a slow start with redemption

Kindle Edition, 389 pages

Published April 16th 2013

by: Suzanne Wright

 

original title: Wicked Cravings

ASIN: B009XDDVMO

edition language: English 

series: The Phoenix Pack #2

 

Date Read: from June 06 to 09, 2013

 

	I had a tough time getting into this, the first three chapters, especially. It did get better and I did really enjoy it. 3/5 Stars

Good things can be Free!

Kindle Edition, 274 pages

Published October 13th 2011

by: Elizabeth Hunter

 

original title: A Hidden Fire

ASIN: B005VTVE0U

edition language: English

series: Elemental Mysteries #1

Date Read: March 28, 2013

 

I downloaded this book free on Amazon, and was pleasantly surprised. 

 

 

4.5/5 Stars

Finally!!!

Kindle Edition, 544 pages

Published March 26th 2013

by: JR Ward

 

original title: Lover at Last

ASIN: B008BM4LZY

edition language: English

series: Black Dagger Brotherhood

Date Read: March 26, 2013

 

For so long I waited for this book and JR Ward did not disappoint. I'll be the first one to admit that my whole purpose reading this was about the love story between Blay and Qhuinn. Focusing solely on their relationship, how many times did I get frustrated with both of them saying, "Damn it, quit it!!" A whole heckuva lot. I estimate that their romance consisted of only 50% of the book, so I imagine the remainder is the set up for book 12.



This book was about L-O-V-E with all capital letters, shouting from the roof tops. Yes, it was between two guys, and yes, they both were BAMF. Neither one thought they were good enough for the other which led to so many games (see above frustration).

Can I say how awesome Blay's parents were when he came out?

"I love you. You are my heart beating outside of my chest." I don't care who you are mated to, or whether they have blond hair or black hair, blue or green eyes, male or female parts- as long as you are happy, that's all I worry about. I want for you what you want for yourself. I love you, Blaylock- I love you. "

An earlier review I read slammed the intimate scenes between them being together because lube was not used -and according to them lube is always required for gay sex- however I think maybe that reader forgot that they're vampires. The portrait that JR Ward was able to portray... the scenes were smexy, smexy, smexy. There was jerking-off, topping, first time bottom deflowering, making out, escape sex instead of dealing with reality, a hot shower scene, oral delights, broken furniture-destroyed-room romping, simply put: PASSION.



Payne was truly a hero when she came in and was able to heal Layla and the pregnancy as well as Qhuinn unknowingly at the same time, because I do not think he would have been able to cope based on Phury's reprimands. Layla totally redeemed herself, where previously I could not stand her, when she actually considered Qhuinn's feelings during the miscarriage scenes.

"If any harm shall befall him, I will come after you, and find you where you sleep. I do not care where you lay your head or who with, my vengeance shall rain upon you until you drown."

The way Haver's treated her as her world was seemingly crumbling; I just wish that Qhuinn would have permanently taught him a lesson, what a sanctimonious SOB. When Qhuinn asked to touch Layla's stomach and then spoke to the baby, yep, there were sobbing tears because I saw that he recognized that he was capable to love.




The induction ceremony when Qhuinn's life became full circle, and when he accepted his true self and overcame his past were beautiful.



Qhuinn looked at each of the hoods again. How ironic, he thought. Nearly two years ago, an Honor Guard of black robes had been sent to him to make sure he knew his family didn't want him. And now, here these males were, come to draw him into a different kind of fold-- that was every bit as strong as that of blood.

To Blay: "You've always had me.. and my heart. My soul. Everything. I wish it hasn't taken this long for me to man up. That family of mine..nearly killed me. And not just thanks to that Honor Guard of theirs."


One thing that bugged me; where all the other shellans except Jane and the Queen, Beth? Xhex is there at the bar, but not supporting John Matthew. They were such a kick ass characters in their own right and I think deserved a mention, even if it was just following Qhuinn's ceremony or at the proposal. I also could have done without Assail/Sola and Trez/Selena-- I was confused about the back stories going on, but maybe that's for the future. I kept thinking "Hurry up and get back to my boys..."I also think that the Xcor/Layla relationship and sharing the baby with the Daddies Qhuay is going to be interesting-- you think your current partner doesn't like your past involvements? I can only imagine with mortal enemies. And what is with trying to frame Assail for shooting Wrath?? Stupid Xcor, ugh! I did miss the boys kicking Lesser ass though.

My thoughts on the future:
Queen Beth decides that she wants children and even though they don't outright discuss it, Wrath seems opposed to the idea. Maybe he is thinking of Wellsie?

Xcor gets another insider who tells him the way to the throne is not by killing Wrath, but rather by awaiting his first born. Because Beth is halfbreed, that means their young will be as well, thus according to Wrath’s own father the young cannot lead. In addition to the law that allowed Qhuinn to become a Brother, was this law modified as well?

5/5 Stars

A Different Side of KA

Kindle Edition, 331 pages

Published September 19th 2011

by: Kristen Ashley

ASIN: B005O9UG56

edition language: English

series: Mathilda's Book of Shadows #1

 

Date Read: from March 02 to 03, 2013

 

Like other reviews, this was hard to get into, especially in the beginning and books without any resolution drive me crazy.  This is written in a diary format, in first person, however KA's strong writing made it tolerable and enjoyable.

 

3/5 Stars

Vamps-- Can I have one pppllleeeaaassseee?!?

 

 

Kindle Edition, 221 pages

Published February 24th 2013

by: Elizabeth Finn

 

original title: Immortal Protector

ISBN13: 9781931761413

edition language:English

series: The Immortals #1

 

Date Read: February 26 to 27, 2013

 

I'll be the first one to say that I pretty much detest reviews that start of with; "If you like (insert book title) then you'll like (insert book title)", however I cannot avoid it.

This book reminded me so much of the Black Dagger Brotherhood series, albeit a shorter version and there are several fundamental differences, but the one most important similarity: the chemistry between the two main characters is off-the-charts-HOTT!!

The only minor thing that I didn't like was Ember's attitude when she felt her life went to shit (not putting in spoilers to point out when) and yes it was a big part of the plot, so it definitely wasn't an issue with the author, who quite effectively made me want to scream at Ember for acting like my hormonal teenager.

"What if I can never remember us?" She broke the silence and stilled him.
"Then I guess we'll have to fall in love all over again."
"How can you be so sure that's possible?"
"Because we're so fucking good at it."

All I can say is that if I am ever a widow, I sure as hell hope that my next lover is a vampire, because damn, between JR Ward and now Elizabeth Finn, they sure are a big part of my ultimate fantasy... sigh~ a girl can dream, right?

 

5/5 Stars

Brain Cells Literally Died

 

Kindle Edition, 381 pages

Published October 10th 2012

by: Bec Botefuhr

 

original title: Damned

ASIN: B009P6H31O

edition language: English

series: The Pirate #1

 

Date Read:  February 07, 2013

 

What the hell did I spend a couple hours on? Seriously, what I thought I was getting into was historical romance maybe with a twist of paranormal... but this was NOT it. Set in the present with cell phones to boot, there is a very needy/annoying/irritating Russian princess who really isn't, a couple of boat loads of Pirates, Poseidon the Greek God, treasures, curses, gifts, mixed in with abusive screwed up families and an ex wife. My only thought in this discombobulated mess was that perhaps, this was trying to be a blend of the entire POTC franchise set in the 21st century???

I am still trying to figure out how this book has averaged 4 stars, I feel VERY generous with 2. On the Smut Level: None. Other than the Pirate getting off on a little pain, this very vanilla book's risqué scene involves *gasp* doggy style and a couple of BJ's. There is a rape scene that is alluded to as well.

Yeah, this just wasn't for me.

 

2/5 Stars