Homicide detective Trace Dilessio has always considered himself a regular meat and potatoes kind of guy—a red-blooded man who likes his women with big boobs, a nice ass, and legs that don't stop. Aislinn Windbourne is a whole different type than what he usually goes for. And even though he hates psychics—especially those that get tangled up in police business—Trace can't seem to fight his obsession for the delicate beauty who makes him feel both primitive and protective.
Years of being shunned in Elf-space because of her half-elf, half-human blood have made Aislinn cautious about opening her heart—until she meets Trace. He beguiles her from the start, and among Elves such a reaction usually means that a couple is destined to form a heartbond. But even as love chases away her loneliness, every time Trace rejects the magic that's part of who she is, Aislinn fears that this human world might be every bit as painful as the one she grew up in.
Jory has been writing since childhood and has never outgrown being a daydreamer. When she's not hunched over her computer, lost in the muse and conjuring up new heroes and heroines, she can usually be found reading, riding her horses, or hiking with her dogs.
This book wasn't totally bad, but it wasn't totally good either. It had a good premise and some good suspense, but there are some places that fell flat. I found it hard to believe that the heroine, Aislinn who is rather shy and mistrustful of people after being kicked out of Elven-space due to the fact that she is half-elven, half-human and has minimal powers, would go off and have wild monkey sex on the beach with the hero after meeting him and dancing with him, so in essence had only known him for a good 10 minutes and then gave up the nookie. Trace, the hero, is the typical dominate, sex possessed, hard dude and is a cop to boot. He doesn't want to settle down or anything, but after one hot sex interlude on the beach is ready to have her in his house, in his bed constantly. He can't do anything without thinking about her and getting "hard". I found the book to be a little sex heavy and found myself skimming over a few of those scenes as I wasn't aware of even a slight dominant tendency this book has. It isn't heavy, but still not something that is my favorite. Therefore, I rate it three stars due to the fact that the overall book was good, characters were written well, and it was rather complex, BUT a bit to sex heavy. Also, it does jump around a bit, but I had no problem keeping up. Will definitely keep reading the series, maybe skip the next one as I'm not too fond of the cop theme, but the third one with the cousin Sophie seems to be a dragon theme and will definitely be reading that one.
Interesting concept but just seemed to be missing something
I saw this book at Ellora's Cave and it sounded good, so I decided to give it a try. There just wasn’t much to it aside from sex. Which usually isn’t a deal breaker for me, but the plot and character development left much to be desired. Upon completion, I was left with a "that’s it?????" feeling. Not worth the $3.56 price tag. Needless to say, this won't be a series I continue.
Trace is a homicide detective with an itch. He likes beer, big boobs, long legs, and lots of sex. He doesn't like petites, problems, or psychics. Until he meets Aislinn. Suddenly, he's developed quite an obsession for this delicate, beautiful psychic. Not to mention the traits of a caveman. He's possessive, dominant, and protective. And when Aislinn ends up entangled in a murder investigation, his world goes haywire.
Aislinn is half-blood fae. She doesn't belong anywhere and holds apart from men. When she meets Trace, the attraction is instant and unstoppable. Suddenly, she's submissive and sexually aware...and very, very unsure of what to do. She's also very afraid he may be her bondmate...and he doesn't believe in anything about her heritage or abilities.
This was my least favorite of the Supernatural Bonds series, but still a solid 4. Trace was just a little too masterful for me...but I really love this whole series and look forward to the next by Jory STrong.
I really hate not finishing a book.. especially when I've spent a couple of hours on it already but I just couldn't do anymore of this. the female lead is soooo weak. She has kick ass powers, she saved a kids life but because of the way the male lead acts towards physics she hides what she can do and she feels ashamed of who she is. Yeah screw that. I would punch him in the balls. also I would like to point out that she sleeps with Trace after 10 mins of meeting the guy. she was a virgin... what the actual fuck? Trace doesn't say more than 10 words to her before that. I wish I would have put the book down there but I was dumb. another thing that drives me crazy, Trace calls her baby... he has never used her name... never at 59 % in and he says baby excessively. it's always a pet peeve of mine anyways but put that with the fact that he's never said her name.. Yeah d-bag. he was also way too "alpha". I enjoy alpha males but not Trace.. most alpha males are domineering and possessive but they usually have the girls best interests at heart or when the girl straight up says no they back off but not Trace. He manhandles her and does whatever he wants. I also just thought of one more thing I hate about the book. I am 59% in and the 2 romantic interest haven't had an actual conversation... omg I'mserious! They haven't spoken to each othwr!!!!!! except to say I need you baby, or you'll stay with me. omg. how did I get this far in the book?!?!?!?!?!?!?
If you can get past Trace's initial douchiness he certainly falls and falls hard for Aislinn and eventually fully embraces all sides of her. The supernatural suspense aspect was a little different than I normally read, as I tend to stick with mostly shifters but it was interesting and definitely a big motivator for me to continue with the rest of the series.
Finally my book slump is over and have read one I enjoyed and can recommend. Not 5 star, but a very good read with an actual plot as well as steam. This book has been out for 10 years or more and was labeled as smut and erotica by some Amazons reviewers, so I hesitated to buy it as I like a real plot along with the romance/steam. Compared to most books published then maybe that was the case, but compared to many romance novels now, not so much. LOL! The book went on sale, so took a chance. :-)
This is a no cheating HEA. Once the H meets the heroine, that is it for him. He is very protective and possessive, and the thought of her with someone else makes him crazy. But the entire book happened over maybe a week's time, and sadly no opportunity for jealous scenes. No triggers, no OM or OW drama. It is told more from the h's POV, but we do get H's POV (as well as a few others briefly).
I liked the plot scenario. H is a homicide detective who doesn't believe in psychics, believes they are all frauds and hates them. h is a real psychic. That's the good. Could it have more background on the Hero, even the heroine? And a little more character development with the main characters? Sure, but it was a nice quick read at 198 pages.
The book could really have used an epilogue. And maybe I would get what I needed if I read the next book about another couple. But I am hesitant to do so as I am generally disappointed in book 2s. I don't usually read past the first couple in a series unless it is an outstanding series or the back characters in book 1 were as interesting or more interesting than the main characters. Thus I read very few book 2s.
Overall, an enjoyable read. If anyone has read other books in this 10 book series, I would be interested in knowing which ones you thought were best.
I picked this up as an Amazon freebie. This book was full of erotica, odd romance, and pretty kinky. The story was interestig enough, the characters also kept my attention, I liked story as a whole, but I had issues wtih some of the scenes. Trace is a demanding, controlling, small minded person. I found it hard that Aislinn wanted to be controlled by him. During one of the sceenes he wanted to "punish" her for leaving his home when he told her not to, so what did he do? Spank her! Then have sex with her. Honestly, that was a little uncomfortable reading. I'm not in to being dominated, spanked and ordered around, so much of the connection between Trace and Aislinn wasn't really believable to me. Thier whole relationship revolved around him controlling her. Even to the very end when he finally had to ackowledge the psychic things that were happening , he still wanted to deny it and not speak on it. So closed minded. How could he possibly be in love with a psychic half elf when he is unable to open his mind?
I did also like some of the other characters like Storm, Miguel and Sophia. I'm sure the next books in the series will be better because these people are very different, so I'm pretty sure they won't involve controling your partner.
An intriguing little book with a lot more story than I was expecting. Strong main characters, a very nice supporting cast, and a homicide case that keeps them all busy gave this book a little extra oomph. I was intrigued by the world and that glimpses we got about the elven culture. Trace was domineering, Aislinn was sweetly submissive to him - it was nicely naughty when they got down to business.
The only downside is that the ending felt rushed. The murder and investigation were tied up but Trace's belief (or disbelief) in the supernatural was sort of glossed over. From the looks of things, book 2 picks up directly from where this book left off and it's possible this will be addressed further but I was expecting a little more resolution in this book between Aislinn and Trace over her heritage and abilities. Still, I found the story highly enjoyable and would definitely continue with the series.
This book was a free Kindle download I picked up 12/24/11 for the Why Buy the Cow? reading challenge.
Trace is a cynical homicide detective with a hostile attitude toward psychics. When a psychic locates a missing boy, the cops suspect a con for publicity. The cops are further angered when a psychic is murdered and they must investigate.
Trace, who comes across as more Neanderathal (sp?) than human, meets a woman who sends his dominant and possessive urges into overdrive. Imagine his emotional meltdown when he learns she, too, has psychic abilities.
I liked the Elven/psychic story line and the murder investigation. Trace, the hero, for me was just a grunt away from beating everyone over the head with a large tree branch in his primitive urge to have sex with and control the girl. I found him quite unlikeable.
2.5 stars I enjoyed the multiple-kidnappings plot and most of the characters of a pretty large cast. But some of the secondary characters came off like assholes when they're clearly supposed to be future romantic leads, the hero was a bit of a close-minded bummer, and the killer's pathetic motivations lacked reasoning that would have justified murder. There was also an abundance of sex scenes that seemed to last entire chapters. The smoking hot sex is probably what gives this that extra half star rating.
Now I see why I didn't review this book when I first read it in 2011. It's not bad, but it's not all that good either.
I liked this book. It won't go down as one of my favorites of all time. But it's an entertaining short erotic-paranormal romance. If you like the uber-alpha male and a "destined mates" type story line then this a good book for that. I was expecting a little more BDSM in the sex scenes and they're really pretty vanilla. Still hot but nothing bordering kinky.
You really have to send your brain out for a coffee or two with this one, because what you see is what you get. A sex-fest disguised as a romantic suspense with paranormal elements.
It was good, but the fact Trace, the hero, came through so "strongly" at the beginning bugged me a little. But it was to be expected for a half-elvin, tiny, pixie-like heroine's counterpart.
He's a crude, I'm all about sex, cop who doesn't believe in that psychic crap and she's a half elf who has gifts. I found it hard to believe a cop would go out on the beach and have sex but I get the point was their overwhelming attraction.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
This book is full of interesting psychic twists which are surprising. It definitely plays on the innate psychic abilities of all people. There is a lot of sex in this book, so be forewarned
The romance was missing. The hero was too physically aggressive and he spent the whole book disgusted at psychics. The language was coarse and the supernatural element was not explained well.
Trace Dilessio is a cop who hates psychics, especially after a recent kidnapping case involving a psychic finding the missing kid rather than the cops. He harbors a strong attraction to Aislinn Windbourne from the first moment he meets her, even though she isn't the type of woman he usually goes for. She's small and delicate--and worse yet, a psychic--but every fiber in his body screams for her.
Aislinn is shunned in Elf-space due to her half-human, half-elf blood, so she's made a place for herself in the human world. Trace beguiles her from the start, hinting that he might be the man she's destined to form a heartbond with--a sacred love among the elves. But Trace is so clearly against the magic that makes her unique she fears to open her heart too fully to him, not wanting to suffer that pain.
Trace is a pure alpha-male, dominating, possessive, and demanding. Aislinn strikes me as the type to keep herself shut off from most humans, only trusting a few. Most of her actions in this book, at least regarding Trace, seemed completely out of character. She'd never been with a man before, but she has sex with Trace ten minutes after meeting him? True she has a strong attraction to him because they're meant to be heartbonded, but still...wouldn't she show some reservations about her quick acquiescence at least?
I felt there were too many characters in this book to keep track of them all. Right away we're introduced to three of Aislinn's friends and three of Trace's, which makes for a lot of names to remember without getting confused. Too many scenes involved the secondary characters, like the cops following up on leads. I would have liked it if the author kept it all in Aislinn's and Trace's viewpoints so as to make it less confusing.
The supernatural races that haunt our fairy tales have all fled, leaving this plane to the mortals... or maybe not. The 'significant others' are all homicide cops who do not believe [and in some cases hate:] anything purporting to be supernatural. All that woo-woo stuff - either crazy or con games - right? Not only do these poor mortals fight the usual fight against love and commitment - they fight being forced to believe...
As with most series, they unfold better being read in order - but can be read out of order if necessary. Note: in Drui Claiming some things revealed in Sophie’s Dragon will prevent the occasional 'huh?' moment.
Supernatural Bonds series: Trace’s Psychic Trace figures every psychic is a fake or nuts, then he meets Aislann...
Storm's Faeries Fairy tales can be twice as nice upclose and personal...Warning: menage.
Sophie's Dragon Dragons are very possessive of every treasure they find, an a mate is the greatest treasure of all!
Drui Claiming Dragons and shifters and healers, oh my! Warning: menage with some same sex interaction.
I got Supernatural bonds part 8 first and I decided the series looked interesting enough to start at the beginning. Unfortunately I didn't enjoy reading this first part. Trace was a complete alpha jerk, and the way he tries to control Aislinns life, orders her around, literally drags her around and thinks it's ok to spank her without checking if she's ok with being spanked made their relationship feel abusive to me. They hardly communicate, they don't try to get to know each other better. He just cared about the magical vajayjay that satisfied him like no vajayjay ever had before and he didn't seem to care about her as a person at all.
On the plus side, the side characters suited me a lot better. I'm really happy they'll get their own books. I read in other reviews that the heroes will get better so I'm going to read the next part and see how it goes.
This book started out a little slow, and I admit, I almost put it down. I'm very glad I didn't, though. The connection between Trace and the psychic is electrical, and you can practically feel it stunning you through the pages. I can't decided whether it's more of a mystery or a romance novel, though. It has one foot in each of the worlds, but it does a good amount of justice to each. I'm not quite sure how I feel about the fantasy element that they did throw in, but they way they covered it up to allow Aislinn to live among people normally is a good one. I'd read another book from this author, definitely. I just wish the beginning had been a little more fast paced; if someone reading it had been a little less dedicated, they may have put it down before the story really got good.
More like 2.5 stars. I liked it, but I had some problems with Trace. Even at the end he was still referring to Aislinn's gift as "psychic shit." And there was no clear explanation as to why exactly he hates all things psychics. Plus he was really domineering and possessive. Sure Aislinn liked it, but it got a little old fast. Especially since he was all about having sex with her but not getting to know her. I really liked Aislinn, but would have liked it if she spoke up a bit more. It just seemed like there wasn't much dialogue between her and Trace.
It was a good storyline and good supporting characters and look forward to reading their books.
I really enjoyed this quick little paranormal romance. I must admit I enjoy all the erotica that Jory Strong writes. Her and Becca Van rate highly with me. Trace is a murder cop. He's also a skeptic. Very critical. Poor man. He's heart bonded/mated not only to a psychic but Aislinn is also part elf. He never stood a chance. Although these are all boy meets girl. Falls in love. Lives happily ever after, the stories that Ms Strong write are never the same. All have their own characters. Some repeat characters but never the same mains so far. They all have a different story on how they get there. I'm never bored. On to my next
A good erotic paranormal romance. Very hot, and I love the mystery element. Must admit, was not able to immediately guess who the bad guy was. And while Aidlinn did have some submissive streak in her when it came to sex, she definitely had a mind of her own. And seeing how the Hero and Heroine try to reconcile their opposite views on psychics was fun. Poor Trace did not know what he was in for.
Already I see at least 3 - 4 follow up books. The secondaries are strong in their own right, and you can't wait to see their stories, and who they will hook up with.
What do you do when you're a half elf / half human, you've been rejected by the elves and your magic consists of crystals and finding people who want to be found?
Well we find out when Aislinn gets involved with child kidnappers and murders.
Our sceptic detectives, including our H, Trace, are quick to suspect a con but are brought around to believing Aislinn is the real deal.
This is a great start to the Supernatural Bonds series, and we've been introduced to some of the characters that have their own stories coming up.