My first gut response - this book isn't as compelling as Heat. It feels like an early/first book to me. I'm still interested and will finish it, but...moreMy first gut response - this book isn't as compelling as Heat. It feels like an early/first book to me. I'm still interested and will finish it, but it's not one I'm going to read straight through because I can't look away. Olivia is way too Mary Sue to live up to Raven or even Daria from Heat at this point, but the worldbuilding is still interesting.(less)
My thanks to Jane Litte for mentioning this book on Twitter.
Once I started reading this book, I read it straight through and MAN is it lon...moreMy thanks to Jane Litte for mentioning this book on Twitter.
Once I started reading this book, I read it straight through and MAN is it long. I had to charge my Kindle half way thru.
This book contains many violent scenes. Torture. Rape. Mutiliation. There are two main "romances" - one more traditional (if you ignore the drug Tagen gives her at the beginning to make her more compliant - but he never rapes her) and one so twisted and horrible and yet so compelling I can't even say much here without spoiling the book. The ending, OH, the ending! Wow. I'm still thinking about it. Despite the horrors Kane commits, I found myself going out to Amazon and searching for another book with him. (There is none to my knowledge.)
He's worse than Riddick in Pitch Black, folks, so if you've ever thought about romance for the anti-hero in the worst way, this is the book for you.
I did get tired of Daria's "I'm sorry" moaning and carrying on for way too long (I would have definitely cut some of that out) but she was still an interesting character. I loved her compulsive cleaning habits. I also thought Tagen played the dumb but good cop too long and in the end, I had to cheer for Kane too. The whole "what, you have a map?!?" made me roll my eyes, but in the whole scheme, it was a minor irritation.
I loved the way Smith used Kane and Tagen to illustrate both sides of Jota. Not just the black and white site either. Tagen might have been the good guy doing the right thing, but he made mistakes, he had poor judgement at times, and the "good" aliens were not wholly good. The slaver/murderer was not wholly bad (when he thinks Raven's dying because of her period - it was priceless, funny, but so touching too and played perfectly to his backstory). I even enjoyed the old slaver's (his father) narrative through Kane's thoughts.
Really great depth, compelling characters, superb worldbuilding details. But don't read if you're squeamish about rape and torture.(less)
Diana does not disappoint in this short, spicy tale. Lucas is a tough but vulnerable cowboy, at times masterful yet also reluctant when it comes to sa...moreDiana does not disappoint in this short, spicy tale. Lucas is a tough but vulnerable cowboy, at times masterful yet also reluctant when it comes to satisfying Hannah. He loves that she asks for exactly what she wants, yet when the ropes are put away, he regrets the bruises. After getting emotionally hurt and shamed by her husband, Hannah has very real reasons for keeping her heart aloof, even if she burns for Lucas's hands. Highly enjoyable! (less)
I loved this take on "Little Red Riding Hood." Jade is a Sibile, marked by her red cloak. Pale is a wolf, searching for a serial killer. ...moreI loved this take on "Little Red Riding Hood." Jade is a Sibile, marked by her red cloak. Pale is a wolf, searching for a serial killer. The worldbuilding of the Order and the magical powers of the Sibile were very interesting and the mystery held my attention all the way to the final showdown.(less)
This book reminded me a little of Laurell K. Hamilton's Merry Gentry series, only with a lost fae heiress instead of a lost princess. MCF is way more...moreThis book reminded me a little of Laurell K. Hamilton's Merry Gentry series, only with a lost fae heiress instead of a lost princess. MCF is way more romancy, while still maintaining the urgency for Meagan to make her way to Underhill and survive the queen's audience. I'd love to visit Rosemeade!(less)
Really a 3.5 or so for me. This is my first of Shelly's books and I did enjoy it. However, the women in this book (and I'm assuming the series) were...moreReally a 3.5 or so for me. This is my first of Shelly's books and I did enjoy it. However, the women in this book (and I'm assuming the series) were a little over the top for my personal taste. Much better than boring, don't get me wrong! Just a little too much cursing, name calling, I hate you-no I lust you sort of drama. The women are strong, definitely, but I got a little weary of everyone thinking they were insane, psychotic bitches. Strong doesn't necessarily mean bitchy or worse, insane!
I was a little lost at times because I didn't understand the relationships between the other women (from the other books). However, I loved the tiger shifter elements and the sex scenes were hot and well done. (I personally don't care for wolf shifters, so Nik's attitude about the dogs was hilarious.)(less)
Favorite line: "My sub doesn't cry alone. She cries in my arms."
So many BDSM books fall into the trope/cliche that a damaged p...moreFavorite line: "My sub doesn't cry alone. She cries in my arms."
So many BDSM books fall into the trope/cliche that a damaged past "makes" the person submissive. What I adored about this book is that Alex does use BDSM to heal Mac, but it's not about the sex at all. She is damaged but that's not what made her submissive. Rather, she manages to submit--despite her very real fears and past abuse--because she trusts and loves him so much, in SPITE of the damage.
It's the trust that he wins, the control he uses, and the care he lavishes upon her that eventually bring her around. This book made me cry several times at how loving and tender he could be while still being all Dom. (less)
Thank you to Alison Kent for recommending this book. I loved it, reading frantically this evening to finish. The ending is perfectly tied up, with m...moreThank you to Alison Kent for recommending this book. I loved it, reading frantically this evening to finish. The ending is perfectly tied up, with many twists and turns to get there.(less)
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