Title: Night Play Author: Sherrilyn Kenyon Series: Dark Hunters (book #5) Previous in series: Kiss of the Night Next in series: Seize the Night My rating: 4 Stars Synopsis: Deadly and tortured, Vane Kattalakis is a Were-Hunter with the ability to transform into a wolf. Pursued by his enemies, Vane is not looking for love and is staggered to learn that the Fates have marked Bride McTierney, a human woman, as his mate. Bride has been hurt in the past and Vane must work his way past her insecurities to convince her that she can trust him not only with her life but with her heart as well. **Note**: This is book six in the Dark Hunter series but the first book to explore the world of the Were-Hunters and is this respect it provides many new and interesting details, especially regarding the distinction between the Arcadians and Katagaria. Review: Vane and Bride are a sweet and likeable couple, and their romance is engaging. Nevertheless, Bride’s preoccupation with her physical size, while understandable, becomes tiresome after a while, especially considering the fact that Vane could not care less and sees her as sexy and voluptuous. Vane is gorgeous both inside and out, and he is among my favorite characters in the series. While the plot is predictable and clichéd, the book has some great laugh-out-loud dialogue and exceptional secondary characters (gotta love Ash and Simi, Valerius and Otto) that more than make up for it. The contrast between Vane and Fury’s characterization is another highlight of the story. Backstory and world building are Kenyon's strong suit and Night Play is no exception. The writing flows and the descriptions are detailed and intriguing even if her characters are a little too good to be true. I am slowly working my way through this series and enjoying every minute. I do suggest that the books be read in order so as not to miss out on any of the interesting tidbits.
Title: Tall, Dark and Wolfish Author: Lydia Dare Series: Westfield Wolves (book #2) Previous in series: A Certain Wolfish Charm Next in series: The Wolf next Door My rating: 3.5 Stars Synopsis: Benjamin Westfield has a little problem…his ability to transform into his Lycan form has vanished and he feels compelled to seek out a witch who can heal him and restore his inner beast. However, when Ben finds the beautiful Elspeth Campbell, she is not what he expects and he finds himself wanting more than just her healing arts… Review: A good premise and a sweet romance but not as compelling as the first book in the series. Ellie and Ben are a cute couple and have great interaction and dialogue but their chemistry is more subdued. Ellie is engaging and spirited, and Ben is gorgeous, protective and sympathetic but can be obtuse at times. The main plot is very straightforward with no real conflict, which results in a light and easy read. The inclusion of several subplots makes for some interesting side stories and excellent characterization of secondary characters. Caitrin, one of the witches in Elli’s coven, is particularly well developed and is also the heroine in book #4 of the series. The writing flows and the story is well-paced. Nevertheless, the frequent use of Scottish dialect, i.e., lots of “ye” instead of “you”, “ken” instead of “know” and “doona” instead of “do not”, was a little distracting at the beginning. It’s been a while since I read a book with this type of accent and it took me a while to get used to it again. In sum, a charming and amusing read for when you are in the mood for something lighter. Will and Prisca’s book is next and I’m really looking forward to it.
Title: Unlawful Contact
Author: Pamela Clare
Series: I-Team (book #3)
Previous in series: Hard Evidence
Next in series: Naked Edge
My rating: 4 Stars
Synopsis: While looking into the disappearance of a young woman, investigative journalist, Sophie Alton, is led to the girl’s brother, a convicted killer who uses her to escape from prison. Little does she know that the convict is someone from her own past and the two are about to embark on a perilous journey toward truth and passion.
Review: Intense, romantic and steamy.
One of Pamela Clare's strenghts is her ability to write about controversial and intriguing issues and this book is no different. The plot centers on the abuse suffered by female prisoners while incarcerated and even though the story is not as disturbing as in Hard Evidence, and the identity of the villain can be guessed quite early on, the story is gripping and action packed. It had me spellbound from the very first words of the prologue and on the edge of my seat until the absolute end.
Characterization is another one of Clare's amazing skills. Sophie and Hunt are an outstanding couple. Sophie's belief in Hunt and her willingness to sacrifice herself makes her one of my favorite heroines. Hunt is an amazing hero (tortured just like I love them). His honor in the face of immense suffering is incredible and his love for Sophie is simply breathtaking.
I enjoyed catching up with some of the characters from the previous books and can’t wait to read the next one.
Title: In Bed with a Highlander Author: Maya Banks Series: McCabe Trilogy (book #1) Next in series: Seduction of a Highland Lass My rating: 4.5 Stars Synopsis: The illegitimate daughter of a King, Mairin Stuart is nothing but a pawn to most men. When she is forced to marry the powerful and enigmatic Ewan McCabe, Mairin is fears that her worst nightmare may have come true. However, as they grow closer and danger lurks around every corner, Ewan and Mairin are surprised to discover that she is not only the salvation of his clan but also the woman who conquers his heart. Review: An enjoyable story with engaging characters. The characters are the strong point in the book. Mairin is feisty and adorable and, despite his bluster, Ewan is sexy, sweet and possessive of those he loves. They have great chemistry and their dialogue is very appealing. The secondary characters are intriguing, especially Ewan’s youngest brother, Caelen, who develops very quickly into my favorite – tortured - type of hero. Mairin’s interaction with Ewan’s son, Crispen, and the other women of the clan provide some exceedingly funny and memorable moments. Finally, the villain is suitable nasty and makes you want to cringe. The plot is the weak point, however, as it is predictable and lacks originality. The climax feels rushed and events are tied up a little too neatly at the end. Nevertheless, the action is well-paced and the narrative flows nicely. Overall, this is an entertaining historical romance, which I can easily recommend for those with a passion for highlanders. Personally, I am looking forward to reading the next book.
Title: A Certain Wolfish Charm Author: Lydia Dare Series: Westfield Wolves (book #1) Next in series: Tall, Dark and Wolfish My rating: 5 Stars Synopsis: Simon Westfield, the Duke of Blackmoor, is rich, powerful and devastatingly handsome but he has a secret that causes him to keep women at arm’s length. That is until Lily Rutledge arrives on his doorstep to ask for help with her nephew whose behavior is becoming increasingly wild and inexplicable. Can Simon withstand the call of his own nature or will he give in to the desire he feels for Lily?Review: A successful amalgamation of my two of my favorite genres - historical and paranormal romance. The writing flows smoothly and the pages almost turn themselves. The story is completely charming and the characters engaging. The main characters have a captivating chemistry and make a wonderful couple. Simon is a typical alpha who finds it difficult to control is true nature and keeps himself at a distance out of fear. Lily is strong willed and stubborn but with a sweet and loving nature. I found the dynamic between the secondary characters, Simon’s brother Will and Lily’s friend Prisca, to be particularly compelling and look forward to reading their book. Overall, this is an extremely entertaining read for lovers of light and sexy romances.
