Posts Tagged ‘werewolves’

Bowen’s book was, to me, just as riveting as book #2. Bowen was introduced to us in Book#1 (Lachlain’s lykae cousin, in mourning over his dead mate), and appeared again in Book #2 as one of the ruthless competitors in the Hie (a contest for preternaturals, akin to “The Amazing Race” but much more deadly).

Bowen, hoping to win the prize in Book# 2 (a “key” that would allow him to time travel twice), shows himself as a cutthroat unyielding competitor. Desperate to win the key, and go back in time to save his mate, he even goes so far as to seal some competitors in a cave together. Unfortunately for him, his biggest competitor, still in the game (Sebastian the vampire in Book# 2) defeats him, because he too, is fighting for his mate’s life.

Book 3 opens in the middle of the game, right at the section where he entraps the competitors. While he is unwittingly attracted to a mortal witch (Mariketa), and experiences a little one on one time with her in a tunnel, the intensity between them make him suspicious that she might be casting some sort of spell on him.

He cupped the back of her neck, staring down at her. As she gazed up in fascination, the amber of his eyes turned to ice blue. He seemed desperate to recognize something in her, and when he clearly didn’t find it, his hand on her began to shake. “Damn you, witch, I donna want another.”

Oh right, I forgot to mention, he’s Scottish

He has his eye on the prize, and quickly rejects her, determined to continue on with his goal. Intent on keeping as many people out of the competition as possible, he traps six of the competitors (including Mariketa) in what appears to be an abandoned cave. Assuming that they will find a way our of the cave eventually (via the strength of the demon competitors, or the magic of his little witch cutie), he forges on.

Appalled with his sudden change in demeanor towards her, and realizing he is locking her in (with the strangers), Mariketa casts a quick and dirty spell on him as he escapes the cave.

Mari glanced away from the entrance when met with silence. “He won’t regenerate from injuries,” she explained. “Unless he returns to me to have it reversed, the hex will eventually destroy him.”

The spell causes Bowen to be unable to heal from any injuries (essentially turning him mortal). He is weakened significantly, costing him the win. As they say…payback’s a bitch

Weak, and also entrapped elsewhere, he is finally rescued, but informed that the six he has sealed away (now a few weeks later) have not returned. Because of his ruthlessness, an unrest amongst the immortals is brewing, and unless the members are returned safely (especially the witch as it is prophesied that she is destined to be the most powerful), a war against his kind will ensue.

He returns to the “scene of the crime”. Despite his extreme weakness, he manages to unseal the cave, allowing the others to escape. While all of the trapped immortal competitors are in bad shape, his witch is dying (from repeated attacks by tortured incubi that were also trapped in the cave for centuries).

The majority of the book takes place as he helps bring her back to health, develops an unmistakable connection with her, and an understanding with the other competitors. Together, they trek their way out of the jungle, day after day, escaping danger, confiding in each other, and becoming friends (well some of them do…let’s just say Bowen’s competitive streak lives on, as a certain demon has his own personal intentions with the witch).

“Doona ever doubt my desire for you – if I truly was in a contest for the right to have you, I’d have bitten his goddamned throat free, then laid it at your feet in offer!”

Mmmmm…nice….Ok wait! Why do I find that sexy? LOL!

Realizing he is jealous of any male looking at her, and acting as though she is his mate, he becomes confused as to the nature of their connection. A mate is a once in a lifetime occurrence, and since he has already met his, it is impossible that there could be another. Or is it?

Her ruby lips were slightly parted as she slept. An exquisite, if small, female.

And, gods help me, she might be…mine.

Unable to stop himself, he eased down behind her. When he wrapped his arms around her and pulled her soft, wee body against his, she sighed. As a test, he nuzzled her neck. Her ear twitched again, and she curled into him closer. Even in her sleep she responded to him as if she were his.

A part that had me giggling, when he finds her special…ahem…”pocket lipstick” in her purse.

“I’m lookin’ forward tae touchin’ you there again.”

“Ha! Why would you think I would ever let you?”

“I happen to ken that you’re a lusty one. And I’ve taken away your wee alternative. Tossed it into a river.” As she gasped, he said, “Took me a minute to figure out what it was – a minute more to believe you actually had it. Then imagining you using it? Had me in such a state. I could scarcely run without tripping over my own feet.”

Mariketa, a sweet, good natured young and inexperienced mortal (awaiting to “turn” into an immortal) has her own issues. Despite being prophesized that she will be the most powerful witch, she’s actually not very good at all. Having also been abandoned as a child, and then again by the love of her life, she questions Bowen’s feelings for her. While she is extremely attracted to him, her insecurities, and his hang-ups (over his “mate”) cause them both much angst.

“What if we somehow worked through all the obstacles between us and were together for a couple of years or so, and you were given another chance to go back to your mate? There could be another key. Would you ignore it if it was handed to you?”

Emotions seemed to pass over his face. He scrubbed his hand across the back of his neck. “I could lie, but I will no’. I’d use it.”

Oh NO he didn’t!!

One step forward, two steps back with this couple. That, along with the number of times she is almost killed (she has got to be the unluckiest being on earth), turns this tale into an extreme roller coaster ride. You think it’s fixed…you think all is well again, and BAM! Another tragedy, another twist. And those pesky prophesies? No one ever actuality “gets” them until the damage is done….grrrr! Fantastic thrill ride!

It was also a great intro into new and exciting characters, and we even get better acquainted with past characters. Oh and Bowen…YUMMY!! He is domineering, he is ALL ALPHA, he is arrogant, but everything he does, and everything he says (well… almost), made me melt.

He stood and paced. Almost to himself he said, “Or what it’s like to know you’re no’ whole and never will be.” He ran his fingers through his hair then stopped to meet her eyes. “then with you everything looks different – feels different – and I…damn it, Mariketa, I want it. So bloody much.”

He crossed to her, clasped her upper arms, and pulled her to her feet. Gazing down at her, his voice breaking low, he said, “Doona bring me back to life only to destroy me once more.”

*sigh* I’m normally a vampire girl…but those werewolves….they are really…yeah…

This is the official Book#1 in the “Immortals After Dark” series. The series has been recommended to me over and over, and I was very happy to receive it for Christmas.

While I enjoyed quite a few parts of book #1, overall, I’d say it was just “okay”. I didn’t connect to the characters much. The heroine (Emma) went from a childlike innocence to hard-headed and irritating. While most of these stories evolve where the heroine inevitably becomes stronger, Emma’s personal growth transition was so quick that it didn’t seem natural. Her hunky alpha male (Lachlain) was great in some ways, however, I found myself cringing at many of his demands, from his insistence in keeping her against her will (for fear she’d never come back to him if he let her out of his sight) to his sexual advances, despite her resistance.

“You would hurt me that way?”

“Without a second thought.” His lips curled. His gaze seemed intent on her face, but his eyes were still vacant. “And that’s just the beginning of the things I’ll do to you, vampire.”

Eventually he sees the error of his ways, but really, it’s too late to have regrets once the monstrous acts are committed. Never fear, he never *quite* reaches that level.

Her Valkyrie aunts were all over the place, and I couldn’t ever fully comprehend what they were doing, who was getting mad, who was plotting or who was happily accepting Emma’s fate. I’m wondering if the short story preceding this one would have given me a better understanding into their family history, allowing me to like them more in this one.

So basically the story goes like this. Lachlain (a Lykae/werewolf) was held prisoner and tortured for centuries by the vampires. Realizing (smelling) that his “mate” was in the city where he was being held captive, he gnaws his way out of his chains, and escapes. While he doesn’t know who she is, he has been waiting for her forever, and refuses to risk the chance of losing her forever by remaining imprisoned.

Half mad from being tortured, he lacks the proper social skills of today’s society. Desperate to finally have her, he pretty much demands that his woman heed him, causing her much confusion and panic.

He pointed a shaking hand at her. “You,” he growled.

She jerked glances over both of her shoulders looking for the unfortunate you he was addressing. Her. Holy shite, this madman had settled on her.

Thinking she is being stalked by a raving lunatic she runs (exciting him more)! He chases, catches and essentially kidnaps her. Unfortunately for her/him?, she is half vampire (his most hated enemy), and he cannot fathom how to handle his need for her as his mate, and his hatred of her kind.

He’d waited a millennium for a helpless parasite.

The story evolves from one of mistrust and resentment (on both sides) to one of acceptance and bonding. While his brusque mannerisms rub her the wrong way, his alpha male sex appeal and eventual sweetness (she seems to tame him) make up for all his archaic ideologies (you know…rubbing her the right way ) tee hee!

He rolled over in his sleep, tucking her into his side. He put his knee over her to pull her close and then crooked his arm around her head. Protectively. All around her. Better. Maybe just surrender.

“Mine,” he growled softly. “Missed you.”

Yes. Apparently she’d missed him, too.

They trick each other, lie to each other, barter with each other, resist each other and come together so many times, one wonders how a relationship with such a rocky start could ever possibly work. While they struggle with their acceptance of each other’s differences, they also need to contend with their family’s expectations of the “ideal” mate (which neither of them conform to). Emma, half vampire, half fae (and enemy of the Lykae) would become queen of his Lykae clan, and she would essentially be bringing a “dog” into the family. Fun times…fun times…

And of course, the important battles, not just of wits, but of strength as enemies stalk them for purposes that eventually explain both of their pasts.

We also get a little glimpse into the characters and potential romantic interests to come in the series, and I hear the next few books are fantastic. So I’m very anxious to get to know them all better. BTW… Some of the covers for the books are just gorgeous. Too bad I don’t get those covers with my e-books!

 Ok guys! Here is the latest list - YAY books!!! (excuse my inner cheerleader )

NOVEMBER 2009

• The Mane Squeeze by Shelly Laurenston – release date: November 1, 2009
• Immersed (Prophesied) by Liz Craven – release date: November 1, 2009
• The Heat Chronicles, Volume 2 by Leigh Wyndfield – release date: November 1, 2009
• Encounters by Ann Somerville – release date: November 1, 2009
• Hedda’s Sword by Renee Wildes – release date: November 1, 2009
• Captive Desires by Diane Whiteside – release date: November 3, 2009
• Apocalypse Happens (Phoenix Chronicles, Book 3) by Lori Handeland – release date: November 3, 2009
• Taming The Beast by Heather Grothaus – release date: November 3, 2009
• Heart Change by Robin D. Owens – release date: November 3, 2009
• An Enchanted Season (Berkley Sensation) by Nalini Singh, Maggie Shayne, Erin McCarthy, and Jean Johnson – release date: November 3, 2009
• Wild Blue Under by Judi Fennell – release date: November 3, 2009
• The Road to Hell (Hell on Earth, Book 2) by Jackie Kessler – release date: November 3, 2009
• Shifting Plains (Sons of Destiny) by Jean Johnson – release date: November 3, 2009
• Born of Fire (A League Novel) by Sherrilyn Kenyon – release date: November 3, 2009
• Darkness Unleashed (Guardians of Eternity) by Alexandra Ivy – release date: November 3, 2009
• Crimson (Dead World, Book 3) by Jordan Summers – release date: November 3, 2009
• A Highlander Christmas by Dawn Halliday, Cindy Miles, and Sophie Renwick – release date: November 3, 2009
• Finding the Lost: The Sentinel Wars by Shannon K. Butcher – (Kindle) release date: November 3, 2009
• Winter Kiss: A Dragonfire Novel (DRAGON FIRE NOVEL) by Deborah Cooke – release date: November 3, 2009
• Thief of Light by Denise Rossetti – release date: November 3, 2009
• The Best Gift (Signet Eclipse) by Wendy Markham – release date: November 3, 2009
• Me and My Shadow (Silver Dragons, Book 3) by Katie MacAlister – release date: November 3, 2009
• Blaze of Memory (Psy-Changelings, Book 7) by Nalini Singh – release date: November 3, 2009
• Skin Game (Berkley Sensation) by Ava Gray – release date: November 3, 2009
• Real Vampires Get Lucky (Berkley Sensation) by Gerry Bartlett (paperback) - release date: November 3, 2009
• Heart Change by Robin D. Owens – release date: November 3, 2009
• One Hex of a Wedding (Chintz ‘n China Series) by Yasmine Galenorn – release date: November 3, 2009
• Heart of the Witch Alicia Dean – release date: November 24, 2009
• Soul of the Wildcat by Devyn Quinn – release date: November 24, 2009
• Immortal (Clare Point) by V.K. Forrest – release date: November 24, 2009
• Rion (Pendragon Legacy) by Susan Kearney – release date: November 24, 2009
• Dating Outside Your DNA by Karen Kelley – release date: November 24, 2009
• Dark Side of Dawn: The Nightmare Chronicles by Kathryn Smith – release date: November 24, 2009
• Lover Avenged (Black Dagger Brotherhood, Book 7) by J.R. Ward (paperback) – release date: November 24, 2009
• Undead and Unworthy (Queen Betsy, Book 7) by MaryJanice Davidson (paperback) – release date: November 24, 2009
• Scarlet Nights by Lucinda Betts – release date: November 24, 2009

DECEMBER 2009

• Once Bitten (Zebra Debut)  by Clare Willis – release date: December 1, 2009
• Holiday with a Vampire III: Sundown\Nothing Says Christmas Like a Vampire\Unwrapped (Silhouette Nocturne) by Linda Winstead Jones and others – release date: December 1, 2009
• Veil of Shadows (Lightworld/Darkworld Series #3) by Jennifer Armintrout – release date: December 1, 2009
• Bound by Dreams by Christina Skye – release date: December 1, 2009
• Born of Ice (A League Novel) by Sherrilyn Kenyon -  release date: December 1, 2009
• A Mermaid’s Ransom (Kindle) by Joey W. Hill -  release date: December 1, 2009
• Scorched: The Dark Forgotten by Sharon Ashwood – release date: December 1, 2009
• Demon Bound (Black London Novels) by Caitlin Kittredge – release date: December 1, 2009
• Shades of Midnight: A Midnight Breed Novel by Lara Adrian - release date: December 29, 2009
• Half Past Dead by Zoe Archer and Bianca D’Arc – release date: December 29, 2009
• Eternal Hunter by Cynthia Eden – release date: December 29, 2009
• Wolf Tales 9 by Kate Douglas – release date: December 29, 2009
• Hunting Julian (The Gatherers) by Jacquelyn Frank – release date: December 29, 2009
• Street Game (Game/Ghostwalker) by Christine Feehan – release date: December 29, 2009
• Heart’s Blood by Gail Dayton – release date: December 29, 2009
• Bound By Sin (A Cin Craven Novel) by Jenna Maclaine – release date: December 29, 2009
• Fired Up: Book One of the Dreamlight Trilogy (Arcane Society Dreamlight Trilogy) by Jayne Ann Krentz – release date: December 29, 2009
• Scarletti Curse (Candleglow) by Christine Feehan – release date: December 29, 2009
• Nice Girls Don’t Live Forever (Jane Jameson, Book 3) by Molly Harper – release date: December 29, 2009

JANUARY 2010

• Come Hell or High Water: A Broken Heart Novel (Broken Heart Vampires) by Michele Bardsley – release date: January 5, 2010
• Smolder by Melina Morel – release date: January 5, 2010
• Inked by Karen Chance, Marjorie M. Liu, Yasmine Galenorn, and Eileen Wilks – release date: January 5, 2010
• Naked Dragon: A Works Like Magick Novel by Annette Blair – release date: January 5, 2010
• Bone Magic (Sisters of the Moon) by Yasmine Galenorn – release date: January 5, 2010
• The Taking by Erin McCarthy – release date: January 5, 2010
• Wicked Enchantment by Anya Bast – release date: January 5, 2010
• Death’s Mistress (Dorina Basarab, Book 2) by Karen Chance – release date: January 5, 2010
• Bitten By Cupid by Lynsay Sands, Jaime Rush, and Pamela Palmer – release date: January 12, 2010
• Beyond the Night by Joss Ware – release date: January 12, 2010
• What A Demon Wants by Kathy Love – release date: January 26, 2010

• Devour (Signet Eclipse)
• Prey (Signet Eclipse)
• Smolder (expected release date: January 5, 2010)

She’s half vampire, half werewolf…

• Full Moon Rising (Riley Jensen, Guardian, Book 1)
• Kissing Sin (Riley Jensen, Guardian, Book 2)
• Tempting Evil (Riley Jensen, Guardian, Book 3)
• Dangerous Games (Riley Jensen, Guardian, Book 4)
• Embraced By Darkness (Riley Jensen, Guardian, Book 5)
• The Darkest Kiss (Riley Jensen, Guardian, Book 6)
• Deadly Desire (Riley Jensen, Guardian, Book 7)
• Bound to Shadows (Riley Jensen, Guardian, Book 8 ) (release date October 27th, 2009)

• Bitten (Women of the Otherworld, Book 1)
• Stolen (Women of the Otherworld, Book 2)
• Dime Store Magic (Women of the Otherworld, Book 3)
• Industrial Magic (Women of the Otherworld, Book 4)
• Haunted (Women of the Otherworld, Book 5)
• Broken (Women of the Otherworld, Book 6)
• No Humans Involved (Women of the Otherworld, Book 7)
• Personal Demon (Women of the Otherworld, Book
• Living with the Dead (Women of the Otherworld, Book 9)
• Frostbitten (Women of the Otherworld, Book 10)
• Men of the Otherworld (this book is listed in the author’s “anthologies” section)
• Chaotic (from the Dates From Hell Anthology – the author states: “My contribution is called “Chaotic” and takes place within the Otherworld universe, with a new narrator and Karl Marsten from Bitten”)
• Here is a link to Kelley Armstrong’s webpage containing Free Online Stories or “Novellas” that compliment her series:

Book #16 – Quick Note: CAREFUL! Do not read this review if you are not that far into the series please. I love experiencing the character development through a series, and there is a *slight* spoiler here in that sense.

This was a nice easy read. Nothing too traumatic, and not too much of a whirlwind of male characters (at least not compared to her last few books). This one is slightly reminiscent to some of her older books, (a slight mystery, some danger, etc…)

It is based mostly on the deep friendship of Anita and Jason (somewhat like the “Micah” book in terms that it is more of a one on one concentration). Jason’s father is dying, and although they are not on good terms, he agrees to see him before he dies. Anita accompanies him, for moral support, and to give the illusion, to his father, that they are a couple.

When they arrive in Jason’s hometown, they discover that someone in his family is having a wedding, and due to their political standing, there is a whirlwind of media attention awaiting. Unfortunately, Jason is almost identical in looks, to the cousin in question, and is mistaken by the media (and other bad guys) as the actual cousin (who is also the Governor’s son). This one was kind of interesting!

Anita does encounter yet another wereanimal trying to break free of her, and again finds a potential “assistant” in this issue that I feel might become a frequent character in the future. I actually liked this new character. Another sweet and gentle “male stripper” that is almost reminiscent of Nathaniel.

Crispin put a hand on the side of my face, and the touch helped, quieted my pulse. he leaned over me and spoke just before he kissed me. “I hear the lady’s call and I answer.”

A pretty good chapter with Richard (a new and interesting development that I hope will continue to be played out in more stories to come). What surprised me was how Richard and friends, (or should I say not friends), in the last book, ”finale -ied” (I know, I know, it’s not a word – but it’s my blog, and I’ll make up words if I want to!). However, in this one, he seems to be right where he always is with Anita? Am I missing something?

Unfortunately, there was barely any Jean-Claude (again). Since he is my favorite (as a “one on one” character), I was disappointed, that he has been portrayed lately, as a “Busy Master Vampire”, and his character is delivered mostly via the conversations of other characters.

Luckily, we did get one of his gentle phone conversations, so at least, there was that:

“You are not thirty and he is twenty three. You are both so very young, ma petite. You will go away to his hometown and be very young together. It is something I cannot be with you. I cannot be young and naive and uncertain.”

“You wouldn’t be you if you were any of those things. I love you the way you are, Jean-Claude.”

“Did I sound like I needed to hear that, ma petite?”;

“Yes,” I said.

…”I find myself strangely conflicted. Jason is my pomme de sang, and is precious to me. That my human servant is taking care of him in such a caring way is a lovely thing. It will make other vampires think me a very kind master, but I know that you do it because you care for him. He is young and handsome and charming.”;

“You cannot be insecure.”

“Why can I not be?”

“Because you are beautiful and amazing in bed, and I love you.”

“But Jason can be one thing for you that I cannot, ma petite.”

“What’s that?”

“Mortal….”

All I can say is ”Awwwwwwwwwww”. Someone undead most certainly needs a *hug*

Book # 15 of the series. This was definitely not one of my favorites. Unfortunately, I’ve forgotten some of the story since it has been a week or so since I’ve read it. I usually retain almost every bit of a book that I’ve loved, but with this series, I don’t know if it is because there are so many of them, that they are simply running into each other in my own memory, or if it’s that I am a little more bored with this series.  However, since I have followed the “Anita Blake” crew from the start, I still appreciate my time with this set.

A quick overview: This is about a group of Vampires called “The Harlequin” (almost like a “secret vampire policing agency”) that investigates, and has the right to “dispose of” other Vampires that are not abiding by the Vampire laws. Unfortunately, they set their sights on Jean Claude, Anita and their entourage, but as time progresses, our Heroine discovers that “The Harlequin” are also not abiding by the rules, and yet again, another metaphysical fight for their lives ensue.

What I liked? Some touching scenes between Anita and her men (Richard in particular). Richard, like usual has some clearer, more accepting, moments of the situations at hand. One particular scene is when Richard, one night, decides to take comfort in Anita and her entourage.

“Ok I love Anita. I’m trying to learn to love all of her, even the part that wants to live with two other men.”

I also thought Edward’s character (he’s back in a big way!) was very human in this novel. We also see a new side of Micah, although, it is somewhat shortlived, as he is not prevalent in this installment.

Of all the people in the room,I hadn’t expected problems from Micah. From the look on Rafael’s face, him either. “I meant no disrespect Nimir-Raj”.

“Yes you did”, Micah said,

“Micah…” I said

He shook his head at me. “No Anita, we can’t let an insult like this go. We can’t.”

What I did not like as much: Richard has his “fits” again (so the constant push-pull is prevalent in this novel). We have a TON of characters in this book, and therefore nobody gets real one on one time. It’s just a constant whirlwind of conversations, love declarations and angst (lots and lots of angst)! I like angst in books, but more so when there seems to be some sort of happy resolution and completion in the end.

One of the softer “angst” moments:

Requiem squeezed my hand and gave me one of his rare smiles. “I take no offense my evening star; he hates what I am, many people do”…

He stopped closer to the door and Edward, away from Dolph, but turned to the big man. ” ‘Darkling I listen; and, for many a time I have been half in love with easeful Death, Call’d him soft names in many a mused rhyme.”

“Are you threatening me?” Dolph asked in a voice gone cold.

“Not you,” I said. “I don’t think he was threatening you.”

“Then what did he mean by that?”

“He’s quoting Keats. ‘Ode to a Nightingale,’ I think,” I said…

“I don’t care what he’s quoting, Anita. I want to know what he meant by it.”

“What it means,” I said, meeting Requiem’s blue blue gaze, “at a guess, is that he’s half-wishing you’d pull the trigger.”

In the Anita Blake series, I never get that sense of relief. Perhaps that’s why I keep coming back for more. I am bound and determined to see it through until true love finally shows. Yes, I know that the concept of this series is that “true love” exists amongst the whole group and Anita (not one is more loved than the other), but my own socially conscious mind, cannot wrap itself wholeheartedly around this concept. Come on…she’s got to have a favorite!!! I know who I vote for! What about you?