I'd read most of the stories in this anthology when they were published individually, but I've always loved this author's brand of steam and angst, soI'd read most of the stories in this anthology when they were published individually, but I've always loved this author's brand of steam and angst, so I didn't even hesitate to one-click this when I saw they were available in a collection.
Everything but the last story was a re-read for me, but I nonetheless thoroughly enjoyed not only the stories themselves, but being able to read them all back-to-back in one continuous story arc.
As with most of her books, these stories are full of hot sex, angsty developments, and some dramatic action -- my favorite thing to read when I'm burned out on reading and need a happy distraction.
I snagged this one from my public library last week and was instantly in love.
The whole primal attraction thing, a librarian who is both incredibly bI snagged this one from my public library last week and was instantly in love.
The whole primal attraction thing, a librarian who is both incredibly badass while still having moments of normal human stupidity and hysterics, the sexual tension, the action and adventure, and the underlying plot of forces far greater than our protagonists -- I loved it all.
Except...why they no do the do? The tension was there in spades. The promise (or occasionally threat) of some incredibly hot Drakul-on-librarian action was present from the very start... and yet.. nothing.
I freely admit I was quite disappointed by the lack of smut, especially since the author was so fantastic at building sexual tension between the two.
It also appears that there is no sequel to this book, which is strange and disappointing, since it truly does feel like part of a series, even though it isn't.
Silly and occasionally weird, this just so happened to be exactly what I was in the mood for when I picked it up.
This is, of course, part of a series,Silly and occasionally weird, this just so happened to be exactly what I was in the mood for when I picked it up.
This is, of course, part of a series, that surrounding familiar, didn't really ring a bell for me while reading. This, of course, means that luckily you can pick this book up as a standalone if you're unfamiliar with the original series itself.
There's action and intrigue and betrayal and romance and seriously, what is up with that Bed & Breakfast?? *shakes head*
This was a very lighthearted read, full of fun and just plain weirdness, while still allowing the focus to remain on our protagonists -- one of whom is a mysophobic rare books dealer with a bit of an unreservedly spotted history, and the other a roguishly charming vampire who may or may not be a bad guy.
Lawd have mercy, I love this series so much. I've tried to make this review as spoiler-free as possible, because I don't want to ruin it for anyone, sLawd have mercy, I love this series so much. I've tried to make this review as spoiler-free as possible, because I don't want to ruin it for anyone, so please forgive me if this is shorter than usual.
Even though Kit is far from "over" her experience from a previous book that left her damaged, she's made long strides in her recovery, and we finally get some progression with her relationship with Damon. And by progression, I of course mean that those of us on Team Damon will be cheering loudly by some of the things that happen.
I also loved Justin, though admittedly his sense of timing could be better in regards to some things, and I sincerely hope that he gets his own spin-off series some day. Our favorite Bad Boy Warrior Witch holds nothing back in this installment, and really took this as his time to shine.
Fans of the series are going to be thrilled with the progress that Kit has made, both on a personal level and in her relationships, and hallelujah there is finally steam in the series again. There's also the trademark action that we've come to expect from this author, and some truly beautiful twists in the plot that left me reeling.
The ending, oh, the ending. There's a major revelation at the end of the book, leaving it in somewhat of a cliffhanger, and as if I weren't already anxious for the next book, I'm now dying to see where the author is going with this.
As a side note, though, am I the only one hoping that we get a side story, perhaps a novella, that focuses on Chang? Pretty please? *dreamy sigh*
In the end though, this book was (thankfully) exactly what I expected -- an amazing entry into one of my favorite series, and one that left me whining when I turned the final page simply because I wasn't yet ready for it to end.
Only thing I wasn't keen on was the whole bit where it seems priests have sex with other peopleF*CK yes.
Now I want to go read the rest of the series.
Only thing I wasn't keen on was the whole bit where it seems priests have sex with other people as part of their priestly duties (my own personal hangup, oh well), but that wasn't dwelled upon, and was probably explained in earlier books.
Some readers may be a bit bothered by the fact the protagonists are "underage" for most of the book, but in their world, it obviously wasn't an issue, so it wasn't an issue for me either.
Well, if nothing else, this definitely works better now that it's been de-Twilighted (it started off as a Twilight Fanfiction, just like somanyotherWell, if nothing else, this definitely works better now that it's been de-Twilighted (it started off as a Twilight Fanfiction, just like somanyotherbooks.)
Completely ridiculous at times, but with some yummy sexytimes to make up for it, not a bad way to pass the time.
This is a Quickie Review. For the full review, please visit The Romanceaholic.
Expected Release Date: September 24, 2013 Publisher: Simon & SchusterThis is a Quickie Review. For the full review, please visit The Romanceaholic.
Expected Release Date: September 24, 2013 Publisher: Simon & Schuster Imprint: Pocket Books Author’s Website: www.larissaione.com My Source for This Book: Edelweiss Part of a Series: Yes, Book 1, Moon Bound Vampires Series Best Read In Order: N/A Steam Level: Steamy Pet Peeves: Major Age Difference Between Protagonists Favorite Tropes: Kidnapped, Enemies To Lovers
Any first installment into a series can tend to be a little wobbly on its feet at first, especially when the author is known for only one series (and a popular one at that), and this one was no true exception.
I admit, I had a hard time just sitting back and enjoying the book on its own without drawing quite a few comparisons between the characters and events in this book, and the popular Demonica/Lords of Deliverance books. However, I soon found that I really enjoyed her fresh take on the vampire myth, turning them into a subjugated race fighting for both freedom from and revenge against their captors. The in-fighting between clans, the evil corporations, the hunters sent in to bring down rogues and escapees -- all of these added up to a thrilling world in which to set the story.
On top of that, the animosity between Nicole and Riker, along with their growing understanding of each other, not to mention the growing attraction that they both attempted to fight, added the perfect amount of tension, and of course, the trademark heat and chemistry that we've come to expect from Ms. Ione kept things quite interesting even during the times between fighting.
While I was a little weirded out by the in-your-face age difference between Nicole and Riker, and was perhaps a bit distracted by some of the parallels that could be drawn between this story and the Demonica/LOD series, it was the world-building that really made me fall in love with this tale. I can't wait for more books to help explain the history behind the enslavement of the vampire race, as well as the stories behind the various rogue clans. The teaser for the next book in the series has me salivating to get my hands on it, and leaves me with no doubt that this series is going to be one to watch.
A very solid 4/5, and definitely a series to watch....more
This is a Quickie Review. For the full review, please visit The Romanceaholic.
Expected Release Date: July 29, 2013 Publisher: Simon & Schuster ImpriThis is a Quickie Review. For the full review, please visit The Romanceaholic.
Expected Release Date: July 29, 2013 Publisher: Simon & Schuster Imprint: Pocket Star Author’s Website: http://www.jessepetersen.net/ My Source for This Book: Netgalley Part of a Series: Yes, Book 2, Monstrosity Series Best Read In Order: Probably, but would work well as a standalone Steam Level: Chaste Pet Peeves: Too Stupid To Live Moment Favorite Tropes: Monsters! (Including a Cthulhu!), Unique Premise
This series is so much fun, that even though I tend to prefer traditional romance with steamy hot lovin’, I still couldn’t put this one down.
Light-hearted while still being full of action, betrayal, and drama, Monsters In Your Neighborhood had so much to love. We’re introduced to some new characters who really help round out the support group, including a rather unassuming Cthulhu and Dr. Frankenstein’s original assistant, Igor (who, thanks to modern medicine, no longer sports the hump thank-you-very-much).
I loved the Twitter angle, as well as the surprising twists in plot, and the horror of what is done to some of the monsters is perfect.
Highly recommended for anyone looking for a fun, action-packed escape full of humor and action.
This is a Quickie Review. For the full review, please visit The Romanceaholic.
Expected Release Date: May 27, 2013 Publisher: Entangled Publishing ImprinThis is a Quickie Review. For the full review, please visit The Romanceaholic.
Expected Release Date: May 27, 2013 Publisher: Entangled Publishing Imprint: Covet Author’s Website: http://tiffanyallee.com/ My Source for This Book: Netgalley Part of a Series: Yes, Book 1, Sons of Kane Series Best Read In Order: N/A Steam Level: Steamy Pet Peeves: Just Talk It Out Already Favorite Tropes: Pretend Engagement
This fun, sexy read had a little bit of everything – action, drama, steam, heartbreak, and joy – and while I’m not a huge fan of whirlwind romances, I still really enjoyed this one.
The chemistry between Noah and Alice was wonderful, and though I’m not sure how I felt about the Big Misunderstanding, the groveling at the end more than made up for any of my misgivings.
Recommended for fans of modern-day vampires, pretend engagements, and fast-paced romance.
This is a Quickie Review. For the full review, please visit The Romanceaholic.
Expected Release Date: April 15, 2013 Publisher: Cynthia Eden Imprint: N/This is a Quickie Review. For the full review, please visit The Romanceaholic.
Expected Release Date: April 15, 2013 Publisher: Cynthia Eden Imprint: N/A Author’s Website: http://www.cynthiaeden.com My Source for This Book: Amazon.com (Personal Purchase) Part of a Series: Yes, Book 5, Bound In Series Series Best Read In Order: Works Well As A Standalone Steam Level: Steamy Pet Peeves: None Favorite Tropes: Betrayal, Amnesia, Mates For Life
One minor issue where the word “vampire” was used in a place that should have very obviously been “werewolf” (and yes, I’m picky, and that drove me a bit bonkers for a minute), but other than that, a very solid read.
Full of love, lust, anger, grief, betrayal, and revenge, with Ms. Eden’s trademark delicious chemistry thrown on top, I couldn’t put it down, and there’s a beautiful potential for a follow-up book with some secondary characters who also quickly captured my heart.
Review: My Lady Quicksilver - Bec McMaster This is a Quickie Review. For the full review, please visit The Romanceaholic.
Expected Release Date: OctobReview: My Lady Quicksilver - Bec McMaster This is a Quickie Review. For the full review, please visit The Romanceaholic.
Expected Release Date: October 1, 2013Publisher: SourcebooksImprint: CasablancaAuthor’s Website: http://www.becmcmaster.com/My Source for This Book: NetgalleyPart of a Series: Yes, Book 3, London Steampunk SeriesSeries Best Read In Order: Probably, but would stand well on its own.Steam Level: HotPet Peeves: Adultery/Infidelity (Sort Of, Minor)Favorite Tropes: Enemies To Lovers, Secret Identity
I’ve been anxiously awaiting this book ever since the final pages of the previous book, Heart of Iron. I love the Enemies To Lovers trope in romance, and this one certainly didn’t disappoint. With Lynch on the hunt for the elusive rebel leader, Mercury, and Mercury herself hiding right under his nose, there was plenty of excitement and subterfuge, and I loved getting an inside look into the Nighthawks.
The world-building is fantastic, as it has been throughout the series, and I simply cannot get enough of this world where the glittering sphere of the Echelon clashes so perfectly with the dark, gritty world of the mechs and the working class.
The battle between the blue bloods and the humanists really heats up in this story, and the hunt for Mercury as well as the humanists’ plans for war really come to life.
Getting inside of Rosalind’s head was wonderful, and I loved the insight into not only her past but also her heart. I’ve known ever since he first graced the pages that Lynch was a man of great depth, and seeing him, especially at his most vulnerable, made me all for him even harder.
Bottom line – I adored this book. Had it not been for the kind-of-sort-of-but-maybe-not-really cheating, it very likely would have been a full five stars for me. As it is, though, it was still a wonderful, exciting, sexy read, and it is firmly on my keeper shelf.
This is a Quickie Review. For the full review, please visit The Romanceaholic.
Expected Release Date: April 29, 2013 Publisher: Simon & Schuster ImprThis is a Quickie Review. For the full review, please visit The Romanceaholic.
Expected Release Date: April 29, 2013 Publisher: Simon & Schuster Imprint: Pocket Star Author’s Website: http://www.jessepetersen.net/ My Source for This Book: Edelweiss Part of a Series: Yes, Book 1, Monstrosity Series Series Best Read In Order: N/A Steam Level: Chaste Pet Peeves: No Smexin’ Favorite Tropes: Physically Imperfect or Scarred (Heroine), Secret Identity
Though certainly not what I would call a traditional romance, this lighthearted tale of a group of misfit monsters was fresh and entertaining. Of course, I wish there’d been a little more focus on the romance, especially since there seemed to be a promising bit of chemistry between two of the characters, but even without any steam, I really enjoyed it.
A very lighthearted, easy read, and a series that I will definitely be keeping an eye on.
This is a Quickie Review. For the full review, please visit The Romanceaholic.
Expected Release Date: May 28, 2013 Publisher: Simon & Schuster ImprinThis is a Quickie Review. For the full review, please visit The Romanceaholic.
Expected Release Date: May 28, 2013 Publisher: Simon & Schuster Imprint: Pocket Books Author’s Website: http://mollyharper.com/ My Source for This Book: Edelweiss Part of a Series: Yes, Book 3, Half Moon Hollow Series Series Best Read In Order: Works well as a standalone. Steam Level: Warm Pet Peeves: Infidelity (Heroine) Favorite Tropes: Major Betrayal
The premise of this story was quite intriguing, and I knew as soon as Jed stepped onto the pages that his relationship with Nola was going to be quite enjoyable. However, despite how much I enjoyed his character, in the end, there wasn’t really much about this story that stood out to me.
There was so much focus on the townspeople of Half-Moon Hollow (which makes sense seeing as how this is the third installment in a series) that I found myself actually getting bored with Nola’s search for the artifacts that had drawn her to the town in the first place.
Don’t get me wrong, I did enjoy the secondary characters, especially Jane, but there was almost a “chick-lit” vibe to this book, when I had gone into it expected a somewhat steamy paranormal romance.
Overall, I would recommend this one to fans of the series, as they will be more likely to fully appreciate all of the emphasis placed on the residents of the town, but while I enjoyed it, I doubt that I will be reading more of this series in the future.
This is a Quickie Review. For the full review, please visit The Romanceaholic.
It is always hard to write a review for a J.R. Ward book, because I tryThis is a Quickie Review. For the full review, please visit The Romanceaholic.
It is always hard to write a review for a J.R. Ward book, because I try so hard to avoid spoilers, and yet, I want to either rant or rave about almost every tiny detail.
At times this book was so overwhelming with minute details, that it felt as though she were trying her hardest to give every single character that had ever appeared in the stories, if not an actual cameo, at least a mention. And yet, at other times, it felt as though important characters and events were glossed over with a quickness that left me re-reading a few pages thinking that I must have missed something, because I ended up not quite sure what exactly was going on.
In the end, however, there are two main factors that I feel I should focus this review on. First, the relationship between Blay and Qhuinn, and second, the overall progression of the series’ story arc.
On the first, I can say I was generally pleased. The pacing was perfect, with tons of angst and heartache on both sides, as well as plenty of chemistry. While the actual love scenes were mostly deliciously hot, there were a few quirks that left me a bit cold, and that’s coming from someone who’s typically a fan of male-male romance.
On the second, however, is where the book really shone. Old foes come back to the forefront, with surprising results, and the villains from last book begin to take unexpected paths in their quest to wipe out the Brotherhood and Wrath. In addition, we get quite a bit of history on the Shadows, Trez and iAm, as well as a very fascinating (and sexually charged) sub-plot with the dangerously sexy Assail.
Add to that an absolutely fabulous epilogue, and this book is definitely a keeper.
Newcomers to the series, however, should realize that this is not a series that can really be read out of order.. Books 1 – 5 are arguably interchangeable, and able to stand on their own, but I would personally suggest just going ahead and reading everything in order and saving yourself the massive headache of trying to sort things out.
This is a Quickie Review. For the full review, please visit The Romanceaholic.
Expected Release Date: March 26, 2013 Publisher: HarperCollins Imprint: AvThis is a Quickie Review. For the full review, please visit The Romanceaholic.
Expected Release Date: March 26, 2013 Publisher: HarperCollins Imprint: Avon Author’s Website: http://jeanienefrost.com/ My Source for This Book: Amazon Part of a Series: Yes, Book 2, Night Prince Series (Spinoff of Night Huntress Series) Series Best Read In Order: Yes Steam Level: Steamy Pet Peeves: None Favorite Tropes: Groveling Hero
I’ve been anxiously awaiting more of Vlad and Leila’s tale ever since the final pages of the last book, Once Burned, and I was not disappointed.
While I do think that newcomers to the series should go back and read that tale before picking up this book, as they might be left scratching their heads at some of the behavior from both characters otherwise, Ms. Frost did a lovely job of recapping things without falling victim to the dreaded Info-Dump that many authors succumb to when writing sequels.
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed it. With plenty of action, some surprising twists, and quite a bit of development both in Leila and Vlad’s relationship and in the series’ overall story arc, it was everything I’ve come to love about Jeaniene Frost.
This is a Quickie Review. For the full review, please visit The Romanceaholic.
As a big fan of the Bloodhounds series as a whole, honestly, I was a bitThis is a Quickie Review. For the full review, please visit The Romanceaholic.
As a big fan of the Bloodhounds series as a whole, honestly, I was a bit wary when I’d heard that Diana and Nate were going to be featured in the next book of this series, because I wasn’t sure how the Moira Rogers team was going to be able to pull them off as a couple. I should never have doubted them.
With the dual nature of both Vampire and Bloodhound running through Nate’s veins, as well as the fact that he has both the wisdom and the cynicism of an old man combined with the looks and vigor of youth, he was far more of a force to be reckoned with than I’d ever anticipated, and I really enjoyed seeing him finally come into his own as a character in his own right rather than simply someone there to lend support to others and fill in the storylines.
Diana was a big favorite of mine in the last book, Archer’s Lady, and she continues to be my favorite female of the series so far. Whether you consider her an accident or an abomination, one thing is certain, Diana is unique, and just as fierce as her namesake, the Greek Goddess of the Hunt.
I loved that Diana was allowed to be both powerful and vulnerable, and that Nate was able to feel as though he were an older character unaccustomed to a younger man’s body at times. Together, they were an explosive combination, and were very easily my favorite couple thus far.
It’s not often that I go into a story uncertain as to whether I’m even going to like the main couple, and come out with such an enormous grin on my face.
While I would recommend that newcomers to the series go back and at least read Archer’s Lady to get a bit of an introduction to Nate and Diana, if not to the Guild itself, for me this was, hands down, the best book of the series.
A very solid 5/5 Stars.
{This book was provided by the author free of charge in exchange for an honest review.}...more
I was poking through the Kindle Lendable Library for Amazon Prime (because today is the last day of the month and I remembered I hadn't borrowed anythI was poking through the Kindle Lendable Library for Amazon Prime (because today is the last day of the month and I remembered I hadn't borrowed anything yet) and was in the mood for something with an intense, primal, animalistic flavor to it, so when I saw that Cynthia Eden had a book available that I hadn't read yet (and really, how the heck did that happen?!), I had to snatch it up.
It was just what I was looking for, with Ms. Eden's trademark heat and mouthwatering chemistry, combined with that scrumptious primal intensity that comes from the world of vampires and shifters.
While there were a few things that stuck out as possible continuity errors, and I felt that one character in particular got away without the butt-kicking that was so sorely deserved, I enjoyed the fast-paced action and the tasty romance.
This is a Quickie Review. For the full review, please visit The Romanceaholic.
Expected Release Date: February 26, 2013 Publisher: Random House PublishiThis is a Quickie Review. For the full review, please visit The Romanceaholic.
Expected Release Date: February 26, 2013 Publisher: Random House Publishing Imprint: Bantam Dell Author’s Website: LaraAdrian.com My Source for This Book: Netgalley Part of a Series: Yes, Book 11, Midnight Breeds Sereis Series Best Read In Order: Worked well as a standalone Steam Level: Steamy Favorite Tropes: Faithful Estrangement, Fated To Be Mated, Fighting Fate Pet Peeves: Too Many Characters To Keep Track Of
While I was a bit wary about picking this one up (I mean, c’mon, Book ELEVEN in a series I’ve never read?), I have to say it did an excellent job of standing on its own. Some online research tells me that’s because there’s actually a pretty big time-jump between this one and the last book, and so a lot of people are treating this as more of a spin-off than the original series.
Works for me, since I had no history with any of these characters and would probably have been hopelessly lost otherwise.
A fantastic intro for newcomers to the series, I have a distinct feeling that if the other books are anything like this one, old fans are going to rejoice as well. I never felt lost, even though it was quite obvious there were previous stories published before this one, and I really enjoyed Mira’s power — fighting against “fate” has long been a favorite trope of mine.
The chemistry was strong with plenty of steam to really heat things up. There’s also an awesome set up for the next book, and I for one can’t wait to read it.
Recommended for fans of estranged lovers, strong heroines, and delicious chemistry.
This is a Quickie Review. For the full review, please visit The Romanceaholic.
Expected Release Date: August 21, 2012 Publisher: Samhain Imprint: N/a AuthThis is a Quickie Review. For the full review, please visit The Romanceaholic.
Expected Release Date: August 21, 2012 Publisher: Samhain Imprint: N/a Author’s Website: http://mina-carter.com My Source for This Book: Amazon Part of a Series: Yes, Book 1, Project Mates Series Series Best Read In Order: N/A Steam Level: Warm Favorite Tropes: Fated To Be Mated Pet Peeves: Sexual Assault, Too Much Setup for the Next Book
I’ve never before read anything by Mina Carter, but I can easily say that if this book was any indication, I will definitely be reading more in the future.
I admit, this was completely a case buying the book for the cover, and I can definitely say, the content lived up to that delicious eye candy. This was my first Mina Carter title, and I assure you, it won’t be my last. I’m dying to see where the story goes, and I’m very upset that I have to wait to get my hands on the sequel, Blood Mate (since, well, it’s not actually been written yet).
Recommended for fans of secret military operations, fated mates, and new twists on old paranormal ideas.
Sadly, not really my thing. I admit fault in that I was unfamiliar with any series these authors may have penned, but... it just didn't do it for me.Sadly, not really my thing. I admit fault in that I was unfamiliar with any series these authors may have penned, but... it just didn't do it for me.
I also admit that I didn't read Of Monsters and Men by Jocelynn Drake. I'm fairly certain (well, hoping, anyway) that this is part of a larger series that the reader is dropped into, as I felt a bit disconnected with the characters. Plus, at no fault of the author, I'm not a big fan of fae in general.
I enjoyed Terri Garey's The Ghoul Next Door, but was disappointed at the lack of sensuality (what can I say? I like my romance steamy!), and while I liked the basic plot of Trick or Treathen, I just didn't mesh well with the writing style.
This was a surprising miss for me, as Avon publishing and I usually get along splendidly.
This is a Quickie Review. For the full review, please visit The Romanceaholic.
Expected Release Date: May 7, 2013 Publisher: Sourcebooks Imprint: CasablaThis is a Quickie Review. For the full review, please visit The Romanceaholic.
Expected Release Date: May 7, 2013 Publisher: Sourcebooks Imprint: Casablanca Author’s Website: http://www.becmcmaster.com/ My Source for This Book: Netgalley Part of a Series: Yes, Book 2, London Steampunk Series Series Best Read In Order: Yes, but might work well as a standalone Steam Level: Steamy Pet Peeves: Favorite Tropes: Darker Debuantes, New Twist on Vampirism, Forbidden Romance, Rags to Riches
I was a huge fan of the first book in this series, Kiss of Steel, and so when I saw this one was available, I knew I had to snatch it up. While I still find myself a bit more fascinated with the Blue Bloods and the mythology of vampirism in this series than I do the Verwulfen, I can’t deny that Will and Lena absolutely shine in this story.
With an enormous amount of chemistry and sexual tension, not to mention the forbidden aspect of their romance, they made an amazing pair, and when you throw in the intrigues of court and the new worries of a treaty between the Blue Bloods and the Verwulfen clans from other countries, I was simply glued to the pages.
This is a Quickie Review. For the full review, please visit The Romanceaholic
Expected Release Date: September 1, 2012 Publisher: Sourcebooks Imprint: SoThis is a Quickie Review. For the full review, please visit The Romanceaholic
Expected Release Date: September 1, 2012 Publisher: Sourcebooks Imprint: Sourcebooks Casablanca Author’s Website: http://www.becmcmaster.com My Source for This Book: Netgalley Part of a Series: Yes, Book 1, London Steampunk Series Series Best Read In Order: N/A Steam Level: Steamy
I. Loved. This book.
Dark, and gritty, with a scrumptious blend of steampunk, vampires, sex, and danger, this book captured me from the very first paragraph and wouldn’t let me go until I’d finished it. I actually ended up staying up all night reading it, even knowing I had to get up early the next morning, because I couldn’t stand the thought of putting it down.
That doesn’t happen often with me.
Blade was delicious, with his barely-leashed violence and animalistic intensity when it came to Honoria, and he easily ranks as one of my new favorite heroes in romance.
Honoria, too, was a surprisingly enjoyable character, with just enough stubbornness and pride to keep things interesting, but well balanced with quite a bit of intelligence and passion.
The gloriously dark world-building, the steampunk elements blended beautifully with the paranormal, the luscious romance and the incredible chemistry all added up to a must read for any fan of gothic romance with a steampunk twist.
5/5 Stars
{Originally read September 6, 2012. Re-read February 8, 2013}...more
This is a Quickie Review. For the full review, please visit The Romanceaholic.
Expected Release Date: April 30, 2013 Publisher: Simon & Schuster ImprThis is a Quickie Review. For the full review, please visit The Romanceaholic.
Expected Release Date: April 30, 2013 Publisher: Simon & Schuster Imprint: Pocket Books Author’s Website: http://delilahpaints.blogspot.com/ My Source for This Book: Edelweiss Part of a Series: Yes, Book 2, Blud Series Series Best Read In Order: Works Well As A Standalone Steam Level: Steamy Pet Peeves: “Lost Princess Anastasia” is a wee bit overdone, Tiny Heroine Favorite Tropes: Enemies To Lovers, Secret Identity, Amazing World-building
With pirates, dirigibles, evil witches, vampires (called Bludmen, thank-you-very-much), lost princesses, power struggles, assassins, and even man-eating unicorns, the world that Ms. Dawson has created fascinated me from the very first page and even after the final sentence, I had to go back and re-read some of my favorite parts, because I simply wasn’t ready to be finished yet.
I loved the forbidden aspect of the romance between Ahna and Casper, but even more than that, I think what really grabbed me in this book was the character development of Ahnastasia herself. She changed, oh so gradually, from the selfish, cold, entitled princess into someone who actually looked at the viewpoints of others, who would sacrifice some of her own happiness to give someone she cared for what they needed, and someone who was willing to challenge the entire foundation of society for what she felt was right. Yet, even with all of those changes, fundamentally, she was still the same person, and by the time the book was done, I couldn’t believe just how much I loved her character, especially given how much I despised her in the beginning.
Casper, as well, was a fascinating character — a charming, handsome rogue, who is obviously a little too fond of the bottle and is rather surprisingly short on temper. The secret he harbors will be instantly recognizable to fans of the series, but I myself had not yet read the first book when I started this one, and the mystery was something I greatly enjoyed.
I could gush about this book for hours (in fact, poor Mr. Romanceaholic has had to listen to me prattle on about it for quite some time, I assure you), but rather than ramble, I will simply say that this is now one of my favorite series, with Casper and Ahnastasia in particular being my favorite couples thus far (having gone back and finally read all of the previous stories in the series), and that I will be fiercely stalking this series for a long time to come.
Jess the Romanceaholic
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