chez_jae: (Books)
Born to Bite (Argeneau, #13)Born to Bite by Lynsay Sands

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


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I only had the epilogue left to read of my work book; therefore, I brought it home to finish. The book was Born to Bite by Lynsay Sands. It’s the 13th installment in her “Argeneau” series of paranormal vampire romance. The main characters in this one were enforcer Eshe d’Aureus and Armand Argeneau.

As an enforcer, it’s Eshe’s job to track down rogue vampires. Her latest case has her spending time with Armand Argeneau to learn if he’s a killer. Armand’s previous three wives all died grisly deaths that were deemed accidental at the time, but suspicions abound. It’s up to Eshe to determine if he’s a murderer or extremely unlucky in love. Armand agrees to take Eshe in, believing she is in danger and in need of a safe house. His immediate attraction to her is dismaying, because Armand has come to suspect that his wives were targeted for attack, and he isn’t willing to risk the life of another woman he’s come to care about. When odd accidents begin happening, it’s going to take Eshe and Armand working together to bring a killer to justice.

This was actually more of a mystery than a romance, but that was fine with me. I didn’t really care for the insta-love/lust, although that’s part and parcel of this series when vampires find their life mates. Eshe was better developed as a character than Armand was. Other characters were portrayed well enough, and there were cameos by characters from previous books in the series. The narrative seemed a bit choppy to me; I would have liked it to flow more smoothly.

Favorite line: “Life just isn’t worth living without chocolate and cheesecake.”

Nothing extraordinary about this one, average score of 3.
chez_jae: (Archer book)
Red Wolf (Wolf Moons, #1)Red Wolf by Linda Thomas-Sundstrom

My rating: 2 of 5 stars


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I had so little left in my work book to read that I brought it home to finish. The book was Red Wolf by Linda Thomas-Sundstrom, and it’s the first in the “Wolf Moons” verse of Silhouette’s Nocturne line. The main characters were Tory McKidd and Adam Scott.

After the brutal murder of her brother, Tory quit her lucrative job to exact vengeance. She’s a werewolf, like her brother, and so is the vicious felon who killed him. Chavez and his gang of werewolves have claimed a park in Miami as their base of operations, and when Officer Adam Scott chases a criminal into the park, he encounters a flame-haired beauty that he can’t get out of his mind. Tory is equally drawn to Adam, and she realizes that she and the human male have Imprinted. She is desperate to avoid the man, but his investigation into her brother’s death leads him straight to her door...and into her arms. Now Tory and Adam aren’t just fighting for justice, they’re fighting for one another.

Ugh. Imprinting (or whatever you want to call it) may seem all fierce and sexy, but when you really think about it, it’s extremely cringe inducing. Imagine having no choice in the matter. In these paranormal romances, of course, the characters are always attractive and noble, etc. Would this have been sexy had Tory Imprinted on Chavez? Blech. What if one of them was already married? With children? Aside from that, our main characters spent very little time together. Most of the narrative was taken up with Tory’s search for justice, Adam’s investigation, and their mutual pining and ‘I am drawn to this person even though I should avoid him/her’. They had two (maybe three?) very brief encounters before Adam arrived at Tory’s house, after which they fell on one another in a fit of lust. Cue more pining and avoiding until the inevitable showdown/climax. That’s another thing I disliked—there was precious little resolution to the story. At least Tory wasn’t assaulted, which seems to be a staple of Nocturne books. I appreciated that she could take care of herself. However, this was not an enjoyable read at all. The character I liked best was Adam’s new partner, Dana Delmonico. There was a short, bonus story at the end of this one featuring Dana, but I didn’t bother reading it. And “short” isn’t entirely accurate, as the bonus content was easily 20-25% of the entire book.

Favorite line: Yes, folks, I actually am out of my freaking mind.

This was not in the least bit romantic, and there was no humor in it, either. It was dramatic, but not my cup of tea. Two stars.
chez_jae: (Books)
Hunter's Salvation (The Hunters, #11)Hunter's Salvation by Shiloh Walker

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


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Today I finally finished reading my “spare” book, Hunter’s Salvation by Shiloh Walker. It’s the 11th in her “Hunters” series. The story was a hybrid of urban fantasy and paranormal romance. Main characters are Jessica Warren, an investigative reporter with some psychic abilities, and Vax, a Hunter and a witch with some serious psychic mojo.

When Jess got too close to a story involving missing women, her sister was abducted and murdered. Bent now on revenge, Jess goes to the club she suspects is the locus of the activity. There, she’s thwarted in her effort to get close to the inner circle by a man who saves her and warns her to stay away, but there’s no way in hell she’s going to let this go. Vax has given up on being a Hunter, but when a call comes he responds, not realizing that the woman he just saved will become so important to him so quickly. He tries to keep Jess out of the fray, but she is determined to avenge her sister. It will take the two of them working together, along with some help from other Hunters, to take out the monsters who’ve been preying on young women.

Oof. This was well written and compelling, but I didn’t like it. I prefer urban fantasy with some humor, and this was nothing but grim and gritty. I could have done without the instant love, too. More like instant lust, which, fine, but don’t try to put a romantic spin on it. Vax spent most of the book being an arrogant he-man asshole, and Jess was too stupid to live, in my opinion. Once she learned there were real monsters behind the crimes, she needed to step back and let the professional(s) handle it. Characterizations were good but not top-notch. The plot zipped in some places and plodded in others. Worst of all, the final showdown didn’t live up to the build-up.

Favorite line: Chasing after the man who had killed Randi was a lot less unsettling than being surrounded by witches, werewolves and vampires. Oh my.

It took forever to read this because it didn’t hold my interest. I can see where it would appeal to others, however. But, I’m not scoring it any higher than average.
chez_jae: (Books)
Cross Your Heart (Broken Heart, #7)Cross Your Heart by Michele Bardsley

My rating: 4 of 5 stars



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I finished my work book at lunch today. It was Cross Your Heart by Michele Bardsley, and it’s the 7th part of the “Broken Heart” series of paranormal romance. The main character in this one is Elizabeth Bretton, who’s been turned into a vampire and now dwells in the para-friendly town of Broken Heart.

As if being a vampire isn’t bad enough, now Elizabeth has a vengeful ghost trying to kill her. Not long after, a handsome were-jaguar, Tez, arrives in Broken Heart and immediately gravitates to Elizabeth. As other established couples in town begin bickering, Elizabeth has reason to believe that the legendary curse of Broken Heart has been unleashed upon the residents once again. Worse, it may have been her own ancestor who put the curse in motion. Now it’s up to Elizabeth, with Tez at her side, to get to the bottom of the curse and break it once and for all.

I’ve read and enjoyed other books in this series. They’re mostly lighthearted fun, but there’s just enough of a creepy factor involved to prevent the stories from being all fluff. I enjoyed the pace of the plot and the pacing of the romance between Elizabeth and Tez.

Favorite lines:
♦ “Just thinking about how to solve this mystery.” // “Okay, Velma.”
♦ “I have no intention of bringing a donkey into our bedroom.”
♦ I was a vampire. I had speed, strength, the ability to control minds, and I could make beautiful jewelry.
♦ “Not even Oprah could fix this.”


Fun story, four stars
chez_jae: (Archer book)
Burning Times (The Circle #2)Burning Times by Evelyn Vaughn

My rating: 4 of 5 stars



I have a ton of things yet to do before leaving on my trip tomorrow, but I had so little left in my "work" book that I brought it home and just now finished it. The book was Burning Times by Evelyn Vaughn, and it's part of Silhouette's "Dreamscapes" line of paranormal romances. Main characters are Brigit (Brie), a witch, and Steve, her reporter husband who doesn't believe in anything he can't prove.

Steve suspects his beloved wife is keeping secrets from him. He begins to wonder if she's having an affair, and when he comes home during the day to find a stranger in their house, he becomes angry, enraged, which scares even himself. Brie knows that there's something off with her husband. It's not like him to fly off the handle. However, neither she nor any of her witch friends can suss out what may be affecting Steve. Brie cannot tell him she's a witch, not without breaking a powerful vow she made, forbidding her from revealing herself to a non-believer. As Steve's episodes become increasingly more violent, he leaves for fear of harming Brie. For her part, Brie must pinpoint the source of Steve's possession...before he kills her.

This was well-written but disturbing. Steve did lay his hands on Brie in anger more than once, which was not pleasant to read. She was able to defend herself by using her powers, but it was still horrifying. Steve was also horrified by his own behavior, but Brie can't help him the way he needs to be helped unless he believes and accepts her abilities. Characters were three-dimensional, and the plot held my attention. It was somewhat odd to begin a book, in which the main characters were already in love and married, but it worked in this instance. Also, it took me awhile, but I figured out that Steve's sister Sylvie and her fiancé Rand were the same Sylvie and Rand I'd read about in another book yonks ago.

Favorite lines:
♦ "I've only once seen a case of demonic possession. Foaming at the mouth, groaning, shrieking--the possessed person, of course, not me."
♦ "Leave you folks for a minute, and a wizard's duel breaks out."
♦ The witch and her all-powerful blankie


A compelling and slightly creepy read. Four stars.
chez_jae: (Books)
Raintree: Sanctuary (Raintree, #3)Raintree: Sanctuary by Beverly Barton

My rating: 1 of 5 stars



There was not much left to read of my book at work; therefore, I brought it home and finished it today. I had suffered long enough, believe me. The book was Raintree: Sanctuary by Beverly Barton. It's part of Silhouette's "Nocturne" line, and it's the final book in the entire, horrid "Raintree" series, written by different authors. I was repulsed by the first two, and this one was worse, which I would not have thought possible. Main characters are Mercy Raintree, a Princess of the Raintree, and Judah Ansara, the Ansara Dranir (which is their ruler, I guess). The princess and the evil villain, let's call them.

Mercy has a secret: her beloved child, Eve, is the daughter of a rival Ansara, whom Mercy spent 36 hours with seven years ago. When she discovered Judah was Ansara, Mercy fled. Only Eve's nanny knows the truth about her parentage.

Judah knows the day will come when he will lead the Ansara into battle against the Raintree clan, intending to kill them all and reign supreme. His half-brother, Cael, grows impatient and wants to attack now. Judah also suspects that Cael is moving and maneuvering against him in an effort to take over as the Dranir. When Judah learns that Cael dispatched assassins to take out the Raintree royalty, including Mercy, he is incensed. Mercy is his to kill. He arrives at the edge of the Raintree sanctuary in time to save Mercy from the assassin and take her to her home base to recover. There, Judah meets Mercy's daughter, Eve, and realizes she is his child. He immediately plans to take Eve back to his people, knowing he'll have to do it over Mercy's dead body. No matter, Judah means to kill her anyway.

So this is what apparently passed for romance in...*checks publication date*...2007. 2007?! This seemed straight out of 1977, when such codswallop was popular. I'm looking at you, Rosemary Rogers, and that gawd-awful Sweet Savage Love (1974). Did we really used to think abusive, hateful, cold-hearted men who mistreated women were sexy? Or romantic? Ugh. Ugh ugh ugh.

Read on for my lengthy tirade about how despicable this book was...if you dare )

Favorite line: She would fight the devil for her daughter's soul.

Reading this was like slogging through raw sewage. I could actually feel my face twisting with disgust. The most prevalent reaction it engendered in me was a combination of contempt and revulsion. If you're wondering why I read the entire thing, I guess I'd liken it to a train wreck. It was horrifying yet I was compelled to see it to the bitter end. Now that I finished it (Go, team me!), I am convinced I deserve an award. An Olympic-style medal for my mettle. I also need some brain bleach. This gets ZERO STARS. I was forced to give it one star because the rating system won't allow me to give ZERO STARS. I read this so I could warn you not to. Do yourself a favor and steer clear of it.

You know what else hacks me off? I set a goal to read 80 books this year, and this is the one that met my goal. Unfair! Stupid, loathsome book.
chez_jae: (Archer book)
How to Run with a Naked Werewolf (Naked Werewolf, #3)How to Run with a Naked Werewolf by Molly Harper

My rating: 4 of 5 stars



I finished my "spare" book last night. It was How to Run with a Naked Werewolf by Molly Harper. This is the third book in her "Naked Werewolf" series of paranormal romance. Main characters were Tina (nka Anna) and Caleb.

On the run from an abusive, stalking husband, Anna has moved to Alaska to work as a doctor at a clinic that cares for werewolves. When she is notified that Glenn is closing in on her again, she flees Grundy and ends up at a small hotel far away. There, she witnesses a shooting and sees her car get totaled. Anna grabs the victim and his truck and gets out of Dodge. When her "patient" displays remarkable healing abilities, Anna guesses he's a werewolf. She also learns that Caleb is a bounty hunter who occasionally takes some less savory (ie illegal) cases. Anna isn't sure she can trust him, but right now he's the only option she has until she can get a new identity. Spending time together, however, brings the two of them closer together. That is, until Anna has reason to question whether Caleb is keeping her close for altruistic reasons or because he's been hired to find her.

This was mostly humorous, light-hearted fun, although Anna's stress levels and fear kept it from being too fluffy. I appreciated that Caleb gave her space when she needed it. I also enjoyed it when Anna helped Caleb in her own fashion. The inevitable confrontation with Glenn was distressing to read.

Favorite lines:
♦ "Who are you?" // "Anne McCaffrey," I blurted out, hoping the he didn't spend a lot of time reading carefully crafted science-fiction.
♦ "I think you'll find that you are not, in fact, the boss of me. Now, let go of my arm, or I reintroduce you to Mr Slappy."
♦ Werewolves hit a lot of different points on the spectrum between "awesome guy who is occasionally an apex predator" and "furry Lord Voldemort".
This was the brilliant distraction you came up with? I seethed at my cerebral cortex. How did you get me through medical school?
♦ "What are you running from?" // "Columbia House Music Club," I said, recovering my snarkiness quickly. "Oh, sure, they say they'll sell you six CDs for a penny, but they'll hunt you down like the hounds of hell if you miss the payments." // "Stop kidding around." // "I'm not. A Wilson Phillips CD ruined my life."
♦ "I stopped speaking to a friend for a month when she suggested Love, Actually was a better Christmas movie than Die Hard."
♦ "Quests for evil rings rarely turn out well. Too many potential Gollum issues."
♦ "I don't know a lot of doctors who engage in fistfights at stripper bars."
♦ While female weres could throw down with the best of them, they tended to be a bit more crafty and manipulative. They were more likely to use sex appeal or casseroles to get what they wanted.


"Breath" line:
I was able to release a breath I didn't even know I'd been holding.

Amusing fun for the most part--four stars.
chez_jae: (Archer book)
Sex and the Psychic Witch (Triplet Witch Trilogy, #1)Sex and the Psychic Witch by Annette Blair

My rating: 3 of 5 stars



I brought my work book home with me on Friday and finished it Friday night. It was Sex and the Psychic Witch by Annette Blair, and it's the first in her "Triplet Witch" trilogy of paranormal romance. This story focuses on Harmony Cartwright.

Harmony and her sisters, Destiny and Storm, run a vintage shop owned by their older sister, Vickie. Harmony uses psychometry to read objects before deciding to buy and resell them. When she finds a vintage dress with a Celtic ring sewn into the hem, Harmony has visions of a castle and knows that something there is amiss...something only she can make right. She travels to Paxton Castle off the coast of Salem, MA and encounters the owner, King Paxton, who is attempting to renovate his family's home in hopes of selling it. However, work on the edifice has been slowed by accidents, in-fighting among the crew, and an unnerving wailing that emanates from within the walls. Everything quiets when Harmony arrives, prompting King to hire her to stick around, at least until the work is done. Although Harmony agrees, she has more important things on her mind, such as putting the wailing spirit to rest and removing that stick from King Paxton's uptight ass.

For the most part, this was cute and lite, but reading it annoyed me. I hate to say it, but there was too much sex. Steamy scenes should enhance the plot. Instead, the plot was propping up the sex. I suppose if I was still in the age range of a "Cosmo Girl" (18-35), I would have thought that was great. However, I'm old and jaded and find these young'uns going at it like oversexed rabbits to be tedious. LOL! I also didn't like how King treated Harmony. At first he thought she was a lookee-loo and he physically picked her up to remove her from the premises, twice! Then, when the two of them were in a rickety old elevator, he deliberately stopped it between floors so he could "cage" her against the back wall with his arms and intimidate her. I ask you, would he have done so if she was a fat old broad or a guy? No. I suppose for those who are young and filled with romantic ideals this would seem exciting, but I'm a grumpy old broad and I found it aggravating. Also, would it seem swoon worthy if he was a fat old fart? No? Newsflash: if it's not okay for a homely guy to treat a woman like that, it's not okay for a handsome guy to do it either. Bitching aside, the premise of the story was certainly interesting, and I liked that Harmony could stand up for herself. By the time all was said and done, Harmony's sisters had joined them at the castle, along with King's two BFFs. It doesn't take a genius to see where the other two books in the trilogy are going.

Favorite lines:
♦ She collected dolphins, too, although hers were made of silicone and required batteries.
♦ "Who do the fashion police monitor? Because I think you've been taken captive by the enemy."
♦ "In what religion were you raised?" // "A Methodist. What difference does that make?" // "Did you introduce yourself to me by saying, 'Hi, I'm King Paxton, and I'm a Methodist.'?" // "Of course not." // "Well, I don't say, 'Hi, I'm Harmony Cartwright, and I'm a witch.'"
♦ "Are you a hocus-pocus witch, with spells and stuff?" // "I can make your penis grow."
♦ "I'm sorry. I'm Morgan Jarvis." // "I'm sorry you're Morgan Jarvis, too."


A fun read overall, but I like my female leads to not lose all self-control and fall into bed with the male lead within a day or two. Slow burn is preferable, in my opinion. This probably deserves four stars, but I'm knocking one off for the ham-handed male lead and the swooning female lead. Three stars.
chez_jae: (Archer book)
Twist Of FateTwist Of Fate by Linda Randall Wisdom

My rating: 4 of 5 stars



I had juuuuuust enough time on my lunch break today to finish reading Twist of Fate by Linda Randall Wisdom. It's from Silhouette's "Dreamscapes" line of otherwordly paranormal romances. Main characters are Allie Walker/Brianne Sinclair (it works, trust me) and Pete Hackett.

Waitress Allie is attracted to the private eye who regularly comes into her diner, but she doesn't think she's good enough for Pete. Instead, she goes home every night to her good-for-nothing boyfriend, Whit. Allie wishes for a better life, like that of the wealthy socialite she sees in the paper, but she soon learns to be careful what she wishes for. After Whit murders Allie in a rage, she awakes in the body of Brianne Sinclair. Unfortunately, she's standing over another body and holding the gun. Allie, in Brianne's body, now has to prove her innocence. Her coldly distant mother recommends she plead insanity, which will spare her prison time. With no one else to turn to, Brianne hires Pete to look into her case.

Pete is devastated when Allie is murdered. He knows her loser boyfriend did it but has no way to prove it. When prim and proper Brianne Sinclair turns up, looking to hire him to investigate her fiancé's death, Pete takes the job. He has trouble getting a read on the woman. Everyone tells him she's quiet and reserved, but the Brianne that Pete knows is bold and brash and reminds him achingly of Allie. As the two of them work to clear Brianne's name, they form an intimate connection. Allie is desperate to tell Pete the truth, but she fears he'll think she's crazy. Now she has several things to prove: that Whit killed her, that Brianne didn't kill Michael, and that she's actually Allie Walker, given a second chance at life and love.

This was a very enjoyable story. The mystery was compelling, and I really liked Allie/Brianne. She's been thrown into an impossible situation, but she forges on, full steam ahead, which is something the old Brianne never would have had the courage to do. There was no 'how did they fall in love in a couple weeks' issue, because Allie and Pete had been dancing around their mutual attraction for a long time. Characterizations were wonderful, the plot was engrossing, and the resolution was satisfying. One thing bothered me... )

Favorite line: "Remington Steele would have felt right at home here."

Very good, four stars
chez_jae: (Books)
Carved in Stone (Les Gargouillen #1)Carved in Stone by Vickie Taylor

My rating: 3 of 5 stars



I finally conquered my "spare" book last night. *wipes brow* It was Carved in Stone by Vickie Taylor, and it's the first in her series of paranormal romances called "Les Gargouillen". The main characters are Interpol agent Rachel Vandemere and disgraced gargoyle guardian Nathan Cross.

As a young child, Rachel witnesses her parents' murder by a monster. Ever since, she's been searching for monsters in an effort to prove she's not crazy. While chasing after an international assassin, Rachel encounters Nathan Cross at the same time she hears the same eerie whistle she recalled from her childhood. Convinced that she's on the right track to prove monsters exist, she devotes her time to running down the young man from the scene.

Although Nathan has been excommunicated from Les Gargouillen, he doesn't want Rachel to learn their secret. He accompanies her on her search as he attempts to steer her off the track. Along the way, he is drawn to Rachel's beauty and her determined spirit. When Von, the young gargoyle, brings danger to the entire congregation of Les Gargouillen, Rachel and Nathan must join forces to avert a tragedy.

Ugh. The synopsis should have read: 'Dark, brooding he-man meets naive blonde damsel in distress and they fall in love in a matter of days.' Boooooring. I can understand why Nathan was desperate to keep his kind secret from Rachel; that made sense. What I really disliked is that, once again, an author crafts a female lead who's supposed to be tough and competent (Interpol agent, ffs!) but who constantly needs the dark, brooding male lead to swoop in and save her. If you wanted her to be a helpless twit, then don't give her a badge and a gun! I expected better from Rachel. The entire storyline of Von and (human) Jenny was so Romeo and Juliet that I wanted to head desk. He's 18, and she's 17, but they're in loooooooooooooove. The ick factor was strong in this one.

Favorite line: "You wouldn't know the hots if your feet were on fire."

Reading this was more of a chore than anything. I have at least one more book in the series, and it's getting donated along with this one. Giving it a score of three. It was well written; I simply didn't care for it.
chez_jae: (Archer book)
Moon Kissed (Wicked Games #2)Moon Kissed by Michele Hauf

My rating: 1 of 5 stars



I finished my "work" book on my lunch break today. It was Moon Kissed by Michele Hauf, and it's part of Silhouette's "Nocturne" line. Main characters are aspiring dancer Belladonna Reynolds and werewolf Severo.

While out jogging alone at night (because that's what any intelligent woman would do), Bella flees from three thugs. She runs to a warehouse, where another man hides her until the others give up and leave. Bella learns her would-be attackers were vampires and that Severo is a werewolf. Worse, Severo insists that the vampires will attempt to harm her again, and worse still, he's convinced that Bella is his mate.

That's about as much of a synopsis as I can provide without gagging. This book was vile. Utterly vile. Halfway through the first chapter, I was tempted to call it quits. Severo claims to be hiding/protecting Bella in the warehouse, but he just could not resist the urge to grope her breasts and pinch her nipples, knowing she didn't dare make a sound. The woman was crying, she was so scared, but hey! Let's escalate her terror by molesting her. How's that for a meet-cute? Once Severo lets her leave, Bella skedaddles then spends the rest of the night filled with both self-recrimination and curiosity. The following night, Bella goes out clubbing (which is what all sane women do after being molested), and Severo finds her. He convinces her the vampires are after her again, so she leaves with him. Wait. What? Yes, you read that correctly. She leaves the club with him. I would label this woman a stupid slut, but that would be unnecessarily insulting. To stupid sluts! Most stupid sluts at least have an iota of self-preservation. Not Bella. Fast forward to Bella and Severo getting it on eventually, because she can't resist how dangerous and exciting he is. The author included bestiality, because at this point, why not? Adding to the overall misery and misogyny of this book is the fact that Severo cost Bella her coveted apprenticeship with a professional dancer because he got jealous of her dancing with the other man. At what point don't you realize what an enormous asshole he is, Bella? Furthermore, during a fight between Severo and some vampires, Bella creeps closer to watch because she finds it exciting. He was killing them, and she thought it was exciting. At that point, I really don't think I'd have cared if she got killed by the end of this book. Thanks to the blurb on the back cover, we know that (spoiler alert!) Bella gets turned into a vampire. Slightly off-topic, but when is a blurb just a blurb, and when is it a spoiler? Anyway, Severo hates vampires so he's all filled with angst and woe because his mate is now a filthy, blood sucking monster. Are you for real right now?! He won't touch her, can barely stand to look at her, and she's all butt-hurt about it. The most annoying part of the entire 'Bella got turned into a vampire' subplot is the fact that the vampire who ordered it done did it as revenge against Severo. He kills a bunch of her vampire companions but lets her live, which really chapped my ass. I wanted comeuppance! I wanted vengeance! But Evie had spared Severo's life once upon a time, so he elected to let her live. He's a stupid slut, too, methinks. By the end of this shit show, Severo had decided that he would try to accept Bella as she now is, but he never did allow her to bite him. Excuse me? You routinely bang her while in shifted form, but you won't let her bite you? Pardon me while I pour bleach on my brain.

Favorite line: "It's called dancing. People do it all the time without falling down and having sex."

"Breath" line: And Bella let out a breath she must have been holding since the vampires charged through the patio door.

This book was horrid. On a scale of 1 to 10, the ick factor was 18. Vile. I can't stress that enough. Do yourself a favor and don't bother reading this celebration of misogyny. One star, grudgingly given because I can't give a negative score.
chez_jae: (Archer book)
Wild & Hexy (Hex, #2)Wild & Hexy by Vicki Lewis Thompson

My rating: 4 of 5 stars



Took awhile, but I finally finished reading Wild & Hexy by Vicki Lewis Thompson. It's part of her "Hex" series of paranormal romances. Main characters are Annie Winston and Jeremy Dunstan, along with witch Dorcas and her husband, wizard Ambrose.

Annie left her home in Big Knob IN to follow her journalism dreams to Chicago. However, she's back home for her sister's wedding. Annie is unhappy about the weight she's gained since her divorce, and she's not too keen on her matron of honor dress, either. Jeremy has been half in love with Annie since school, but he never had the courage to ask her out. Now that she's back, and available, he longs to approach her. Dorcas and Ambrose are professional match-makers, and they use a bit of magic to boost Jeremy's confidence in hopes he can win Annie over. Annie is flattered by the attention and her own, newfound attraction to Jeremy, but when she learns the unlikely truth, can she be certain she fell in love with the real Jeremy?

This was a cute, lively story filled with magic and humor. Dorcas and Ambrose's main assignment in Big Knob is to rehab the young dragon, George, who lives in the forest, but they can't resist nudging soulmates to one another. There's also a lake monster, named Dee Dee, and it's her presence that both intrigues Annie and makes her question everything. Characterizations were well-done, and the plot was interesting.

Favorite line: "I just wanted you to know the good news about the great penis caper."

I'm not so into paranormal romance as I once was, but this was good enough to earn 4 stars.
chez_jae: (Books)
Wolf Trap (Wolf Moons, #2)Wolf Trap by Linda Thomas-Sundstrom

My rating: 2 of 5 stars



I only had two chapters left in my work book, so I brought it home on Friday and finished it. The book was Wolf Trap by Linda Thomas-Sundstrom, and it's part of Silhouette's "Nocturne" line. It also appeared to be part of the "Wolf Moons" series. The book included a bonus short story: "Wolf Bait".

Dr Parker Madison fears he's losing his mind. For several months now, the full moon has called forth a beast within him, a werewolf. Desperate to find out if he's a lone anomaly, he is drawn to the estate of wealthy Judge Landau. There, Parker hopes to find answers to his questions. Instead, he finds a young woman who's been brutally beaten and mauled. Parker turns his back on his quest to take the woman to the hospital where he works in hopes they can save her life. He feels compelled to keep vigil at her bedside, feeling inexplicably drawn to her.

During brief periods of consciousness, Chloe Tyler is aware of only two things: unrelenting pain, and the steadying presence of the man who carried her to the hospital. She wants to tell him what happened, but even Chloe is unsure just what has become of her and how her life is now changed.

Oh, boy. This was marketed as paranormal romance. Spoiler alert, it was not. It was certainly paranormal, but there was nothing remotely romantic about it. I don't consider insta-lust or imprinting to be romantic. Plus, the main characters didn't actually "meet" until the penultimate chapter of the book. Of course, Parker found Chloe and took her to the hospital and stood guard, but she was unconscious throughout. This was virtually the entire book! It was mind boggling and frustrating to read. Even more frustrating was the bonus short story. Do you expect a bonus short story to be at the end of the book? So do I! Consider me astonished, therefore, that the bonus story was at the beginning. I was completely confused. I kept wondering when Parker and Chloe were going to put in an appearance, as I was reading about Jenna and Matt. When I figured it out, I was Not Happy. I don't always choose to read bonus content, but I felt like I was tricked into it. The bonus "Wolf Bait" was just as frustrating as the main story. Dr Jenna James had a crazed female patient in her psychiatric hospital, and Detective Matt Wilson (a former doctor himself) was there to consult. The author made it seem that Matt suspected the woman was a werewolf, transitioning for the first time, while making it out that Jenna was clueless. Spoiler alert, Jenna is a damned werewolf herself! Also, one could infer that Chloe was the woman in the ward, but it's never made clear.

Favorite line: What self-respecting werewolf would hang around that?

This book (both stories) basically annoyed me from start to finish. I am disappointed and irked by it. Two stars. I would have given it one, but the writing was good.
chez_jae: (Archer book)
A Halloween Hookup (Page Turners, #3.6)A Halloween Hookup by Jennie Marts

My rating: 4 of 5 stars



I read a Halloween-themed novella last night. It was A Halloween Hookup by Jennie Marts. It's number 3.6 in the "Page Turners" series. Main characters are private detective Finnigan and white witch Zia.

Finn, a no-nonsense detective, and Zia, a psychic medium, don't always see eye to eye. However, when their neighboring offices are both ransacked the night before Halloween, Zia is convinced the activity was paranormal in nature, while Finn believes there's a logical explanation. They decide to conduct a mutual surveillance/stake out on Halloween night. They bond over stake out snacks, costumed intruders, and a dead body. Zia insists on holding a seance to contact the spirit of the dead man. Will she make a believer out of Finn?

Perhaps the better question is, what color are Zia's eyes? Behold:
* ...a naughty twinkle sparkled in her green eyes.
* She blinked up at him, her brown eyes at first round and surprised...

If I caught this on a casual read, a competent editor should certainly have caught it before it was published. The Mystery of Zia's Eyes aside, it was a cute story. Finn and Zia couldn't be more opposite, but they are attracted to one another. Their stake out allows them to get to know one another better, and the never-ending parade of other quirky characters ramped up the fun. I also like that they weren't declaring their undying love for one another at the end, but rather looking forward to getting to know each other even better.

Favorite lines:
♦ "Aren't you running late for Potions class at Hogwarts?"
♦ She was usually in bed by nine with a good book, wearing flannel pajama pants covered in cat hair.


Why, oh why can't I award half-stars? This story deserves 3.5 stars. It was enjoyable enough to earn 4, but that editing error is deserving of a half point deduction. Hm. I'll be generous and give it four stars.
chez_jae: (Archer book)
This Wicked Magic (This Witchery #2)This Wicked Magic by Michele Hauf

My rating: 4 of 5 stars



At work yesterday I finished reading This Wicked Magic by Michele Hauf. It's book 2 in the "This Witchery" series, and it's part of Silhouette's 'Nocturne' line. The main characters are Certainly (CJ) Jones and Viktorie (Vika) St Charles.

After visiting the realm of demons, CJ has returned with several of them having hitched a ride on his soul. So long as he stays in the light he can maintain control. When he is out too late one evening and it grows dark, CJ's only chance is the illumination from the headlights of a nearby car. Vika and her sister Libby, both witches, make their living cleaning up supernatural crime scenes. When a dark witch approaches seeking assistance, Vika can't help but be drawn to him. Together, they begin a quest to exorcise the various demons from CJ's soul. Vika's kind heart, however, may put her own soul in peril.

I found another Nocturne book with a heroine who was strong and capable without having to be beaten and assaulted to make her tough. Thank heavens. While the main plot consisted of CJ and Vika trying to rid his soul of his demonic hitchhikers, there was more than that going on. CJ was in a battle with another dark witch, while Vika's sister Libby was making cow eyes at a soul bringer. The plot was unique and engrossing. Of course, the inevitable love fest happened unrealistically quick, but then these are shorter books. Some things weren't explained well, such as how Sal the man ended up as Salamander the cat, or why everyone was so blasé about the fact that witches routinely need to eat a vampire's heart if they wanted to remain immortal. Um, wouldn't that be murder? Hm.

Favorite lines:
♦ "Don't fall so far you can't see the light for the darkness."
♦ He had a good idea which witch was up to what witchery, and why.


Intriguing, exciting, and sexy. Four stars.
chez_jae: (Archer book)
Lion Heart (Sentinels #2)Lion Heart by Doranna Durgin

My rating: 4 of 5 stars



At work yesterday, I finished reading my lunchbreak book, Lion Heart by Doranna Durgin. It's part of Silhouette's "Nocturne" line, and it's the second book in the "Sentinel" series. The main characters are ocelot Sentinen Lyn Maines and cougar Sentinel Joe Ryan.

After the death of his partner, Joe has been banished to the mountains of Arizona. Although no one could prove he had anything to do with Dean's death, his new assignment on the fringes is meant to send a message. Unknown to the leadership of the Sentinels, Joe has the ability to channel the power that resides in the mountain. Now, however, the Core, adversaries of the Sentinels, are trying to steal the power for themselves, heedless of the damage it can cause the mountain and its inhabitants.

Lyn is one of the Sentinels' best trackers, and she's been sent to Arizona to find out just what Joe Ryan is up to. Initially prepared to believe he's a rogue, Lyn soon realizes that Joe loves the mountain and is just as intent on protecting it as she is. By the time they learn to trust one another, however, it may already be too late.

For once, one of these Nocturne books featured a strong, savvy female lead who was not subjected to assault or abuse. Can I get a 'hallelujah' from the chorus?! Thank you, Doranna Durgin, for crafting a capable heroine who didn't need to be forged in the fires of misogynistic abuse. That being said, not only were the characters portrayed well, but the plot was fast and engaging. While there was some resolution at the end, there was no ultimate resolution.

Favorite line: "The world is made of interlocking layers, not separate units."

Very good story, and some redemption for this line from Silhouette. Four stars.
chez_jae: (Archer book)
Wild Wolf (The Pack #9)Wild Wolf by Karen Whiddon

My rating: 3 of 5 stars



Yes, I've been going to work all week. I just happened to have several books winding down at the same time! Today, at lunch, I finishd reading Wild Wolf by Karen Whiddon. It's part of Silhouette's 'Nocturne' line, and it's book 9 in "The Pack" series. Can't say as that I've read any others, but they're stand-alones. Main characters are feral wolf shifter Raven and Protector Simon.

After escaping a life of captivity and abuse, wolf shifter Raven has retreated to the Colorado mountains to live among a pack of wild wolves. Her life is difficult, but she is content with it. Raven thought she was the only wolf shifter in existence until she sees an unfamiliar camper in her area change into a wolf.

Simon has been chosen and trained to be a Protector, and it's the only life he knows. His job is to evaluate feral shifters to see if they can be rehabilitated. If not, he's tasked with exterminating them. Dispatched to make contact with a feral in the Colorado mountains, Simon isn't prepared for the stunning beauty he encounters. Spending time with Raven soon has him questioning everything he's been taught about ferals, but questioning his superior puts Simon's career and life on the line as well. Going on the run with Raven, Simon begins to suspect she's his mate, and he'll stop at nothing to protect her.

I'd like to say that, for once, misogyny didn't rear its ugly head in a Nocturne book, but we learn that Raven was sexually assaulted, repeatedly, while in captivity. Sigh. Can any Nocturne author write one damned book where the female lead is tough, competent, and not subjected to sexual assault? Please? At least the male lead wasn't too much of a condescending jackass.

Favorite line: "I've intentionally let my savage side have free rein."

"Breath" line: Zach's tongue-in-cheek comment made Simon take a deep breath. He hadn't even realized he'd been holding it.

So-so story. Not as gawd-awful as others in the line, but nothing much to redeem it, either. Three stars.
chez_jae: (Books)
Lady & the Vamp (Immortality Bites, #3)Lady & the Vamp by Michelle Rowen

My rating: 4 of 5 stars



After finishing one book last night, I picked up the book I'd been hauling to work and back and finished it today. It was Lady & the Vamp by Michelle Rowen, and it's the third book in the "Immortality Bites" series of paranormal romance/mysteries. This book followed Jane Parker, mercenary for hire, and Michael Quinn, newly-turned vampire.

Janie regrets that she ever signed on to work as a contract merc, but there's no getting out of it. When the Boss sends her on a mission to recover an object known as the Eye, he threatens to kill Jane's sister if she fails. Jane has only to locate the vampire who has a map to the treasure, kill him, and retrieve the object. Simple, right? Unfortunately, Jane recognizes this particular vampire; she used to crush on him when she was a girl. Quinn is still adjusting to his new life as a vampire. Having been a vampire hunter as a mortal, he still considers himself a monster. However, if he can get his hands on the Eye, which is rumored to grant one wish each millennium, he can wish himself human again. It should be easy, until he runs afoul of Janie Parker. Jane is after the same object, and Quinn isn't so sure she won't kill him to get it. Janie and Quinn reluctantly agree to work together to find the Eye, both knowing that once they locate it, all bets are off.

A charming story for the most part, with some violence and anxiety thrown in to prevent it from being a fluff fest. The action took place over only a couple days, making the inevitable love fest a tad trite, but the main characters did know one another from earlier, simpler times. Some things were utterly predictable, but others caught me by surprise.

Favorite lines:
♦ She always knew a place that listed 'burial options' on the job application form had a few potential human resource issues.
♦ "Is somebody thinking about going out as Harry Potter next Halloween?"
♦ There was never any time for tears. It just made everything blurry.
♦ "I only fight to the death over mint collectibles. You should see some of the Star Wars figures I have in storage. People have been hospitalized trying to keep me from a perfect boxed Boba Fett."
♦ "Do I sound calm? Obviously the screaming is only going on inside of my head."
♦ "I plan to wish for omnipotence." // She eyed him sideways. "You can get a prescription from your doctor if that's a problem for you." // "Omnipotence."


I'd give this 3 1/2 stars if halfsies were allowed. Hm. I guess I'll give it a four.
chez_jae: (Archer book)
Arts and Witchcraft (Midwest Monsters, #1)Arts and Witchcraft by Dakota Rebel

My rating: 2 of 5 stars



I read an ebook novella last night. I thought it would be more substantial and keep me occupied for at least two evenings, alas. However, it was chaptered, and I'm counting it as a book read. Arts and Witchcraft is the first in the "Midwest Monsters" series by author Dakota Rebel. Point of view is in first-person, narrated by main characters Mindi LeFey and Booker...er, what was his last name? Eh.

Mindi is one of a set of triplets. She and her sisters escaped to a small town in Michigan when they were run out of Salem for being witches. Mindi has taken up a position as the kindergarten teacher, and she enjoys her job. That is, until the new principal arrives. Booker is handsome, charming, and otherworldly, and Mindi knows he's going to be trouble.

On the run from a curse that has plagued him nearly his entire life, Booker has moved to this small town in MI in hopes of keeping ahead of the curse. He hadn't reckoned on meeting Mindi. She's smart, beautiful, and not fully human, but Booker can't stay away from her, even if his soul depends on it. Will Mindi be the one to help him break the curse?

The story itself was pleasant, but it was overly simplistic and trite. Not only did the length lack substance but so did the plot. There wasn't much back story provided except that we learn both of them are orphaned. I was taken aback that Salem is still literally chasing witches out of town with pitchforks and burning the witches if they can catch them. Um, wouldn't that be murder? Moving on. The solution to Booker's curse was inane. Here was a chance for some drama and substance, but the author just derped her way out of it. Maddening. Also, the fact that Mindi and Booker fell in love in, like, two days was so unrealistic as to be a huge turn-off.

Favorite line: "Harry Potter could have taught you that much."

If you're in the mood for sweet, simple fluff, give it a read. As for me, I found it disappointing. Two stars.
chez_jae: (Archer book)
From the Mists of Wolf CreekFrom the Mists of Wolf Creek by Rebecca Brandewyne

My rating: 2 of 5 stars



At lunch today, I finished the book I've been taking to the office. It was From the Mists of Wolf Creek by Rebecca Brandewyne, and it's part of the Silhouette "Nocturne" line. The main character is Hallie Muldoon.

After the tragic death of her mother, Hallie's grandmother sends her away from her beloved Meadowsweet Farm to be raised by a pair of spinster aunts out east. Now, however, Hallie's grandmother has passed, leaving the farm to Hallie. Returning to Meadowsweet brings back many memories for Hallie, some good and some bad. The farm is in need of upkeep, which is why she agrees to hire Trace Coltrane, a handyman drifter. Hallie is both fascinated and intimidated by Trace, especially since he reminds her of the large black wolf she's seen near the property. As Hallie begins to remember more about her mother's death, it becomes clear that it was no accident. Now Hallie is in the sights of a killer who is determined to finish things once and for all.

This story was odd, for lack of a better word. It really wasn't much of a romance. Hallie vowed to keep her distance from Trace, even putting him in his place more than once when he got a bit too familiar with her. Yet as the story progressed, Hallie muses that she doesn't know what she would do without Trace around; she's grown accustomed to his presence. It was a surprise, therefore, when near the end of the book they were each declaring their love for one another. I was like, 'Wait. When did this happen?!' Most vexing. I know Rebecca Brandewyne is a popular author, but the most salient point I got from reading this book was that the woman never met an adverb she didn't like...or use. She should really try her hand at writing 100-word drabbles; it would teach her to pare those unnecessary adverbs (and adjectives) from her writing. Worst of all, however, Spoiler )

Favorite line: "Why is it that every single man alive believes every problem around can be solved by a quick roll in the hay?"

This book was far more aggravating than entertaining. I considered giving it a score of one, but I'll be generous and give it a two.

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