Romance Books

The first time I read this book through, I read quickly, devouring the plot. The second time, I was delighted to find scrumptious tidbits of wit that I'd missed. Lady Julia's family is amusingly quirky, and her disillusionment with her husband is heartbreaking and realistic. Nicholas Brisbane is wonderful to read about, though I suspect he'd be fatiguing in real life. While Julia quickly discovers her attraction to him, the focus of the book is on Julia's self-discovery rather than the romance.

Which brings me to the point: if you have any intention of buying this book, do it now, while you can get it in the elegant red cover. The author has published the new covers on her website, and they are cheesy and inappropriate for the subject matter and time period. I'm afraid the publishers have seriously misjudged their audience.

The mystery to me is why I didn't enjoy this more. The author writes very well and the characters are terrific -- Lady Julia Grey (and her family) and Nicholas Brisbane are fascinating, and even minor characters are well drawn and three dimensional. The mystery itself, however, was lame; I'm not very good at prefiguring the culprit, but I spotted this one really early on and never had a red herring or a twist to make me second guess my conclusion, which turned out to be correct. Also, our heroine was often boringly, stultifyingly inactive; whenever Brisbane told her to stay home and be good when he was incapacitated by his mysterious illness -- she DID! What self-respecting heroine stays home and waits for the detective?! That was kind of shocking to me, and made for a boring read. I don't really want to read paragraphs and paragraphs about how the narrator is home, packing boxes or reading or wandering the rooms, waiting for the detective to make something happen. BORING! The plot was inventive in some ways (no spoilers), but tedious in others, and a great many interesting characters were introduced never to be heard from again.

If I could, I'd give it 3+ stars, but I'll round up because I think others may enjoy it more than I did -- I just have such precious little time to read that I want excellence when I do. I want great writing AND great characters AND a great mystery, and I didn't get that here. All in all I found it a frustrating read and won't get another in the series; instead I'll focus on other authors in this genre.

I bought this book because Amazon had recommended the 2nd book, Silent in the Sanctuary, and it sounded pretty interesting. Since it was the 2nd book, I bought this one as well so I could read them in the right order.

Plus I read the first 2 sentences online and I was hooked. Despite the fact I was reading something else when this arrived, I put that down so I could read this.

This book was well worth the purchase! The glimpse at upper crust life in the 19th century just made the mystery more enticing. Lady Julia, the sheltered 9th child in a rich but odd family, starts the book by saying that she didn't meet Nicholas Brisbane over her husband's dead body. It should be noted that her husband was still twitching on the floor.

What an opening! And the rest of the book did not disappoint. Lady Julia is fully dimensional, Nicholas Brisbane is appropriately mysterious. The supporting characters (family members and servants, Fleur and Dr Bent) are fleshed out and varied enough to be interesting. I'm hoping that Fleur shows up in the second book, which I am going to start reading as soon as I finish this review.

The attention to detail was fascinating, but never intrusive. The pace was slow, but it moved at the pace it needed to in order to give the right amount of atmosphere without smothering you with it.

Highly recommended.

I actually loved this book and can't wait to read the next in the series. I found it entirely enjoyable and thought the chemisty between Julia and Brisbane is infectious! As an avid historical mystery fan, I recommend this to anyone else who enjoys them, also.

Very disappointing let me count the ways. At first it was entertaining and witty. But after the first 100 pages I kept waiting for the mystery to snag me. Soon after I figured who the murder was (predictable) and I lost all interest on the motive. When I jumped to read the ending I was glad not to have wasted another minute on this book. I bought it because the book was recommended as being similar to books by Tasha Alexander. I beg to differ!

Gemma Doyle like a normal teenage girl living in the Victorian age. Until she sees her mother's death through a vision. Soon she is in England, after spending her whole life in India, attending a boarding school called Spence academy. There she meets three girls and the adventures only get more exciting.

No matter how many times I read this book I can hardly put it down. Rich in detail, with pulse pounding adventure and something different then the other YA books on the market.


The two other books in the series are just a great and addictive. Recommended to anyone who loves fantasy and history. You can tell how much work Libba Bray put into the book.

A story with three young women who dared to live in a time when they should have worried about marriage and scandal.

LOVED IT! I'm not going to give you an account of the book because it's just that good. If you love history, magic, young romance and mystery you will really love this book. Happy Reading!

I was finishing up with the Twilight series and wanted more. I bought this book a long time ago and was waiting to read it. I was hooked from the start! I love English history as well so I knew I'd enjoy it, but if it's mixed with mystery, magic and suspence as well as a bit of romance I ended up reading it hungrily and aching to start the second one. I LOVED it!! I have been telling all my friends that if they miss twilight they should read the Gemma Doyle Trilogy. I hope they make a movie of this one as well!! It would make a really exciting film! You should read this book! I didn't want to stop reading it!! :)

Libba Bray's style of writing is beautiful and descriptive, making it easy to get lost in the pages. This is a spell-bounding story that takes you on a mysterious journey with Gemma and a trio of her closest friends. With romantic undertones of a love affair brewing and questions left unanswered, you'll be eager to delve into the next installment of the trilogy.

This was a very, very enjoyable book and I look forward to the sequels. Though this is set in the Victorian era (nice change for once) the subject of finding one's place in life, finding happiness, finding good qualities in those around us and compassion was refreshing. The characters were funny, smart and brave and they didn't compromise themselves during the process. Highly recommend!

Tain is learning to deal with the last 700 years of his life and his captivity. Especially the way it turned his thinking around and made him insane. However when things got very bad, Tain remembered that one woman risked it all to help him and his brothers. Now he has come to see her again, even it Tain doesn't want to admit that even to himself.

Samantha was raised human, but she is half demon and all cop. She is a member of the LAPD and has worked hard for her position. Back on duty after her time off to help out before, Samantha is working on a drug investigation in a demon club and hoping for a bust soon. That night Tain walks back into Samantha's life and immediately things start to happen.

What begins as a drug investigation quickly turns into much more including kidnapping, clan wars and murder. Samantha and Tain work together to discover who or what is behind everything, while trying to avoid the danger that is everywhere. Samantha's life is being turned upside down and her rock is Tain. He is beginning to show Samantha that being a demon isn't all that bad. Samantha and Tain both end up facing deadly foes and it's going to take all the love and trust they have to come out the other side alive.

The Redeeming is the long awaited story of Tain, the brother who was lost to the Immortals. Now back and mostly sane, Tain is trying to find out where he fits into today's world. Samantha would love to show Tain exactly where she wants him to fit in, but when her life is turned upside down, Samantha doesn't know how it will affect them. I have hoped for Tain's story ever since he was rescued and hoped that his ending was going to be a good one. I felt that both Tain and Samantha had things to learn and accept along the way, but the ending was all that I could have hoped for them. I was surprised when the dust settled on who exactly was behind the various parts of this investigation. The Redeeming is a must read for anyone who followed the previous four books in this series.

While not totally necessary, I would suggest reading the Immortals Series in order so that you can grasp all the plot points.

Jo
reviewed for Joyfully Reviewed

No one has to tell Tain the Immortal that when it comes to letting demons live he is insane; he would agree as he loathes them ever since Kehksut the demon captured and tortured him for centuries. Having been freed by his four older half siblings, their soulmates, and a half-demon LAPD police detective Samantha after seven hundred years of torment, Tain wants nothing to do with anyone although he admits to himself that he is attracted to the cop.

One year has past since Tain tasted freedom. Meanwhile Samantha is working undercover in Venice Beach trying to infiltrate a gang using a demon rape date drug. He helps her on that case and afterward asks her to assist him on an investigation he is making into four prostitutes who vanished. Soon they work together on a group whose vision is a paranormal free world; these hunters are murdering demons and other otherworldly species. Tain vows to keep his cop safe and help her learn who is the leader of this deadly sect is; but he also emotionally keeps his distance as he believes he is one banana peel away from insanity while she assumes he rejects the demon half of her heart.

Although the other Immortal brothers' paranormal romantic suspense thrillers (see THE CALLING and THE GATHERING) are excellent, Tain's tale is the one fans of Jennifer Ashley have been waiting to read. The wait was worth it as he and half-demon Samantha make for a stellar show. The story line is fast-paced from the moment that Samantha working the bar senses Tain in the area and never slows down until the final confrontation. Tain puts an Immortal face to torture as he suffers an extreme case of PTSD that has left his sanity questionable at best with his extended family and Samantha his only footholds on healing his mind. THE REDEEMING is a winner.

Harriet Klausner

The Immortals Series:

IMMORTALS SERIES: (Paranormal)

The Calling

The Darkening

The Awakening

The Gathering

The Redeeming

The Crossing (Oct 2008)

The Haunting (Nov 2008)

The Reckoning (March 2009)


Note: Do not start this series with this book. As book 5 of the series, this story finishes the tale of 5 Immortal brothers. The hero, Tain, is the youngest of them. Each of the 4 older brothers stories involves the seven- hundred year quest to save Tain from a demon who is torturing him. Tain's own book is about how his love for a woman has helped his soul to find "Redemption".


The triumph was worth the wait!

For 15 months, Tain has been walking the earth looking for an end to the nightmares he has of his centuries of torture. His brothers have been giving him unconditional love and support, but Tain's soul is still tormented. The one thing that has kept him going is the comfort of the dreams he has of Samantha. She is half- human/half- demon. It was her powerful presence that helped him defeat his evil captor. Now he watches over her.

Samantha is a cop in the Los Angeles Paranormal Police Dept. Her half-demon blood gives her very little power, but her courage makes up for it. While performing her duties, Samantha is attacked by full blooded demons of rivaling clans. She is shocked when a face from the past rises to her defense. In a matter of seconds, her attackers are demolished. For the first time in 15 months, Samantha is face- to- face with the Immortal, Tain. All of the emotions he stirred in her over a year ago are back in a flash.

Young female demons are being murdered. Rival clans of demons blame one another. If the real murderer isn't found, the clans will burst into a full scale war. The world will become a battle ground. When evidence surfaces to suggest that Tain may be to blame, Samantha is slammed with a devastating choice: Believe in Tain and work with him to find the killer, or believe the evidence that indicates that Tain may be praying on demons to get revenge for his past torture.

Whatever the future holds, Tain will not let Samantha face the danger alone. Providing her with strength, support, and protection has become Tain's personal road to Redemption. More powerful than all four of his older brothers combined, Tain is ready to face Hell all over again for Samantha.


Awesome story! Jennifer Ashley did Tain's book right. It's not all roses and beauty, but it's also not all vengeance and anger. Tain is tormented by the past, but more than ready to find comfort in his love for Samantha. He is powerful, but not invulnerable.

Samantha is brave, but not stupidly so. She is stronger than a regular human, but not prideful when others step in to offer her help. No mean streak or immature pouting. I was able to really like both main characters as well as several side characters. (I'm hoping for a book about her police partner, a werewolf named Logan!)


If you want to read the series, Here are the first 4 books:

The Calling (Immortals, Book 1)

The Darkening (Immortals, Book 2)

The Awakening (Immortals, Book 3)

The Gathering (Immortals, Book 4)

The next book in the series:

Immortals: The Crossing (Book 6)



If you like paranormals, you definitely will want to try these two series (First book in each series listed here):

The IAD Series:
A Hunger Like No Other (The Immortals After Dark Series, Book 1)

The Psy/Changeling Series:
Slave to Sensation (Psy-Changelings, Book 1)

After 700 years of torture and captivity, the Immortal Tain is back. Born from a goddess and a human, Tain had protected the earth from the Old Ones, powerful vampires and demons. With the help of Samantha, Tain escaped the Old One Kekhsut, after endless torture, a torture that inspired him to try to end the world to relieve the pain. Within him lives a memory of darkness, so deep within himself, that Tain is not the man he once was. Samantha may have helped restore his freedom back then, but can she help him discover love, a love that heals rather than destroys? On assignment with the paranormal division of the LAPD, Samantha sits in Merrick's, a demon bar, trying to bait the owner into offering her Mindglow, a drug used by lesser demons to render their victims helpless to resist the taking of their life essence. Into the bar walks Tain with plans of his own, not only interrupting her undercover operation but setting off a powerful attraction in Samantha. Tain seeks her help. Four demon prostitutes have gone missing. The nature of the disappearances makes Tain suspect some kind of anomaly in the system, a threat more serious than isolated crimes or the girls disappearing of their own free will. Together Tain and Samantha must work together on a mission to discover whether these disappearances are crimes, and if so, the culprit. Together, they must face warring demon clans, anti-demon hater groups, an encounter with a clan matriarch and dangerous adventures at ever corner.

Jennifer Ashley's fifth book in the series, IMMORTALS: THE REDEEMING is packed full of passion, dynamic action, and suspenseful clues as Tain and Samantha uncover more and more layers of connections beneath the initial mystery. Samantha is the perfect romance heroine for Tain. Intelligent, yet patient and accustomed to working within the law rather than acting on impulse to achieve justice, she alone has the inner strength to bring Tain back, to heal the healer himself deep from within. Tain, an Immortal, is none too fond of demons after being captive to one, but something about Samantha, half demon and half human, is different. As they work together, Samantha's life opens up in ways she never expected. Jennifer Ashley writes an emotional moving romance that brings two opposing forces, a half-demon and an Immortal together, so that each comes into the richness of their being. Tain and Samantha's love transforms them on the deepest level and puts choices before them that call them from within to be what they are meant to be. Jennifer Ashley presents a detailed emotional vision as fate and free will play out in her characters' lives.

IMMORTALS: THE REDEEMING is my kind of book! With its intricate world building, rich characters, universal moral codes set within a new unfamiliar environment, and an opposites-attract romance that enlarges the characters as individuals through love, IMMORTALS: THE REDEEMING has all the fine ingredients that make me love the paranormal genre itself. The background history of the demon world and the look at the changes in the demon world as modernity challenges traditional, conservative demon beliefs add a richness and depth to this romance that creates a legendary history. The world building is intricate and beautifully constructed --- and revealed in just the right measure throughout the story. Jennifer Ashley creates a beautiful balance in her portrayal of life and death magic in an intricate network of beings and their connections to one another. IMMORTALS: THE REDEEMING with its fine portraits of fanatical villains upped the level of suspense with each page. The careful plotting of clues kept me guessing (and glued to the pages!) until the very end with a trail of exciting twists. I never suspected who was behind everything, and yet, the trail made perfect sense. THE IMMORTALS are back, and does this one ever captivate!

This is a series of books, that follow each other and mix with each other. I could not wait until each one came out. They were very good and if you have ever lived or visited Washington, it makes it that much more enjoyable. If you have never been there, you will feel you have after you finish the series. Love her Cedar Cove series!

I enjoyed this book very much, the sad thing was that this was the last in this particular series.
I feel as though I personally know the folks in her books.
I belong to Knitting Group and I have started a book exchange, so far I have three of Debbie Macomber's books loaned out, the ladies are as happy with her books as I am. There is a waiting list to start with this series.
I highly recommed this series of books.
Happy Reading,
Edie~

This is the 6th book I have read of Debbie Macomber's Cedar Cove Series. I have just started the 7th.
She is a great writer! You really feel like you know the characters and as the story progresses you can not wait to read the next chapter.
I started with the Shop on Blossom Street because I am an avid knitter and reader. She has me hooked.
Thank you. nancy brown

This is the sixth book in Deb Macomber's Cedar Cove series and if you've read the others in the series they all seem to be interchangeable. Whether you're reading about Judge Lockhart and her divorce policies or the Gundersons trying to decide whether or not to re build the Lighthouse, you're in for a soap opera beyond fanaticism. Much like all of Deb's books the sixth book is loaded with side plots and all the familiar characters. This time the roles are played by Lynnette and Cal. So, much like the other Cedar Cove series just sit back and enjoy this wonderful little town.

Editor of the highly recommended novel: Fates by Georgiou, Tino Fates (2nd Edition)

I used to like Debbie Macomber's books but the Cedar Cove series are just not well done. They are pretty much a continuing saga of a daily soap opera and so you are dealing with people still agonizing over things over several books.

I thought it was a nice premise but this book just made me dislike several characters, Cal for throwing over Linette for a woman who he has never even been with decides to marry her after a month. Anson for running away to join the Army and somehow after not being a good student suddenly is deemed a genius by the Army and going for intelligence. Charlotte pushing her new husband Ben into forgiving his son after his son lied to her in the last book about a loan! Justine still hanging with Warren though she knows it bothers her husband. And Rachel torn between Bruce and Nate. That is one storyline I now hate with a passion they turned Nate into this jerk and Bruce into a saint though we saw from previous books Bruce was not attractive in the least and has done nothing to win over Rache.

The main problem that is the problem I have with many of her books in the Cedar Cove series is that all the characters always say the same thing when they realize they are in love "I dont belive in long engagements" and than the next book they are married and I guess it just stretches the credibility of the charcters. You dont see the characters falling in love you just see really annoying characters that you rather not deal with in your life.

In Finding Strength, there are two short stories, both written by Annmarie McKenna, starring Aislinn and Christina. They are friends who work in a large security firm and are both on the run, from themselves and some pretty dangerous men in their lives.

Two Sighted: In this short story, Aislinn Campbell is on the run from an abusive and controlling ex. She's been working at Turner Industries as the PA for Kyle Turner and is studiously trying to keep her head down. Kyle Turner has noticed her from the very beginning though. Being ex Special Forces and in the security business, he's got the access to delve deep into Aislinn's background and after learning of her abusive ex, does whatever he can to make her life a little safer. He knows she's got a set pattern of running away after about eight months and she's already been with him as his PA for six months. Time is running out for Kyle and after waiting as patiently as he can, he decides it's time to make her his. Kyle is very gentle and unassuming with Aislinn, while also being very much in control. He's sensitive to the fact Aislinn doesn't have good memories of men or their desires and introduces her slowly to him. He's not very dominant with her, he's very tender and I enjoyed that. Not every guy has to be a hair pulling sexual dominant in bed. There's a little subplot with the fact Aislinn is clairvoyant and can 'see' an attack on Kyle. Kyle is accepting of her talents and takes her warnings seriously, but it only increases his protectiveness towards her.

The Strength Of Three: This story stars Christina, the friend of Aislinn. She's running from an abusive father and a brother whose turning into her worst nightmare. Christina is looking and hoping for a relationship but at the same time is afraid of men. Seeing a man drunk and tipsy reminds her too much of her father and his rages. TJ and Jon see Christina while hanging out at Turner Industries and know she's the one to complete them. They begin a slow campaign to get her used to the idea of them. They take their time but after an employee party, the men decide enough is enough and manage to coax Chris into spending the weekend with them, with helpful insistence from Aislinn. The men haven't even left the parking lot before they start their heated assault on Chris, overwhelm her with their kisses and caresses. Before Chris knows what's happening, she's enjoying every bit of their attentions and their gentle but unyielding determination. TJ is more dominant than Jon, and he shows her his mastery during one hot car ride. Jon has his turn next before all three of them adjourn to the bedroom. TJ and Jon are masterful but they are still very sensitive to Chris and her uncertainties. Just when things are going perfect, her family life comes screeching to the forefront, but this time she's got two loving, ex Special Forces by her side. With them with her, she's able to face a death in the family and her father and brother.

I really like Annmarie McKenna's stories. They are erotic and steamy, without crossing into smut. Her men are the type of heroes you know you are safe with. You can experiment with them, discover different facets of yourself, all while knowing they are there to catch you. They are the perfect comination of alpha male, protector and lover that every woman wishes she had.

What I like in a book: Good story, great characters, hot sex. And I got all three inside this book! To me, it was almost flawless and really flowed well. It's hard to find ones of this calibur. A high recommend. I also liked and would suggest Dead Sexy: Two Tales of Vampire Erotica, which is more paranormal, but I thought good like this one.

~Two Sighted~

With an abusive ex-husband stalking her relentlessly, Aislinn has had to keep moving in order to stay out of his clutches. She never stays in one town more than one month, remaining as unattached as possible so that leaving is easier to bear. But when she takes a job at Turner Industries, staying isolated proves impossible as she finds herself irresistibly drawn to her employer, Kyle Turner III. Still, she avoids becoming involved with him past their working relationship - that is, until her clairvoyant abilities show her a fatal vision involving Kyle!

Kyle knows all about Aislinn's past, in minute detail. Being ex-Special Forces and in the security industry, it is his business to know everything about the people close to him - especially pretty little personal assistants who distract him like no other woman can. He has no intention of letting Aislinn run again, not when he can protect her from her past and keep her close to him, where she belongs...

I do not think Annmarie McKenna can do wrong with a story. I have loved every piece of her work I have read so far! Two Sighted was a pleasure both to read and to write a review for. It is books like this that make my job simple, and I wish they could all be this good.

Kyle Turner III pushed every button I have, proving that this author knows just what women love in their heroes. In fact, if you could place orders for men that would exactly suit your needs, I would want McKenna's help placing the order since she seems to know what I want better than I do myself! Kyle is the epitome of the overprotective Alpha male who pursues the woman he loves with an unwavering focus and a sensitivity that belies his `he-man' status.

Aislinn's fear and loneliness are palpable as she longs for those simple human comforts long denied her - a best friend, a phone call with her mother, a man to fall in love with, a home that is hers for longer than 8 months. Yet even in her determination to remain detached, we see that she can't help but care about those around her. While her abusive ex-husband may have stolen her sense of belonging, her hopes for a future, he hasn't robbed her of her empathy. While it might be easy to be jealous of the woman who captures the attentions of the hunky Kyle, no one could begrudge Aislinn for stealing his heart.

I was impressed with Annmarie McKenna's very first novel, Blackmailed, and my admiration for her work grows with each new release. In Two Sighted, she effortlessly sets the stage for a sequel starring several of the supporting leaving her fans aching for it without leaving this book feeling unfinished in any way. I know I will be hungrily snapping up any new releases both in this series and from this author!

~The Strength of Three~

Having been raised in an abusive household, Christina has no interest in marriage or even a long-term relationship. Heck, it's been a while since she even had a short-term relationship. But that's all about to change. From the moment they first laid eyes on her, ex Special Forces team members TJ and Jon have known that she was meant to be theirs. They've just waited until the time is right to claim her as their own.

But convincing relationship-shy Christina to settle down with one of them is near impossible, much less both of them - especially when her ugly past is determined to destroy her once and for all.

I have been a fan of author Annmarie McKenna since I read her very first published novel, Blackmailed. I fell in love with both her writing style and her imagination then, and the hits just keep on coming. And I definitely count her latest release, The Strength of Three, among her hits!

This story is connected to her book titled Two Sighted, but is not dependent on that previous novel as a series book might be. We first meet the two heroes and our heroine in that book, and McKenna drops just enough information about the trio to leave fans hungering for more. And more is definitely what she gives us in this new book! Fans of ménage stories will be happy to see that not only is this book full of some very steamy ménage scenes, but is based on a ménage relationship, providing a happy ending for all three characters.

I did have one small thing that concerned me a little, however. The trio indulges in a little spanking in the bedroom, which usually I find pretty hot. In this instance, however, I would have liked to have seen some concern over the act from both sides, given Christina's family predilection towards physical abuse. Having grown up watching her father beat her mother, I think she would have had some reaction towards the act, even if it was just to rationalize the difference in the kind of spanking TJ and Jon administer to her and the abuse her father doled out to her mother. That said, it was not a big enough concern to dampen my enjoyment of this story.

Once again, this author impresses me with her style, her creativity and her endless stable of heroes guaranteed to get any woman's motor running! I highly recommend The Strength of Three to anyone who enjoys a great menage storyline with M/F/M content.

This book contains the following two stories.

5 stars for THE STRENGTH OF THREE.
TJ and Jon were former military and are currently partners in a security business. They like to share one woman and have had their eyes on Chris for months. She works in their company. She is drawn to both of them. Finally, she decides to give it a try and goes home with them after an office party. This is the beginning of love forever. The guys are super alphas. They cherish and over protect her. They control her for her own good and spank her when she puts herself in danger. It's over the top in the sense that guys like this don't exist, I don't think. I found myself laughing several times although it is not a comedy. It's hot, erotic sex among two males and one female.

A subplot involves her abusive and alcoholic father and brother. Chris believes her father killed her mother by pushing her down the stairs.

Sexual language: erotic and graphic. Number of sex scenes: six. Setting: current day U.S. Copyright: 2008. Genre: erotic contemporary romance.


4 stars for TWO SIGHTED.
More of the same thing, good erotic fun. Former military, super alpha guy owns a security business. He has wanted his personal assistant for months, since she came to work for him. He finally gets her into his bed, "where she belongs," according to him. He cherishes her, protects her, and has a lot of sex with her. A subplot involves her abusive, stalking ex-husband. She never lives more than eight months in any one place because she is on the run from him. She is clairvoyant with occasional visions of the future.

Sexual language: erotic and graphic. Number of sex scenes: five. Setting: current day U.S. Copyright: 2008. Genre: erotic contemporary romance.

To date, I've read the following Annmarie McKenna books.
4 stars. Blackmailed. Copyrt 2006. Review Date 1/10/08.
4 stars. Look What Santa Brought (in anthology The Perfect Gift). Sequel to Blackmailed. Copyrt 2007. Review Date 8/19/08.
2 stars. Seeing Eye Mate. Copyrt 2006. Review Date 3/02/08.
4 stars. Checkmate. Sequel to Seeing Eye Mate. Copyrt 2007. Review Date 8/19/08.
4 stars. Fantasmagorical (in anthology Sins of Summer). Copyrt 2008. Review Date 8/19/08.
5 stars. The Strength of Three (in anthology Finding Strength). Copyrt 2008. Review Date 7/12/08.
4 stars. Two Sighted. (in anthology Finding Strength). Copyrt 2008. Review Date 7/12/08.

I have been reading romance novels since I was 15, so a good 20 years now. In my mind nothing like a cup of tea and a good romance novel to escape and unwind at the end of a day.
Just to give a sample of my taste, other authors I enjoy are: Jen Holling, Connie Brockway, Johanna Lindsey, Julie Garwood, Christina Dodd, just to name a few.

This entire series is such a page turner. I had a hard time putting any of the titles down. More evenings than I care to admit I stayed up way to late "just to read one more chapter".

I loved Bowen from A hunger like no other and was thrilled to see him getting a book of his own. Wow what a twist in this one. I was on the edge of my seat. I loved the supporting demons and was glad to see that Cade got his own story as well. Love him!

The entire series is fast and there is not a lot of review of what happened in a prior book. You open the book and off you go. These are not slow moving. I laughed, I cried, I blushed. Boy Ms. Cole writes some steamy scenes. Wow! And I am amazed that nothing repeats. Each book is so different, the plots are so different and the way the main characters relate is so different. Yes they do all have hansom men and lovely ladies. But the dynamic relationship between the main characters is simply fire from page 1 to the end. Out of all my years reading romance. I have never read modern romance before. I can say without a doubt that these are the best romance books I have read and that is truly saying a lot considering how many authors works sit on my shelf.

This is my favorite book in the Immortals After Dark series by Kresley Cole. I just really love the Lykaes that Kresley writes about, they are so likeable. Mari, the heroin was so cool! Talk about some great love scenes too, mmmm mmmm good! This was Kresley's last really great book in the series. Dark Needs at Nights Edge and Desires After Dusk were just ok. I think she is cranking out to many books now and isn't able to take the care with her writings. I don't like the new covers either.

Okay, this is my 3rd read in the Immortals after Dark Series. LOVED LOVED LOVED the first book, the 2nd "ech" not so much. Bowen and Mari's story brought the series back to life for me. In the second book I had no interest in the "amazing race" parrallel, skipped over a lot of those pages, however in this 3rd installment the race came to life for me because of Bowen and Mari and also the comraderie shared between Mari's 6 protectors whilst on their amazing journey. There were so many twists and turns and treats in this book, the fate of Mari's parents, Mariah and her story, and the return of beloved characters.

Yes there were a few slow points but they didn't last long and the wait was rewarded. I am starting on the 4th book at the gym this evening. Its about one of the other vampire brothers of the horde.

I must confess though that I do like the Lykae men a lot more than the Vampire men.THEY CAN CHASE ME ANYTIME THEY WANT TO!

Im a sucker for scottish accents and vampire novels. Cole delivers both in this third installment.

Wicked Deeds on a Winter's Night is Bowen and Mariketa's story and partly takes place at the same time as No Rest for the Wicked during the Talisman's Hie, so I think it would be helpful if you're familiar with that book before starting this one. Bowen if you remember was after the prize so he could go back in time and save his mate. During the Hie he trapped Mariketa and several other supernaturals. Unfortunately this has upset (to put it mildly) their supernatural races and is threatening to start a major interspecies incident. So it falls to Bowen to go and rescue Mariketa. But that's just the beginning.

The glue that holds this whole story together is Bowen and Mariketa's relationship. There's quite a bit of other external stuff going on - The Talisman's Hie, interfering Valkyries, lots more intriguing hints dropped about other characters - mainly the proper introduction of Rydstrom and Cade and who exactly is stalking Regin?

Their relationship basically starts off as a confrontation and though they have a chemistry between them Bowen is far too caught up in the need to win the Hie and save his mate. So he betrays Mariketa and traps her to prevent her continuing with the Hie. Not the best way to start a courtship. It's only after he goes back to rescue her and they have to work together to escape the jungle that the spark between them becomes something more. But the course of their love isn't going to run smoothly, just when it seems everything has come into place for them the past rises up to bite Bowen and he has to decide who and what he really wants.

I like Bowen (more than Mariketa). He's one of those characters who doesn't really have a filter between his brain and his mouth. Maybe this is a Lykae trait as I seem to remember Lachlain from A Hunger Like No Other being similar. When he feels it is deeply and completely. He never gives up.

Mariketa is young and in some ways immature. She lies to Bowen about how often she's using her powers even though it's dangerous for her to do so. Some of her behaviour is understandable. He wants her to contain an essential part of herself - akin to her asking him to give up his animal instinct. But sometimes in romances you feel like shouting at the protagonists - just talk to one another! Yet despite all the confrontations in their relationship there's also something warm and fuzzy about it.

For me Kresley Cole has improved with every book in this series, certain scenes she writes so well. She puts you through the wringer, then just when you think the characters have finally got it together she takes it away from you, and makes the protagonists work even harder for their happy ending. And she never lets her protagonists say I love you before time. Even though there are confusions, eventually her characters talk to one another and when they finally open up it feels real and it works.

This is one of my favourite series. Recommended.

I liked this second book in the Dark Hunter series but I feel sheryln Kenyon should have stuck to the original plot she came up with for this book. If no one knows what I am talking about then you should read the preview for Night Embrace that was in Night Pleasures when it first came out because the beginning was entirely different than the one she came out with. First there were no gods working with Styxx and he wanted Sunshine because she had the ability of foresight and regression. Ms. Kenyon gave the impression that the daemons were targeting humans with specific paranormal powers but she changed it when Night Embrace came out. I'm not saying the book was bad, it was good I just think she should have stuck with what she originally planned for this story. I like her other dark hunter novels but if you would read the stories carefully from the first to the last you will see that Ms. Kenyon begins to subtly change her characters. It is subtle but it is there. She changes their personalities and their histories except in Night Play which is my favorite. I don't know if anyone else has noticed this but I sure did.

I am glad I kept going with this series! Talon is a lead character to DIE for! Sunshine is a good female lead and the story kept me entertained. Did not want to put the book down. Moving on to the next novel.

Great reading... Sherrylin is captivating. I started on the newer books and had to go back and buy the earlier books... Keep them coming!

You have to get this book, she continues the stories in each book.... they just get better and better

this book was vey good and interesting. I love the first two but this one was good

I don't know what everone's complaining about! I really liked this book! But just to let you know, it really is a young adults book. I, like all the other Twilight fans, was depressed that the series was over, but now I think I've found something else to get into (a.k.a this book). I really recomend this book.

Set for a younger audience (about college age kids) though some adults seem to enjoy it too.
Follows a young college girl, who is being bullied in her dorm, as she sets out to find a new place to call home, while uncovering what's really going on in town, and who or what is behind the curtain (vampires).
I thought it was a great read..kept my attention..

Fun to read. I already ordered the next one in the series. Can't wait to get it.

Have never read Rachel Caine before. Great writing style. A real page turner. Must start with the first book though or you will get lost. The second book starts exactly where the last book left you and there is little or no explanation to set it up. If you are a Twilight fan, it's a sure bet this is a series for you.

This is a better YA vampire novel than Twilight in my opinion. The characters I actually came to really care about. There is Claire, the sixteen year old genius, in college too early and getting bullied every step of the way. Unfortunately these bullies intend to see Claire dead. This forces Claire out of the dorms and into a shared rental house. The Glass house is owned by Michael Glass a 19 year old with some crazy secrets of his own. The other roommates are Eve, a Gothic girl with a heart and Shane, a young man who is grieving for his sister and mother. With them, Claire finds safety but she also becomes more aware that the entire college town of Morganville is home for vampires. Anyone without the Vampire's trademark "Protection" is fair 'prey'. Claire's already managed to tick off the vampire community multiple times. Logical Claire is now faced with unlogical things and people all around her. Her choices can lead herself and friends to safety or have dire consequences. The action is packed, and the characters are great. I'm a 30-something and I have to say that I didn't have the problems other reviewers had with not really feeling the target age for readers of this series. I had no problem feeling these characters just the way I can feel the Harry Potter character's and as I already said I much preferred this group to Meyer's Twilight characters. My four star review is a actually more like 4 1/2 (Yes, I did enjoy the book THAT much) and I have to take 1/2 star off solely because this ended on a seriously disappointing cliffhanger. I've said in other reviews that I enjoy and anticipate stories that have dangling threads that make me eager for the next volume of the series but ending in the middle of action just isn't cool.