!!!
October 13, 2017
Buddy read with the Awesomest Wednesday UF Group who saved my sanity while reading this!
Actual rating: 1.5 stars. The half star is because of Jim. Who wasn't around enough to raise the rating more.
Where do I start with the complaining? Let's start with the MCs, shall we?
Aisling Grey has the brain capacity of a jellyfish. With the occasional brilliant leaps of intuition. And by brilliant I mean it took her ages to arrive at the answer that was obvious for at least a quarter of the book. Everyone she interacts with should contact their lawyers so they can sue her for the incurred brain damage. I spent most of the book wondering how she made it to her 30es because she lacks any sense of self-preservation. She's a walking, talking natural disaster. And while it was funny for a while it got tedious after a couple of chapters. She's also inconsistent as hell! The previous book she was all like "I don't know what a Guardian is and I don't care. [...] Drake's just a fling, I'm not his mate, he just get's me horny." And now she's traveling halfway across the Earth so she can find a guardian-mentor and Drake is the love of her life??? WTF? Poor Jim, I don't know how he stands her. Don't get me wrong a little silliness is okay but she has no other mode. My head hurts from all the times I banged it on my desk reading this! And you know what she wasn't the most annoying character! I can't even believe it's possible!
The award for most annoying character of the book is shared by Marvabell and Tiffany. One is an obnoxious half-trained guardian who married an oracle and now thinks she's the high queen of the Otherworld because of it! Quite honestly I wanted her to end up dead from the moment she showed on page. The other is a professional virgin (yes you read that correctly! Because it's so difficult to refrain from sex!) and is just plain annoying with her "Smile! It shares the happiness" and "Look I'm so pretty and a virgin so my blood is the best and I provide such a big service to all by not having sex" (actually she does because if she remains a virgin she'll never reproduce which is a service to society!) attitude that I wanted to slap her until her eyeballs fall out!
You see this book was supposed to be light and fluffy read and I guess it is. For everyone else. For me, well it drives me to violence. Back to ranting.
To make things worse Drake, the Green Wyvern, makes an appearance and quickly proves to be a creepy stalker with no regard for anyone else. There's domeneering and then there's an asshole. Guess which one is Drake? Yep, asshole! And while I was willing to turn a blind eye to some of his transgression three made me see red. 1) The whole punishment thing for the challenge from the previous book. If I was Aisling I would have jumped of that bridge while he was still there so he would have to save me or risk dying as a result of his mate's death. Worst case scenario - HE DIES! That's good enough reason to sacrifice my own life. At the very least Aisling should have slept with that incubus she tricked into saving her. Because after that treatment I would consider things over with the SOB who LEFT ME STRANDED ON TOP OF A BRIDGE! I would have not gone back to him so he can screw my brains out. Than again Aisling has no brains to lose so maybe that's the problem. 2) Apparently Aisling (and any other woman) is only to be respected if she is Drake's mate. No respect for any woman if she's not his personal property. So once Aisling agreed that her vagina belongs to him and him alone she is suddenly RESPECTED by Mr. Chauvinist himself! Gee, why would I be mad? And 3) which is a result from the previous one is that apparently Mr. Chauvinist only cares that he gets the vagina. The woman attached is a pesky annoying thing that dares, DARES to have aspirations other than being a broodmare and the perfect host for dragon social function. So manipulating said woman into providing said vagina with false and misleading promises is totally okay. Because once she swear an oath it doesn't matter that she was lied to. Because Drake knew very well what Aisling really wanted from him. I hate him. I want him to die but before that i want him humiliated and to see Aisling happy and successful (yeah I know it's wishful thinking) WITHOUT HIM!
Talking about chauvinism I must mention the creepy episode with the hermit. Said hermit met the Professional Virgin and immediately fell in lust with her. I swear I threw up a little in my mouth while he was talking about how he is the only one who will stroke her petals *gag* So apparently being a virgin is the most important thing in the world. Having personality is optional. Why did I not DNF this?
Oh yes, because of Jim! He is amazing and saves the series with his mere presence. Unfortunately he was missing for part of the book and it was the part that annoyed me most. He usually says the things I want to say so naturally he holds a special place in my heart. In fact Jim's presence is one of the two reasons why I will continue this series. Actually three reasons. The second is learning what and who the hell is Rene and what is his real role in all of this. And the last reason for me not abandoning Aisling to suffer her own stupidity away from me are my fellow buddy readers who can make even the most insufferable book readable. We have suffered through worse *coughs* Marion *coughs* together. So I will not abandon them.
Actual rating: 1.5 stars. The half star is because of Jim. Who wasn't around enough to raise the rating more.
Where do I start with the complaining? Let's start with the MCs, shall we?
Aisling Grey has the brain capacity of a jellyfish. With the occasional brilliant leaps of intuition. And by brilliant I mean it took her ages to arrive at the answer that was obvious for at least a quarter of the book. Everyone she interacts with should contact their lawyers so they can sue her for the incurred brain damage. I spent most of the book wondering how she made it to her 30es because she lacks any sense of self-preservation. She's a walking, talking natural disaster. And while it was funny for a while it got tedious after a couple of chapters. She's also inconsistent as hell! The previous book she was all like "I don't know what a Guardian is and I don't care. [...] Drake's just a fling, I'm not his mate, he just get's me horny." And now she's traveling halfway across the Earth so she can find a guardian-mentor and Drake is the love of her life??? WTF? Poor Jim, I don't know how he stands her. Don't get me wrong a little silliness is okay but she has no other mode. My head hurts from all the times I banged it on my desk reading this! And you know what she wasn't the most annoying character! I can't even believe it's possible!
The award for most annoying character of the book is shared by Marvabell and Tiffany. One is an obnoxious half-trained guardian who married an oracle and now thinks she's the high queen of the Otherworld because of it! Quite honestly I wanted her to end up dead from the moment she showed on page. The other is a professional virgin (yes you read that correctly! Because it's so difficult to refrain from sex!) and is just plain annoying with her "Smile! It shares the happiness" and "Look I'm so pretty and a virgin so my blood is the best and I provide such a big service to all by not having sex" (actually she does because if she remains a virgin she'll never reproduce which is a service to society!) attitude that I wanted to slap her until her eyeballs fall out!
You see this book was supposed to be light and fluffy read and I guess it is. For everyone else. For me, well it drives me to violence. Back to ranting.
To make things worse Drake, the Green Wyvern, makes an appearance and quickly proves to be a creepy stalker with no regard for anyone else. There's domeneering and then there's an asshole. Guess which one is Drake? Yep, asshole! And while I was willing to turn a blind eye to some of his transgression three made me see red. 1) The whole punishment thing for the challenge from the previous book. If I was Aisling I would have jumped of that bridge while he was still there so he would have to save me or risk dying as a result of his mate's death. Worst case scenario - HE DIES! That's good enough reason to sacrifice my own life. At the very least Aisling should have slept with that incubus she tricked into saving her. Because after that treatment I would consider things over with the SOB who LEFT ME STRANDED ON TOP OF A BRIDGE! I would have not gone back to him so he can screw my brains out. Than again Aisling has no brains to lose so maybe that's the problem. 2) Apparently Aisling (and any other woman) is only to be respected if she is Drake's mate. No respect for any woman if she's not his personal property. So once Aisling agreed that her vagina belongs to him and him alone she is suddenly RESPECTED by Mr. Chauvinist himself! Gee, why would I be mad? And 3) which is a result from the previous one is that apparently Mr. Chauvinist only cares that he gets the vagina. The woman attached is a pesky annoying thing that dares, DARES to have aspirations other than being a broodmare and the perfect host for dragon social function. So manipulating said woman into providing said vagina with false and misleading promises is totally okay. Because once she swear an oath it doesn't matter that she was lied to. Because Drake knew very well what Aisling really wanted from him. I hate him. I want him to die but before that i want him humiliated and to see Aisling happy and successful (yeah I know it's wishful thinking) WITHOUT HIM!
Talking about chauvinism I must mention the creepy episode with the hermit. Said hermit met the Professional Virgin and immediately fell in lust with her. I swear I threw up a little in my mouth while he was talking about how he is the only one who will stroke her petals *gag* So apparently being a virgin is the most important thing in the world. Having personality is optional. Why did I not DNF this?
Oh yes, because of Jim! He is amazing and saves the series with his mere presence. Unfortunately he was missing for part of the book and it was the part that annoyed me most. He usually says the things I want to say so naturally he holds a special place in my heart. In fact Jim's presence is one of the two reasons why I will continue this series. Actually three reasons. The second is learning what and who the hell is Rene and what is his real role in all of this. And the last reason for me not abandoning Aisling to suffer her own stupidity away from me are my fellow buddy readers who can make even the most insufferable book readable. We have suffered through worse *coughs* Marion *coughs* together. So I will not abandon them.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 13, 2017
Buddy read with the Awesomest Wednesday UF Group who saved my sanity while reading this!
Actual rating: 1.5 stars. The half star is because of Jim. Who wasn't around enough to raise the rating more.
Where do I start with the complaining? Let's start with the MCs, shall we?
Aisling Grey has the brain capacity of a jellyfish. With the occasional brilliant leaps of intuition. And by brilliant I mean it took her ages to arrive at the answer that was obvious for at least a quarter of the book. Everyone she interacts with should contact their lawyers so they can sue her for the incurred brain damage. I spent most of the book wondering how she made it to her 30es because she lacks any sense of self-preservation. She's a walking, talking natural disaster. And while it was funny for a while it got tedious after a couple of chapters. She's also inconsistent as hell! The previous book she was all like "I don't know what a Guardian is and I don't care. [...] Drake's just a fling, I'm not his mate, he just get's me horny." And now she's traveling halfway across the Earth so she can find a guardian-mentor and Drake is the love of her life??? WTF? Poor Jim, I don't know how he stands her. Don't get me wrong a little silliness is okay but she has no other mode. My head hurts from all the times I banged it on my desk reading this! And you know what she wasn't the most annoying character! I can't even believe it's possible!
The award for most annoying character of the book is shared by Marvabell and Tiffany. One is an obnoxious half-trained guardian who married an oracle and now thinks she's the high queen of the Otherworld because of it! Quite honestly I wanted her to end up dead from the moment she showed on page. The other is a professional virgin (yes you read that correctly! Because it's so difficult to refrain from sex!) and is just plain annoying with her "Smile! It shares the happiness" and "Look I'm so pretty and a virgin so my blood is the best and I provide such a big service to all by not having sex" (actually she does because if she remains a virgin she'll never reproduce which is a service to society!) attitude that I wanted to slap her until her eyeballs fall out!
You see this book was supposed to be light and fluffy read and I guess it is. For everyone else. For me, well it drives me to violence. Back to ranting.
To make things worse Drake, the Green Wyvern, makes an appearance and quickly proves to be a creepy stalker with no regard for anyone else. There's domeneering and then there's an asshole. Guess which one is Drake? Yep, asshole! And while I was willing to turn a blind eye to some of his transgression three made me see red. 1) The whole punishment thing for the challenge from the previous book. If I was Aisling I would have jumped of that bridge while he was still there so he would have to save me or risk dying as a result of his mate's death. Worst case scenario - HE DIES! That's good enough reason to sacrifice my own life. At the very least Aisling should have slept with that incubus she tricked into saving her. Because after that treatment I would consider things over with the SOB who LEFT ME STRANDED ON TOP OF A BRIDGE! I would have not gone back to him so he can screw my brains out. Than again Aisling has no brains to lose so maybe that's the problem. 2) Apparently Aisling (and any other woman) is only to be respected if she is Drake's mate. No respect for any woman if she's not his personal property. So once Aisling agreed that her vagina belongs to him and him alone she is suddenly RESPECTED by Mr. Chauvinist himself! Gee, why would I be mad? And 3) which is a result from the previous one is that apparently Mr. Chauvinist only cares that he gets the vagina. The woman attached is a pesky annoying thing that dares, DARES to have aspirations other than being a broodmare and the perfect host for dragon social function. So manipulating said woman into providing said vagina with false and misleading promises is totally okay. Because once she swear an oath it doesn't matter that she was lied to. Because Drake knew very well what Aisling really wanted from him. I hate him. I want him to die but before that i want him humiliated and to see Aisling happy and successful (yeah I know it's wishful thinking) WITHOUT HIM!
Talking about chauvinism I must mention the creepy episode with the hermit. Said hermit met the Professional Virgin and immediately fell in lust with her. I swear I threw up a little in my mouth while he was talking about how he is the only one who will stroke her petals *gag* So apparently being a virgin is the most important thing in the world. Having personality is optional. Why did I not DNF this?
Oh yes, because of Jim! He is amazing and saves the series with his mere presence. Unfortunately he was missing for part of the book and it was the part that annoyed me most. He usually says the things I want to say so naturally he holds a special place in my heart. In fact Jim's presence is one of the two reasons why I will continue this series. Actually three reasons. The second is learning what and who the hell is Rene and what is his real role in all of this. And the last reason for me not abandoning Aisling to suffer her own stupidity away from me are my fellow buddy readers who can make even the most insufferable book readable. We have suffered through worse *coughs* Marion *coughs* together. So I will not abandon them.
Actual rating: 1.5 stars. The half star is because of Jim. Who wasn't around enough to raise the rating more.
Where do I start with the complaining? Let's start with the MCs, shall we?
Aisling Grey has the brain capacity of a jellyfish. With the occasional brilliant leaps of intuition. And by brilliant I mean it took her ages to arrive at the answer that was obvious for at least a quarter of the book. Everyone she interacts with should contact their lawyers so they can sue her for the incurred brain damage. I spent most of the book wondering how she made it to her 30es because she lacks any sense of self-preservation. She's a walking, talking natural disaster. And while it was funny for a while it got tedious after a couple of chapters. She's also inconsistent as hell! The previous book she was all like "I don't know what a Guardian is and I don't care. [...] Drake's just a fling, I'm not his mate, he just get's me horny." And now she's traveling halfway across the Earth so she can find a guardian-mentor and Drake is the love of her life??? WTF? Poor Jim, I don't know how he stands her. Don't get me wrong a little silliness is okay but she has no other mode. My head hurts from all the times I banged it on my desk reading this! And you know what she wasn't the most annoying character! I can't even believe it's possible!
The award for most annoying character of the book is shared by Marvabell and Tiffany. One is an obnoxious half-trained guardian who married an oracle and now thinks she's the high queen of the Otherworld because of it! Quite honestly I wanted her to end up dead from the moment she showed on page. The other is a professional virgin (yes you read that correctly! Because it's so difficult to refrain from sex!) and is just plain annoying with her "Smile! It shares the happiness" and "Look I'm so pretty and a virgin so my blood is the best and I provide such a big service to all by not having sex" (actually she does because if she remains a virgin she'll never reproduce which is a service to society!) attitude that I wanted to slap her until her eyeballs fall out!
You see this book was supposed to be light and fluffy read and I guess it is. For everyone else. For me, well it drives me to violence. Back to ranting.
To make things worse Drake, the Green Wyvern, makes an appearance and quickly proves to be a creepy stalker with no regard for anyone else. There's domeneering and then there's an asshole. Guess which one is Drake? Yep, asshole! And while I was willing to turn a blind eye to some of his transgression three made me see red. 1) The whole punishment thing for the challenge from the previous book. If I was Aisling I would have jumped of that bridge while he was still there so he would have to save me or risk dying as a result of his mate's death. Worst case scenario - HE DIES! That's good enough reason to sacrifice my own life. At the very least Aisling should have slept with that incubus she tricked into saving her. Because after that treatment I would consider things over with the SOB who LEFT ME STRANDED ON TOP OF A BRIDGE! I would have not gone back to him so he can screw my brains out. Than again Aisling has no brains to lose so maybe that's the problem. 2) Apparently Aisling (and any other woman) is only to be respected if she is Drake's mate. No respect for any woman if she's not his personal property. So once Aisling agreed that her vagina belongs to him and him alone she is suddenly RESPECTED by Mr. Chauvinist himself! Gee, why would I be mad? And 3) which is a result from the previous one is that apparently Mr. Chauvinist only cares that he gets the vagina. The woman attached is a pesky annoying thing that dares, DARES to have aspirations other than being a broodmare and the perfect host for dragon social function. So manipulating said woman into providing said vagina with false and misleading promises is totally okay. Because once she swear an oath it doesn't matter that she was lied to. Because Drake knew very well what Aisling really wanted from him. I hate him. I want him to die but before that i want him humiliated and to see Aisling happy and successful (yeah I know it's wishful thinking) WITHOUT HIM!
Talking about chauvinism I must mention the creepy episode with the hermit. Said hermit met the Professional Virgin and immediately fell in lust with her. I swear I threw up a little in my mouth while he was talking about how he is the only one who will stroke her petals *gag* So apparently being a virgin is the most important thing in the world. Having personality is optional. Why did I not DNF this?
Oh yes, because of Jim! He is amazing and saves the series with his mere presence. Unfortunately he was missing for part of the book and it was the part that annoyed me most. He usually says the things I want to say so naturally he holds a special place in my heart. In fact Jim's presence is one of the two reasons why I will continue this series. Actually three reasons. The second is learning what and who the hell is Rene and what is his real role in all of this. And the last reason for me not abandoning Aisling to suffer her own stupidity away from me are my fellow buddy readers who can make even the most insufferable book readable. We have suffered through worse *coughs* Marion *coughs* together. So I will not abandon them.
February 24, 2011
After finishing the first in Katie MacAlister's Aisling Grey, Guardian series, You Slay Me, my biggest complaint was the heroine/bumbling nitwit Aisling herself. I thought You Slay Me was technically sound, with a fast-paced...though chaotic at times...plot that delved into a world that had some really nice glimmers of originality and a whole heck of a lot of laughs. I was counting on those aspects to pull me through my lip-curling distaste of Aisling during the second installment of the series in the hopes that I could stick it out until Aisling started to grow up and wake up a bit.
Right up until the last chapter or two of Fire Me Up, book two in the series, I was intensely satisfied that they did just that. I was truly enjoying it, and was quite happy bopping along with Aisling and the lovable Jim, the mysterious Rene, the sizzling Drake, and a few other new and not-so-new faces. I thought the plot was a bit less frazzled than in the first book and the laughs were still there. Sure, I wasn't thrilled with Aisling, she was still way too immature, unrealistic, naive, and frustrating, but she was far more palatable a character than she was in the first book, and actually had shown some growth and brief flashes of maturity.
Then...much like Aisling's life every time you turn around...it sorta went to Abaddon in a hand cart. I'm not going to explain exactly what she did or said that turned me off so much, but I will say this - I sincerely hope the character learns the difference between being betrayed by someone and allowing a lack of clarification to be misleading. And if, by some miracle, she does grasp that concept, perhaps she could also learn just how contemptible it is to be such a bloody hypocrite and turn around and betray her own very clearly sworn oath moments later.
I'm sorry - I know there are people who absolutely love Aisling and think she's fantastic. And maybe I'll be one of them eventually. I'm not now. I think she's an utterly self-absorbed and whiny child whose behavior - when viewed against the backdrop of Drake's careful political maneuverings to keep his entire species from war - seems pitifully shallow and grotesque in its gauche lack of maturity. I have absolutely no clue what Drake sees in her, actually, and that's seriously damaging any of the romance aspects of the plot. In fact - I'm not seeing any romance. I'm seeing some hot scenes with two characters that connect on an elemental level...not an emotional one. Drake's not without his own flaws, either. He's stubbornly reticent on the subject of his feelings for...well...everything. Including his mate. That makes him seem unsympathetic, inflexible, and domineering. Not really seeing a love match there. And if I didn't dislike Aisling so much right now, that might bother me a lot more than it does. I can only hope she grows up and becomes worthy of her dragon mate, because honestly, if I were a dragon, I'd have eaten her by now.
~*~*~*~
Reviewed for One Good Book Deserves Another.
Right up until the last chapter or two of Fire Me Up, book two in the series, I was intensely satisfied that they did just that. I was truly enjoying it, and was quite happy bopping along with Aisling and the lovable Jim, the mysterious Rene, the sizzling Drake, and a few other new and not-so-new faces. I thought the plot was a bit less frazzled than in the first book and the laughs were still there. Sure, I wasn't thrilled with Aisling, she was still way too immature, unrealistic, naive, and frustrating, but she was far more palatable a character than she was in the first book, and actually had shown some growth and brief flashes of maturity.
Then...much like Aisling's life every time you turn around...it sorta went to Abaddon in a hand cart. I'm not going to explain exactly what she did or said that turned me off so much, but I will say this - I sincerely hope the character learns the difference between being betrayed by someone and allowing a lack of clarification to be misleading. And if, by some miracle, she does grasp that concept, perhaps she could also learn just how contemptible it is to be such a bloody hypocrite and turn around and betray her own very clearly sworn oath moments later.
I'm sorry - I know there are people who absolutely love Aisling and think she's fantastic. And maybe I'll be one of them eventually. I'm not now. I think she's an utterly self-absorbed and whiny child whose behavior - when viewed against the backdrop of Drake's careful political maneuverings to keep his entire species from war - seems pitifully shallow and grotesque in its gauche lack of maturity. I have absolutely no clue what Drake sees in her, actually, and that's seriously damaging any of the romance aspects of the plot. In fact - I'm not seeing any romance. I'm seeing some hot scenes with two characters that connect on an elemental level...not an emotional one. Drake's not without his own flaws, either. He's stubbornly reticent on the subject of his feelings for...well...everything. Including his mate. That makes him seem unsympathetic, inflexible, and domineering. Not really seeing a love match there. And if I didn't dislike Aisling so much right now, that might bother me a lot more than it does. I can only hope she grows up and becomes worthy of her dragon mate, because honestly, if I were a dragon, I'd have eaten her by now.
~*~*~*~
Reviewed for One Good Book Deserves Another.
May 5, 2017
4.5 stars
Fire Me Up was infinitely more funny than You Slay Me. Don't get me wrong, YSM had some pretty hilarious happenings, but there was so much entertaining dialogue in FMU that it takes the cake. (So far.)
And I love the way that the characters were built up even more in this book.
Ash is becoming more observant to things around her, although some things still escape her until the very end, but I suppose that's to be expected since she isn't the reader and doesn't have every detail together to make observations. Jim is just as hilarious as ever. Rene's reason for being in Hungary is a little sketchy, but I love him, so I'm going to overlook it. Then there's Drake. I'm glad that he was more fleshed out in this book. Since he's in it so much more than the last one, we get to see different sides of him, giving us a better picture of his overall character. And then, of course, I love Pal and Istvan, heheh.
Then we have new characters! At this point, I'm not overly fond of Gabriel. Since he has his own series and this one is about Ash & Drake, he obviously doesn't succeed in whatever challenge he may or may not issue to claim Ash. But still. I'm not super happy with the idea that he's thinking about it in the first place! I do like Nora, though, the Guardian who eventually takes Ash on as her apprentice. Hopefully we'll get to see some of that.
I loved this book and can't wait to read the next one. The end!
Fire Me Up was infinitely more funny than You Slay Me. Don't get me wrong, YSM had some pretty hilarious happenings, but there was so much entertaining dialogue in FMU that it takes the cake. (So far.)
And I love the way that the characters were built up even more in this book.
Ash is becoming more observant to things around her, although some things still escape her until the very end, but I suppose that's to be expected since she isn't the reader and doesn't have every detail together to make observations. Jim is just as hilarious as ever. Rene's reason for being in Hungary is a little sketchy, but I love him, so I'm going to overlook it. Then there's Drake. I'm glad that he was more fleshed out in this book. Since he's in it so much more than the last one, we get to see different sides of him, giving us a better picture of his overall character. And then, of course, I love Pal and Istvan, heheh.
Then we have new characters! At this point, I'm not overly fond of Gabriel. Since he has his own series and this one is about Ash & Drake, he obviously doesn't succeed in whatever challenge he may or may not issue to claim Ash. But still. I'm not super happy with the idea that he's thinking about it in the first place! I do like Nora, though, the Guardian who eventually takes Ash on as her apprentice. Hopefully we'll get to see some of that.
I loved this book and can't wait to read the next one. The end!
October 14, 2017
This would get 2* if not for the fact that the Light& Fluffy Wednesday Buddies, Books and Baubles buddy read made this infinitely more fun. Thanks gals & guys :)
So we‘re to book two with the subtle title „Fire me up“.
Aisling arrives in Budapest for a magical conference (GOTDAM) to look for a Guardian mentor because that‘s what she wants to be now. Of course, her demon Jim, the Newfoundland, is with her and it takes about a chapter to find out that Drake Vireo is also in the city - and even the same hotel where her conference takes place.
Some eye-rolling and flying-panties-in-Drake‘s face later, Rene (aka Jean Reno) the Parisian taxi-driver from the first book shows up to make the cast complete. We get a few new characters like Tiffany the professional virgin who easily trumps Aisling in silly-factor. „I was born to be a virgin.“ But at least - unlike Aisling with Drake - she remains steadfast in her refusal to be devirginized.
The setup for the plot takes about half a book and includes a sudden turn-around in how Aisling feels about Drake and of course more steamy sex scenes (or maybe not so steamy but fire-breathy). Warning about the sex-scenes: they may not work for you. I kind of skipped over them because Drake was stalkery and creepy for the most part of this book, and when he wasn‘t it wasn‘t for long.
Besides her search for a Guardian mentor, this time she has to deliver a magical amulet to a hermit who isn‘t to be found. Instead she‘s beset by men and demons (incubi) alike who suddenly find her irresistable (except Jean Reno).
And then the murders happen. Through some far-fetched concoction of plot devices Aisling is made responsible for finding out who is murdering Guardians. As if she didn‘t have enough on her plate with not-finding-a-mentor, not-finding-the-hermit, not-having-a-brain, finding-too-many-incubi-in-her-bed, dealing with Drake and his dragon buddies.
Time and again there are hints at an extensive back-story but so far none of this has really shown up. Like who is Rene and why is he following her. Why has her uncle these magical artifacts he sells. Why is she a Guardian and never knew about it before. What is Drake‘s past story and his connection the the red Dragon wyvern ... AFAIK there are just two more books in this series and ... we haven‘t been told a lot.
The plot has holes a mile wide and so many subplots that it becomes hard to keep track of them all. But at least something is always going on and it doesn‘t get boring, mostly eye-rolling at the oscillating intelligence of our intrepid heroine (maybe it has to do with coffee or distance from Drake).
While the writing itself isn‘t bad and often enough - thanks to Jim mostly - even funny, the insonsistent characterization of Aisling, her generally clueless silliness, the plot-holes and weird plot leaps, the obvious use of plot-devices (f.e. The attempts to steal the amulet are only made so she begins wearing that amulet) make this far less fun than it could be.
The final discovery of the murderer is mostly made interesting by a weird rebellion „I want to breed horses“
Also this book lacks detail in certain areas. She‘s at a conference to find a mentor and competition for mentors apparently is quite fierce yet not a single other wannabe-apprentice appears in the story.
And while Drake and the hermit speak some Hungarian (correct Hungarian at least) besides the stealing gypsies (thanks for reinforcing another stereotype) and a short explanation how Budapest has the Buda and the Pest sides of the Danube, nothing else besides the naming of a couple of landmarks reminds us of Hungary. How about some food like the (not quite typical) French breakfast in Paris, or a scene in one of the famous bath houses or ... I don‘t know ... a Hungarian character. We could all easily imagine Rene the French taxi-driver. If you do go to „exotic“ places with a story please give some taste of that place beyond naming names.
Towards the end when I was figuring out the weird construction that held this plot „together“ was even more rickety than I thought, I was all out of disbelief to suspend... but at least Aisling once again . So I may yet give the equally subtly titled „Blow me down“ a go next week, if the others aren‘t yet sick of my snarky comments ...
So we‘re to book two with the subtle title „Fire me up“.
Aisling arrives in Budapest for a magical conference (GOTDAM) to look for a Guardian mentor because that‘s what she wants to be now. Of course, her demon Jim, the Newfoundland, is with her and it takes about a chapter to find out that Drake Vireo is also in the city - and even the same hotel where her conference takes place.
“There are times when I think I just can’t get a break.”
“And then there are times when we know you’re cracked.”
Some eye-rolling and flying-panties-in-Drake‘s face later, Rene (aka Jean Reno) the Parisian taxi-driver from the first book shows up to make the cast complete. We get a few new characters like Tiffany the professional virgin who easily trumps Aisling in silly-factor. „I was born to be a virgin.“ But at least - unlike Aisling with Drake - she remains steadfast in her refusal to be devirginized.
The setup for the plot takes about half a book and includes a sudden turn-around in how Aisling feels about Drake and of course more steamy sex scenes (or maybe not so steamy but fire-breathy). Warning about the sex-scenes: they may not work for you. I kind of skipped over them because Drake was stalkery and creepy for the most part of this book, and when he wasn‘t it wasn‘t for long.
Besides her search for a Guardian mentor, this time she has to deliver a magical amulet to a hermit who isn‘t to be found. Instead she‘s beset by men and demons (incubi) alike who suddenly find her irresistable (except Jean Reno).
And then the murders happen. Through some far-fetched concoction of plot devices Aisling is made responsible for finding out who is murdering Guardians. As if she didn‘t have enough on her plate with not-finding-a-mentor, not-finding-the-hermit, not-having-a-brain, finding-too-many-incubi-in-her-bed, dealing with Drake and his dragon buddies.
Time and again there are hints at an extensive back-story but so far none of this has really shown up. Like who is Rene and why is he following her. Why has her uncle these magical artifacts he sells. Why is she a Guardian and never knew about it before. What is Drake‘s past story and his connection the the red Dragon wyvern ... AFAIK there are just two more books in this series and ... we haven‘t been told a lot.
The plot has holes a mile wide and so many subplots that it becomes hard to keep track of them all. But at least something is always going on and it doesn‘t get boring, mostly eye-rolling at the oscillating intelligence of our intrepid heroine (maybe it has to do with coffee or distance from Drake).
“Right. Force is out. Martial arts is out. It’s just me and my brain against the demon.” Jim groaned. “We’re doomed.”
While the writing itself isn‘t bad and often enough - thanks to Jim mostly - even funny, the insonsistent characterization of Aisling, her generally clueless silliness, the plot-holes and weird plot leaps, the obvious use of plot-devices (f.e. The attempts to steal the amulet are only made so she begins wearing that amulet) make this far less fun than it could be.
The final discovery of the murderer is mostly made interesting by a weird rebellion „I want to breed horses“
Also this book lacks detail in certain areas. She‘s at a conference to find a mentor and competition for mentors apparently is quite fierce yet not a single other wannabe-apprentice appears in the story.
And while Drake and the hermit speak some Hungarian (correct Hungarian at least) besides the stealing gypsies (thanks for reinforcing another stereotype) and a short explanation how Budapest has the Buda and the Pest sides of the Danube, nothing else besides the naming of a couple of landmarks reminds us of Hungary. How about some food like the (not quite typical) French breakfast in Paris, or a scene in one of the famous bath houses or ... I don‘t know ... a Hungarian character. We could all easily imagine Rene the French taxi-driver. If you do go to „exotic“ places with a story please give some taste of that place beyond naming names.
Towards the end when I was figuring out the weird construction that held this plot „together“ was even more rickety than I thought, I was all out of disbelief to suspend... but at least Aisling once again . So I may yet give the equally subtly titled „Blow me down“ a go next week, if the others aren‘t yet sick of my snarky comments ...
March 26, 2022
"Manche lieben's heiß" ist der 2. Band der "Aisling Grey" Reihe von Autorin Katie MacAlister.
Das Buch ist wirklich sehr unterhaltsam. Teilweise sind mir die Bücher der Autorin leider etwas zu albern - irgendwie muss man sie aber auch lieben. Das ist wirklich schwer zu erklären. Die Charaktere sind zwar sehr speziell, das ist aber auch der Grund, warum man sie alle schnell ins Herz schließt. Besonders die vielen tollen Nebencharaktere wie z. B. der Dämon Effrijim oder der Taxifahrer Renè haben es mir angetan.
Dennoch gibt es auch einiges, was mich an dieser Reihe stört. Das Weltenkonstrukt gefällt mir nicht so gut. Es scheinen viele Menschen über Magie und übernatürliche Wesen Bescheid zu wissen oder sich zumindest nicht großartig darüber zu wundern. Wirklich erklärt wird das aber nicht. So geht es mir leider bei fast allen Büchern der Autorin. Das ist für mich die größte Schwäche ihrer Romane. Dafür ist der Unterhaltungswert sehr groß. Die Dialoge zwischen den Protagonisten sind einfach nur herrlich erfrischend. Die Handlung ist meiner Meinung nach jedoch leider nicht immer ganz schlüssig.
Von mir gibt es knappe 4 Sterne und trotz Kritik eine klare Leseempfehlung. Das Buch bietet viel Humor und Spannung.
Hier folgen noch ein paar Infos zum Hörbuch:
8 Stunden und 37 Minuten / Ungekürzte Ausgabe
Sprecherin: Julia Stoepel
Ich würde der Sprecherin 4,5 Sterne geben.
Verlag: Audible Studios
Das Buch ist wirklich sehr unterhaltsam. Teilweise sind mir die Bücher der Autorin leider etwas zu albern - irgendwie muss man sie aber auch lieben. Das ist wirklich schwer zu erklären. Die Charaktere sind zwar sehr speziell, das ist aber auch der Grund, warum man sie alle schnell ins Herz schließt. Besonders die vielen tollen Nebencharaktere wie z. B. der Dämon Effrijim oder der Taxifahrer Renè haben es mir angetan.
Dennoch gibt es auch einiges, was mich an dieser Reihe stört. Das Weltenkonstrukt gefällt mir nicht so gut. Es scheinen viele Menschen über Magie und übernatürliche Wesen Bescheid zu wissen oder sich zumindest nicht großartig darüber zu wundern. Wirklich erklärt wird das aber nicht. So geht es mir leider bei fast allen Büchern der Autorin. Das ist für mich die größte Schwäche ihrer Romane. Dafür ist der Unterhaltungswert sehr groß. Die Dialoge zwischen den Protagonisten sind einfach nur herrlich erfrischend. Die Handlung ist meiner Meinung nach jedoch leider nicht immer ganz schlüssig.
Von mir gibt es knappe 4 Sterne und trotz Kritik eine klare Leseempfehlung. Das Buch bietet viel Humor und Spannung.
Hier folgen noch ein paar Infos zum Hörbuch:
8 Stunden und 37 Minuten / Ungekürzte Ausgabe
Sprecherin: Julia Stoepel
Ich würde der Sprecherin 4,5 Sterne geben.
Verlag: Audible Studios
August 30, 2010
Couldn't even finish it. To me Aisling isn't cute and ditzy, just irritating in her stupidity.
One of the things that gets to me about PNR is how the heroines will be all angry at their men but after a single kiss, or even a single look from them, they melt and immediately ignore their anger, falling into bed with them... DRAKE IS AN ASS!! He shows absolutely no feeling towards Aisling aside from considering her his possession and she forgets all her anger with just a look... It's unrealistic and annoying. She's too dumb to even be offended. I just can't do it.
1/2 a star, but I'm forced to round up to one just to rate the thing.
One of the things that gets to me about PNR is how the heroines will be all angry at their men but after a single kiss, or even a single look from them, they melt and immediately ignore their anger, falling into bed with them... DRAKE IS AN ASS!! He shows absolutely no feeling towards Aisling aside from considering her his possession and she forgets all her anger with just a look... It's unrealistic and annoying. She's too dumb to even be offended. I just can't do it.
1/2 a star, but I'm forced to round up to one just to rate the thing.
December 22, 2016
Another zany and humorous misadventure with newbie Guardian Aisling Grey, who has landed in Bucharest in order to attend her first Otherworld conference. Her main goal is to find a senior Guardian who will accept her as an apprentice but along the way she runs into a perky professional virgin, a cross-dressing demon in a tutu, naked incubi, expensive veterinarian bills, and a dragon summit headed by none other than Drake Vireo, the green dragon of her dreams. Thank goodness she has Jim, her demon dog!
I've discovered that I can tolerate PNR when it's liberally dosed with humor and it doesn't even attempt to take itself seriously. This is mindless fluff but it made me laugh.
I've discovered that I can tolerate PNR when it's liberally dosed with humor and it doesn't even attempt to take itself seriously. This is mindless fluff but it made me laugh.
August 7, 2011
3.5 stars for silly, funny, reading.
Sometimes you just need a book that will lighten up your day. Katie MacAlister’s Aisling Grey series always makes me laugh. The characters are hilarious. The situations they find themselves in are also quite funny. Be prepared for silliness.
Aisling Grey has taken on yet another courier job for her uncle. It looks like a relatively easy job – deliver an amulet to a hermit in Budapest. She decides to combine the job with a conference and is actively seeking a mentor. Budapest is a busy place and surprise, the dragons are also holding a peace conference in the same hotel. Attending this conference is Drake Vireo, Aisling’s wyvern mate. Something strange is going on and men (and incubi) are throwing themselves at Aisling.
Part of what makes this such a fun read is the characters. They are wacky, zany, and just hilarious. My favorite has got to be Effrijim, Aisling’s demon in the body of a black Labrador dog. Jim can talk, and he has some great lines, but mostly he pees a lot. Rene the cab driver is also back in this installment, acting as a straight man to some of the silliness that arises. My favorite character was Tiffany the professional virgin, who was so self absorbed in her purity and virginity that it added some more humor. When she is told that she was an ice princess, she takes it as a compliment: “He thinks I am like a princess. One made of ice. I like ice. It is pretty and shines nicely.”
Of course you can’t have a dragon story without the dragon. The dragons have some serious issues to resolve. There is much jostling for position and for Aisling’s affections. It seems that wyvern mates are a rare commodity. Dragon politics seem to complicate everything for Aisling. Aisling is required to act as a wyvern’s mate, even though all she wants to do is attend the conference and learn how to be a better Guardian. I found myself missing Drake when he was not in a scene. Drake is so very hot – no pun intended. The scenes with Aisling and Drake smoldered.
Can’t wait to read the next book in the series – Light My Fire.
Books in the series:
1) You Slay Me
2) Fire Me Up
3) Light My Fire
4) Holy Smokes
Check out my review on Badass Book Reviews
Sometimes you just need a book that will lighten up your day. Katie MacAlister’s Aisling Grey series always makes me laugh. The characters are hilarious. The situations they find themselves in are also quite funny. Be prepared for silliness.
Aisling Grey has taken on yet another courier job for her uncle. It looks like a relatively easy job – deliver an amulet to a hermit in Budapest. She decides to combine the job with a conference and is actively seeking a mentor. Budapest is a busy place and surprise, the dragons are also holding a peace conference in the same hotel. Attending this conference is Drake Vireo, Aisling’s wyvern mate. Something strange is going on and men (and incubi) are throwing themselves at Aisling.
Part of what makes this such a fun read is the characters. They are wacky, zany, and just hilarious. My favorite has got to be Effrijim, Aisling’s demon in the body of a black Labrador dog. Jim can talk, and he has some great lines, but mostly he pees a lot. Rene the cab driver is also back in this installment, acting as a straight man to some of the silliness that arises. My favorite character was Tiffany the professional virgin, who was so self absorbed in her purity and virginity that it added some more humor. When she is told that she was an ice princess, she takes it as a compliment: “He thinks I am like a princess. One made of ice. I like ice. It is pretty and shines nicely.”
Of course you can’t have a dragon story without the dragon. The dragons have some serious issues to resolve. There is much jostling for position and for Aisling’s affections. It seems that wyvern mates are a rare commodity. Dragon politics seem to complicate everything for Aisling. Aisling is required to act as a wyvern’s mate, even though all she wants to do is attend the conference and learn how to be a better Guardian. I found myself missing Drake when he was not in a scene. Drake is so very hot – no pun intended. The scenes with Aisling and Drake smoldered.
Can’t wait to read the next book in the series – Light My Fire.
Books in the series:
1) You Slay Me
2) Fire Me Up
3) Light My Fire
4) Holy Smokes
Check out my review on Badass Book Reviews
February 5, 2019
I know you aren’t looking at me with judge-y eyes, but I am looking at me with judge-y eyes, so please excuse my need to justify this book to myself.
I know it is trash. I know I should know better. And I know no amount of telling myself ‘But I’m also reading St. Augustine’s City of God and Aquinas’s Summa Theologica, 5 Vols so it actually balances out’ actually means it balances out. Trash is trash.
I should know better than to indulge in what comes down to little more than inappropriate wish fulfillment for grown women who should know better. (Looking solely at myself as I say that.) But…
This book made me laugh. It made me want to turn and share with someone the bizarreness of it all. It made me want to roll my eyes. It made me want to chuckle.
Did it also sometimes make me feel like I was losing brain cells? Oh yes.
But it almost constantly made me laugh. Or at least smirk. And somehow I find it really easy to justify reading it because of that.
Aisling is an idiot. There is just no getting around that fact. And I'm repeatedly baffled why she thinks she can just walk away from being the dragon's mate whenever she feels like it. People keep repeating that dragons mate once, for life, and that it comes with immortality for the mate. Her response seems some variation of, 'Well, we're dating, so we'll see how this goes.'
Like, having committed herself, I don't get why she treats it like no big deal and then acts shocked at the consequences.
I'm more shocked by the lack of consequences.
Drake is your typical alpha male a-hole. Other reviewers can express more outrage. I expect little else from this genre at this point.
I'm not even that big of a fan of Jim. The best part of this book is when he disappears from the plot for a while.
So really, the three most prominent characters do not really interest me. But the odd side characters (like Renee!), the absurd situations, and the randomness of it all kept me engaged and oddly satisfied.
Not recommending. Not excusing myself. Just...also not saying I won't read the third book...
I know it is trash. I know I should know better. And I know no amount of telling myself ‘But I’m also reading St. Augustine’s City of God and Aquinas’s Summa Theologica, 5 Vols so it actually balances out’ actually means it balances out. Trash is trash.
I should know better than to indulge in what comes down to little more than inappropriate wish fulfillment for grown women who should know better. (Looking solely at myself as I say that.) But…
This book made me laugh. It made me want to turn and share with someone the bizarreness of it all. It made me want to roll my eyes. It made me want to chuckle.
Did it also sometimes make me feel like I was losing brain cells? Oh yes.
But it almost constantly made me laugh. Or at least smirk. And somehow I find it really easy to justify reading it because of that.
Aisling is an idiot. There is just no getting around that fact. And I'm repeatedly baffled why she thinks she can just walk away from being the dragon's mate whenever she feels like it. People keep repeating that dragons mate once, for life, and that it comes with immortality for the mate. Her response seems some variation of, 'Well, we're dating, so we'll see how this goes.'
Like, having committed herself, I don't get why she treats it like no big deal and then acts shocked at the consequences.
I'm more shocked by the lack of consequences.
Drake is your typical alpha male a-hole. Other reviewers can express more outrage. I expect little else from this genre at this point.
I'm not even that big of a fan of Jim. The best part of this book is when he disappears from the plot for a while.
So really, the three most prominent characters do not really interest me. But the odd side characters (like Renee!), the absurd situations, and the randomness of it all kept me engaged and oddly satisfied.
Not recommending. Not excusing myself. Just...also not saying I won't read the third book...
September 4, 2012
First Read: June 2, 2011
Fire Me Up is book two in the Aisling Grey: Guardian Series by Katie MacAlister. I love this series, this story, Drake, Jim, Aisiling ofcourse, and well, everyone. Great story, great writing, and freaking hilarious! So, Aisling is in Hungary delivering an amulet and hoping to learn more about being a Guardian and finding a mentor. The moment she lands, someone tries to steal the amulet and her luggage is spilled all over the gorgeous Wayvern Drake. Yummy. He's attending a summit and actually moved the event to Hungary in order for Aisling to attend as his mate. The two argue as usual, but agree to some terms and bond their relationship with a mating ritual. She's now bound to the sept, to Drake, and through that tie she's immortal. Oh, and the sex is fab-u-lous! Aisling is accepted by the green sept after she completes her punishment for the challenge she set to Drake in book one. She also meets the wayverns of the other septs, including the sexy and kind Silver Dragon, Gabrielle. The red dragon is a bitch and the only women. The blue, well, we met him in book one and he's a total jerk. The summit isn't going well and the Blue and Red are finding reasons to delay the peace talks. While Aisling is looking for the hermit who purchased the amulet, she runs into Rene. He has a convenient reason for driving a cab in Hungary, but she's suspicious and grateful for his help. While at the conference, guardians are dying and Aisling is solving the crime. Drake tries to force her to attend the peace talks, claiming the sept comes first and is more important than solving the murderers or being a guardian. Aisling is furious and feels like Drake lied about his intentions. She sets the car on fire and says goodbye to Drake...forever. NOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! If Aisling doesn't want Drake...I'll take him!!!!!!!
Fire Me Up is book two in the Aisling Grey: Guardian Series by Katie MacAlister. I love this series, this story, Drake, Jim, Aisiling ofcourse, and well, everyone. Great story, great writing, and freaking hilarious! So, Aisling is in Hungary delivering an amulet and hoping to learn more about being a Guardian and finding a mentor. The moment she lands, someone tries to steal the amulet and her luggage is spilled all over the gorgeous Wayvern Drake. Yummy. He's attending a summit and actually moved the event to Hungary in order for Aisling to attend as his mate. The two argue as usual, but agree to some terms and bond their relationship with a mating ritual. She's now bound to the sept, to Drake, and through that tie she's immortal. Oh, and the sex is fab-u-lous! Aisling is accepted by the green sept after she completes her punishment for the challenge she set to Drake in book one. She also meets the wayverns of the other septs, including the sexy and kind Silver Dragon, Gabrielle. The red dragon is a bitch and the only women. The blue, well, we met him in book one and he's a total jerk. The summit isn't going well and the Blue and Red are finding reasons to delay the peace talks. While Aisling is looking for the hermit who purchased the amulet, she runs into Rene. He has a convenient reason for driving a cab in Hungary, but she's suspicious and grateful for his help. While at the conference, guardians are dying and Aisling is solving the crime. Drake tries to force her to attend the peace talks, claiming the sept comes first and is more important than solving the murderers or being a guardian. Aisling is furious and feels like Drake lied about his intentions. She sets the car on fire and says goodbye to Drake...forever. NOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! If Aisling doesn't want Drake...I'll take him!!!!!!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 28, 2018
I think this series would have been much improved if Ms. MacAlister had just left the romance off of it. Aisling is better when she's not thinking with her genitals and Drake is a horrible being and not even a little sexy. And there was a bit too much sex in this one. I did find myself flipping to the end of them.
Otherwise it's a cute, if formulaic and a bit repetitive, urban fantasy with some very humorous zingers here and there.
Overall it goes down easy.
Otherwise it's a cute, if formulaic and a bit repetitive, urban fantasy with some very humorous zingers here and there.
Overall it goes down easy.
August 24, 2020
Mon avis en Français
My English review
I had a really good time with the first volume and having a little reading breakdown, I thought it was the right time to start the second volume, and it was perfect! I had a great time diving into the story to find all the characters again.
Aisling has to deliver an amulet to Hungary, but she took the opportunity to attend a large congress with many supernatural creatures. She hopes to be able to find a mentor to help her manage her Guardian gifts. But here it is, nothing is going as planned! Drake is here for a summit with the other dragons and he is determined to make her act like the mate she’s supposed to be! But that’s not all, because murders are committed and it seems that, as usual, everyone thinks she’s guilty! One more thing? Our heroine has become irresistible! She doesn’t know what’s going on, but all the men throw themselves at her feet and that… well, that’s a novelty!
I had a really good time with this story and I must admit that I didn’t expect such an end at all. A little point bothered me though and I must say that it was a little big to find Rene here, again even if it was a pleasure to see him again. Apart from that, I found the plot well conducted and I had no doubt about the identity of the culprit. As for Drake and Aisling’s relationship, it’s turbulent and I’m curious to read more!
A good series!
My English review
I had a really good time with the first volume and having a little reading breakdown, I thought it was the right time to start the second volume, and it was perfect! I had a great time diving into the story to find all the characters again.
Aisling has to deliver an amulet to Hungary, but she took the opportunity to attend a large congress with many supernatural creatures. She hopes to be able to find a mentor to help her manage her Guardian gifts. But here it is, nothing is going as planned! Drake is here for a summit with the other dragons and he is determined to make her act like the mate she’s supposed to be! But that’s not all, because murders are committed and it seems that, as usual, everyone thinks she’s guilty! One more thing? Our heroine has become irresistible! She doesn’t know what’s going on, but all the men throw themselves at her feet and that… well, that’s a novelty!
I had a really good time with this story and I must admit that I didn’t expect such an end at all. A little point bothered me though and I must say that it was a little big to find Rene here, again even if it was a pleasure to see him again. Apart from that, I found the plot well conducted and I had no doubt about the identity of the culprit. As for Drake and Aisling’s relationship, it’s turbulent and I’m curious to read more!
A good series!
August 3, 2010
I was all set to give this one four stars just like its predecessor until I got to the part when Drake throws Aisling into the limo near the end. At this point Aisling becomes incredibly selfish and immature.
I couldn't believe her behaviour. She made an oath, a commitment to not just Drake but to his green dragons. She acts like a selfish brat worrying about a career she hasn't even started yet, when her mate is about to lose everything with the possibility of even going to war.
And then she runs away and walks away from him. Again. Despite knowing the importance of her role to his species and the possible ramifications of her abandonment of her duties to both the dragons and humans. Ugh. I know this is supposed to be a light-hearted series but that really p*ssed me off.
I couldn't believe her behaviour. She made an oath, a commitment to not just Drake but to his green dragons. She acts like a selfish brat worrying about a career she hasn't even started yet, when her mate is about to lose everything with the possibility of even going to war.
And then she runs away and walks away from him. Again. Despite knowing the importance of her role to his species and the possible ramifications of her abandonment of her duties to both the dragons and humans. Ugh. I know this is supposed to be a light-hearted series but that really p*ssed me off.
August 11, 2010
I'm very happy to say that I found this book to be much more enjoyable than the series starter, You Slay Me. This book plops Aisling into Hungary for a conference of magical folk the world over (whose acronym is GODTAM, hardy har). She's (more or less) come to terms with her abilities and wishes to learn more about the role and duties of Guardians, and spends her time in Budapest trying to find a mentor. Unfortunately, nothing is ever simple for Aisling, and even this innocuous activity puts her in deep trouble with the powers-that-be.
Along with Aisling's Guardian-related dilemmas, a sizable portion of the story concerns the four dragon septs and their unique brand of politics. This was perhaps my favorite aspect of the book, in no small part due to the rocky interactions between Aisling and Drake. I liked how she's begun to come into her own as a magical being, and as such doesn't let herself get railroaded by Mr. Green-Wyvern Surly Pants. ^_^
Ms. MacAlister's definitely a master of the art of the Third Act. ^_^ In this one, the mystery was tied together quite well, and seeds were planted that made reading the next book a must-do activity. And guess what? That's exactly what I did as soon as I was able! ^_^ Overall, a great follow-up.
Along with Aisling's Guardian-related dilemmas, a sizable portion of the story concerns the four dragon septs and their unique brand of politics. This was perhaps my favorite aspect of the book, in no small part due to the rocky interactions between Aisling and Drake. I liked how she's begun to come into her own as a magical being, and as such doesn't let herself get railroaded by Mr. Green-Wyvern Surly Pants. ^_^
Ms. MacAlister's definitely a master of the art of the Third Act. ^_^ In this one, the mystery was tied together quite well, and seeds were planted that made reading the next book a must-do activity. And guess what? That's exactly what I did as soon as I was able! ^_^ Overall, a great follow-up.
February 19, 2018
2.5. I struggled through a good part of it, but it improved at the end. I'm annoyed that she has this back and forth with Drake but I guess that's because of the series.....
May 30, 2018
The banter is so uncomfortable. I want to love this book but it was awkward.
September 4, 2015
In terms of hot dragon smut, let's quote When Harry Met Sally, "YES! YES! YES!" and "I'll have what she's having."
In terms of the end... NO! NO! NO! My heart plummetted at the end, deflated. I wanted to stomp my foot. I wanted Jim to go bite or drool on someone on behalf of Aisling, I wanted to curl up and cry a little. Although, props to Katie MacAlister on making me seriously consider spending an audible credit for the next book.
The mystery: kept me guessing on this one. My theories would change chapter-to-chapter, I have to admit it kept me on my toes. However... there are a few things that bugged me. I'm not sure if they are included as a 'red herring' to throw the reader off the scent of the real killer, or if it was just one of the plot threads whose end didn't get woven into the overall carpet. Although- one teensy wheensy little thing, that wasn't overly important and such, I did figure out. WAY in advance; but like I said, it was a 'small fries' bit of the book, not a major plot issue.
Narrator: I have a love/hate thing going on with this narrator. I like so much of what she does, except for these freakin' weird pauses. Like pauses that give the feel of being in the middle of a paragraph, but then 'announcements' of which Chapter you're on rides the coattails of the previous sentence like an automatic rifle. What's up with that? It's like someone in post production thought- let's add seconds of silence here, and take it away from there, just to mess with the audio book readers. Seriously. It must not affect me too much, however, because I still want to continue the audio version of the next book in the series.
Did I mention the hot dragon sex? It deserves mentioning twice. Maybe even three times. Maybe shouting it from the rooftops: HOT. DRAGON. SEX. Is it hot in here? I LOVE green dragons.... *shudder* I'm about to totally 'date' myself here... but anyone who is familiar with Fast Times at Ridgemont High, and the scene where Phoebe Cates is coming out of the pool - OK, same water-dripping sex-on-a-stick slow motion action but only it's a hot, wet, male dragon. Oh, yeah... if I was equipped to pitch it, there'd totally be a tent after reading that. I swear, the music was practically playing through my head like a soundtrack for that part of the book. I could play that part of the audio book on repeat...
If you're a fan of PNR or Urban Fantasy with steam, and especially if you're a 'dragon' fan- then you need to check out this series.
In terms of the end... NO! NO! NO! My heart plummetted at the end, deflated. I wanted to stomp my foot. I wanted Jim to go bite or drool on someone on behalf of Aisling, I wanted to curl up and cry a little. Although, props to Katie MacAlister on making me seriously consider spending an audible credit for the next book.
The mystery: kept me guessing on this one. My theories would change chapter-to-chapter, I have to admit it kept me on my toes. However... there are a few things that bugged me. I'm not sure if they are included as a 'red herring' to throw the reader off the scent of the real killer, or if it was just one of the plot threads whose end didn't get woven into the overall carpet. Although- one teensy wheensy little thing, that wasn't overly important and such, I did figure out. WAY in advance; but like I said, it was a 'small fries' bit of the book, not a major plot issue.
Narrator: I have a love/hate thing going on with this narrator. I like so much of what she does, except for these freakin' weird pauses. Like pauses that give the feel of being in the middle of a paragraph, but then 'announcements' of which Chapter you're on rides the coattails of the previous sentence like an automatic rifle. What's up with that? It's like someone in post production thought- let's add seconds of silence here, and take it away from there, just to mess with the audio book readers. Seriously. It must not affect me too much, however, because I still want to continue the audio version of the next book in the series.
Did I mention the hot dragon sex? It deserves mentioning twice. Maybe even three times. Maybe shouting it from the rooftops: HOT. DRAGON. SEX. Is it hot in here? I LOVE green dragons.... *shudder* I'm about to totally 'date' myself here... but anyone who is familiar with Fast Times at Ridgemont High, and the scene where Phoebe Cates is coming out of the pool - OK, same water-dripping sex-on-a-stick slow motion action but only it's a hot, wet, male dragon. Oh, yeah... if I was equipped to pitch it, there'd totally be a tent after reading that. I swear, the music was practically playing through my head like a soundtrack for that part of the book. I could play that part of the audio book on repeat...
If you're a fan of PNR or Urban Fantasy with steam, and especially if you're a 'dragon' fan- then you need to check out this series.
October 12, 2011
Come see this and more reviews @ Under the Covers
After discovering in the first book that she is the supernatual world's doorman to the portals of hell aka a Guardian, Aisling decides to do the only thing you can in such situations. Goes to a convention. Full of mages, diviners, oracles and more Guardians Aisling hopes to find a mentor to help her with her new powers. However, she didn't expect to see Drake the wyvern of the green dragons and also her mate there, and she certainly didn't think she could yet again be a suspect in a murder inverstigation.
How much shit can one woman get into? Apparently a lot! Aisling pings from catastrophe to disaster like a human pinball; ding! Murder suspect! Ding! Incubus magnet! Ding! Dragon problems! I love it. Not only does it make for a fast paced story that leaves you a little breathless at the end, but it dishes out some really hilarious situations, all of which are commented on sarcastically by my favourite ever demon dog Jim!
Jim and Aisling, they are my favourite couple, I know they aren't a couple in the romantic sense but they are still my favourite couple. The barbs, the insults, the whining (from both of them!) that is the main reason I am reading these books. But on to the romantic couple Drake and Aisling, they really do burn up the pages and although this isn't a steamy book the love scenes get the pulse racing, although they are a little lost in the general cacophony that is Aisling's life. One of the aspects of this book which does stop it getting 5 stars instead of 4 is that Drake just doesn't grab me like other heroes do. He is okay, but personally he doesn't really enhance the books for me, I would like them just as much without him in it.
This was another great book in the series, like the previous book it isn't a WOW book, I wouldn't build a shrine to it glouriousness (not that I EVER do that *hides shrines*) but I am definitely enjoying it a lot, I love a book that can make me laugh.
After discovering in the first book that she is the supernatual world's doorman to the portals of hell aka a Guardian, Aisling decides to do the only thing you can in such situations. Goes to a convention. Full of mages, diviners, oracles and more Guardians Aisling hopes to find a mentor to help her with her new powers. However, she didn't expect to see Drake the wyvern of the green dragons and also her mate there, and she certainly didn't think she could yet again be a suspect in a murder inverstigation.
How much shit can one woman get into? Apparently a lot! Aisling pings from catastrophe to disaster like a human pinball; ding! Murder suspect! Ding! Incubus magnet! Ding! Dragon problems! I love it. Not only does it make for a fast paced story that leaves you a little breathless at the end, but it dishes out some really hilarious situations, all of which are commented on sarcastically by my favourite ever demon dog Jim!
Jim and Aisling, they are my favourite couple, I know they aren't a couple in the romantic sense but they are still my favourite couple. The barbs, the insults, the whining (from both of them!) that is the main reason I am reading these books. But on to the romantic couple Drake and Aisling, they really do burn up the pages and although this isn't a steamy book the love scenes get the pulse racing, although they are a little lost in the general cacophony that is Aisling's life. One of the aspects of this book which does stop it getting 5 stars instead of 4 is that Drake just doesn't grab me like other heroes do. He is okay, but personally he doesn't really enhance the books for me, I would like them just as much without him in it.
This was another great book in the series, like the previous book it isn't a WOW book, I wouldn't build a shrine to it glouriousness (not that I EVER do that *hides shrines*) but I am definitely enjoying it a lot, I love a book that can make me laugh.
May 10, 2011
How many times can this girl be accussed of murder? Seriously!
In Fire Me Up, Aisling and Jim go to Budapest for 2 reasons. Of course the first is she has another object to deliver as part of her job, and second... there's a magical conference she wants to attend in the hopes of finding a Guardian mentor.
Yes, she has come to the terms with the fact that she's part of and involved in the supernatural world and... just better be prepared than totally clueless.
And in true Ms. Grey fashion she finds herself in the middle of a big hot mess. A few guardian females are being... sexed to death. Yeah, that's what I said. And Aisling is the prime suspect of calling the incubus responsible for the deaths. Now she has to clear up the murders if she has any hopes of finding anyone that will mentor her. Not to mention the fact that she doesn't want to be charged.
Jim is still around, but I felt his absense a bit even when he was there. He's still hysterical, but not as much as in book 1. But still just as adorable!
Drake is also there, and the dragons are having their meetings as well. So Aisling finds herself dragged into dragon politics and is finally claimed as the Green Dragon's mate! And they burn up the sheets, quite literally. Except in the end Drake wants her to be his mate, period. He's not happy with her following her guardian path, and this causes trouble in paradise again.
There are some new characters we meet in this book that are worth mention, one of them.... Sexy dragon Gabriel. I want to see more of him, lots more! And the funniest thing at the convention.... One of the attendees is a PROFESSIONAL VIRGIN. How do you make business cards for that? Her personality is a bit annoying, but I couldn't help but laugh everytime she was there!
In Fire Me Up, Aisling and Jim go to Budapest for 2 reasons. Of course the first is she has another object to deliver as part of her job, and second... there's a magical conference she wants to attend in the hopes of finding a Guardian mentor.
Yes, she has come to the terms with the fact that she's part of and involved in the supernatural world and... just better be prepared than totally clueless.
And in true Ms. Grey fashion she finds herself in the middle of a big hot mess. A few guardian females are being... sexed to death. Yeah, that's what I said. And Aisling is the prime suspect of calling the incubus responsible for the deaths. Now she has to clear up the murders if she has any hopes of finding anyone that will mentor her. Not to mention the fact that she doesn't want to be charged.
Jim is still around, but I felt his absense a bit even when he was there. He's still hysterical, but not as much as in book 1. But still just as adorable!
Drake is also there, and the dragons are having their meetings as well. So Aisling finds herself dragged into dragon politics and is finally claimed as the Green Dragon's mate! And they burn up the sheets, quite literally. Except in the end Drake wants her to be his mate, period. He's not happy with her following her guardian path, and this causes trouble in paradise again.
There are some new characters we meet in this book that are worth mention, one of them.... Sexy dragon Gabriel. I want to see more of him, lots more! And the funniest thing at the convention.... One of the attendees is a PROFESSIONAL VIRGIN. How do you make business cards for that? Her personality is a bit annoying, but I couldn't help but laugh everytime she was there!
May 3, 2013
Once again, I'm seeing a lot of people tear this book apart and I just don't get it. This thing with Aisling being slow is getting old. One of the best things about Katie's novels is that she makes her characters real! I don't understand why these people seem to hate that so much. I would much rather read about characters that seem like someone I could meet on the street than the same perfect, super intelligent, boring heroines all the time. Another thing bugging me is that some people say they were able to predict things that took Aisling chapters to figure out. Someone else already said something along what I'm about to say, but it's worth it to reinforce it: if the author is actually talented then the reader will be able to observe much more than the characters will.
Alright, enough defense. I enjoyed this book about as much as You Slay Me. They were both really good. There weren't really a whole lot of slow moments and the comedy is well dispersed throughout the entire story. I'm not going to say much more than that because 1) everyone else has already explained what happens in the story and 2) I don't post spoilers.
Happy reading!
Alright, enough defense. I enjoyed this book about as much as You Slay Me. They were both really good. There weren't really a whole lot of slow moments and the comedy is well dispersed throughout the entire story. I'm not going to say much more than that because 1) everyone else has already explained what happens in the story and 2) I don't post spoilers.
Happy reading!
September 12, 2010
Holy cow. This book was even better than the first and more fiery than you can ever imagine. Katie MacAlister has created a whole new world for paranormal fantasy featuring the romance between a human and a dragon. Thank god I was able to snatch this book from a friend at school because I was blown away by this fantastic tale.
The cover is probably the only thing I didn't like about the book. Considering how amazing MacAlister's style is, I've never been a huge fan of the cover designs. But I definitely love the title. It's sensual, sultry, and gives off several hints of seduction. And the characters? Who doesn't love Aisling's fierce and confident personality, Jim's amazing sense of humor, and of course, the arrogant, selfish but all time sexy dragon Drake, who has the power to send you to your knees with his sexual prowess.
The romance heats up even more than in the last book and and so does the sexual tension...MacAlister has outdone herself with Fire Me Up. It is most definitely a must have and should go on your to-read list ASAP.
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
The cover is probably the only thing I didn't like about the book. Considering how amazing MacAlister's style is, I've never been a huge fan of the cover designs. But I definitely love the title. It's sensual, sultry, and gives off several hints of seduction. And the characters? Who doesn't love Aisling's fierce and confident personality, Jim's amazing sense of humor, and of course, the arrogant, selfish but all time sexy dragon Drake, who has the power to send you to your knees with his sexual prowess.
The romance heats up even more than in the last book and and so does the sexual tension...MacAlister has outdone herself with Fire Me Up. It is most definitely a must have and should go on your to-read list ASAP.
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
June 13, 2012
Listening to audiobook
2.5 stars
I really am not liking this series and don't think I will continue. This story is very similar to the first story. How is one person falsely accused of multiple murders in two completely different countries? It is just a little too fake for me. I also didn't like the secondary characters in this story. I couldn't stand Tiffany, the professional virgin, or Marma Belle (or however you spell her name. Since I was listening, I never saw how it was spelled).
The relationship with Drake is another thing that got under my skin. At the end of the last story and the beginning on this one, Aisling does not want anything to do with Drake the dragon. Partway through this story, he makes one obscure promise and she then starts to fawn all over him. It just doesn't make sense to me.
Also, my favorite character, Jim the demon dog, was mostly absent. He spent a large amount of the story at the vet after eating toxic plants.
2.5 stars
I really am not liking this series and don't think I will continue. This story is very similar to the first story. How is one person falsely accused of multiple murders in two completely different countries? It is just a little too fake for me. I also didn't like the secondary characters in this story. I couldn't stand Tiffany, the professional virgin, or Marma Belle (or however you spell her name. Since I was listening, I never saw how it was spelled).
The relationship with Drake is another thing that got under my skin. At the end of the last story and the beginning on this one, Aisling does not want anything to do with Drake the dragon. Partway through this story, he makes one obscure promise and she then starts to fawn all over him. It just doesn't make sense to me.
Also, my favorite character, Jim the demon dog, was mostly absent. He spent a large amount of the story at the vet after eating toxic plants.
March 25, 2010
It's a silly series to begin with, but this second book is just too much. At least in the first book Aisling was somewhat of hero and not just a damsel in distress. To have a story set in an exotic land like Budapest but pretty much only describe what sounds like a typical American style resort (conference rooms and such) seems like a waste.
March 13, 2017
Geschafft, mehr Bücher von dieser Reihe werde ich definitiv nicht lesen.
Der Humor geht fast völlig an mir vorbei und ganz ehrlich? So wirklich Kreativ und Spannend war die Geschichte nun auch nicht mehr, das meiste hat man ja schon in Band 1 gehabt.
Das hat einfach alles ausgereicht um mir klar zu machen, dass diese Reihe wirklich nichts für mich ist und das beste was ich über dieses Buch sagen kann ist, dass es sich wenigstens leicht und flüssig lesen ließ. Reicht nur leider nicht um mich zum weiterlesen zu bewegen.
Der Humor geht fast völlig an mir vorbei und ganz ehrlich? So wirklich Kreativ und Spannend war die Geschichte nun auch nicht mehr, das meiste hat man ja schon in Band 1 gehabt.
Das hat einfach alles ausgereicht um mir klar zu machen, dass diese Reihe wirklich nichts für mich ist und das beste was ich über dieses Buch sagen kann ist, dass es sich wenigstens leicht und flüssig lesen ließ. Reicht nur leider nicht um mich zum weiterlesen zu bewegen.
March 25, 2018
Drake is still a turd. Remember last book when Aisling was having the tar beaten out of her by multiple assailants, so she requested Drake's help, and he calmly inquired as to what she would give him in exchange for his assistance? Well, that theme continues in this novel.
“Don't you want to take responsibility for what you do?”
“What will you give me?”
Yeah. I was colossally annoyed for the majority of the novel.... and then, with 3h30ish remaining, Drake abandoned her to a punishment she only obtained by having proved his innocence when he was framed for murder.
I fervently, ardently hoped that after the incubus rescued her, Aisling would return to the hotel with him and flounce by Drake, blithely announcing that she promised him a night of pleasure in return for his noble assistance, and, well, sorry, Drake, but I gave my word, and no matter how fervently you object, there’s nothing to be done! I simply must allow myself to be ravished in spite of your objections.
Alas, it was not to be. Aisling just rolled over and forgave him when he smiled, as though her backbone disintegrated when she accepted the mating.
The book is well-crafted, well-written and at times extremely funny, but I want to strangle the characters that don’t answer to “Jim.”
“Tell it to the tail, Aisling.”
I'm with you, Jim.
“Don't you want to take responsibility for what you do?”
“What will you give me?”
Yeah. I was colossally annoyed for the majority of the novel.... and then, with 3h30ish remaining, Drake abandoned her to a punishment she only obtained by having proved his innocence when he was framed for murder.
I fervently, ardently hoped that after the incubus rescued her, Aisling would return to the hotel with him and flounce by Drake, blithely announcing that she promised him a night of pleasure in return for his noble assistance, and, well, sorry, Drake, but I gave my word, and no matter how fervently you object, there’s nothing to be done! I simply must allow myself to be ravished in spite of your objections.
Alas, it was not to be. Aisling just rolled over and forgave him when he smiled, as though her backbone disintegrated when she accepted the mating.
The book is well-crafted, well-written and at times extremely funny, but I want to strangle the characters that don’t answer to “Jim.”
“Tell it to the tail, Aisling.”
I'm with you, Jim.
January 16, 2018
This was so funny that I actually laughed out loud several times. Especially the parts where things would spontaneously burst into flames. Ailing gets into so much trouble while being an antiquities courier. She really doesn't try to, but trouble manages to find her every time she turns around. The demon Jim is hilarious as well. Can't wait to read the next one.
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