I'm debating about whether this installment was better than the first book. I enjoyed the strong female character, and Trace was as yummy in the book ...moreI'm debating about whether this installment was better than the first book. I enjoyed the strong female character, and Trace was as yummy in the book as he is on the cover. The villains fell a little flat for me - part of the anticipation was facing these evil characters and seeing what they had in store for our lovebirds. Maybe I'm just a nasty person, but I thought they could've been a lot meaner in the end.
I'd heard a lot of good things about this series by Lori Foster, and was lucky enough to pick a couple of them up at a Borders liquidation. I enjoyed ...moreI'd heard a lot of good things about this series by Lori Foster, and was lucky enough to pick a couple of them up at a Borders liquidation. I enjoyed this first book, and look forward to the next.
The first in this series actually starts like it's a sequel. I haven't read the short story that spawned this series, and this book seems to start just after that. The hero, Dare Macintosh, is a hot, huge, hunky mercenary-type with a soft spot for women in need and Labrador retrievers. He rescues the heroine, Molly Alexander as almost an afterthought - she's a romance author caught in a human trafficking ring. From there, the two go on the run from California to Kentucky to Ohio.
Of course, Molly falls for Dare, and he's immediately drawn to her courage and strength. I liked Molly's strength - she's a very cool cucumber most of the time.
There are a few points where belief has to be suspended a bit...especially when Dare's super-security fails...but the writing keeps the story moving. A yummy read. (less)
The third installment in the Lucy Valentine series was a treat. Lucy continues to fall into the strangest and most amusing situations. The story caugh...moreThe third installment in the Lucy Valentine series was a treat. Lucy continues to fall into the strangest and most amusing situations. The story caught me from the first pages, and held me through to the end. One of the mysteries to be solved wasn't too surprising, but it was cute, and a couple new threads leave me begging Ms. Webber for another installment. I want to know more about Cutter, and about Lucy's gift! Please?
While Lucy Valentine is busy tracking down missing loves, she's also making and breaking matches with her family and friends. There's a lot going on, ...moreWhile Lucy Valentine is busy tracking down missing loves, she's also making and breaking matches with her family and friends. There's a lot going on, and as usual, Heather Webber ties all the threads together in an entertaining and sexy story.
Lucy's own love life takes center stage with hot beau Sean Donahue. I can't tell you what happens, but I'll just say, this is definitely a romance novel! Whew!
Lucy also does some climbing around the Valentine family tree and uncovers a new branch. A branch she's not really sure she likes...
Deeply, Desperately is a fun read. There's lots of characters, yes, but Webber does a good job keeping the different plot threads straight. The one thing I missed was a dead body. Yes, I like my romances to have a little murder mixed in.
I'm looking forward to Absolutely, Positively!(less)
The latest in the Black Dagger Brotherhood series is, in my opinion, a combination of Book 4 (Butch) and Book 5 (Vishous), maybe with a little of Book...moreThe latest in the Black Dagger Brotherhood series is, in my opinion, a combination of Book 4 (Butch) and Book 5 (Vishous), maybe with a little of Book 6 (Phury) thrown in for spice.
I liked it - it's definitely worth the four stars - but in the end, it's not really about Payne. Yes, she's the heroine. Yes, she finds her mate, Manny. But beyond that, we learn very little about her. It's really about Vishous, Jane, and Butch.
V and Butch are probably my favorite brothers, so I'll allow a lot. There's one scene in particular in V's old apartment that is over the top good, and worth the read all on its own. But I can't give five stars because I really wanted to find out more about Payne.
The book opens with V wanting to find a way to connect with his sister, and not knowing how. That's what I wanted too...but I never got the sense they closed that gap in the book. Both V and Payne inherited interesting and similar abilities from their mom, the Scribe Virgin, but they never even talk about how different or the same they are. They barely talk at all.
As for the Scribe Virgin...she was completely absent from this book. Completely. Tohr is mentioned, and a couple other brothers make token appearances, but for the most part, this story is isolated from the rest of the series.
Oh, I almost forgot, we do witness Qhuinn's pining for Blay, but it's mostly internal and definitely unrequited. Only at the very end do we actually hear from Blay, but it's only one line. There is an interesting twist involving Layla, but I'm guessing we've got a while to wait until that plays out.
For those who don't enjoy lessers, they play a very small part in this book. A new villain arrives on scene, setting up the series for several more books. I love his signature style of fighting.
I'll definitely be back for the next book, hoping for a few more tidbits about Payne along the way.(less)
For someone who doesn't read a lot of science fiction-style paranormal, this was a great way to sample a bunch of authors. Many stories revolved aroun...moreFor someone who doesn't read a lot of science fiction-style paranormal, this was a great way to sample a bunch of authors. Many stories revolved around worlds or characters that are already developed in full-length novels, so I felt a little behind the curve when being dropped into their mythology.
A couple stories stood out, though, and I may go looking for the novels that match.
The story by Justin Gustainis (the editor) was an updated Faustian tale that was just fun to read. Not any great surprises in the story, but the writing flowed wonderfully. (Sorry, I don't have the title - the book's already been passed on!)
The other that really stuck with me was the story by Tanya Huff. It centers around a gay production assistant (hope I got that right) for a film crew in Vancouver, Tony Foster. He's a wizard, to boot, and in this short, is afraid his lover may be seduced by an unknown woman. The ending was a little rushed, but there was so much more to the story than just the paranormal aspect. It was the most intriguing emotionally, I thought. I'll be looking for more Tony Foster books.
The nice thing about an anthology is that each story is a complete read. Perfect for waiting for the kids at the dentist or school - each one is a short read. If you're looking to dip your toe into occult mystery, this is definitely the book to try.
As far as I go, it was a little too much paranormal for me. Succubi, djinn, possession...it was nice to taste, but I think I'll stick to vampires and weres for now.(less)
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