Werewolf Reading List

Oh my, where did this week go? I had planned to add a bit more to the blog for Werewolf Week. Between wrapping things up at school before Spring Break and preparing to head out on our upcoming trip, life has sucked up my free time.  Ah well, here I am squeaking in one last werewolf post just before the week actually comes to an end.

When I want a good werewolf or shape shifter story there are a few authors that are on my go-to list.  There are those books I have read and re-read to get my lupine fix. Sometimes the main character is the shifter. In some books they play a supporting role.  Whether the lady in the spotlight or the man on the sidelines, I just love these characters. 

It used to be that I would have to wait until October for a new batch of Paranormal Romances to be released. Halloween was always good for some otherworldly heroes.  Mostly this included vampires. I love me some blood suckers, but we are focused on their furry friends this week.  It used to be a rarity to find books with werewolf characters, never mind were-cats, were-bears, or were-guinea pigs. When Urban Fantasy and Paranormal Romance hit the big time scores of Halloween readers rejoiced. Vampires in January?  Demons in April?  Werewolves all year long??!!?!?  Huzzah!!!

So now these books are abundant.  With such abundance, however, comes overexposure and a vast disparity in quality.  There is the good and there is the bad.  Let us not dwell on the bad.  Instead, let us list the good.  Together, let's create a reading list of books we have read and found to be exciting, delicious, decadent and down right fantastic.  Share with us your favorite werewolf/shifter book and I will add it in an ever growing reading list.  Let's see just how extensive a list we can compile.

Werewolf/Shifter Read List

Alpha & Omega series  by Patricia Briggs
     On the Prowl (anthology)
     Cry Wolf
     Fair Game
Alpha Instinct  by Katie Reus
Desire Unchained  by Larissa Ione
Last Call Kamikaze  by Moira Rogers
Mercy Thompson series  by Patricia Briggs
     Moon Called
     Blood Bound
     Iron Kissed
     Bone Crossed
     Silver Borne
     River Marked
Night Play  by Sherrilyn Kenyon
Psy-Changeling series  by Nalini Singh
     click here for full reading order
Sin Undone  by Larissa Ione



So which books have you read that should be added to the list?  I know I am missing a ton.  Which books have you loved that all lovers of werewolves (and shifters of all shapes) should read?

Protector's Mate by Katie Reus

I adore Paranormal Romance.  It is quite possibly my favorite genre. Recently I have been all about the werewolves and shifters.  So here at WWR I am hosting a week about werewolves.  To kick things off, I present a review of a book out just today!

Title: Protector's Mate
Author: Katie Reus
Genre: Paranormal romance
Format: ebook provided by the author

Sysnopsis: After two years in a war zone, werewolf Felicia Serna has finally returned to find another pack has taken over her territory…and the new second-in-command is the very man who haunts her fantasies.


Alaric has wanted Felicia from the moment he laid eyes on her, and now he’s ready to claim her. When a threatening shifter begins stalking them, he’s determined to protect her…even if it means putting his seduction on hold. But even in the heat of danger, their red-hot passion cannot be denied.

I feel the need to preface this with saying that I have a love-hate relationship with novellas. I love the idea of them.  A short, quick shot of romance.  You aren't always in the mood for a long book.  The novella steps up to fit the bill.  At the same time, this short format usually leaves me... unsatisfied.  Just as the story feels like it is gaining some steam, the author rushes to wrap it all up.  You see, love-hate.


All that said, I jumped at the chance to read Katie Reus's newest release (OUT TODAY!)  I strongly enjoyed Alpha Instinct, so when she said new newest, Protector's Mate, was in the same vein I had to read it.

Felicia has baggage. Not your average emotional baggage, but a full matching set of traveling luggage. Her early experience with pack life caused her to leave home, choosing the life of a lone wolf. Against her Alpha's wishes, she went to college and then escaped to Afganistan to work as a nurse.  Returning home took more courage than facing the dangers of the war torn country. Upon arriving home, she is met with the news that her Alpha is dead and another has taken over his territory.  This news is delivered by Alaric, the one wolf capable of making her heart beat faster.  He arrives at the airport to pick Felicia up, with no prior warning.


The spark flare between Felicia and Alaric from moment one. Her ability to trust, however, poses quite a stumbling block.  Alaric knew the moment he met her years ago that Felicia was his mate.  He also knew that she was not ready for the relationship he wanted from her.  Alaric stepped back and gave her the time to grow into adulthood, unaware of the warped dynamic inside her pack and the damage it would do.  He kept tabs on her as she went to college and, later, when she was overseas.  Eventually he contacted her via email and began to build the foundations for their future relationship. Felicia wants to trust Alaric, but she learned her lessons the hard way with her previous Alpha. Her wolf knows that is can trust Alaric, but her human side was still wary.

Ms. Reus does a fine job of quickly building the world in which these characters live and developing enough of a backstory that you believe Felicia and Alaric have a connection.  There is a dangerous conflict that arises that provides both plot tension and a setting for steamy moments.

I did like the story.  I think Katie did a credible job of weaving all the treads together.  I do wish she had been able to put these characters into a full length novel.  There is so much more I want to know about their story.  I was not fully satisfied, but still pleasantly entertained. If you like novellas you should definitely read this one.  If you find the format too short you should skip and go straight to Alpha Instinct.  If, like me, you have that love-hate relationship with novellas... go for it.  If is certainly worth a read.

Alpha Instinct by Katie Reus

I know I have one of Katie's books on my shelf at home. It has been gathering dust for AGES. WHY, oh why have I not read it yet?  I saw a review of Alpha Instinct on another blog and the plot just grabbed me. I am so glad I loaded up on my Kindle.

Title: Alpha Instinct
Author: Katie Reus
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Format: ebook
Series: book 1 in her new Moon Shifter series

Synopsis:  Ana Cordona has been a strong leader for the lupine shifters who survived after all the males and most of the females in her pack were mysteriously poisoned. As tough as she is, with no Alpha male, the pack is vulnerable to the devious shifter Taggart, who wants to claim both their ranch and Ana as his own. When Connor Armstrong comes back into her life, promising protection, it’s almost enough to make Ana forget how he walked out on her before—and reluctantly accept his offer to mate.


The minute Connor sees Ana again, it reawakens a raw hunger. He must have her for his bondmate—his wolf cries out for it. But his human side knows he must proceed with caution because of their complicated past. If he is to truly have her body and soul, he must go beyond his burning desire and win back her heart. Whatever it takes, he is determined not to leave her side again.


But Taggart and his rival pack are not their only enemies. A human element in town is targeting shifters. Their plan not only threatens Ana and Connor’s future, but the lives of the entire pack…


Since the death of her parents and nearly two-thirds of her pack, Ana has had to be strong. She has had to be the emotional and physical strength of the women remaining in her care.  With no men males left in their midst, the women's hold on the territory is tenuous, at best.  With threats from the neighboring pack, Ana is about at the end of the line when ghosts from the past suddenly reappear, just in the nick of time.

Connor loves Ana.  He has loved her for the past 50 years, leaving her behind did nothing to dampen his ardor. How could it when finding her so many years ago meant finding his true mate?  Connor has returned and he is not alone.  Once a loner, he now heads his own pack of Alpha warriors.  With Ana in need of an Alpha, Connor grabs the chance to have what he wanted so long ago: a life with the woman he loves.

If you are looking for a light read or if you don't want a story full of tension and tragedy.... just walk away.  If you crave the angst of thwarted love given a second chance this is your book.  If love strong characters who can stand on their own, but find strength in each other, this is the book for you.  If you are looking to get hooked on a new series with dark overtones, great world building, and a well structured over aching series plot, THIS IS THE BOOK FOR YOU!  Ana is facing the threat of her neighbor Taggert (a shifter no sane person wants to meet) while at the same time dealing with the loss of so many of her pack mates. Added to this is the continued hovering threat from an outside source.  Many possible culprits are thrown your way. A few who make sense as the villain, but you hope Ms. Reus has plotted a less obvious outcome.  Don't worry, she doesn't go the obvious route. I love that the reader gets closure at the end for the central plot lines, but the Big Bad is out there, ready for the next book in the series. You could read this book and walk away feeling as though you got answers at the end.  But why would you walk away from a series with such a strong start??!?!!?

Katie has so many threads running through this book.  You know she is going to pick up a new one and give the others a tug in coming books.  The addition of so many Alpha warriors into a pack of all women gives the potential for many books and much angst to come.  I, for one, greatly look forward to this.

Now I can't wait to get home and dig out the other book I own penned by Ms. Reus. I know I am in for something fantastic.

The Ancient Greeks are Among Us!

Two books that I have read recently have both featured Greek gods and goddesses in the present day. I found this intriguing. Especially so, because the two book were so very different.

Percy Jackson and the Olympians: The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan is the first book in a YA/children's series that focuses on Percy Jackson, the son of Poseidon. Born half human, half god, Percy is not your average kid. School is torture. The special abilities that will someday manifest into battle skills only cause him trouble in the regular world. Labeled ADHD and LD, Percy hates school, and the teachers aren't too fond of him, either. One teacher in particular takes a murderous dislike to Percy. It's only when she glows claws and wings that Percy realizes just how much trouble he is in.

Born of parents from (literally) two different worlds, Percy and those like him draw the worst elements. Few of these children make it into their teenage years. This first book in a series starts the journey that Percy takes through adolescence. Will he survive? Will the gods take him out? Can he keep his mother safe? Will the Titans rise and take over Olympus?

This book was based so strongly in the original mythology that there is a sense of familiarity to the story. Those who studies the myths in school know the story of Medusa and Persephone. You know what Percy must do or why a god behaves in a particular way. Riordan honors the mythology, keeping true to the stories as his book unfolds.

I highly recommend this book. I have already told many of my students about it. I see the boys' eyes light up as they tell me about their favorite parts of the book. Boys. Reading. Voluntarily. For some of them this is a new experience. What could possibly be better than having students excited about a book they read, which will lead them to focused learning in the classroom? Not much, I think.

On the complete flip side, I FINALLY read Fantasy Lover by Sherrilyn Kenyon. This was my first Kenyon novel. I know, I know. What rock have I been living under. The back list was a bit intimidating. I finally sucked it up and snagged a copy. It was quite fun. Not the best paranormal romance I have ever read, but it was enjoyable. Certainly it was good enough to inspire me to request the next book from the library.

Julian is the son of Aphrodite and a Spartan soldier. Turned out of Olympus as a baby, he was given to the care of his father. Born of a time of war, male children were given over the the army at an early age. Blessed with his mother's beauty, Julian was often beaten and ridiculed. This shaped him into a lethal soldier. Gaining the favor of Athena, he was sent to battle to return victorious again and again. Jealousy of his conquests and his own poor judgement lead to his ultimate downfall. Cursed by his half-brother, Julian was locked in a book, only to be brought forth when summoned by women to act as their sex slave. Two millenia of this torture has left him empty, merely a husk of a man.

Grace is a sex therapist who ain't gettin' any. Her best friend thinks this is a problem. Grace is just fine with the situation, thank you very much. Her personal baggage comes in the form of a matching set of Louis Vuitton steamer trunks. She knows she has issues, but doesn't feel the need to lighten the load. Take a birthday, a bottle of wine, a cursed Greek book, and a well meaning best friend.... Grace, meet Julian. Julian, meet the first woman who has ever said no to you.

Sexual tension, ahoy! I enjoyed seeing the two characters get to know one another and begin to understand each other as individuals. Julian became human, not simply a love slave. Grace began to let go of the ghosts holding her back. Various gods popped in to either help or complicate matters. I felt that one or two issues were resolved perhaps too easily. Aphrodite waves her hand and all is well. Yet, I still enjoyed the book. A fun, easy romp.

So those Greek gods are still stirring up trouble today and making reading time interesting for us all.

Gorging myself

Oh... wow. I just gorged myself on Nalini Singh. Seriously. I devoured her entire backlist. Damn those cats are sexy! I can't even get my thought is order to type up a review of any one specific book. Instead, I give you random thoughts about the sries:

- Her heroes are tough, loyal men dedicated to their pack. They are flawed, but not fatally so.

- The heroines are equally strong. These are no shrinking violets, but neither are they ball busters.

- Engaging political atmosphere. Ms. Singh has developed a complex world with all it's troubles and strife.

- Family is at the heart of everything. I love this. These are men who are driven by their connection to and need for family.

- Alpha with a capital A. Somehow, though, they are not jackasses.

- The characters from previous books don't fade away at the conclusion of their book. They play integral roles in subsequent novels.

- The women stand equally among the men. They don't lose their strength once the hero claims them for their own. These women are defined by their own personality and talents, not by the men they are mated to.


I could go on, but I shall leave it at that. Ms. Singh, you are now officially on my list. Auto buy, baby, auto buy!

Meljean love

I heart Meljean. I do! I know many of you do, too. There is just something so lush about her writing. The characters she creates and the world in which they live are vibrant and real. Reading her work leaves me inspired to write, yet completely intimidated. Seriously, the girl is frickin' unreal!

I admit that I am late to the party where Meljean is concerned. Then again, when am I ever on the ball with book releases and trends in the industry? Never. That being said, I have only read Falling For Anthony, Demon Angel, and Paradise. I just finished Paradise (from the Wild Thing anthology) last night. The need to finish it may have contributed to me being late to a meeting (more about that meeting later.) I just could not put it down. Usually a novella leaves be feeling unfulfilled. I want more from the characters or the plot. Not so with this story. Lucas and Selah were wonderful. I completely believed the passion that developed between them, no matter how fast it happened. The vampire community in Ashland was hilarious. I have had vast experience with theater people. The fact that they were vampire theater people made me smile.

I am finding it difficult to be coherent with my thoughts on the book. I loved it. Lucas was this great, intense hero. He had the angst and tortured guilt that I just love in a romance. He was all that, and a vamp, yet managed to not be an Alpha hero. AND I STILL LOVED HIM! Me, the "I only break for Alphas" gal. The fact that he is not an Alpha is actually quite important when it comes to the nature of the vamp community that he leads. Selah is this combination of tough warrior and vulnerable woman. She is conflicted. She is being pulled in two different directions and it is killing her. She is 100% committed to the role of a Guardian, but something doesn't seem to fit.

I think the thing that I enjoy most about Meljean's books is that she doesn't take the easy way out with the HEA. It would be so easy to make all of the characters into Guardians at the end or to have all of the Guardians fall. With Hugh and Lilith (Demon Angel), they still have ties to their past. Lilith does not want to get married. In the end love wins out, but it is not a typical HEA. Lucas and Selah get their HEA (or perhaps more of a HFN), but it is not all tied up with a pretty, shiny bow. The book is a paranormal, but the HEA rings more true to me than those in many Contemporary Romances. There is an honesty to it that I appreciate as a reader. (Of course, I still love the rosy endings with the wedding and baby. I just like some realistic love endings, too. Gives a practical yet romantic single girl some hope.)

This novella is a must-read for me. If you have not yet jumped on the Mejean bandwagon... what are you waiting for?

Review: Vamps and the City

Book:  Vamps and the City

Author:  Kerrelyn Sparks

Genre:  Paranormal Romance

Darcy Newhart was a reporter for a local New York news station.  She had dreams of covering the big stories, but like all newbies was assigned to the human interest stories.  She was a talented reporter who was able to bring wit and charm to the most boring or demeaning situations.  New York loved her.  And one Halloween night she went missing. 

Surviving the attack that night brought her into the world of vampires, and into the harem of vampire leader, Roman Dragenesti.  With Roman's impending wedding, the members of his harem are at loose ends.  What will become of them.  Darcy sees this as her chance to once again gain some of the freedom she lost four years ago.  To that end she seeks employment at the only vampire run television station, DVN.  The throwback of a station manager agrees to hire her if she can come up with a unique programming idea for their stale evening lineup.  Thus the first vampire reality show is born, The Sexiest Man Alive.

Sick of the sexism she faces in the vampire community, she decides to really throw a wrench into the works.  Contestants on her show will be competing for the title of sexiest man alive, a large cash prize, and the role of master to the harem.  How best to shake things up in the vampire community?  Cast five contestants that are mortal! 

When Sean Whelan, the leader of the CIA faction the Stake Out team, discovers this news he immediately orders his two male agents to audition for the show.  At the audition Darcy meet Austin Erickson, the embodiment of her male fantasy.  The attraction and chemistry is instant.  She knows he is human, but he does not realize she is a vampire, the evil scourge that he is fighting against.  Madcap folly ensues.


I found this book to be a fun, light read.  I would catagorize it along with paranormals written by Lynsay Sands and Katie McAllister.  Fluffy and fun, but not a whole lot to sink your teeth into.  While I was reading it I was engaged in the story.  When I put the book down I could completely forget about it and go days without picking it up again.    I'm not saying it was bad or boring or anything negative.  I think that my tastes are evolving.  Books like this one used to be my go-to for an entertaining read.  I want more intensity and eroticism in a paranormal these days. 

Things that I liked:  The plot with the reality television show.  It was silly and fun.  I enjoyed how the women of the harem grew as individuals during that time.  I particularly liked the fact that Darcy hated being a vamp. It made me happy to read about a character who wanted more out of life than what they were allowing her to have.  She was a victim, but she was working to change the status quo.  Her friendship with Gregori was sweet.  He was so protective of her.

Things I did not care for:  From the first mention of it, I knew exactly what was going to happen at the end.  There was very little mystery.  The end felt a little to pat and perfect.  It was a little too fairy tale, wave a magic wand and all is better.  That being said, it definitely gave me the HEA I demand in a romance.

Overall:  It was a cute book.  I think it would be a good paranormal romance to give to someone who is new to the (sub)genre, or even new to romance.  The heat was about moderate, the action was relatively tame.  A boy-meets-girl-but-thinks-he-can't-have-girl story.  Not fabulous, not horrible.  A decent middle ground book.  I think the best word to describe it is inoffensive.  It won't send you into raptures, but you aren't going to throw it against the wall. 

Pick your predator

In continuation of my Halloween theme I have a question for you today.

As you may have figured out by my recent posts, I have a thing for vampires. If you write a book with a main character (especially the hero) as a vampire, I am yours. Truly. I have read some really not great books simply because there were vamps in it. Werewolves? I like 'em, but I can pass on their story. Demons and angels? I have only recently started to read those. I blame Meljean for this. Until I read Demon Angel I had no desire to read a sexy scene the included a woman with horns or a man with a tail. Lilith has ruined me.

But I will still pick a vamps over these other paranormal creatures any day of the week. Vampire Urban Fantasy? Yup! Vampire historical romance? You bet! Vampire contemporary? Absolutely! I just love vamps. Why is that, you ask? I think it is the versatility of the vamp mythos. Each author has created their own world. Sometimes vamps are the walking undead. Other authors have their vamps originate from Atlantis or even an alien race. It might be a virus that has infected the vamp or they are simply another race living amongst humans. Some can walk in the sun with ill effects, while others will incinerate upon UV contact. Vamps in certain mythos drink blood from bags (blood banks). There are almost always laws dictating the acceptable behavior of vamps living along side humans. There are politics, societal norms, and the illicit love they feel for the woman or man who is not one of their own kind. These vamps are strong, passionate, possessive, determined, haunted, damaged, gorgeous (of course), tortured, primal, demanding... Alpha in every sense of the word. And damn if I don't love it.

How about you? Are you a fellow vamp lover or does another otherworldly being get your knickers in a twist? What is it about them that sucks you in every time?

Paranormal influx: good or bad?

Vampires. Oh, how I love them. I think my fascination began back in high school when I first read The Vampire Diaries series by L.J. Smith. The angst. The love. The hot vamp guys. There is just something so compelling and sexy about a vampire hero. Yes, I know that there are books out there where the vampire character is not gorgeous and heroic. Frankly, I like to ignore those books (unless it is a para rom or UF with other fabulous men in it.) Give me a book with a tortured "other" in the spotlight and I am your devoted reader.

Since pickings used to be so slim in terms of para rom (see my previous post), I used to devour any dark romance that came my way. With the exponential explosion in para rom and UF offerings I have found myself in a bit of a pickle. I actually have to make choices about the books I read. Crazy, I know. I no longer have to settle for what the publishing houses release. There is a multitude of offerings every week. This is a seemingly wonderful problem to have. Too many choices can't be a bad thing, can it? Actually, it can.

Because reader demand for para rom is at it's highest in years, the publishing houses are releasing floods of books for our consumption. When they only offered a handful of selections, the publishers would be more selective about the stories they released. Today, I fear that there is more of a focus on quantity than quality. It used to be a much rarer occurrence for me to buy a vamp or werewolf novel and end up disappointed. Nearly all of the books were well written with interesting, well thought out plots. I am sad to say that is not the truth today. Don't get me wrong, I know not all of the para rom novels released ten years ago were of the highest quality, but the percentage of high quality para rom books has seemed to decrease as this recent trend has built.

Or it can be explained in a different way. Perhaps the benchmark has been set higher. In days past I was ecstatic to snag new titles by the likes of Lynsay Sands and Susan Sizemore. These authors are still writing, still giving us the same style and plot that they have for years. This is neither good or bad, just a statement of fact. I just finished reading The Rogue Hunter by Lynsay Sands. It was pretty much what I expected from her: light, easy read, a sprinkle of vamp angst (although really more like worry than angst), some misunderstandings, and lurv. As is typical of her vampire series the H&h meet in an unexpected way. He can not read her thoughts and... life mate! How to tell her? I am beginning to view her books more like a contemporary romance where the hero or heroine just happens to be a vampire. The focus is more about the interactions between the main characters and how they will overcome the fact that he/she is different. Heck, take away vampire and insert a different religion or ethnicity and you have a contemp. Again, this is neither good nor bad. It really depends on what you are looking for in your paranormal romances. Lately, I have been wanting more.

Maybe I can lay blame at the feet of such authors as J.R. Ward, Larissa Ione, Lara Adrian, and Meljean Brooks, but I expect more out of a para rom novel these days. I demand angst. I expect suspense. I want a Big Bad that makes you cringe. There must be some damn good chemistry and that HEA better make my heart speed up. (The Rogue Hunter seemed to have more of a HFN, which I don't accept in a romance novel, thank you very much.) I finished reading Pleasure Unbound (Larissa Ione) earlier this week. I put it down and immediately went to my computer to find out when the next book was going to be released. THAT is what I am talking about. Eidolon was all I could ask for in a hero: smart, sexy, wrestling with his own inner demon (pun slightly intended.) He had his own set of morals, yet was tempted to break them, or realign them, in order to be with Tayla. He was drawn to her, despite being enemies. He wanted to help and protect her despite knowing that she fought against and killed his people. Tayla was a great heroine. She was tough (could match Eidolon in a fight), smart, troubled, and dealing with her own torments. Not only did she have to work through a crisis of conscience, but had to face the realities of her past and her future. These were not small issues. I love that Ms. Ione had two opposing sides (demons and Guardians), both of whom could be considered the good guys in some way. Each was misinformed about the other, causing confusion and enmity that was not necessary. I think this made the novel even better. It would have been easy to make one side right and one side wrong. These shades of gray are what kept the reader intrigued. The Big Bad was committing crimes that justified the reactions of all the characters. No one seemed to be overreacting or blowing the events out of proportion. The terror and worry were well matched with the actions of the Evil. You could understand why everyone was so angry and frightened (sorry Ms. Ward, but your baby powder smelling guys just don't invoke that fear in me. Love your men, though!)

I think the publishing houses need to take note. We readers love the wider availability of paranormal romances, but our benchmark for quality has not lowered. Neither should their standards. I would rather a smaller selection of high quality reads, then a plethora of lackluster demons and fae. Give me one or two decadent Vosges chocolate truffles. You can keep the 5lbs. box of school fundraiser chocolate crisp bars.

Vampires and werewolves and fae, oh my!

I love October.  The temps begin to dip.  The trees along the street change their wardrobes from green to fiery orange and yellow.  I get to pull my sweaters out of storage.  My favorite boots are in season again.  We have made it through that first month of school and the students are settling into their routine.  Halloween is fast approaching, which means costume plans are in motion (or will be very soon!) 

Every year at this time I start to get the urge to participate in certain activities.  New crochet projects are planned.  Pumpkin and apple picking is considered (I will do it this year. For serious!)  My menu planning turns from cold salads and BBQ to hot soups, stews and roasts. 

It used to be that during the month of October I would be hit with a sudden desire for paranormal romance.  This was the time of year that publishers would release a sudden tsunami of books featuring vampires, werewolves, and other creatures that go bump in the night.  While their selection in May might be sparse, October was the time to indulge your inner Gothic side.  This year, and even last year, I have noticed a change.  I have not been stocking up on tales of vamp lovin'.  I was perplexed at first.  Why would this be?  It is almost a tradition for me.  October = paranormal plot line.  Then it hit me.  There was not a noticeable increase in PR offerings prior to Halloween.  Not that publishers had decided to stop releasing these titles.  Quite the contrary.  The February or May drought of werewolf or vamp tales was no more.  Paranormal romances have become such the rage in the industry that there now seems to be new releases every week.  Demand for these stories has gone through the roof.  Publishing companies no longer feel the need to hold their release dates until Halloween approaches.  Readers are looking for that vampiric thrill year round.  I admit, I am one of these readers. 

I know this is a trend.  Every industry has them.  I know that some day we will go back to the pre-Halloween paranormal influx.  For now, though, paranormal junkies like me can indulge themselves any time they please. No longer are we forced to be seasonal readers.  Yet, someday it will return again. 

October = paranormal romance  

December = holiday anthologies

July = beach and cottage books

Do the seasons ever impact your reading selections?  Are there particular genres or author or even books that you are drawn to at specific times of the year? 

Kiss of Midnight: my failure at reading challenges

I took on the Ban On Buying Book Challenge. I made my list. I have been slowly whittling away at the TRB pile. I was doing good.Then I picked up Kiss of Crimson and realized it was book 2 in the series. WAIT! No! I can't read this! My series order OCD started throwing a temper tantrum. Big time. I just couldn't do it. So I was in a pickle. I had two choices: 1) I would have to complete the challenge without actually finishing my TBR list OR 2) I could break the rules of the challenge in order to fulfill the challenge. What do you think I did? Yup. No willpower. I went out and bought Kiss of Midnight. Since I was there and they happened to have one copy of Jade Lee's newest release, The Dragon Earl, I had to snag that one, too. Technically I had already started reading it since she gave me a sneak peek pamphlet at the signing last month. :) (Isn't it amazing how I can justify this?)

So I finished Kiss of Midnight before bed last night. It was a well written book with a great Big Bad. The heroine was complex and the hero perfectly angsty. Yet I finished this book and felt a little meh. Objectively, I know that this was a good book. Here's the problem: I read the BDB first. I think if I had read Lara Adrian's books first and then moved on to the BDB I would have loved KoM. Instead I was already a BDB crackhead. Ms. Adrian's vamps and world seemed to pale in comparison. Lucan was like the less attractive, slightly chubby-but-nice guy whose brother you lust after (the BDB). I felt kind of bad as I read the book that I did not love it/him the way I love the BDB/Zsadist. I know this is my issue, not a fault with the book. If you love the vamp story line you should definitely give it a shot, especially if you have yet to read any of Ms. Ward's crack-like novels.

That is not to say the book is inferior to the BDB. I actually like the Big Bad in the Midnight Breed series far more than I like the Lessening Society. The Omega? meh. The Rogue Master? Bad ass.

Now if only we could ditch Marrissa, allow Butch and V to fulfill their destiny together and send them after the Rogue Master, we would have one freakin' amazing book, my brother.

Half-assed reviews and pitiful excuses

Wow. Over a week without posting. I'm not sure what to say. I could provide a whole list of reasons I have been absent, but they would just be pitiful excuses. I was lazy last week. It is as simple as that. It has nothing to do with not having reviews to write. Nope, I have read a handful of books. I even liked most of them! I am simply suffering from a lack of energy. I am a lazy sloth.

So I will attempt to make this up to you all by providing a number of half-assed reviews. (Sorry there are no photos, blogger is acting weird and not giving me a full toolbar.)

Title: The Spymaster's Lady
Author: Joanna Bourne

She's braved battlefields. She's stolen dispatches from under the noses of heads of state. She's played the worldly courtesan, the naive virgin, the refined British lady, even a Gypsy boy. But Annique Villiers, the elusive spy known as the Fox Cub, has finally met the one man she can't outwit

OMG, so good! Yep, I am a sqeeing fan girl. This book was beautifully written. The language Ms. Bourne uses builds such a vibrant picture in your mind that you feel you are there with the characters. The heroine is strong and self-sufficient. I don't think I have read a stronger female character in a historical romance before. Annique was daring, bold, brilliant (in a believable way), yet innocent at the same time. All of the men were wonderful. The plot was strong, complicated without being convoluted. The writing never seemed to lose momentum. The romance between the hero and heroine was believable. The sex was written so well that it wasn't until I finished the book that I realized the book lacked the cliched euphemisms. All in all, a stellar book. I would recommend this book to anyone, even non-historical or non-romance readers. It is like a bar of high quality milk chocolate. Easy on the palate and so very good. I can't wait to read My Lord and Spymaster.


Title: Demon Angel
Author: Meljean Brook

For two thousand years, Lilith wrought vengeance upon the evil and the damned, gathering souls for her father's armies Below and proving her fealty to her Underworld liege. Bound by a bargain with the devil and forbidden to feel pleasure, she draws upon her dark powers and serpentine grace to lead men into temptation. That is, until she faces her greatest temptation—Heaven's own Sir Hugh Castleford...

Once a knight and now a Guardian, Hugh spent centuries battling demons—and the cursed, blood-drinking nosferatu. His purpose has always been to thwart the demon Lilith, even as he battles his treacherous hunger for her. But when a deadly alliance unleashes a threat to both humans and Guardians in modern-day San Francisco, angel and demon must fight together against unholy evil—and against a desire that has been too long denied...

I don't like books that take place earlier that the mid-1700's. I just don't generally like them. Because of this, I put off starting Demon Angel after picking it up from the library. I had heard all the love being professed for this book and author. I just wasn't buying it. So finally, after some lackluster reads, I picked up DA. Good God, why did I wait so long? I will admit that I am an idiot. I should have listen to all of you out there that expressed such love for this series. Hugh and Lilith were such great characters. I love how their relationship steadily builds over the centuries. The story is so packed full of information and moments of significance, that I would often have to stop reading and do something else just so my brain could work thought what I had just read. Ms. Brooks crafted a wonderfully complex story. It is a rare thing that I don't figure out how the conflict will work itself out when I read a book. She had me stumped all the way until the end. This book is a bar of single origin dark chocolate. It is sharp and rich. You need to take time to savor each delicious bite. I can't wait to read about Savi and Colin. I am currently awaiting the arrival of the two short stories MB wrote. Go read this book if you haven't. Don't be an idiot like me. (Oh. One small comment. The only thing I did not like was the cover. It was pretty, but I could not bring it along on the train or to the family gathering I had to attend. I appreciate the half-nekked pic of Hugh, but my family would not.)


Title: How to Marry a Millionaire Vampire
Author: Kerrelyn Sparks

So what if he's a bit older and usually regards a human female as dinner, not a dinner date? Yes, Roman Draganesti is a vampire, but a vampire who lost one of his fangs sinking his teeth into something he shouldn't have. Now he has one night to find a dentist before his natural healing abilities close the wound, leaving him a lop–sided eater for all eternity.

Things aren't going well for Shanna Whelan either...After witnessing a gruesome murder by the Russian mafia, she's next on their hit list. And her career as a dentist appears to be on a downward spiral because she's afraid of blood. When Roman rescues her from an assassination attempt, she wonders if she's found the one man who can keep her alive. Though the attraction between them is immediate and hot, can Shanna conquer her fear of blood to fix Roman's fang? And if she does, what will prevent Roman from using his fangs on her...

This was a cute, average read. It was nothing to call home about, but not bad. I guess I would say "pretty good." It set up the beginning of the series enough the I am interested in reading more (especially since I own two of the other books in the series.) However, the title is completely wrong. The heroine does not know vamps exist until quite a ways into the book. She is not setting out to marry a millionaire vamp. Heck, she is not setting out to marry anyone. She just wants to stay alive. I was a little iffy on the subplot with her father. It kind of seemed tacked on to add even more drama to the poor heroine's life. Regardless, it was a fluffy, fun story. This book is a Cadbury Creme Egg or a box of Peeps. It is fluffy and sugary, but it does not leave a lasting impact on your sweet tooth craving.


Title: It Had To Be You
Author: Susan Elizabeth Phillips

The Windy City isn't quite ready for Phoebe Somerville—the outrageous, curvaceous New York knockout who has just inherited the Chicago Stars football team. And Phoebe is definitely not prepared for the Stars' head coach Dan Calebow, a sexist jock taskmaster with a one-track mind. Calebow is everything Phoebe abhors. And the sexy new boss is everything Dan despises—a meddling bimbo who doesn't know a pigskin from a pitcher's mound.

I have been hit or miss with this author. It Had To Be You was the first book in her Chicago Stars (football) series. I had previously read two others in the series (out of order, I know!!!) One book I liked, the other made me want to scream. I am happy to say that this book was a winner. Funny, quirky, the characters were great. Phoebe is not what you expect when you first start reading the book. She is introduced as a Paris Hilton-type bimbo. The real Phoebe is vastly different. Dan is strong, opinionated, sexy, and has the best interest of his team at heart. I actually bought the whole enemies become lovers deal in this book. Dang it, now I have to read the rest of the books in the series. It would almost have been better if this was another miss. Instead this book is one of those huge caramel apples. Crisp and rich at the same time. Not in the same category as chocolate, but still damn satisfying. Ah well, more reading for me! Oh, and all the Chicago and DuPage County locations make this series even more fun for me to read. I know exactly where the characters are when Ms. Philips includes descriptions of locations or driving directions. We need more books set in Chicago!


Tune in tomorrow when the book club starts discussing our book of the month: Mr. Perfect!

Reviews in a nutshell

I have yet to solve the "no Internet at home" problem. One one hand this is bad. I can't check email. I am unable to update this site. My main tool for procrastination is gone. On the other hand, this is a good thing. Grades are coming along nicely. I have read a TON. What have I been reading? Well, funny you should ask...

The Lost Duke of Wyndham by Julia Quinn

Oh, how I love Ms. Quinn. I first became hooked on the Bridgerton/Whistledown series. Yes, some were better than others, but all provided me with a sweet HEA. Her new book is Ms Quinn back in top form. She gives us two strong, well developed main characters. Grace is smart, resilient, sees life and people as they truly are. She has no misgivings or idealizations (is that a word?) about her employer. The dowager Duchess is not nice. Not crotchety with a heart of gold. Nope, she is just mean and bitter. I like that Ms Quinn gives us someone real, and not just a fairy tale version. Jack is strong, smart, independent, loving, and does not want to be Duke. He has his reasons. They are reasons that actually make sense, not some convoluted over the top plot device. These characters are real, fun to get to know, and quite hot together. This is a great historical. Coming from someone who is usually bored with historicals, this is rather high praise.

The BDB compendium (J.R. Ward)

I have been catching up on my crack. Rhage haunted me for a while. Then Z stood against the bookshelf in my classroom brooding, staring at me darkly. Butch... well, Butch is sweet. He just didn't haunt me like the other Brothers. Then Vishious... oh, V! He is still here, all aglow as he disposes of the rubbish that has accumulated in my classroom with a quick sweep of his ungloved hand. Part of me is itching to run out and pick up Lover Enshrined. Another part wants to wait so as not to get burned out on the BDB. That is not something I want to have happen. I have thoroughly enjoyed this series so far. Even Butch's book, while not great, was still entertaining. The men, they are all so damaged. I want to heal them all! I now understand the pig head retaliation that was taking place in our DIK huts. I am quite glad I waited until after our island adventure to read these books. I would have been in all kinds of agony. If you have not read the BDB series, go do it! Just make sure you go in order or the series police will come and righ you up, true. So here is the breakdown:

Lover Eternal (Rhage's book): hauntingly good, like rich chocolate from Dagoba or Voges. So smoking hot that the sex grandma, Sue Jo, would give it 4 briquettes on the hibachi of love.

Lover Awakened (Z's book): angst, angst, and more angst. This boy really earns his HEA. Damn.

Lover Revealed (Butch's book): the weakest of the bunch so far. The heroine can be trying at times. I think all of the secondary plots make up for it. It is not the greatest, but I would never skip over it.

Lover Unbound (Vishous's book): ooooh! kinky sex! Yum! V and Jane are great. The HEA was... unconventional. I'm still mulling it over. Pretty good side plots. I just LOVE Vishous. The dynamic between him and Butch... makes me ponder the whole m/m genre. Never picked one up, but I do like me some Butch/V moments. The scene with V and the chickadee... weeped. This may have some of the hottest sex of the series. That would be 5 flaming briquettes on the hibachi!

I think I am getting sick of Phury and his "poor me, Bella loves my brother" routine. The drug use is getting annoying, too. I hope Ward wraps it up well in LE. I hear that we get a bunch of Rehv. And I want to see what the deal is between John and Xhex. And what is going to happen with Payne? Ms Ward better be writing quickly!

So that, in a nutshell, is what I have been reading. I am off to finish grades and then pick out my next reading selection. Hmmmm... what to read?

Dark Lover

Title: Dark Lover
Author: J.R. Ward
Genre: Paranormal romance

After hemming and hawing over whether or not to take a chance on another vampire series and risk walking into a LHK-type disaster (sorry gals, I loved the first few but just couldn't make it past book 5), I finally bit the bullet and bought Dark Lover by J.R. Ward. I had heard so much buzz about these books. The BDB has more than a few rabid fans ::ehem::ripmybodice::ehem:: I figured what was I to lose if I just buy the first book. What could I lose? My sanity, that's what! Oh Wrath! How you haunt my dreams. Rhage, Butch, V, Z... I long to read your HEA! I have to admit, I was completely sucked in by these big badass vamps. Wrath and his feelings of worthlessness. Rhage and his inner torment. V and Butch... BroTP!!! And Z. Damn, he is nasty. I want to hate him, but his singing voice and those tiny, subtle signs of respect. You know there is something special beneath all that vitriol.

Ms. Ward has taken a familiar theme (vampires) and has given it an interesting twist. Vampires are not made, they are born. Yet, when they are born they are fully human. It is not until they are approximately 25 years old that they "Transition". Translation: vampire puberty. Oh baby, this is not pretty. Poor Beth does not realize her life is about to change. Her mother died after giving birth and her father purposely stayed away to allow Beth to live a "normal" life. You see, as a half-vampire, half-human offspring there was a chance that Beth would never go through the Transition. Darius wanted to give his daughter a chance to live life ignorant of the darker, dangerous vampire world in case she never changed. Luck was not on his side. Beth was about to Transition and Darius' life was about to explode. Literally.

Enter Wrath, blind vampire king. He is one badass, motherf***er. He is not just a warrior, he is the head honcho, ass kickin', death dealing, take no prisoners warrior. Even the other vamps are a little afeared of him. He does not want the responsibility of helping Beth transition, but Darius was the closest thing he had to family. Taking care of Beth was the last thing Darius had asked of Wrath before he went boom. So wrath tracks down Beth at her apartment. Yup. She is going to transition soon. He can smell it. When he enters her apartment to introduce himself for real... holy hawt sex, Vampman! The chemistry between the H&h is steamy. Day-um!

Putting the hot sex aside (if I must) I really enjoyed this story. Ms. Ward did a solid job of building her world in this first book. The relationships between the different members of the Black Dagger Brotherhood is established. The big bad villain is sufficiently creepy. So often, vampire hunters are portrayed as either good guys or misguided/ignorant humans. Not so in the BDB world. These vamp hunters, lessers, are the baddies. Big time. The lessers are men who have long had violent, even homicidal, tendencies. They have given up their souls (put in ceramic jars) so that they may remain ageless and sexless, hunting down vamps for the pure joy of the kill. Here's the thing, Ms. Ward's vampires DO NOT BITE HUMANS. They must drink the blood of thier own kind to survive. They do not prey on humans. Why kill them? See? Lessers are eeeeeevil!

So often I have heard these books referred to as the "BDB crack". Oh yes, it is.

Hello, my name is Shannon, and I am a BDB addict.

Grade: A-

Title: Bitten & Smitten
Author: Michelle Rowen
Genre: Paranormal Romance





Back Cover

There's a new vamp in town...
Dear Mom,
I might be a wee bit late for Cousin Missy's wedding. It's been a tough week. Turns out, my blind date from hell was literally from hell. Guy bit me. Next thing I know, I'm being chased all over the city by vampire hunters. And did I mention that I got fired, too?
Bright side-I met a man. Thierry de Bennicoeur. How great is that name? Anyway, he's sexy, six-hundred years old, and a tad suicidal, but no one's perfect, right? And we have a deal-he's gonna show me the ropes of the vampire world, and I'm supposed to help him end his existence. Or maybe I'll just try to convince him life is worth living-no small challenge with the mostly immortal, let me tell you. I'll admit it's a complicated relationship. But with any luck, I just might have a date for that wedding after all...
Hugs and Kisses, Sarah

As a single girl, the words "blind date" send shivers down my spine. The "nice, funny" guy you have been set up with, turns out to be a loud jokester who enjoys stories featuring bodily functions. Or perhaps he is the guy, ala Harry Met Sally, who reaches across the table to pluck a hair from your head with which to floss his teeth. In Bitten & Smitten Sarah’s blind date does far worse than that, the evening ends with stakes aimed at her heart and a dive into the local river. Vampirism by blind date. Not a good end to your evening.

After her date is killed by local vampire hunters, Sarah is saved by a suicidal vampire hottie named Thierry. He takes her back to his lair...er, condo, and grudgingly helps her out. Sarah does not believe what has happened. I’d like a giant order of denial with my cup of blood, thanks. Sarah leaves with Thierry’s business card in hand, ready to put the night behind her. It is all a dream. Uh huh, keep telling yourself that. Denial runs deep, much like the river, until an unfortunate incident at work ends with Sarah being fired. The clouds finally part, and the sun shines down upon the obvious: blood sucking vamp. Sarah runs to Thierry for help at Midnight Eclipse, a tanning salon on the bad side of town. A tanning salon? Yup, that’s right. It truly is a tanning salon, that also happens to be a front for a local vamp night club. Thank you Forever Knight! If only the host was as fabulous as Jeanette. After meeting with her, Thierry agrees to help Sarah with one condition, once she has adjusted to her new life she must help him end his. Suicidal vampires are not as sexy as you might think.

The book chronicals Sarah’s first week as a vampire. Damn, this girl catches no breaks. After a rocky start, I was drawn into the story. Sarah was a little bit Bridget Jones mixed with Buffy on one of her flakier days. You didn’t always like her or her decisions, but you kept cheering for her. Her best friend is a complete flake, her new vampire cohorts are a ton of fun, Thierry is mysterious, the bad guys are despicable, and her family is wacky. A character is introduced half way through the book to shake things up. You figure out who the traitor is long before Sarah does. It is a fun ride. Yet in the end, I felt that the HEA was completely forced. Not enough development between the H&h. Why? Well...

There has been much discussion lately over a readers POV preference. Third person, first person, first person present tense. Everyone seems to have a strong opinion. For a long time I avoided stories written in first person POV. I just had a difficult time connecting to the characters. The recent Urban Fantasy craze has forced me to open my eyes a bit. How can I denounce first person POV when I love the Mercedes Thompson books so much? When written well, experiencing the story from inside the heroine’s (or hero’s) head can be a wonderfully different perspective. Sadly, it is not always done well. The biggest failure is to focus so much on the heroine, that you lose any sense of connection with the hero (or vice versa.) This is my major complaint regarding Bitten and Smitten. Thierry de Bennicoeur had the potential to be a fascinating hero, but in an attempt to make him mysterious (and through the first person POV) I felt more connected to a secondary would-be hero. I wanted to know more about Thierry. How did he feel about Sarah? I mean, they get their HEA, but it took a leap of faith on the readers part to believe it. You knew Thierry and Sarah were supposed to get together, since they are the H&h of the story, but you almost wanted to rework the ending with Quinn as the hero.

I think if the book was marketed as fantasy or urban fantasy, I would not have a problem with this. Heck, if it was either of those two genres, the author could have left the HEA as a possibility for the future, not a done deal. Since this book is labeled paranormal romance, the author is obligated to give us the HEA. Bitten & Smitten would have work so much better as the first in a series, much in the way of Moon Called and Dead Witch Walking. Why force the HEA when you could allow it to develop more naturally over the course of a few books? Show us how they fall in love. Show us how Sarah continues to adapt to her new life. What about her family? What about her job prospects? Give us more.

Heh. Here I go shooting my mouth off before doing my research. So yeah. Ms. Rowen has written two more books in this series. Perhaps I shall check them out. Here's hoping there is more romance in the following books, since all we got in this one was a few hot smootches. I want The Sex in my romance novels!

Grade: B- rocky start that ended up turning into a fun romp, forced HEA ruined the glow

On the Prowl

Title: On the Prowl (anthology)

Author(s): Patricia Briggs, Eileen Wilks, Karen Chance, Sunny

Genre: Paranormal Romance/Dark Fantasy

On the Prowl is an anthology of paranormal romance novellas. Like most anthologies, there is a mix of the good and the bad. I tend to have a love/hate relationship when it comes to this format. I often feel as though I am getting stuck with someones second rate short story that the publishing house stuck in there in order to fulfill a contract obligation. Other times, I have been delighted with discovering a new-to-me author nestled in amongst those who are more established. The novellas usually seem to strike a balance with one another so that, in the end, I put the book down feeling as though the book was worth the purchase. I'm not sure I can say that with On the Prowl. Let me break it all down for you:

Alpha and Omega by Patricia Briggs

The werewolf Anna finds a new sense of self when the son of the werewolf king come to town to quell unrest in the Chicago pack- and inspires a power in Anna that she's never felt before.

The synopsis is mostly accurate. Charles is the son of the werewolf in charge of all of the packs in North America. Bran is basically like the president of the werewolf clans. There is a deeply developed hierarchy and political structure to the world that Patricia Briggs has created. Charles comes to Chicago by order of his father, the Marrok, to investigate an issue that was brought up the the first of the Mercy Thompson novels, Moon Called. While connected to an existing series, and the springboard for another, this novella was a strong stand alone story. I must confess, I bought the book purely so that I could read Alpha and Omega. It did not disappoint. I loved it. Actually, I may need to reread it tonight!

Inhuman by Eileen Wilks

Kai has a secret gift of sensing thoughts and desires. What she senses in her neighbor, Nathan, could be dangerous. Because he has a secret gift, too, and it's about to be let loose.

This was my first foray into the writings of Ms. Wilks. It was entertaining. I felt that it was a bit unfair to have put it in the book directly following the Briggs novella. There was no way that it would live up to Alpha and Omega. That being said, I enjoyed the chemistry between Kai and Nathan. I wanted to learn more about them. The first half to two thirds of the story was the strongest (character building and crime solving.) I wasn't entirely in love with the ending. I'm not sure if the ending was the part that most pulled on the universe Wilks had developed in her World of Lupi series. Apparently, Kai and Nathan appear in the recent installment of the aforementioned series, but only in a small capacity. If they were given their own book I would be all over it. I just don't know that I am sold enough on her writing to read the four previous books in order to catch glimpses of these two folks.

Buying Trouble by Karen Chance

In a New York auction house, a Lord of the Fey crosses paths with a fiery redheaded mage named Claire. But in this strange underground society, the rarity up for sale is Claire herself.

The premise of this novella intrigued me. The potential is huge! The story started off well, but Ms. Chance had enough plot ideas to fill at least one, if not two, full books. I wanted to reign in the story, there was just too much going on. It was decently written, but burdened down by an excess of action. As a reader I simply felt overwhelmed. I did not hate it, but it did not inspire love, either.

Mona Lisa Betwining by Sunny

Among the children of the moon, Mona Lisa is of a Mixed blood- part Monere, part human, and destined to be alone. Then she meets a man who could be her salvation- or her downfall.

I love to read. If not, why would I be here? I have read good books, awful books, and everything in between. What I rarely do is put down a book without finishing it. But GOOD GOD! this was awful!!! I don't think I was even able to finish the fist chapter. Where was this woman's editor? Seriously! If she did, in fact, have an editor she needs to fire them. Acuter? He "crammed" her? What??!!!?!?! The grammar was atrocious. Her word choices and the voice she has developed left me wanting to scream. I have read fanfic that was written far better than this. FAR better. I peeked at a sex scene (which I hear is overabundant) and cringed. You know, I am planning a bachelorette party for this weekend. I was going to write a Mad Libs for some entertainment. The sex scenes in this novella are so bad, I just might use one of them for the Mad Libs. Come on, ridiculous sex made hilarious through random word replacement? I think we may be able to make improvements that Sunny's editor was not able to effect.

Grade: The entire anthology- C Patricia Briggs' novella on its own- A (The last story just killed my rating of the whole thing. Just horrid!!!)

Servant: The Awakening

Title: Servant: The Awakening
Author: L.L. Foster
Genre: Paranormal Romance

Back cover:

To most people, demons look like regular citizens. But Gabrielle Cody has the ability to see these creatures as they really are-and the responsibility to destroy them. Hers is a special purpose, a divine obligation, and a heavy burden.
Detective Luther Cross finds himself attracted to Gaby even as he becomes suspicious of her proximity to a murder victim. Despite his mistrust, he tries to offer her a enderness she's never experienced and doesn't dare accept.
For Gaby senses that another malevolent presence is watching her, stalking her. As desperately as she tries, Gaby cannot find the source of this menace. But again and again, she is drawn to an abandoned hospital surrounded by an aura of sickness and suffering and something more-an unimaginable evil.

Take one serving of fantastic author Lori Foster and add three heaping cups full of paranormal action. Blend together and bake until done. Seems like a foolproof recipe, right? Then someone please tell me how this all went so terribly wrong!!!

I love Lori Foster. Her Contemporary Romances are fun, fresh and full of likable characters. You want to get to know them. You want to be like them. You want to have all kinds of hot monkey sex with them. Somehow, in changing her pen name and stepping into a new (to her) genre) she lost her wonderful characterization. OK, I will admit that Detective Luther Cross has potential. He has many of the qualities I enjoy in Ms. Foster’s writing: strength, determination, loyalty, emotion, passion. All these traits were shown to us on a surface level. There was a decided lack of depth to Cross, and other characters in the story. The one quality of his that I absolutely did not understand was the fact that he was so drawn to the "heroine." I did not like our protagonist. I understand she has The Gift and that it is a great burden. God calls her, using sever pain as a motivator, to hunt down and destroy the evil on Earth. The problem is that Gaby is so antagonistic and mean I can not empathize with her. Quite honestly, her behavior and thoughts border on scary psycho killer territory. I just could not buy into the characters or their relationship.

One other problem that I had with the book was this continuous feeling that Foster was trying to change her writing. Perhaps she wants to give her para rom books a slightly different voice. That is fine. Completely understandable. At times, though, I got the impression that she made overabundant used of her thesaurus. Seriously. Some of the word choices in this novel perplexed me. She would never choose to use these words in her other novels.

One bright note, here. I did enjoy her action scenes. She found her rhythm in those passages. There were moments of interaction between characters that I enjoyed, as well. There just was not enough depth and development of those characters. Nothing made me like them. Nothing made me feel invested enough that I will go out and find the sequel to this novel.

Ms. Foster, I beg of you, please go back to our big, hunky pro-fighter heros. Give me another Simon or Gregor. I just can’t take another 292 pages of Gaby. And for the sake of you readers, could you ask Berkley Press to label these book correctly? A Paranormal Romance this is not. You tried. Oh yes, you tried to give Gaby and Luther some chemistry. It just seemed to get buried beneath the shouting, punching, and running away.

Boy, I wish I had picked a different book for my first review. I usually love the books I read. I promise! Next time... oh next time, we shall see words of praise. Words of PRAISE, I say! (Eloisa James better not make a liar out of me!)

Grade: C-