**spoiler alert** As this book hasn't debuted yet, I will try to keep spoilers to a minimum, but that said, a spoiler warning is in effect.
As soon as **spoiler alert** As this book hasn't debuted yet, I will try to keep spoilers to a minimum, but that said, a spoiler warning is in effect.
As soon as I saw the teaser for this book, I knew I had to read it. It checked quite a few boxes for me: captive hero, abused heroine, and forbidden romance. I also love the idea of a Gorgonian (medusa-like species) not only because of how dangerous it makes our hero, but how complicated it can make any relationship he were to have with a human. It was also a refreshing change to the "typical" fae or other supernatural creatures.
One thing you HAVE to know going into this book, however, is that it is a duology -- that means there's a pretty steep cliff hanger. While it was definitely a good stopping point, things are by no means resolved and I found myself frustrated that I couldn't just keep on reading the story from that point.
There were a few things that I didn't care for -- such as a minor (non-sexual) scene of forced public nudity, and I will admit, I'm not sure how I feel about the logisitcs of the Gorgonians snake-like appendages on their heads. There was also the issue with the wording of a promise that was made, which I picked up on during the initial read. I'm not looking forward to the situation that this wording is likely leading up to in the second book, but that is an issue for a future time.
I did, however, very much enjoy the way that the romance developed. I loved that things started off as a bit of a manipulation, where our hero was very obviously just using our heroine in order to escape, and yet by the end their connection was unmistakable.
Overall, this was a very enjoyable, easy read, with lots of UST and one lovely steamy love scene.
I am very much looking forward to the conclusion when it comes out.
Oh how I've missed this series. There were a few issues that I think had more to do with editing than writing (as this was an ARC) so I'll need to cheOh how I've missed this series. There were a few issues that I think had more to do with editing than writing (as this was an ARC) so I'll need to check the final print version before mentioning, but overall, highly enjoyable. I do think newcomers would fare well without having to read the previous installments, but I would still suggest reading it in order. A solid 4/5 with a full review to follow closer to publication....more
This is a Quickie Review. For the full review, please read The Romanceaholic.
Expected Release Date: March 12, 2013 Publisher: HarperCollins Imprint: AvoThis is a Quickie Review. For the full review, please read The Romanceaholic.
Expected Release Date: March 12, 2013 Publisher: HarperCollins Imprint: Avon Author’s Website: http://eloisajames.com/ My Source for This Book: Edelweiss Part of a Series: Yes, Book 1, With This Kiss Serial, Spinoff of The Ugly Duchess & Seduced By A Pirate Series Best Read In Order: N/A Steam Level: Chaste Pet Peeves: Love Triangle, No HEA Favorite Tropes: Unrequited Love, Love Through Letters
I don’t think I’ve ever seen a double-length novella split up into a digital serial before, so the entire concept of this story’s publication intrigued me as much as the story itself when I first heard of it.
I was lucky enough to get my hands on all three parts at once, and though I was perhaps a bit spoiled by the fact that I didn’t have to wait between finishing this installment and beginning the next, I can’t help but think that the week-long wait would be just right to temper any frustration in having to wait with a bite of sweetness from being denied something you want for just a moment.
That said, I would recommend going ahead and pre-ordering all three if you’re reading this review before they’re all out, as none of them would work very well in my opinion as a self-contained story.
As for this installment individually, I was very pleasantly surprised by what an emotional punch it packed in such a relatively low word count. The characters were all well developed, and even though the span of many years are covered in this section of the story, it never felt rushed, or as though important events had been glossed over.
Instead, the focus is exactly where it belongs — on Colin and on Grace and their development both as individuals and as possible romantic interests — and the other characters adding on when needed.
Overall, even with the cliff-hanger ending, it was fantastic.
Recommended for fans of childhood crushes that turn to unrequited love, of good men who are darkened by the realities of war, and of wanting what is best for someone you love, even when it hurts.
This is a Quickie Review. For the full review, please visit The Romanceaholic.
Expected Release Date: March 19, 2013 Publisher: HarperCollins Imprint: AvThis is a Quickie Review. For the full review, please visit The Romanceaholic.
Expected Release Date: March 19, 2013 Publisher: HarperCollins Imprint: Avon Author’s Website: http://eloisajames.com/ My Source for This Book: Edelweiss Part of a Series: Yes, Part 2, With This Kiss Serial Series Best Read In Order: YES, Part Two of a Serialized Double-Length Novella Steam Level: Steamy Pet Peeves: Love Triangle, No Happily Ever After, Cliff Hanger Ending Favorite Tropes: Unrequited Love, Serious Illness or Injury
Even though I was very lucky in that I was able to get my hands on all three installments of this serialized novella at one time, and therefore was not forced to wait the week between publishing dates, I admit that the novelty of the serial format is a lot of fun. Both Part One and Part Two ended at really the perfect time, allowing that particular portion of the story to come to a close, while still leaving the reader wanting more. I would not recommend reading this installment without picking up Part One first — not only was Part One a wonderful installment on its own, but the background of just how Grace fell in love with Colin, and the feelings that developed on both sides of friendship (and possibly a little more?), is imperative to the full understanding of this story. In case you missed it, you can read MY REVIEW OF PART ONE HERE. Remember, this is not a continuance, or a sequel, this is literally the middle part of a double-length novella that has been split into three parts for easier consumption.
Overall, even though it was a fairly short read, this section of the story packed quite a punch. We find out what exactly happened to Colin on the ship that caused him to be sent home from the Royal Navy, and we get to experience a joyously shocking conversation between Grace and her mother that fans of The Ugly Duchess will greatly appreciate.
Add to that a bit of a guilty pleasure in a Big Misunderstanding, and you’ve got a very fun read with just the right amount of naughtiness blended in.
4/5 Stars, and I know readers will be chomping at the bit for Part Three, due out next week....more
This is a Quickie Review. For the full review, please visit The Romanceaholic.
Reminiscent of some of my favorites by Loretta Chase or Anne Mallory, thThis is a Quickie Review. For the full review, please visit The Romanceaholic.
Reminiscent of some of my favorites by Loretta Chase or Anne Mallory, this treasure of a book pulled me in from the very first pages and refused to let me go, even as I turned the final page.
One thing I did want to note was that even though it was obvious early on that this book was part of a series, there was never a time where I felt at a disadvantage for having not read the previous books in the series. I may go back and read the others, I may not, but this story worked perfectly as a standalone.
I loved Rafe so much, most likely because while he had such a tough exterior, inside he was so wounded. His veneer of a tough, uncaring jerk may have fooled the world around him, but as a reader, we easily got to see past that into the wounded little boy who wrapped himself in a tough shell so that nobody would ever know just how badly he was hurting on the inside. While I wouldn’t recommend this story to fans of the truly cruel variety of tortured hero, I would definitely recommend it to fans of those heroes whose golden hearts are more covered with chipped plaster than true rock.
While there were times that I wanted to shake Eve for being so naive and impossibly unrealistic about life in general, I couldn’t help but admire her for not only being able to charm Rafe out of his cocoon, but for being able to stand up against so much heartache that life threw at her all at once.
Overall, I simply couldn’t put it down, and I have no doubt that this will be one that I will be re-reading quite a bit in the future.
Recommended for fans of naive yet charming heroines, of stoic, damaged heroes who are helpless against said heroine’s charms, and of finding an impossible happily every after in spite of everything life throws in your way.
This is a Quickie Review. For the full review, please visit The Romanceaholic.
As a big fan of the Bloodhounds series as a whole, honestly, I was a bitThis is a Quickie Review. For the full review, please visit The Romanceaholic.
As a big fan of the Bloodhounds series as a whole, honestly, I was a bit wary when I’d heard that Diana and Nate were going to be featured in the next book of this series, because I wasn’t sure how the Moira Rogers team was going to be able to pull them off as a couple. I should never have doubted them.
With the dual nature of both Vampire and Bloodhound running through Nate’s veins, as well as the fact that he has both the wisdom and the cynicism of an old man combined with the looks and vigor of youth, he was far more of a force to be reckoned with than I’d ever anticipated, and I really enjoyed seeing him finally come into his own as a character in his own right rather than simply someone there to lend support to others and fill in the storylines.
Diana was a big favorite of mine in the last book, Archer’s Lady, and she continues to be my favorite female of the series so far. Whether you consider her an accident or an abomination, one thing is certain, Diana is unique, and just as fierce as her namesake, the Greek Goddess of the Hunt.
I loved that Diana was allowed to be both powerful and vulnerable, and that Nate was able to feel as though he were an older character unaccustomed to a younger man’s body at times. Together, they were an explosive combination, and were very easily my favorite couple thus far.
It’s not often that I go into a story uncertain as to whether I’m even going to like the main couple, and come out with such an enormous grin on my face.
While I would recommend that newcomers to the series go back and at least read Archer’s Lady to get a bit of an introduction to Nate and Diana, if not to the Guild itself, for me this was, hands down, the best book of the series.
A very solid 5/5 Stars.
{This book was provided by the author free of charge in exchange for an honest review.}...more
I almost fell over myself when I saw this one on Netgalley, because I love Shona Husk's writing, and was a big fan of Dark Vow.. I'd no idea there wasI almost fell over myself when I saw this one on Netgalley, because I love Shona Husk's writing, and was a big fan of Dark Vow.. I'd no idea there was even a sequel in the works, so I knew immediately that I had to read this one.
Quite dark, with some very heavy issues at hand, it was just as good as the first, if not better. I loved Haidyn *dreamy sigh*
This is a Quickie Review. For the full review, please visit The Romanceaholic.
Expected Release Date: January 22, 2013 Publisher: Harlequin Imprint: HarlThis is a Quickie Review. For the full review, please visit The Romanceaholic.
Expected Release Date: January 22, 2013 Publisher: Harlequin Imprint: Harlequin Presents Author’s Website: http://www.jennielucas.com/ My Source for This Book: Netgalley Part of a Series: Book 1, Princes Untamed Series Best Read In Order: N/A Steam Level: Steamy Favorite Tropes: Holy Crap She’s A Virgin!, Con Artist, Revenge Pet Peeves: Overly Self-Sacrificing Heroine, Contemporary: Virgin Heroine
I don’t think I’ve ever had the pleasure of reading a contemporary romance that featured a heroine who used to be a con-artist in the past, at least not one that didn’t have some sort of urban fantasy feel or something, and so this book grabbed me from the very beginning and refused to let go.
The fact that Vlad and Bree were estranged lovers, with an enormous misunderstanding in their past (or was it?), added quite a bit of delicious tension. Even though I think some readers may find Vlad to be overly brutish and possibly even cruel to Bree, I felt it was, for the most part, pretty well deserved.
With a fresh storyline to appeal to modern readers, but enough of the scandal, betrayal, and money that keeps us coming back to the Harlequin Presents line year after year, I loved it.
Recommended for self-sacrificing heroines with sketchy pasts, bitter heroes who revel in revenge, and of hot chemistry that neither can deny.
Sadly, not really my thing. I admit fault in that I was unfamiliar with any series these authors may have penned, but... it just didn't do it for me. Sadly, not really my thing. I admit fault in that I was unfamiliar with any series these authors may have penned, but... it just didn't do it for me.
I also admit that I didn't read Of Monsters and Men by Jocelynn Drake. I'm fairly certain (well, hoping, anyway) that this is part of a larger series that the reader is dropped into, as I felt a bit disconnected with the characters. Plus, at no fault of the author, I'm not a big fan of fae in general.
I enjoyed Terri Garey's The Ghoul Next Door, but was disappointed at the lack of sensuality (what can I say? I like my romance steamy!), and while I liked the basic plot of Trick or Treathen, I just didn't mesh well with the writing style.
This was a surprising miss for me, as Avon publishing and I usually get along splendidly.
While there were a few loose ends that bothered me (but forgivable, since this is obviously part of a series/continuity), and there was something I feWhile there were a few loose ends that bothered me (but forgivable, since this is obviously part of a series/continuity), and there was something I felt was a bit misleading that I can't mention because it's a major spoiler (gah!), it was still a really enjoyable friends-to-lovers story.
Lighthearted and sweet, with just enough conflict to keep things interesting, a solid 4/5 Stars, with a full review to follow. ...more
Can I just say how happy I am to discover non-virgin heroines in some new category romances? I just read this and Michelle Celmer's Caroselli's ChristCan I just say how happy I am to discover non-virgin heroines in some new category romances? I just read this and Michelle Celmer's Caroselli's Christmas Baby, and was very pleased to note that the heroines of both books, while not promiscuous in the slightest, were still somewhat experienced and confident in what they wanted.
Unfortunately, I never really felt love on Lucus' part (though lust was never a problem lol), so I wasn't really feeling his "transformation" from cold, unfeeling man who'd shut himself off from his emotions after a past tragedy into a loving partner.
This is a Quickie Review. For the full review, please visit The Romanceaholic.
Expected Release Date: December 26, 2102 Publisher: HarperCollins Imprint:This is a Quickie Review. For the full review, please visit The Romanceaholic.
Expected Release Date: December 26, 2102 Publisher: HarperCollins Imprint: Avon Author’s Website: http://karinacooper.com/ My Source for This Book: Edelweiss Part of a Series: Yes, Book 2, St. Croix Chronicles Series Best Read In Order: Yes Steam Level: Chaste
There is a twist in this story that changes everything. I want so badly to discuss it, but I refuse to ruin the surprise for anyone, and as such, I must leave you with the fact that while reading, I literally sat straight up in bed in shock at one point while reading. I have to admit, even though I was quite unhappy with the direction that the story took, that twist just knocked my socks off.
I’m dying to see where Ms. Cooper takes these characters, and have no doubt in my mind that whatever she has planned is going to blow my mind.
Even better than the first book, I would recommend this for any fan of steampunk, multifaceted characters, and intriguing mystery.
This is a Quickie Review. For the full review, please visit The Romanceaholic.
Expected Release Date: September 3, 2012 Publisher: Harlequin Imprint: CarThis is a Quickie Review. For the full review, please visit The Romanceaholic.
Expected Release Date: September 3, 2012 Publisher: Harlequin Imprint: Carina Press Author’s Website: marifee.com My Source for This Book: Netgalley Part of a Series: No (For Now) Series Best Read In Order: N/A Steam Level: Chaste
With sweet chemistry, likable characters, and a new twist on the “superhero” phenomenon, this novella was so much fun that I read it in one sitting.
I loved the idea that the delineation between hero and villain being several shades of gray rather than black and white, and how there’s a middle ground between “normal” and “super” as far as abilities go. Burke and Gina were delightful, and Static was an absolute joy.
Recommended for fans of great chemistry, fun capers, and sweet romance.
This is a Quickie Review. For the full review, please visit The Romanceaholic.
When I first sat down to write this review, I realized that I had a bit This is a Quickie Review. For the full review, please visit The Romanceaholic.
When I first sat down to write this review, I realized that I had a bit of a problem — how on earth was I going to rein in my inner Fangirl long enough to put together coherent sentences on just how fantastic this book was? I’m still not certain that I am able to do it justice, but suffice it to say, I loved this book. It easily ranks right up there with my adoration of Ilona Andrews’ Kate Daniels series, Jeaniene Frost’s Night Huntress series, and yes, even Stacia Kane’s Downside Ghosts series, and I will tell you that is no small feat at all.
With not only intriguing characters but fascinating world-building, new twists on old mythologies as well as original creations, and an exciting mystery behind the disappearance of many non-human children, the story never felt rushed, even though it was full of action and multi-faceted characters that made it easy to become fully immersed in Kit’s world.
Recommended for fans of strong heroines with a horrifying past, of alpha heroes with hidden depths, and of fresh new twists on old mythologies.
An impossibly solid 5/5 Stars. *As of 7/10, I've read this three times. If anyone wonders why I'm "behind" on my 2012 reading challenge, this is why lol (and yes, it's still 5/5)
-- A Slightly Off-Topic Rant (10.19.2012)
I've noticed quite a few reviews where people were upset that Kit wasn't a Kate Daniels clone. Kit isn't Kate, despite the similarity in names and their penchants for sharp pointy things. Kit is, well, Kit. She has a completely different past, a different skill set, different magic, and lives in a completely different world with its own set of rules.
I can't speak for anyone else, but when I first read this and went around the internet gushing to anyone who would listen about how this was the best Urban Fantasy I'd read since the Kate Daniels series, it wasn't because I thought that Kit and Kate were so similar, it's because I recognized in Kit the same vulnerability, stubbornness, and potential that I saw in Kate in her first book.
If you look back at Kate in her first novel, she was a lot younger and lacked a lot of the experience and maturity that has developed her character into the awesome power that she is. Kit's also like that in some ways -- she's not superwoman, she doesn't always make the right choices, she occasionally acts impulsively, and she's got her own personal demons to battle just like anyone else. And I for one can't get enough of her.
So please don't go into this expecting a heroine just like Kate Daniels, or you're probably going to be disappointed. And please, don't be put off by the reviews expressing disappointment that Kit turned out not to be Kate... Instead, go into this book with an open mind, and I think you'll find that Kit is a character that you're going to want to follow through many books to come.
Jess the Romanceaholic
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