Archive for the ‘Miscellaneous’ Category

Wow! I have just finished the book, and it was an exhausting but exhilarating trip. Thank goodness I already have the second book in the series. It brings me some comfort in knowing I still have more time with these interesting characters. I’ve just got to know what’s coming next!

This book was a definite change of pace in reading material. Although it does have a “romantic” subplot, I would not consider this a romance novel (at least not like the ones I’ve been reading). The core of the story delves into twists and turns of all sorts. It basically played out like an action movie. Tons of unrelenting danger from the get-go. So much so, that I NEEDED to put the book down every once in awhile for a breather. On occasion, my impatience got the best of me, and when I realized we were about to embark on yet another struggle/battle, I would take a break.

The story is about an FBI agent (Heather Wallace) who has been on the trail of a serial killer, and winds up in New Orleans due to his latest victim. She questions the elusive underground “rock star/club owner” (Dante) and realizes that he is not the suspect, but a potential target. While “protecting” him, she becomes immersed in a supernatural world that she didn’t realize existed.

“Go to my car, get the file and take a look; you’ll see Dante for the monster he is.”

Heather turned, hands grasping the counter behind her. Stearns scooted his chair around so he could see her.  His face went blank at what he saw in her eyes.

“Monster? I saw monsters tonight,” she said, voice husky, strained. “Two of them.” The memory of Jay lying in a pool of his own blood burned bright in her mind. “Dante may not be human, but he’s no monster.” She locked gazes with Sterns. “I’d stake my life on that.”

Dante is haunted by a forgotten past, struggles with the good and possible evil within him, and with each chapter of the book, and each face-off with an enemy, it is revealed that Dante is more then what he seems. His own reality disintegrates as his protected past is brought to light, and threatens to tear his world apart.

Dante said, voice near a whisper. “I don’t want you here because I’m scared of what might happen to you. Of what I might…what I…could do-”

I did experience some difficulty following roughly the first half of the story, simply due to all of the characters we were introduced to. Layers upon layers of bad guys, all with different motivations. Each character had a story of their own and at some point, all of these stories begin to intertwine and suddenly the novel makes sense, allowing the development of revelations to complete the novel.

From vampires to villain FBI agents; they all get some action here!

In the meantime that I pick up the latest two books in the “Love at Stake” series from Kerrelyn Sparks (one that just came out, and one that will be released in a couple of weeks), I have decided to bide my time with some short stories from some of my favorite authors, in the “Bite” anthology.

So far, I have finished the first two:

1. The Girl Who Was Infatuated With Death by Laurell K. Hamilton
2. One Word Answer by Charlaine Harris

Both are, apparently the shortest stories in the anthology, however I enjoyed them both.

The one from Laurell K Hamilton was reminiscent of her days before Obsidian Butterfly (sexually charged but not too descriptive), and I liked it, because it consisted of one on one time (mostly emotional) with Jean-Claude (which has become rarer and rarer towards the latest books).

“One Word Answer” surprised me as it was a short story that actually gave us insight into a situation that we would be introduced to in “Definitely Dead” (I kind of wished I had known that when I read the entire series in a row - this one would have fit nicely in place).

to be continued…

I just finished this one yesterday, and it was “cute”. It did not capture me to the point that I couldn’t put it down, but I did enjoy it for the most part.

It was an easy “fluffy” read, with some silliness, a quick bit of adventure and a tidbit of “romantic tension”. Well actually, the romantic tension was nice and had great potential, but in this novel, there was  just not enough exploration of it, for my taste. Hopefully, further into the series, we will get abit more raw emotion, but I think this series will concentrate mostly on it’s comedic value.

This story is about a “born” female vampire, from a wealthy family who is highly indulgent. She is quite a fashionista (she’s a total “girly girl” and LOVES designer labels), so I could relate!  She is trying to find her place in the real world, and not following the traditions of her vampire heritage (ie: somewhat arranged marriages, based on breeding potential, not on love). In this series, vampires can be born, or made. The “made” vampires are lower on the totem pole in vampire society. Born vampires are from a bourgeois upbringing, are very old and come from European lineage. The males (and females) are essentially perfect in looks, smell decadent (like desserts), and have extremely high self esteem.

Made vampires are simply that – humans, that are now vampires (flaws and all, will follow them into their transition).

The main character “Lil”, is trying to live the everyday life (shopping, friends, starting her own business, and looking for true love). Unfortunately, due to her circumstances, her choices cause her problems (albeit, in my opinion, light and fluffy – not too much to worry over).

Still a cute read (I’m sure this would be great on a plane trip), and although I am not dying to get right into the next installment, I will be happy to pick up the next book, once I come across it (just to read more about “Ty” the sexy “made” vampire that has captured her eye).

P.S. – I found this picture online – it is of another book that Kimberly Raye wrote – doesn’t the cover model LOOK just like what “Ty” should look like (as he is described in Dead End Dating)?