Review of Dead Ever After by Charlaine Harris

Description: Retrieved from www.amazon.com

"There are secrets in the town of Bon Temps, ones that threaten those closest to Sookie—and could destroy her heart....

Sookie Stackhouse  finds it easy to turn down the request of former barmaid Arlene when she wants her job back at Merlotte’s. After all, Arlene tried to have Sookie killed. But her relationship with Eric Northman is not so clear-cut. He and his vampires are keeping their distance…and a cold silence. And when Sookie learns the reason why, she is devastated.

Then a shocking murder rocks Bon Temps, and Sookie is arrested for the crime.

But the evidence against Sookie is weak, and she makes bail. Investigating the killing, she’ll learn that what passes for truth in Bon Temps is only a convenient lie. What passes for justice is more spilled blood. And what passes for love is never enough…"

 My Review:

Charlaine Harris has a very specific writing style and it can be a little difficult to get through. I think I realized it more with this book than with any of her others. Maybe it is because I have been reading so many other books but it made me cringe a little to read her latest installment.

That said, I definitely devoured this book like all of her others because I was starved to find out what happens next. I wanted to know how things would end. And I truly have to say that I am heartbroken. I knew there were really only three ways this series would end, with Eric, with Bill, or with Sam but the decisions Harris made ruined the series I have been loyally reading for years. I just do not understand what compelled her to make the choice she did. It CERTAINLY wasn't her readers because if any of the comments I have seen so far make up even half of her readers, they were all severely disappointed as well.

Like many, I read this series because of the characters and the plot line. I was drawn in by the supernatural world. It was one of the first supernatural series I started reading many years ago. I thought, "Hell, this is a step up from Twilight! There is actually sex in this!" While I very much enjoyed Twilight, I was hungry for something a bit more adult, and a lot more carnal. I found that in Harris's books. But, after faithfully consuming each book, and waiting on the next one to be released, I read hundreds (maybe even thousands) of books in between and was amazed at how much was out there. There are many authors who are simply better. Their writing is better, their descriptions are better, and their characters are better. However, I was already deeply immersed in the world of Sookie Stackhouse and I just had to know what was going to happen next each time.

Knowing the series was coming to an end was sad for me because it has been a part of my life for years. The show may still be on (and I do love watching True Blood even though it is nothing like the books anymore) but the books have finally come to an end, Harris's version of her story told. But with Harris seeing her characters come alive on tv and seeing what they are capable of, and how great they can be, I really have to again wonder...why!? Why would she do this to her characters? Why would she leave Sookie the way she did, with such a anticlimactic ending to her story. It was almost like she threw it all together with no thought like she was making leftover stew!

Sookie was yet again the damsel in distress who couldn't fully take care of herself. It was kind of infuriating. By this point, the woman should be able to handle herself pretty well. And damn if she doesn't get on my nerves a bit in this book with her whining all the time. "Ugh..all these people are in my house," "Ugh, why do I have to do this," "Ugh, why is Bill here." I feel like she complains about everything and that she is kind of a bitch to people, even her friends/family.

Personally, I have imagined up my own ending, where Sookie gets to be happy and stops her damn stubborn ridiculousness about the concept of turning one day (and her whining for that matter). Where she actually gives that some thought instead of outright denying it. Additionally, what happens to half of her relationships in this book? You barely see some of the most important people in her life- some of her closest friends. If this is the end, I feel as thought they should have made more of an appearance.

I do however, think the villains were a nice twist in this one. It made sense in a complex kind of way and it was a good way to end the series in that aspect in my opinion. But all together I feel like I was cheated and that Sookie was cheated, and that Tara and Terry and Jason and Bill and Pam and Eric and Sam and Barry and Alcede and Quinn and everyone was cheated. They deserved better and I will forever be disappointed in Harris for not giving them the ending they deserved.

Ratings:

Overall Rating:
3/5
Heat Factor:
1/5

MORE TO COME SOON!

Review of One Bite With A Stranger by Christine Warren

Summary Retrieved from www.amazon.com:
When Regina’s friends insist on setting her up a “Fantasy Fix” to help her get over her cheating ex, she dreams up some kinky out-of-this-world encounters that they could never possibly bring to life. But the next thing Regina knows, her friends have got her laced into a shiny black corset, tight leather pants, and a sexy pair of stilettos. It’s time for some downtown vampire-fantasy fun. . . .
The Vampire Ball in Manhattan’s East Village isn’t really Dmitri Vidâme’s idea of a good time, but as a member of the Council that governs the Others, he has to keep an eye on all the young vamps who prey on the pretenders. After he feasts his dark eyes on fiery Regina at the bar, he knows that he must have her. But for the first time Dmitri meets a woman who is more than a match for his indomitable will. And he may be the fantasy Regina hoped for… until she—and her feisty friends—discover her sexy new lover’s bloodsucking secret…


My Review:

Let me start by saying that I in no way believe writing a novel is an easy feat. I understand the process and I respect any author for getting published. This book has been sitting on my shelf of unread books for at least a year. I've wanted to read it but just hadn't gotten to it yet. It's always tough starting a brand new series from an author I haven't read when I've got so many current authors/series to keep up with. But that is definitely not a predicament I take issue with.

That said, I was actually quite disappointed with this book. I expected much more as I was pretty excited to finally read it. I really didn't think it was very well written to start with. There were errors all over the place and too many contradictions. One such instance was that Dmitri clouded Regina's thoughts when he fed from her so she didn't know and then he went on to yell at a new vampire saying something like "We never feed without permission." Well, doesn't what he did to Regina constitute feeding without permission?

I cannot stand how often Regina says "bucko." It just sounds silly and ruins the moment. There is absolutely such a thing as overusing certain words and this book is one of those instances.

Dmitri and Regina have no real relationship and fall in love after like 12 hours. It's crazy to me and while so much about paranormal romance may seem unrealistic, the authors typically find a way to make you believe it. This relationship just wasn't believable to me. There is no plot to this book, it's all sex and while I love reading a good sex scene as much as the next person, even the sex was hard to read for me.

Dmitri was WAY too dominant but not dominant is a sexy way, dominant in a "Are you kidding me asshole?," kind of way. I felt like he didn't treat Regina well at all and hoenstly I got the impression that while he tried to deny it and talk around it, he viewed Regina as a possession he could control. It was rather frustrating and I almost stopped reading a time or two. I just felt like for the most part the sex was awkward and I wanted to hurry up and get through it rather than linger and enjoy reading about it.

He treated her like she wasn't supposed to have an opinion and that he was in complete control of her. I have read many books about Dom/Sub relationships but this just wasn't put together the right way. The scene with the cuff links where Dmitri scolds Regina for dropping his cuff links during foreplay after he sucked her nipple, actually made me angry. I didn't like the way he talked to her. It wasn't a good or sexy vibe. There was also a scene where he told her she shouldn't talk a certain way and I wished I could reach through the pages and slap him.

Then there is the issue of Regina's friends. First of all, the whole Fantasy Fix thing is an awesome idea except if she wasn't interested in doing it then why the hell would she let her friends force her into it? No woman I know would ever allow anyone to force them into something they aren't comfortable with. Again, it's unrealistic. Regina talks this big game about being independent and then she just let's everyone walk on her and she just gives in to others whims way too easily. When her friends swarm in at the end of the book they aren't at all scared of Dmitri but when they find out that Regina is a vampire they hide like they're scared. It makes no sense!!!

There really needs to be more plot and relationship development. It had the potential to be really good. I did like the way Regina's looks were described. Additionally, I very much liked Graham. I thought he was funny and intriguing. I liked the ex-boyfriend being turned into a vampire and being part of the villain duo in this. I thought that was a very interesting twist and she could've taken that a little farther and gone more in depth with it.

Overall, I think this book was lacking. It has been a while since I have read a book I wasn't in to and especially one that I was looking forward to. I am unsure if I am going to continue the series at this point but if I do I sure hope they get better.

My Ratings:

Overall





Heat Factor





Favorite Quotes: 

"Take off the panties," he ordered, his voice rougher than before. Deeper. "And don't wear them again. They get in my way and I want you always available to me. Do you understand?"- Dmitri (one of the few dominant scenes I liked).

"A little kink ain't nothing to be ashamed of girl. If your fantasies were as vanilla as the rest of you, that's when I'd start to worry." - Danice

Novels On The Run: BLOG HOP HUGE GIVEAWAYS - CLAIM ME by J KENNER - RANDOM HOUSE - 19TH APRIL - 4TH MAY 2013 #GIVEAWAY HOP #FREE BOOKS

Novels On The Run: BLOG HOP HUGE GIVEAWAYS - CLAIM ME by J KENNER - RANDOM HOUSE - 19TH APRIL - 4TH MAY 2013 #GIVEAWAY HOP #FREE BOOKS

Book Blogger Hop!

 First Book Blogger Hop!

Question: What was the last book that made you laugh out loud? 

Answer: The last book I read that made me laugh was Twice Tempted by Jeaniene Frost. I probably laughed during a couple of books since then but this one stays in my mind. Jeaniene Frost has a distinctive sense of humor and all of her books have a comedic presence. Twice Tempted was no different. There was witty banter between Vlad and Leila and many comments that made me laugh loudly while sitting quietly on my couch with no other noise. My dogs both perked their ears up quite a few times while I was reading this one as I broke the silence on more than one occasion. When a book can make you feel damn near every emotion there is, I think it's a keeper. Her character Leila is a hoot and I recommend this book to anyone and EVERY ONE!

Review of Darkness Unbound by Keri Arthur- Dark Angels Book #1

Summary Retrieved from www.amazon.com.

"Being half werewolf and half Aedh, Risa Jones can enter the twilight realms between life and death and see the reapers, supernatural beings that collect the souls of the dead. But she soon makes a terrifying discovery: Some sinister force is stealing souls, preventing the dead from ever knowing the afterlife.

Reapers escort souls—not snatch them—but Risa is still unnerved when a reaper shadows her in search of someone Risa has never met: her own father, an Aedh priest, who is rumored to be tampering with the gates of hell for a dark purpose. With the help of her “aunt”—half-werewolf, half-vampire Riley Jenson—and an Aedh named Lucian who may have lost his wings but none of his sex appeal, Risa must pursue whatever shadowy practitioner of blood magic is seizing souls, and somehow stop her father . . . before all hell breaks loose."

My Review:

As a huge fan of Keri Arthur’s Riley Jenson series, I was surprised by the fact that I had no desire to read her new series. Risa Jones, the heroine of the new Dark Angels series was first introduced to us in Riley’s books as a child. You would think this would make a fan want to read Risas books. I just…didn’t. But, I relented after putting it off for a while and soon realized I was missing out. This book was very well written and you definitely know it is Keri’s work. Risa is undoubtedly no longer the child she was in Riley’s books and has grown up tremendously. It’s rather captivating to witness a child character from another series become an adult who has her own series.

This book takes bad-ass female lead to a new level. I love Keri’s books for many reasons. One of which is that her females kick ass. They take no prisoners and while they have huge hearts and immense compassion, none of that applies to the bad guys. They can take care of themselves and don’t need saving. There is just something exhilarating about reading of a woman who is on the same level as a male warrior. Another of those reasons is that there is no modesty and no worn-out pretenses about sex in her books. Sex is sex and there’s a lot of it in this book because werewolves, even half wolves like Risa need sex to maintain their control. 

However, while Risa's books have all the sex that Riley’s had, they lack the same sensuality and romance element. I am getting a little ahead of myself here since I have read through the third book. This review is simply about the first one and in many cases with a series, the romance comes later. So, while I think it would have been nice if Risa wasn’t so closed off to the idea of a relationship, I understand the need to delay any romantic entanglements, at least for now.

This book presents Risa as very “philanthropic” in the sense that she uses her powers for good. There’s an evil being (that sounds so ominous and almost cliché but it’s true!) stealing souls, her long lost father enters the pictures, she becomes sexually involved with one of the hottest men alive, and another one of the sexiest men on earth is now her “guardian” until her father is found. There is loads of action in this book, so much so that I found myself biting my nails in anticipation of what the next page would hold. It unquestionably keeps you guessing and absorbed. You will not get bored reading this as it is a no nonsense startlingly intense story.

You meet many remarkable characters including Risas best friend Iliana and Tao who I love! They bring a huge comedic presence to this book that makes reading it more fun. They just add lightness to a book full of pain and tragedy. 

Lucian is the Aedh man Risa encounters who she starts sleeping with, purely physical, no strings attached as Aedh don’t have feelings per se. It is hot and heavy with them all the time. In fact, if you’re going to read this book, keep a fan AND a man (or women if that’s your cup of tea) very close by. You will definitely need them. 

And if that wasn’t enough, you meet Azriel, the Reaper/Mijai warrior who will melt your panties, towards the beginning and get to know him throughout the book. He and Risa do not get off on the best footing but come to rely on each other at some point during the book. They fight their friendship and their feelings but you really start to pull for them and hope something romantic happens between them. You are STARVED for romance in this book so you hang on to the thread that Riley and Azriel have. He’s fierce, protective, and a warrior through and through. He possesses an intense intelligence and a depth that you wouldn’t expect and neither does Risa. There is much more to Azriel than we know and honestly I cannot wait to find out. 

Between Azriel & Risas sexual tension and Risa and Lucians sexual escapades it was quite hard to catch my breath while reading this book. Throw in all the adventure and baddies you come across and you’ll have this book read in hours, so you can jump online and buy the next one. I recommend buying them all at once, so there’s no waiting because you will be dying to find out what happens next.

Keri Arthur does not disappoint. While I was damn near devastated to see Riley’s series end (although you get peeks at her family in this book) I am temporarily placated by this new series. I just hope Keri keeps writing. As long as she does, I will keep reading. 

My Ratings:

Overall:

Heat Factor:

Favorite Quotes from the Book:

“And you do not look like something a cat has regurgitated. I’d put it more on the level of a dog’s effort.” - Azriel

“I am. I mean, vampires can be nasty, but I wouldn’t put them in the same league as something that’s crawled from the gates of hell.” - Risa

More to come, it seems my highlighting for my kindle didn't stick...again! :(

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Review of A Blood Seduction by Pamela Palmer, Vamp City Book 1

Summary from the back cover: "Quinn Lennox is searching for a missing friend when she stumbles into a dark otherworld that only she can see- and finds herself at the mercy of Arturo Mazza, a dangerously handsome vampire whose wicked kiss will save her, enslave her, bewitch her, and betray her. What Arturo can't do is forget about her- any more than Quinn can control her own feelings for him. Neither one can let desire get in the way of their mission- his to save his people, hers to save herself. But there is no escape from desire in a city built for seduction, where passion flows hot and blood-red..."

My Review:

I met Pamela at a book convention in VA- Honestly, while she was on my "to read" list, I hadn't yet picked up one of her books. So, while I was there I bought the first book of her new Vamp City series, A Blood Seduction, got it signed and started it that night. She was incredibly nice so I was very curious about her work. And wow, she did not let me down!



This book was unlike any other paranormal romance book I've read yet and I've read hundreds, probably more. It was such a unique concept and it just worked. It was so mind blowing to read about this city made solely for vampires by a powerful sorcerer whose intent was actually to trap them! There is no sun, there is no human authority, and all humans are food/toys to be used however the vampires so choose. Parts of this book infuriated me which just made me unable to stop reading as I had to find out what happened next. This was no gooey love story by any means. It's filled with horror and pain and if you have a weak stomach it may not be for you. She crosses boundaries but she shows us that vampires are not all the loving, brooding, protective males so many other authors portray. She shows us a world in which vampires aren't trying to take over the world, because they already reign. It's a terrifying concepts and to be one of the humans trapped in that nightmare is incomprehensible.

Her vampires even go as far as to erase their victims memories so they can torture them over and over without the victims remembering any of it! It's twisted but so intense and enthralling that you feel like you're peeking into the windows spying on someones bondage session. Even the "good" vampires who have pieces of their compassion left consider the humans to be nothing more than slaves and it's a huge battle for Quinn not only to survive but to convince them, or one in particular, otherwise.

Thrust into that world by powers she doesn't understand Quinn is on a mission to rescue her brother and her friend but everything about the vampires is superior and she stands no chance without access to her powers. But, her stubborn ass somehow keeps managing to escape and it's empowering to see how hard she fights even with no chance of winning. Now with that said, I do have to admit that Quinn was not quite bad ass enough for me. She missed too many chances in my opinion and just wasn't as...well...smart as I'd hoped. You expect a certain level of badassness in a woman set in this type of world. The only saving grace here is that she is new to the paranormal world, wasn't expecting it, and isn't trained for it. So, I expect her to be much more prepared and fully ready to kick some vampire ass in the next book. I want to see some heads roll compliments of Quinn's weapons skills or hand to hand combat. She NEEDS a serious upgrade in that department.

Arturo and Quinn have a startling chemistry and even though he tells her she's his slave and she will bed him, work for him, and feed him, your first instinct as a reader isn't to hate him. You want to hate him but you just can't. It's thrilling because he's so commanding without being necessarily forceful. They have a fanatical connection and this book was certainly a fast read.

Pamela Palmer pushes past every boundary and ever paranormal romance stereotype to create a world like nothing you've ever experienced. She takes risks I rarely see and they pay off in a big way. This book is truly a must read but prepare yourself because it's not roses and chocolate. I highly recommend this author; Her outside the box writing has me hooked. I can't wait for the next one!

My Ratings:

Overall:

Heat Factor:






Favorite Quotes from the Book:

"Even the 'good' ones are monsters, Quinn. The sooner you understand that, the better off you'll be. There's no such thing as a good vampire." - Arturo

“His smile darkened. I most certainly will bite you. But I will bring you pleasure when I do so, cara. I have no intention of hurting you.” - Arturo

“A vampire may play with his food, but he never sets it free.” - Arturo