REVIEW: NALINI SINGH - ANGEL'S PAWN

Angels' Pawn
by Nalini Singh
eBookFiction : Romance - Paranormal
Penguin Group (USA), Inc.
Published: Tuesday, February 24, 2009

Summary:
Angels' Pawn introduces readers to a world of beauty and danger where angels and vampires coexist. The novella is the prequel to Nalini Singh's Guild Hunter series. In Atlanta, a vampire hunter is caught between two rival factions and the angel who is manipulating them both. Her only assistance comes from a vampire who may have his own reasons for helping her...



Review:

I feel like I am shamelessly raving about this series and I would say each can read this Companion novella before or after the full length novel Angel’s Blood if you have the desire to do so. I am even surprising myself with how much I am falling for the Guild Hunter series by Nalini Singh with so much already out there in the Paranormal and Urban Fantasy genre and it is all due to her imaginative writing skill that seems limitless.

Angel’s Pawn gives you a brief but wonderful taste of what the Guild Hunter world is all about. It has got an angel named Nazarach who is a blend of cruelty and immortal beauty, various vampires aiming for obtaining power and control or those who want to hold on to their power and control. And then there is one vampire who will make you think of hot chicories coffee, lazy Sunday’s as Louisiana heat en scents envelop the senses. Ashwini, as a Guild Hunter, has to deal with this all and she soon finds out how a situation has the potential of becoming very explosive.

For those of you who are intrigued with the full length novel Angel’s Blood I would really encourage you to try this short novella. In essence I got what I loved so much about Angel’s Blood. A man and a woman leaping off the pages with their personalities and an attraction simmering between them to sweeten the deal. It is mostly taken to the verbal level, challenging each other to reveal more than what meets the eye, daring to take that leap of faith, I would almost call it an intricate courting dance and I have got no clue who has the lead, Janvier or Ashwini.

How I loved to encounter Ashwini again with her peculiar ways and points of view, I quickly met her in Angel’s Blood and even there the reader in me flagged her as a potential of being more than what the story gave me at that point. Now, with getting more background on her and getting a feel for her with Janvier, I am certainly edging for more of Ashwini in the Guild Hunter series. Janvier is a male who is both Cajun drawling seduction as he is a force to be reckoned with. From what I got out of Angel’s Pawn is that he is one vampire to look out for, especially when it is concerned Ashwini. The tantalizing thing for the reader is that you immediately want more from the characters and simultantiously you get a feel for the writing style of Nalini Singh (at least for those who are not yet acquainted with this). It is luck – or good strategy - that Angel’s Pawn and Angel’s Blood are so close in release dates for a more full fledged experience is mere days away with the latter title as a full length novel!

The distinction is immediately created between various factions and I must say that the angels fascinate me, I am like a moth drawn to the flame, their mesmerizing beauty almost make you forget they are also very dangerous…almost. Not everything is harp music and puffy clouds in this new world and definitely holds a violent side but it fits within the rules Nalini has set up for her characters to abide by. To cross those rules will have repercussions and each has to account for. Nalini Singh breaths life in to a new kind of angel and vampire and not to forget the hunters.

Ashwini and Janvier inserted a deepening flirtatious attraction that blended with a mild suspense factor to Angel’s Pawn, while Nazareth reigns supremacy over his part of the world named, Atlanta. Then vampires such as Callan Fox and the Beaumont family led by Antoine Beaumont give the reader much needed info of what vampires are and what rules they must abide by.

Do not expect a full fleshed out story with the sixty pages this story contains, the emphasize lies on a character driven story that will introduce you to an exciting new series. With that I think Nalini Singh has written a delicious appetizer for what is to come on March third! Angel’s Pawn is an invitation to taste and explore this new series so I dare you to enter…

Quote Janvier:
“Who said anything about dating?” He gave her that wicked smile he seemed to save just for her. “I’m talking blood and sex and hunting.”

REVIEW: KATE PEARCE - SIMPLY SINFUL

Paperback: 304 pages
Publisher: Aphrodisia (November 1, 2008)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0758223552
ISBN-13: 978-0758223555

Summary:
Forced to wed at a young age, Abigail Beecham is tired of living in a sexless marriage. She longs to succumb to the delicious pleasures of pure carnal lust that she has only read about. And if her husband can't satisfy her erotic needs, she's ready to find a man who can...Peter Howard is accustomed to unusual sexual requests. His ten years as a slave in a Turkish brothel left him skilled in sensual delights. But there is little that actually arouses him-- - until he meets Abigail. Now he longs to tease and torment her until she cries out with pleasure. Maybe then he'll finally experience that exquisite feeling of bliss he so desperately desires...


Review: Peter Howard is becoming jaded in his sexual pleasures and has an overall feeling of emptiness manifesting in his soul. When his best friend for the last twenty four years kicks him out of his marital bed he feels adrift and nowhere truly belonging.

Until James Beecham approaches him with an unusual request. Through James he meets his wife, Abigail Beecham and the three of them get to know each other on every level that is important. Still, the past of Peter catches up with him and shaking his very sense of self.
Simply Sinful is my first impression of what Kate Pearce can do as a Romantica writer and I will definitely read more of her, if it is only to read the previous story leading up to this one with Valentine Sokorvsky and Sara Harrison in Simply Sexual. This author delivers a seasoned blend of the historical and erotica genre where it is occupied with credible characters.

With ingredients like ménage, M/M. M/F and a bit of Dom/sub to top it off it becomes a banquet of erotic scenes which I feasted on. In this Peter often took the lead, while James liked it rough and tough, whereas Abby discovered a foray of sensual delights. In an upbeat tempo the characters feelings are intertwined with the carnality of it all. It becomes a one-two punch that always works well for me, nobody left out and everybody working together towards a happy ever after.

James Beecham is a respected member of the Ton with his ancient family name but secretively has a preference which would shock the same Ton he is a member of. Abby got married very early in life with James and she does know about her husband’s preferences. She still needs him to come home though if they want an heir for the Beecham name. She is audacious, straight forward and smart and will give any man a run for his money. However, it is Peter who becomes the center of this story. With his past lying in a Turkish brothel he knows more about sex, pleasure, positions and various toys to enhance that pleasure. Peter’s struggles combined with his new sexual venture fuels his actions until he hits rock bottom which is creating raw and desperate feelings.

While this is very much an erotica novel it has the well-rounded characters that give the kind of depth that is required to give a satisfying read. The inner conflicts of Peter, James and Abby – May this be related to the heart or to the body - are all given a voice and as the story progressed it all came together. This threesome very much occupied the pages as there was a minor cast of secondary characters. For the emotional development of Peter his friends Valentine and Sara were key supporting characters. They shared so much of his past and present and knew him well enough for Peter to be aggravated with their view of things and at the same time made him think of his actions and reactions. Along with this couple I got a glimpse of Anthony, a very interesting man and relative of Valentine. There is also the “in your face” meddling mother-in-law of Abby, who quickly exited the stage after stating her opinion to Peter about how Abby was, what she did and especially what she didn’t do. I thank the author for not crediting her more time on the pages but in her thoughts, she represented a larger part of the Ton and I got that.

Kate Pearce has an easy going writing style that will take very little effort on the reader’s part to turn the pages and keep going. I was pleasantly taken to the early 19th century of England where three people met and connected. The erotically charged scenes held a vibe of their own with evocative images of characters liberating themselves from a prudish stigma of the time period.

Simply Sinful held me bound to the story for an evening, providing welcome hours spent in another world with lush seduction at the core of a triangle love affair. Each aiming for a happily ever after, Abby, James and Peter’s journey had me emotionally touched and I got all hot and heavy by their erotic antics at the same time. A job well done for Kate Pearce in my opinion!

3.5 stars

REVIEW: ALEXANDRA SOKOLOFF - THE HARROWING

Mass Market Paperback: 320 pages
Publisher: St. Martin's Paperbacks (October 30, 2007)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0312357494
ISBN-13: 978-0312357498

Summary:
Baird College’s Mendenhall echoes with the footsteps of students heading home for Thanksgiving break, and Robin Stone, who won’t be going home, swears she can feel the creepy, hundred-year-old residence hall breathe a sigh of relief for its long-awaited solitude. As a massive storm approaches, four other lonely students reveal themselves to Robin: Patrick, a handsome jock; Lisa, a manipulative tease; Cain, a brooding musician; and Martin, a scholarly eccentric. Each has forsaken a long weekend at home for their own secret reasons.

The five unlikely companions establish a tentative rapport, but they soon become aware of another presence disturbing the building’s ominous silence. Are they the victims of an elaborate prank, or is the energy evidence of something genuine—something intent on using them for its own terrifying ends? Together, they’ll face three long days and dark nights before the world returns to find out what’s become of five students nobody wants and no one will miss…


Review:

Alexandra Sokoloff made me remember why I loved to read a suspense/ good horror story in my teens and twenties. The heart-in-throat moments accompanied with the sense of looming danger which could turn up at any moment is what fused my eyes to the pages. From the get go The Harrowing flares the senses alive with the reader that something is about to occur that will releases a whole heap of trouble. It is up to the group of characters to solve it and so the journey to uncover the truth begins.

Robin Stone is a bit of an outcast, not truly seen or heard…invisible. When everyone is leaving for Thanksgiving 5 students remain, they all have a troubled family situation though you would not initially say this. When a storm is raging they find each other’s in the common room and a Ouija board is introduced to have some fun. While this may sound like a classic set–up the author possesses the kind of writing skill that conjures up an atmospheric image of Mendenhall Residence Hall. This building includes rattling pipes, squeaking wood board floor and creepy rooms. I loved the use of descriptive scenery which invaded my mind! It connected me with Robin, Patrick, Martin, Lisa and Cain in their fear, anger, determination and well, they are college students so a bit of attraction and lust is thrown in the mix as well.

They all have a distinctive personality, Patrick as the brawny football star, Martin the inevitable book nerd, Cain is the one exuding mysteriousness, Lisa has a big mouth that hides an insecure heart and Robin takes the spotlight with her dark brooding thoughts and fears. The group dynamic is energetic and highly interesting, what started out in fun and giggles turns into something else as the Ouija board answers back. The use of a Ouija board speaks to the imagination and the “what if” factor held me spellbound. What if such an object could really evoke a presence beyond the physical realm? It added to the chills and thrills as event upon event speaks of one thing and the minds of 5 students railed against its possibilities.

Their fear protruded in The Harrowing succumbed me even more into this story. I was walking the corridors too as something loomed behind me….or was it just the imagination running wild. The prose used by the author added another layer of tension which made it all that much easier for me to live into the moment of sometimes horrifying events. What also caught my attention is the surprising well thought out plot. The combination of Freud/Jung teachings versus an evil of religious origin brought a frightening sense of reality to the tale. The knowledge of the topics in The Harrowing were evident is the larger scheme of things and sometimes in the tiniest details. For the two hundred and forty-three pages this novel contained it held a depth that captivated me. Sokoloff also used short chapters to keep the pace of storytelling up and while this sometimes can scatter the attention of the reader, in this formula it worked very well.

When I first read the synopsis of this novel I thought, been there, done that, with the whole college students going rampant in a haunted mansion/dorm as something unexplainable chases them. But from the first page it all clicked and worked for me, set off by the evoking writing style of Alexandra Sokoloff and the portrayal of a young woman who is a bit of an outcast. Because for every character in this book it is Robin with her sharp perception and gloomy moods who wants more answers than the rest of the gang.

The ominous vibe was there from page one and kept me firmly set at the dorm mansion of Baird College, intrigued, horrified and transfixed all at the same time. Robin, Cain, Lisa, Martin and Patrick invited me into their group and I became a part of this story. That this is a debut novel from Alexandra Sokoloff’s hand speaks of a bright future in the genre for her!

Quote Robin:
You saved us. I’ll never forget what you did. I’ll never forget you. You’re a part of me forever.

CONTEST: ANGEL'S BLOOD COUNTDOWN

COLUMN: My First Time With A Nalini Singh novel.

As some may, and some may not know is that I’m only reading English novels since about three years and I fell head over heels in love with the paranormal genre. I was such a noob (newbie) in the genre and I was discovering various authors like Karen Moning, Sherrilyn Kenyon, J.R. Ward and Kresley Cole added herself to the mix too with her IAD series. After that I ventured around for a while, tasting new authors and this is where the name Nalini Singh kept popping up. I heard about the shapeshifter series of hers named the Psy/Changeling and heard many good rumors but...up till then I wasn’t a big fan of the whole shapeshifter thing. I loved the Were-Hunters but other novels just didn’t really cut it for me to buy. It was the name that kind of hooked itself in my memory, Nalini Singh, for some reason it felt so exotic. What could I do when this name kept boomeranging itself back in my face with recommendations and readers posts? Exactly, after a few months I succumbed to it and thought: “I’ll just buy the first novel: Slave To Sensation, just to get a taste of what this author is all about.” I placed my order of the book with a person who shipped it to me within a larger book-order I placed at the time. Add the shipping time to it and I think I ended up with the book about 12 weeks later. But I wasn’t bored, with every voracious reader the TRP is of humongous proportions and I wasn’t any different in this. So when my package arrived I opened the MBag and there I found the book with the purplish/dark pink cover. It had one hunk-a-liscious male staring back at me and giving me a look that said: “Think you can tame me?” and after that a smirking: “I dare you to try!”

What happened next is something I can still beat myself over – in hindsight - and I can only say in my defense is that I hadn’t read anything from Nalini Singh up till that point in my life!! Because I shelved Slave To Sensation in my bookcases and I can tell you the novel almost growled at me in response. The problem in those days…well, ok, to be honest in current days too, is that so many novels whispered with their voices to me. Yeah, I hear voices when I stand in front of my floor to ceiling bookcases, it is a synergy between me, the book cover, the summary and the feeling I get when it whispers, roars or growls at me. Really, my DH almost makes me put up a Danger Zone warning in front of it! It took me weeks perhaps even a month or so when I suddenly found myself in the mood for something new, a new author with a new series appealing to my adventurous side. Something like that can swing various ways, either it baffles you with awe for the characters and story, or it can give you a feeling of a nice, good read and be on your merry way to read another book, or…it can be a disappointment where it is not likely you’ll try anything soon again from that author. So I opened Slave To Sensation and I met Lucas Hunter and Sasha Duncan, with them I explored the world of mind versus heart, of the power of the mind versus the vibrant diversity of the heart. I knew instantly, like I knew with Kenyon – Ward – Cole and Moning, I had myself such a unique introduction to a series in my hand it would rock many readers to their paranormal core.

First paragraph from me review of Slave To Sensation:

SLAVE TO SENSATION is the first entry in to the Psy-Changeling series of Nalini Singh and it nails you to the couch with a sheer enthralling read of this new world. It is where I got to meet this group of characters whom only made me instantly hunger for each and every story. I was a compass needle spinning out of control for the pack members whom each growled with a past that needs further exploring.

I wanted to shout it out from the roof tops I discovered a new author while a large crowd of readers said: “Damn, where have you’ve been gal?” and all I could say for myself was that I was buried underneath the Dutch translations for a very long time and I was just beginning to catch up with the rest of the world! From that moment on I read every book in the Psy/Changeling series and for me Nalini Singh is the kind of author who just hasn’t gotten a lower rating than 4 stars from me. There are just a few authors on my bookshelves who have received that same honor. My first time with a Nalini Singh novel baffled me in awe of her characters and storylines, when I got the chance to interview her for ROOB and she asked if we wanted an ARC of Angel’s Blood. Well I asked our other reviewers for ROOB if they wanted the honor but I had my hand sky high saying: “Me, Me, Me!” and they graciously said: “It’s yours.” *wink*

I remember the moment Nalini Singh put up her summary of Angel’s Blood:

USA Today bestselling author Nalini Singh introduces a world of beauty and bloodlust, where angels hold sway over vampires…

Vampire hunter Elena Deveraux knows she's the best—but she doesn't know if she's good enough for this job. Hired by the dangerously beautiful Archangel Raphael, a being so lethal that no mortal wants his attention, only one thing is clear—failure is not an option...even if the task is impossible.

Because this time, it's not a wayward vamp she has to track. It's an archangel gone bad.

The job will put Elena in the midst of a killing spree like no other…and pull her to the razor's edge of passion. Even if the hunt doesn't destroy her, succumbing to Raphael's seductive touch just may. For when archangels play, mortals break…

I couldn’t help myself but get that tingly belly feeling all over, an Archangel named Raphael and a Vampire hunter named Elena, this appealed to my own fantasy. What would Nalini make of it? What was their back-story? What new world would I venture in and most important of all, would I love the characters and storylines just as much as the Psy-Changeling novels? I received the ARC, calmed down with a cup of tea and sat down and started to read. I think it is always a bit of a “leap of faith” moment for author and reader to start a new series when the author already created one which has such beloved characters. I can honestly say that how Nalini does it is a mystery for me but Elena and Raphael came alive for me in a spectacular new world. She created something unique for me to treasure on my bookshelves again and in a Paranormal/Urban Fantasy genre this is quite an accomplishment. From the hand of various authors many strong, self-sufficient, kick butt heroines are seeing the light of day in 2009 and yet Elena already takes up a special place in my heart. Raphael en Elena separate are vibrant characters to get to know but when together they are astonishing in dialogue, action and an erotic collision waiting to happen.

A quote from my review of Angel’s Blood:

I relished as a reader in Singh’s fantasy with the new set up of Angel’s and Vampire lore. With her introduction of her protagonist, Elena, I was thrown smack dab in the middle of this new world to discover Archangels who I could not have imagined in my wildest fantasies. Great characterization, romance, eroticism, battles or action, it all thrives one way or another in Angel’s Blood. All I can finally say is: “Where can I sign up for more!”

I will post a link as soon as my review is up and running at ROOB and the interview is added! I sometimes really have the desire to get inside the characters head and heart and I’m just wondering what I would have to do to get a chance with Elena and Raphael? I think they both have a tendency towards protecting their privacy but what wouldn’t you do for a one on one with Raphael? Or invite Elena, and well Sara can tag along too, she seems like the kind of person who also is a hoot to have on a “ladies only” night. Would it be possible to get a few characters online for a "Ladies Only Night" and who would we love to invite?? *VBEG*

By now my longing book heart has to wait two more days for Angel’s Pawn, an E-Novella which is set in the Guild Hunter world and I’m kinda hoping it is the story of Sara. So I say, start counting down with me for this novella which will be a welcome interlude in everybody’s wait for Angel’s Blood. Nalini, thank you for giving voice to such a diverse world again with a verity in characters, from Archangels, Vampires to Hunters to cherish and an overall plot that screams for a long time continuance!

For more information on Nalini Singh, her writing, Angel's Blood and the contest, please visit her WEBSITE

My REVIEW of Nalini Singh's Angel's Blood.

Hugs,
Leontine

REVIEW: SHERRILYN KENYON - DREAM WARRIOR

Mass Market Paperback: 320 pages
Publisher: St. Martin's Paperbacks (February 3, 2009)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0312938837
ISBN-13: 978-0312938833

Summary:
The son of Warcraft and Hate, Cratus spent eternity battling for the ancient gods who birthed him. He was death to any who crossed him. Until the day he laid down his arms and walked into self-imposed exile. Now an ancient enemy has been unleashed and our dreams are his chosen battlefield. The only hope we have is the one god who swears he will never fight again.

As a Dream-Hunter, Delphine has spent eternity protecting mankind from the predators who prey on our unconscious state. But now that her allies have been turned, she knows in order to survive, the Dream-Hunters need a new leader. Someone who can train them to fight their new enemies. Cratus is her only hope. But she is a bitter reminder of why he chose to lay down his arms.

Time is running out and if she can't win him to her cause, mankind will be slaughtered and the world we know will soon cease to exist.



Review:

In this new chapter of the Dream-Hunter series we get the inevitable hallmark features of Kenyon with a seriously tortured Titan named Cratus/Jericho and an Oneroi heroine named Delphine who becomes the balm for Cratus/Jercho soul pain. Then we have a “save the world from all evil” plot delivered with the writing style that includes the ironic meets sarcastic and a dash of humor to elevate the darkness.

For one act of kindness Jericho is punished every night for centuries until he is needed again by Zeus to give some serious whoop-ass to some serious evil ascending from the ancient past. Now, Jeroicho was already a mean S.O.B when he was the God of Strength but now he had one thing on his mind: retaliation for what was done to him. So he pledged his powers and loyalty to the other side. However, Azura and Noir want to keep him of their plate for a few days and throw in a captured Oneroi, Delphine, to keep him busy.

Delphine is an Oneroi, she is not without her own powers and she is using them full force for what she believes in, no matter the consequences. She is loyal, kind, and good natured but still a warrior to the core and no woman to push around. When Nike, the sister of Jericho, asks of Delphine to save her brother she agrees but moments later she is whisked away by their enemy, Noir.

Jericho and Delphine create a touching push-pull emotion of opening up and getting to trust someone and yet also retreat behind the thick shell of protection around the heart again. I liked them together, they were heartwarming and nice but their romance is more of the same old, same old in this series to truly give me that emotional impact which makes me rave about a novel. With all those new characters to get to know it took time for me to get me connected with Jericho and Delphine as a love couple. It isn’t like the romance is getting shelved as a byproduct, it is more like Kenyon follows a standard recipe which by now lost its true intensity and effect to grab me in the gut with raw emotions. It merely becomes pleasant, agreeable and yes, in the end it was endearing to follow.

Now what really got me going in Dream Warrior was that it contained more of a structured plot and world building then the previous three novels. It is either that or the transitional story arc is catching up with me as I start to recognize characters like Jared and Jaden and remember what The Source is all about and so on. I never got in sync with the Dream-Hunters as more than saviors of the Dark-Hunters when their dreams wreaked havoc on them but in Dream Warrior they got more interesting for me. Especially M’Adoc perks my interest as this story will reveal a few new details surrounding his persona! As a transition story – something One Silent Night and Dream Warrior have been classified as – it did the job. More background information is given and the introduced characters are getting more substantial. The plot was multi-functional, it linked both the romance story to the ongoing intensifying of the Dark/Dream-Hunter world building and characterization.

Of course there was a plethora of secondary characters, one of the reasons I keep buying the novels is to catch up with previous and beloved characters. It seems Ash isn’t the most powerful God/ Chthonian etc in Kenyon’s world anymore yet he is still the “to-go-guy” whenever someone is in deep trouble. Asmodeus, a demon servant, adds a humorous note to the story, Nick is being firmly set in the upcoming arc with multi-layered aspects surrounding his character. Zeus with his petty intrigues and dalliances is like an annoying fly you like to swat and in the end we get a dessert of another group, named The Dogs of War, brought on to fight new enemies and they rise the f*ck you level to a whole new equation. As I thought the era of Kyrian, Julian, Talon and the rest of the gang was definitely coming to closure it is Zarek who is being reintroduced into the immediate here and now of the series. I liked the deepening of various characters in the supporting cast and a special note for Jaden and Jared, because all I thought with these two was: “Hubba, hubba, come to mama!” One of the strong suits from Sherrilyn Kenyon is how to create some mysterious characters who make me want to unravel every layer and find out what they are made of. Jared and Jaden are such characters!

The end has a cliff hanger that perks up the interest even more. It all feels more connected, both in story as in the overall series arc and this leaves me pleased. I’m not saying it is top-notch - blew my cap off reading experience but still, I’m more positive than I was for the last few novels written by Kenyon’s hand. And as a transitional story it did the trick for me!

Quote:
The joined rank like a pack of feral lions ready to patrol the jungle. No. not patrol…
Conquer.

COLUMN: VALENTINE'S FANTASY

Warning: the following has erotic content so please, only continue if your 18 years or older!! If not, please leave this Blog.

When I realized Valentines Day was aproaching I wanted to do something creative to celebrate love and I suddenly wondered: "What if Valentines Day wasn't an it but about a who?" What if there was a gorgeous man walking somewhere beyond the clouds, trying his best to help lovers all around this world? Looking at us through his man-tall mirror because he was bound to the place he was born save a week every decade. This was decreed by his council many centuries ago for if he would remain to long on Earth it would seriously disrupt the patterns of life itself.

Valentine didn't let me go but I'm not a writer nor an aspiring one and I just wanted to have a bit of fun. As it turned out, so did Valentine and so I sat down and started to type.

Valentine’s Fantasy - written by Leontine:
The moon was full in a blue-black sky which was dappled with flickering stars as it stretched towards the horizon. Lying on his back with his head resting on his bend arm, his ripped body was at ease. He stared at the nights tapestry and there was nothing more occupying Valentine’s mind, then the fantasy of a certain woman. A stubborn yet vivacious woman, who enticed, seduced and tortured his body and took possession of his heart. For so many years now he has waited for her to return to the Well of Tempest on Valentine’s Day. The only day his magic was the strongest, shined brighter than on any other day and, the only day he could join his heart with that of his Destined Love. She had to reach through the Vanishing Veil as to join him at the Well of Tempest out of her own free will. Valentine promised her so long ago that on this day he would wait for her here, hoping she would choose him above any other. The Vanishing Veil would test her if she’d make it through her reward would be waiting at the well. Upon this long awaited moment between Valentine and his Destined Love, life would not seize to exist as we would know it. Peace wouldn’t erupt all over the world and life wouldn’t be all roses and daisies either. However, Valentine’s magic would grow stronger by the joining of him and his Destined Love, thereby ensuring the continuance of Valentine’s Day as his son would be born from this ultimate love. Humanity needed to celebrate love more, this was a day to secretly or not so secretly proclaim one’s feelings, propose to one’s other half or to infuse this day with passion and romance. Valentine often provided a push in the right direction for many whose heart was filled with the love for another.
*
He closed his eyes and sighed deeply, expanding his muscled chest as he rolled the tension from his broad shoulders. His cock was in demand, pulsing his blood to his nether regions making his jeans uncomfortably tight by the thought of his Destined Love. He tried several positions lying on the grass in an attempt to elevate the friction of his jeans on his sizeable cock. He just didn’t do underwear, he loved strolling naked in his mansion allowing the sun to caress every inch of his well sculpted and tanned frame. Valentine would love to go naked right now lying on the leather-worn couch in his study which overlooked the trees and lake in his backyard. He would let the sun warm his skin as his big hand would slowly caress its way down to his cock. Hungrily it would bounce of his well defined abs as his hand would instinctively wrap itself around the thickness of his shaft, slowly starting to pump his hand up and down. An image of her walking out of the lake popped in his mind. Every curve and dip of her body revealed, her midnight black hair was cascading in curls over her shoulders and her shapely legs cut though the water as her forest green eyes looked directly in his. All that water sluicing from her, licking her skin like his own tongue was famished to do. He would start licking her lips and work his way down to her feet only to work his way up to the very heavens of her slick cunt. The image was vivid and he could almost smell that unique female scent that always hovered around her, sandalwood mixed with jasmine. He could almost come at the smell of her and his hand would be seriously pumping his heavily veined cock by now, pre-cum lubricating his movements. A rumbling moan escaped his lips as an early spring breeze caressed his heated skin as it enveloped him with the scent of sandalwood and jasmine…Brianna. His shocking intense turquoise eyes opened as he looked around, where would she be right now?
*
Languidly his body started to relax as the scent became stronger and stronger, intoxicating his body with lust. Carried in to slumber by the heavy thump of his heartbeat he glimpsed a shimmer of violet silk. He was suddenly aware of his balls growing heavy and his cock hardening. Appearing out of nothing Brianna stood before him in a scrap of violet silk begging to be ripped of her curvaceous body. Did she make it through the Veil? Looking at her made his memories of her come back in bright colorful streaks. Valentine was suddenly more than ready for everything she wanted, needed or desired. Her husky voice shockingly disturbed the silence of the night, “Valentine, please make me orgasm hard,” her eyes darkening with longing desires. He took the silk in to his hands and felt a ferocious satisfaction upon hearing it tear apart. Her full breast and rosy hued nipples immediately started to pucker against the cool midnight air, his eyes were level on her curved belly and her already glistening labia. Her scent mesmerized him, as he stood up and in one swift move lifted her up and she wrapped her legs around his waist. His jeans scraped the sensitive flesh when her head fell back in welling passion offering the delicate skin of her neck. Valentine could not ignore the pleading request and let his tongue get reacquainted with the taste of her skin. They both moaned in unison as he worked his lips and tongue on her neck working his way to her earlobe, nuzzling her jaw and ravenously delved inside the cavern of her mouth doing the French dance as old as time. He worked his tongue in and out, over and over as his groin worked the same rhythm between her legs.
*
“Valentine…” Brianna started when her mouth was covered by his for a second sensuous assault. After a minute his lips traveled to her ear as he whispered in a commanding tone, “no words - no back talk, you, here, now.” a sharp love bite in her neck emphasized his demand for her compliance. He leveled his head to hers and he met a pair of furious green eyes, she didn’t like to be told what to do or when to do it. His voice got an enrapturing tone, “I’m going to tie your hands to the branch of this tree so your body will be on display for my ministrations. I will lavishly suckle your nipples until you writhe with need. After that I will tongue fuck you so bad I can already taste you and when we are both strung tight with need I will bury my cock so deep in to your tight sheath we both will scream out loud from the force of it.” His turquoise eyes gleamed with sexual menace as his demeanor was confident when he slowly let her feet touch the ground and went for the leather rope in his bag, giving her every opportunity to walk away. Brianna didn’t, she didn’t like to be ordered around and yet she knew pleasure, intense, toe curling and gratifying pleasure would await her if she surrendered herself to the only man who ever held her heart. So her willpower might roar against this form of possession it was her cunt that wept with want for another kind of possession. If nothing else she wanted to be marked by her man and scream a release so intense she would feel boneless for a long time afterwards…
*
Valentine barely contained the need of his body as he felt Brianna acceptant of what he was going to do to her. He pulled the rope from his bag and walked back to her making a loop for her to put her hands through. The only gesture he made was holding the loop in front of her, Valentines eyes bore into hers, ordering her wordlessly to accept his lead in this. There was a conversation going on between their bodies and it made the blood pulsate towards every nerve ending. Brianna put her wrists together for the leather rope to bind her and Valentine quickly tied it to a higher branch, knowing it would be thick enough to support her weight. Her arms up that way made her breast thrust forward, allowing her nipples to beg for his mouth to suckle them. Her ass was slightly scraping the bark of the tree sensitizing the skin and she spread her legs a bit for balance, in this position she was an erotic invitation to indulge the caveman side of himself. Valentine looked his fill of the luminous skin covering every inch of her body. Her cunt was smooth and already glistening with her female juices and with an hour-glass figure she was made for passionate lovemaking. Valentine watched her as a hint of a self assured smile hovered his lips. He tauntingly pulled his black tee over his head revealing nothing but tout abs and pecs. Then his hands traveled to the buttons of his jeans as he slowly popped them open one by one until his cock eagerly jumped out of its confines, the head already weeping with pre-cum and the veins making it hum with male aggression. His jeans traveled down his long muscled thighs and he casually stepped out of them, with no underwear he was now butt naked. “Do you like to watch?” Brianna’s whispered ‘yes’ pleased him to no end. “Perhaps I will one day take matters in to my own hands and let you watch as I will stroke myself and come all over you?” his hands skittered over her skin in a feather light touch to end up enveloping her breast with a large hand and he greedily wrapped his lips around the nipple. Brianna groaned at the pleasurable pain echoing in her cunt. She pushed her breast against his mouth for more and was rewarded with a sound of approval. His tongue flickered over her nipples over and over again, until it was begging for the tormenting pull of his lips and he started to suck it most vigorously. Valentine was ministering one nipple with his mouth as he plucked on the other grinding his cock against her soft belly. Brianna was lost in a red haze of pleasure until his hand left her nipple and swatted her ass, not once, not twice but a rapid succession of four times turning her ass cheek blush pink. Brianna’s body started to wriggle which caused Valentine to stop paying attention to her breasts and he looked displeasing. “Have I ever give you reason that I would do anything that would truly hurt you, or do something you did not ultimately wanted? When I say no back talk, I mean no back talk, not in speech nor with your body! Say either yes or no and give it to me now.”
*
Brianna closed her eyes and internally warred with herself, she knew the pleasure he could give her but she knew so little of him. They only met once, one week of stolen pleasure and she knew right there and then her heart belonged to no one else but him, her Valentine. They had to wait until Valentine’s Day for her to cross the Vanishing Veil as Valentine could only visit Earth once every decade for seven days. It was now or never and her body possible vibrated with need but she felt there was more behind this, it meant more than just her surrendering to his sexual dominance, only the thoughts and feelings were fleeting as it is, just outside of her grasp. She sighed deeply, opened her eyes and took a leap of faith, “Yes.” His whole demeanor shook with the force of her submission as he wanted to roar his claim and need for this unique woman. He caressed her skin with his lips, with little licks and bites as he traveled to her hips, and ended up in front of the delta of her sex. He looked up “look at me while I suck on your juices. Spread your legs wider because I want to see all of your pink flesh, she complied and as her scent assaulted his senses with his cock bouncing on his abs in response. He no longer denied his need for him to taste her and his tongue delved in to her cunt with an unrivaled hunger. Sucking on her clit until it thrummed against his tongue he slowly steadied himself for a languid tongue fuck, in and out, lapping along her clit than going inside and gather some more salty sweet juice all in one fluent movement. The legs of Brianna spread wider and wider grinding against his mouth as her scent of jasmine and sandalwood became stronger with every minute. Valentine took his tongue out of her cunt as his teeth scrapped her delicate and rosy red female flesh and bit down on her clit, sweet tasting fluid coated his tongue as her womb contracted and her inner muscles tightened with an unrelenting force, Brianna screamed her first orgasm.
*
He got up and looked at Brianna with her passion glazed eyes, he stood between her legs as he pulled her body up and her legs immediately wrapped around his narrow waist. Valentine grabbed a hand full of hair and pulled her head back, “taste yourself,” before he slanted his mouth over hers and in one plunge filled her to the hilt with his cock as they both screamed in each other’s mouth from the overpowering force of it. Valentine swore he saw stars as her inner muscles worked to accommodate the considerable width and length of his cock. He licked the delicate skin of her neck up to her jaw as he sucked on her lip. He pumped his cock at a steady, nerve wrecking pace, giving all pleasure but an orgasm would be left just out of her reach … and his. Heat making their skin slick, creating a sliding friction while his arms kept her in place as his stormy eyes stared in hers. Brianna strained her back in a bow to allow him a deeper penetration, “Do you want more Brianna?” ‘Yes, oh yes,’ she paused as he remained at pumping his cock in a staccato rhythm, Brianna was hovering so close, “Yes, please!!!! Please Valentine, make me yours, fuck me into oblivion, please give it to me hard!” Her face pleading it send Valentine over the edge and let loose of his control. He drove his cock so deep he touched the entrance of her womb and started a pace that would shred his defenses. He looked at her face and felt all those years where he waited for the one day she got through the Veil and come to him. Turquoise eyes anchored in her forest green ones, like she was the centre of his entire being. His heart felt feral, his woman, his other half, his heart, this was it and he knew it, he would give her something of himself that was beyond his sperm, beyond their shared pleasure, it was a part of his soul. Once given it would forever be hers. Brianna looked at Valentine, at the almost reverend look on his face as he looked at her. The pleasure that infused her every cell found its epicenter where his cock entered her body. He grounded such a rhythm it pierced her defenses, for so long Valentine’s Day was the day she felt such loneliness, like she missed a part of herself. Only the dreams of her Valentine could chase away that loneliness on that day, making her restless as she tried to find him. Their encounter so long ago was heaven but he had to go away. The pleasure was building inside her with an unknown force, “can I keep you Valentine?” A look of surprise mingled with his desire, “Yes, yes you can keep me, for now and forever!” at that moment the leather rope magically let loose freeing her bound hands. He was so sure of his feelings and at his vow Brianna felt her heart open up, her love poured out and she grabbed his shoulders as he upped the pace of his thrusts more, touching her soul with it. He held Brianna closely to him as Brianna wrapped her arms around him, “Oh god…Valentine!! Yes, that’s it, harder, more, love me!” Their sweat slick bodies moved in a frantic pace when Valentine suddenly felt his magic swell from within, his skin started to glow with it and gathered in his left hand. He placed his hand above Brianna’s heart, “Do you love me as I will love you, protect me as I will protect you and stand by me as my lover, partner and friend as I will stand by you. Do you promise to uphold our infinite circle of love as we will create it this night?” Brianna felt the magic bounce against her heart, she felt his potent cock slide in and out of her, she looked in his eyes and saw his love for her glowing around him. Brianna surrendered herself for once and for all and screamed as a second orgasm tore through her body releasing all her love: “I do!” and with that opened her heart for his magic to connect and form a circle, she put her now own glowing hand above his heart…at that moment he felt all she felt, his balls drew tight and a whip like energy shot from his spine as his cum spurted endlessly inside of her. Their circle whole, complete and shining bright from love given en reciprocated. In an entanglement of limbs they laid themselves on the grass, his arms cherishing around his Destined Love. Brianna never felt as much at home as she did now and sleep overtook them.
*
His roar is what woke him up as his body was covered in sweat and his heart beating fast. He frantically looked around screaming Brianna’s name. There was only silence, oh gods, please, don’t let this be a fantasy. He scanned his surroundings but no Brianna, the night was still with only crickets creating their symphony. It was like his heart was ripped from his chest, cruelty tormenting his heart and soul.

*
The water of the lake rippled against the sand as the surface broke with an hour-glass figure swimming towards him. Brianna gracefully walked out of the water as it sluiced from her body in rivulets and stopped in front of him, “I was waiting for you to wake up so you could do some more wicked things with me, our shared dream was not nearly enough to satisfy me.” It got me ready to go through the Vanishing Veil with your glowing heart leading the way, I ended up here, at the Well of Tempest all hot and tight and moist. “Are you provoking me, because I am more than ready to go all hard and primal on you” Valentine said with a semi threatening voice more relieved than he was ready to admit? Brianna wrapped her arms around his tapered waist and kissed his chest right over his heart, I love you but right now I would like to surrender myself to your erotic ways and she laughed when Valentine’s eyes darkened. He wrapped his arms around her, closing any and all distance between them and said, “We are at the beginning of an adventure, one I am very eager to start with you as our circle of love will forever burn. I love you Brianna, the day the gods decreed that we would meet was a day that I was blessed in so many ways, and he sealed it with a mind scorching kiss that had Brianna’s juices flowing.

This is where Valentine demanded I leave him alone with his Destined Love, in no mood to share more of his sensual escapades. However, he did give me his Seal of Verdict. He wants to celebrate the voracious romance readers on his day as he wishes to each and all that passion and romance may always find your doorstep.
What do you have to do to get this seal? Just leave your Blog address or any other web address where you’re active with your books or nominate someone with his/her url address. A place where you/ or that person are showcasing the love for the romance genre and books in general. Then Valentine can come and take a look-see and cast his verdict. In the meantime he has already cast his verdict on a few places.

Convicted Romance Readers:

Ashleagh at her Myspace

Dream-Mistress at her Blog

Pearl at her Blog

Jill at her Blog

Kati at her Blog

Katiebabs at her Blog

Cindy at her Blog

Randy at her Blog

Jennie at her Blog

You all wil receive an e-mail today or tomorrow from me! Have a great Valentine's Day you all...

Hugs,

Leontine

CONTEST: KRESLEY COLE'S CREATIVITY CHALLENGE

Last monday I strolled over Kresley Cole's forum and found the winners of her creativity contest and to my utter amazement I read my name. I had won an e-book gift certificate of $50,- with my banner

I was contacted by KC's assistent and she told me I had a few options, as I'm an old fashioned hoot, I haven't ventured far into the whole e-book era. So I went in search of an e-book store on the world wide web and found one at

http://www.diesel-ebooks.com/

Yesterday I replied the e-mail from the assistent of KC and I found my certificate in my e-mail box this morning YAY So what does this book-addict do with 50 dollars burning in her pocket, yeah you guessed it...I ran to diesel-ebooks and had my fill lurking in all their genres. I promised myself I would spent every last dime on authors I never read before...let the adventure beckon me of perhaps discovering a golden find :D

So I lurked for...well, realy a long time. Perhaps close to an hour or even an hour and a half before I made my decission of buying 5 books. Because in the meantime I found out I didn't have to spent the whole ammount in one time, the total was deducted from the total amount of the certificate and the rest will remain for a next shopping spree. So below you will find the books which have made my average "meatloaf" wednesday a lot more fun LOL


Scandal
(2009) A novel by
Carolyn Jewel
The earl of Banallt is no stranger to scandal. But when he meets Sophie Evans, the young wife of a fellow libertine, even he is shocked by his reaction. This unconventional and intelligent woman proves to be far more than an amusing distraction-- she threatens to drive him to distraction. Unlike the women who usually fall at Banallt's feet, and into his bed, Sophie refuses to be seduced. And soon Banallt desires her more than ever-- and for more than an illicit affair.

Years later, the widowed Sophie is free, and Banallt is determined to win the woman he still loves. Unfortunately, she doesn't believe his declaration of love and chivalrous offer of marriage-- her heart has already been broken by her scoundrel of a husband. And yet, Sophie is tempted to indulge in the torrid affair she's always fantasized about. Caught between her logical mind and her long-denied desire, Sophie must thwart Banallt's seduction-- or risk being consumed by the one man she should avoid at all costs...

Maximum Exposure
(The tenth book in the Smithson Group SG-5 series)
(2008)A novel by
Alison Kent
Finn McLain is no stranger to unusual assignments. But the gorgeous stranger who just asked him to photograph her for an erotic art exhibit-that's definitely a first. Finn came to Miami to dig into the personal life of boutique manager Roland Green for a lovesick gallery owner, and hadn't planned on sticking around. But the boutique's owner, Olivia Hammond, has just made him a proposal that's as hard to ignore as Olivia herself. She's got caramel-kissed skin, a body that makes grown men tremble, and a wild sideline as an exhibitionist. Ooookay. Yet despite her willingness to 'let people look,' Finn's convinced there's a hell of a lot Olivia's not revealing.

And that's the most intriguing prospect of all...

Olivia as never been shy about using her sexuality to get what she wants. But then, she's never wanted a man quite the way she wants Finn. What he thinks about her shouldn't matter, yet it does. Through every candid photograph and every heated encounter, Finn is getting closer, intent on getting beneath her shell-and for once, Olivia is tempted to let him. But first they have to contend with the fact that Finn's simple investigation into Roland Green is getting dangerously complicated...and Olivia isn't the only person in town who's not what she claims to be.In a city throbbing with sex appeal, two wary lovers are about to play, the ultimate game of show and tell, where temptation is raw, wild, and hot enough to make you sizzle...

Colter's Woman
2007)A novel by
Maya Banks
Holly Bardwell is running from her past mistakes. Straight into the arms of the Colter Brothers. Adam, Ethan and Ryan aren’t looking for women. They’re looking for a woman. One woman they know will share their lives and their beds. They don’t want a casual romp in the hay. They want the woman who will complete them. And they’re losing hope they’ll find her.

That is until Adam finds Holly lying in the snow just yards from their cabin.
Adam knows she’s different the minute he folds her in his arms. But before he gets his hopes up, he knows he has to gauge his brothers’ reactions. Soon it’s evident, they all know the same thing. She’s the one. The problem? Convincing her of that fact. Excerpt


LEGENDS OF THE ROMANORUM:
The Prince’s Angel
by Mychael Black and Shayne Carmichael

In present day London, vampires live side-by-side with mortals living under two sets of laws. The Romanorum make the vampire rules, helping the Princes who rule the cities. Not all vampires are thrilled with the system. A rash of rogue vampires--vampires who have killed mortals--has descended upon London, and it is up to London’s vampire prince, Mael Black, to bring them under control.

When he learns who is truly behind the rogues, however, Mael’s task becomes more complicated than he would like. His only choice is to turn to a sorcerer of questionable reputation--Cian Carmichael. But Cian is more than he seems to be, and despite the dangers inherent in becoming involved with him, Mael finds he is unable to resist.

Cian is an angel, sent to bring the rogue vampires under control. Acquiring a reputation as a vampire hunter, Cian becomes notorious in the city Mael rules. The last thing he expects is to fall in love with the prince of the London vampires himself. Can these two deal with their growing attachment, and save London from the threat it faces?

LEGENDS OF THE ROMANORUM:
And the Two Shall Become One
by Mychael Black and Shayne Carmichael
Mael and Cian are back in this sequel to The Prince's Angel! Mael has finally decided to declare Cian his consort, and plans to announce it to his court. While this may cause dissention in the vampire ranks, the two lovers have far worse problems. A demon summoned by Memnet, a rogue vampire, and dirty deals lead to nothing but trouble, and might even kill the pair if they aren't careful. Continue reading...

Add in a forbidden love between Brandon and Mael's alchemist Cornelius, who already knew Brandon was the one man he couldn't have, the return of Selena, a vampire Cian doesn't trust, and a very wily archangel, and Mael and Cian have a recipe for disaster. Only Cian has Mael's back in the shifting political world of court, which worsens day by day as Mael realizes there's a traitor somewhere in his own court.

Through it all, it's the love between Mael and Cian that keeps them going, even when things are at their worst. Can they survive the murky underworld of the creatures who inhabit the night, or will the forces seeking to tear them apart finally succeed?

For now I am very content with what I bought and I'm eager to try out these new authors! So a afternoon of playing with photoshop turned out to be very rewarding!

Hugs,

Leontine

CALLING CARD OF BOOKS IN FEBRUARY

FEBRUARY

I have sauntered around and about on the world wide web again and have found books that have left their calling card and will end up sooner or later on my bookshelves *wicked grin* You can click on the cover to buy yourself a copy and I hope you walk away with a new author to discover or please, feel free to enlighten me about these authors, most are new to me and with these book I want to give them a go :D

The Great Scot

Author: Donna Kauffman

ISBN 978-0-7582-1202-3
Pub Date : February 3, 2009
Imprint : Brava Format : Paperback

Loch And Load, Baby

Location coordinator Erin McGregor has finally found the perfect setting for her romance reality show, Your Prince Charming. The Chisholm clan stronghold in the Scottish Highlands has it all—romantic moors, windswept cliffs, misty lochs, a four-hundred-year-old castle, and possibly the most gorgeous man she’s ever laid eyes on in chieftain Dylan Chisholm.

His three youngest brothers spoken for, Dylan Chisholm is at the top of his village’s matchmaking list. Now they’ve sent some impish, forthright American lass up to tempt him into a devil’s bargain: a foolish romance show for the money his village so desperately needs. It took a tragic loss to get Dylan to embrace his heritage. He can’t turn away from such a promising offer. But keeping his thoughts off Erin McGregor is another matter. She’s everything he never wanted in a woman, and suddenly, she’s everything he craves in every way possible…

Wicked Beast
Author: Tawny Taylor
ISBN 978-0-7582-2678-5
Pub Date : January 27, 2009
Imprint : Aphrodisia Format : Trade Paperback

Take Me. Tempt Me. Tame Me.

Cailey Holm is definitely not a cat person—in fact, she’s terrified of felines in all forms. Creating a sexy were-lion as the hero of her latest erotic romance was supposed to help her overcome that fear, but suddenly the tall, dangerous, domineering alpha-cat of her darkest dreams is standing in her living room—and then carrying her back to his world, demanding to explore her most erotic fantasies…

Set free from Cailey’s story, Lander Cornelius, King of the Werekin, now has a mind of his own—not to mention a magnificent, muscular body specially designed to make his mistress ache with desire. At first Lander’s only motive is to protect his people by controlling Cailey’s magic. But now, he intends to bring them both to the peak of ultimate ecstasy, showing her the intense pleasure of total submission, and unleashing a pure, animal passion that has no limits except their wildest imaginations…

The Assignment

Author: Evangeline Anderson
Paperback: 192 pages
Publisher: Loose Id, LLC (March 11, 2008)
ISBN-10: 1596326727

Detective Nicholas Valenti, tall, dark and stoic, has been best friends with his partner, Sean O'Brian for six years. The two men have seen each other through divorce, disaster, and danger, and saved each other's asses more times than Valenti can count. Exactly when he started seeing his blond, intense partner in another light, Valenti isn't really sure. He only knows that he wants O'Brian in a way that had nothing to do with friendship and everything to do with possession. It is a desire he will have to hide forever because O'Brian is undeniably straight.

Just as Valenti is coming to grips with his new, unacceptable feelings for his partner their police captain puts them on a new case that could blow Valenti's cover once and for all. He and O'Brian are going undercover at the country's largest and most infamous gay resort to bust a notorious drug lord and stop the shipments of poison cocaine that are flooding the gay bars all over the city.

Now Valenti will have to make a choice between friendship and desire. He and O'Brian will play the roles of gay men that will push the limits of their relationship to the breaking point. Will their time at the RamJack forge a new bond between them or destroy their partnership forever?

Magic's Design

Author: Cat Adams

Tor Paranormal Romance

On Sale: 2/3/2009

ISBN: 978-0-7653-5963-6 ISBN-10: 0-7653-5963-4

384 pages

They were destined to save the world from an ancient evil.

Talos is a magic wielder, born into the mage guild of firecrafters. As an agent of the Overworld Police, he has come from a secret land to protect Earth from magicians intent on enslaving humanity.

Mila has always had the gift of healing. But this very modern woman never realized that her skill was born of an ancient magic that only firecraft can fully unlock.

Together, Tal and Mila discover that the source of their powers is in unity. Love's shining light might burn them alive protecting the magic of the world, but if the Tree of Life dies, and all the magic in the world is extinguished ... will it matter?

The Better To Hold You
Author: Alisa Sheckley
On Sale: February 24, 2009
ISBN: 978-0-345-50587-3 (0-345-50587-5)

SHE KNOWS WHERE THE WILD THINGS ARE.

Manhattan veterinarian Abra Barrow has more sense about animals than shehas about men. So when her adored journalist husband returns from aresearch trip to Romania and starts pacing their apartment like a cagedwolf, Abra agrees to move with him to a rural mansion upstate in order to save her marriage.But while there are perks to her new life, particularly in the bedroom,Abra soon discovers that nothing in the bucolic town of Northside iswhat it seems. The local tavern serves a dangerous, predatoryunderworld. Her husband has developed feral new appetites and a rovingeye, and his lack of humanity isn’t entirely emotional. As the moon waxes full, Abra must choose between trusting the man she married, taking a chance on a seductive stranger, or following her own animal instincts.

More books of interest were:

Falling In Love
Author: Pauline Trent
Pub Date : February 3, 2009

Buy a cope HERE

Grave Sins
Author: Jenna Maclaine
This is the second book in the Cin Craven series.
Pub.Date: February 3, 2009

Buy a copy HERE

Ravenous
Author: Sharon Ashwood
Pub. Date: February 3, 2009

Buy a copy HERE

If you want to give me a heads up for other novels you can leave a comment, though my TRP is about the size of Mount Everest I always like to discover new authors!

Hugs and have a great weekend :D

Leontine

REVIEW: KRESLEY COLE - KISS OF A DEMON KING

~click on cover to buy a copy~

Mass Market Paperback: 432 pages
Publisher: Pocket (January 20, 2009)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1416580948
ISBN-13: 978-1416580942

Summary:

HIS OBSESSION...

Sabine, Sorceress of Illusions: the evil beauty who surrenders her body, but not her heart.

HER DOWNFALL...

Rydstrom Woede: the ruthless warrior who vows to keep her at all costs.

THEY WERE NEVER SUPPOSED TO WANT EACH OTHER THIS MUCH...

With each smoldering encounter, their shared hunger only increases. If they can defeat the sinister enemy that stands between them, will Sabine make the ultimate sacrifice for her demon? Or will the proud king lay down his crown and arms to save his sorceress?



Since No Rest For The Wicked the Woede brothers, Rydstrom and Cadeon, have been a part of the Immortals After Dark novels. It gradually attached the reader to their quest of regaining the Kingdom lost to them as Omort now reigned at Tornin court. Though each book can be read separately I think for an increasing reading pleasure you should read this series in order. Also, Rydstrom and Cadeon’s stories are almost occurring simultaneously so I advise to read Dark Desires After Dusk before Kiss Of A Demon King.

How I have loved each entry in the Immortals After Dark series, some a bit more than the other but always a wild ride and in this Kiss Of A Demon King is no different. This tale does not contain your typical heroine and Sabine – Queen Of Illusion - is an acquired taste in characteristics, I think you’ll either connect with her or you don’t and I was thrilled to get to know her. She just hasn’t got lily white thoughts or feelings, has a save the world from all evil complex or has a Florence Nightingale syndrome. Sabine has an acerbic nature and is both in looks and character trades a truly remarkable woman. She and I had to get acquainted and the more I got to know her, the more I liked her, because being bad isn’t always about doing the wrong thing. If there is one thing that does not apply to Sabine is being meek and mediocre. This is one of the elements that elevate this series so, the intriguing and fresh characterization that allows them to come alive with their own personality trademarks and looks. This makes them stand out in the crowd of so many who inhabit the world of the average paranormal reader. There are no cardboard characters in this series, it brims with almost larger than life Lykae, Vampires, Valkyrie and many more making it such a pleasure to venture back in to this world.

Rydstrom was one who had to grow on me in the series but in his own story I quickly succumbed to his charm. Outwardly he is so almost stoic, rational and reasonable but his fierce nature is barely contained by a veneer of control, he is a Rage Demon after all. Together Sabine and Rydstrom gave a steaming picture of abandon lust simmering between them, it becomes maddening to read as the story progresses but oh my, they deliver some spectacular verbal and physical firework. There were times my frustrated inner voice screamed at those two to “get over” the trust and control issues and get it on already. Kresley Cole antagonizes the reader over and over with sultry foreplay between the main characters and in answer it raised my body temperature at a steady pace. Insert a bit of rough love to it and the sexuality sky rocketed between this love couple.

If you think Kiss Of A Demon King is all about the lust, well ok, it is a key element between Sabine and Rydstrom but this tale contains so much more than that. There is also the fact of Rydstrom’s singular desire which has been about getting back his Kingdom from a fiend enemy who seems undefeatable. Tied to this are many factions with many characters we’ve come to treasure while reading this series. So many are plotting their own plans, loyalty is gained and betrayed, as all have a place and function within The Lore. While some races/characters are just mentioned I love the descriptive details which adds depth to this world. Like how Sabine is portrayed, with bright, colorful headdresses, gold chokers, leather strips and chain metal materials in clothing and unusual make up. She is one of the Sorceri and with these kind of details I can see her so clearly in the mind’s eye. It draws me completely in the setting Cole provides and makes me savor the pages as I read along.

I feel this novel has been very character driven and though much is going on it was very centered around Rydstrom and Sabine. The mischievous nature of Sabine kept me on edge and empathetic to Rydstrom’s trust issues. Sabine loves a good juicy plot as much as a good surprise and I relished in the fact how Rydstrom surprised her at times. The power play between them is taunting, it is provoking, it is sensual and sexual, both good and laced with a bit of evil and they both gave as good as they got. At a few times I edged the feeling a scene became a bit repetitive but then Sabine would make a comment and had me all in giggles and laughter again.

Secondary characters were aplenty and some immediately struck home with me. Lanthe, Sabine’s sister, was one of them and together they became a one-two punch that whetted my appetite for a future story of Lanthe. Also Puck, the orphaned demon child enamored me in his interactions with Sabine. I have got no clue what to think of Lothaire but I don’t think we have seen the last of him and he has me intrigued in his motives. Cadeon is of course a part of his brother’s story and one of the series favorites Nïx once again displayed her soothsayer wisdom with flair and humor.

The plot and minor sub plots have kept me alert and focused where everything was heading, nevertheless it plays second violin this time. I always think I have a sense where Kresley Cole is taking me and yet she manages to surprise me in the end and like Sabine, I love a good surprise! Omort has his puppets dancing around his every whim and has the very thing Rydstrom covets above anything else…or at least, what he thinks he covets above anything else. Omort seems to be the epitome of all evil in this novel and he plays his part so very well. Just to have him enter the scene turned me on edge, wondering what his next step would be. The good versus evil element is showcased with every shade in between that holds its own significance and it fits in this story perfectly. What was lost somewhat along the way was the “ultimate battle” to regain Rydstrom his Kingdom but going towards the end other things occur that created pulls pounding moments!

Kiss Of A Demon King is imbedded with all we came to treasure from Kresley Cole as an author. Everyone will have their favorites among this series as have I but Sabine and Rydstrom have once again been a wild ride. I will count the days until the next Immortal After Dark tale is told!

Quote Sabine:
“It’s not my fault the truth and I are strangers – we were never properly introduced.”

Quote Rydstrom to Sabine:
In an incredulous tone he said, “You don’t know the meaning of virtue!”
“Of course I do – it means your thong must be white.”