I've trained to fight, navigate the forest by scent, and outsmart my brothers, but I'm not strong enough to see this through alone.
Shayna Andrews is t...moreI've trained to fight, navigate the forest by scent, and outsmart my brothers, but I'm not strong enough to see this through alone.
Shayna Andrews is the adopted daughter of the Pack's Alpha, and as such, is protected to the point of suffocation. When she asserts her independence, she ends up tangling with the enemy. Lucky for her, lone wolf Travis Hunter comes to her rescue. But when her first heat cycle begins, they are thrown into a chain of events where both gets more than they bargained for.
The book is technically the first in the series, though reading Winter Eve would help the reader understand the character dynamics. The mix of weres (big cats living together with wolves) brings an interesting mix to the table, since they have different customs and strengths. This is a world where the reader must suspend disbelief about actual animal instincts and take the "anything (or any were) goes" approach to mating. Once passed that, it is a well-created story in a world alive with personality.
The sex, though present, is glossed over, lending more time for action/plot. There are a few touching scenes, and the ending tied up well. There could have been more done to make the book more in-depth, but as it is, it's a short, quick read were-lovers will enjoy.
A Tiger's Claim is a fast-paced, light read, and a good start to an interesting series. (less)
“Indulge me.” “What’s my second choice?” “Death by nagging.” “As I suspected.”
Once again, Charlotte Dashiell, an American archaeologist, and her lover, A...more“Indulge me.” “What’s my second choice?” “Death by nagging.” “As I suspected.”
Once again, Charlotte Dashiell, an American archaeologist, and her lover, Atakan Vadim, a Turkish government agent, are going to a dig. This time the crew is set to bring up a Byzantine Era warship carrying an unusual cargo of gold off the coast of Northern Cyprus. A terrorist cell has targeted the gold; Tischenko has tracked down Charlotte -- will the lovers get time to further their relationship, or will this be their last excavation?
As in the first book, the characterization in Byzantine Gold was well done. Charletto and Atakan's relationship grows in this book, and there are a number of well-written sex scenes. The downfall of this book was it's length -- it was very short compared to Golden Chariot, and lacked some of the details and descriptions that could have been added. The end could have been drawn out a little more to make it not feel so rushed, but it was still satisfactory.
This is a tension-filled underwater adventure sure to entertain those readers that enjoy romantic suspense. Charlotte and Atakan face some hardships -- and not only from Tischenko -- and come to find a balance in their relationship off-site as well as on-site.(less)
Gemma came from a place where everything was perfect, beautiful, and predictable. But that all came to an end when she fell in...moreIt felt a lot like love.
Gemma came from a place where everything was perfect, beautiful, and predictable. But that all came to an end when she fell in love with a human. For though she gained his love, she lost her white wings.
Gemma entered into the Heven and Hell series surrounded by mystery. She wormed her way into Cole's heart without even trying. Now, readers are treated to a bit of her back story, and though it's still a little vague, it puts her into perspective. From her strength to her sadness, Gemma is a unique character that adds a wonderful dimension to the series.
With the end in sight, Beneath delivers another facet an integral character in the Heven and Hell series. It is a quick read that will leave readers aching for the next book.(less)
“Stupid - men.” (Definition provided by Piper and many other women across the globe.)
Piper was leaving work when she felt Dex's eyes on her. Unknown t...more“Stupid - men.” (Definition provided by Piper and many other women across the globe.)
Piper was leaving work when she felt Dex's eyes on her. Unknown to her, he intended to mug her. But his intentions and what happened end up being very different things. Now he's faced with a choice: Love or Death?
Fans of Hebert's other works will recognize the voice of this story as similar in fashion. The pace is well done, with enough emotional roller coasters to keep readers turning pages. The chapters are titled with definitions, and are often predictors of what is to come. It ends up being a bitter/sweet story about second chances and what we do with them.
In what promises to be a good first book of the series, Recalled introduces readers to the workings G.R. and his coat closet and hints at more "outfits" to come.(less)
"You're being lead away by a cat, like Alice and that damn rabbit..."
Danica just wants to be left alone, without the pity and sorrow her folk look at...more"You're being lead away by a cat, like Alice and that damn rabbit..."
Danica just wants to be left alone, without the pity and sorrow her folk look at her with. But when she darts in front of Nevan's car and leads him back to her house, alone is suddenly the last thing she wants to be anymore.
As this is a precursor to the actual Ashwood Falls series, it sets up the characters well, showing the depth of Dani's scars and how Nev's strange upbringing can help. Though short, readers can get an idea of what will follow, setting the stage for a unique blend of were/human interactions.
Winter Eve challenges readers to see the "pack" differently, to go beyond the scars (both inside and out), and to be true to your inner animal.(less)
I've spent enough time around hockey players to know that they aren't the kind of guys that I want to waste my time with.
Natalie knows what she wants,...moreI've spent enough time around hockey players to know that they aren't the kind of guys that I want to waste my time with.
Natalie knows what she wants, and what she doesn't. So when her friend tries to pay her back for setting her up, Natalie insists on making it a night to remember by requesting not one, but two men from Madame Eve's 1 Night Stand service. However, when they turn out to be hockey players from her friend's team, she's not so sure she'll get what she wants.
Even though the piece was short, the (erotic) action kept things moving along nicely. The characters were developed enough to keep the reader interested, but not as fully formed as would have happened in a longer work, leaving the reader to guess how their future would play out.
This quick read explores the boundaries of relationships between two people, expanding it to three. Can a long-term threesome work? Natalie, Ian and Todd may just find out. (less)
Ellie wanders into The Raven a human dancer looking for a job, but emerges a newly turned vampire. Hi...moreDeath was getting more interesting by the second.
Ellie wanders into The Raven a human dancer looking for a job, but emerges a newly turned vampire. Hidden within the tunnels of her new home, the Keres Den, she discovers secrets and something she's not thought she could anymore -- feelings.
The main character, Ellie, is emotionally shut off, both to herself and readers of her story. She starts to feel again, using her vampire power of hope, with the help of Ian, the striking Viking. The action takes place quickly (it is a short read, mind), with Ellie taking to the vampire way of life rather quickly, including calling humans "blood buckets" without even hearing the term before.
In the end, The Vampire's Hope shows that hope (and love) is a beautiful thing, and leaves Ellie to pick up the pieces of her new life.(less)
Nicholas has been living a life full of secrets that he isn't aware of, even though they revolve around him...more"What has he done?" "He has given us hope."
Nicholas has been living a life full of secrets that he isn't aware of, even though they revolve around him. Having fled his hometown with his aunt after a disaster kills thousands, Nicholas has drifted unnoticed through four other schools in four towns. Now, starting his sophomore year, he's determined to make this year memorable, to be a part of it, even if it means his death.
While the transition from chapter one to chapter two is very confusing, as readers continue through, they find the story of a (mostly) typical teenager going to high school. The simple writing depicts Nicholas and Elle clearly, yet leaves older readers wanting more and noticing the inconsistencies that characters like Cora seem to be full of. There is a lot of build up, of potential, from the start that seems to get lost in the football games and school lunches.
Overall, Secrets was an entertaining read, fast-paced and full of mystery that keeps readers turning the page. Hopefully more will be explained/expounded upon in the second book, making Nicholas' 'secret' come to life.(less)