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Atlantis #3
The Nymph King
Enter a world of dark seduction and powerful magic . . . enter Atlantis . . .
Females young and old, beautiful and plain crave Valerian’s touch. None can resist his blatant sensuality and potent allure . . . until he steals Shaye Holling from a Florida beach and holds her prisoner in his underwater kingdom.
The cynical Shaye wants nothing to do with the mighty warlord, but she’s inexplicably drawn to him. For underneath the warrior’s arrogant beauty lies a complex and powerful man. A man whose caress is like fire . . .
Now Valerian must fight for the privilege of claiming her as his own. Because there’s one thing Shaye doesn’t know . . .
Females young and old, beautiful and plain crave Valerian’s touch. None can resist his blatant sensuality and potent allure . . . until he steals Shaye Holling from a Florida beach and holds her prisoner in his underwater kingdom.
The cynical Shaye wants nothing to do with the mighty warlord, but she’s inexplicably drawn to him. For underneath the warrior’s arrogant beauty lies a complex and powerful man. A man whose caress is like fire . . .
Now Valerian must fight for the privilege of claiming her as his own. Because there’s one thing Shaye doesn’t know . . .
384 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published February 1, 2007
About the author
Gena Showalter
252 books27.5k followersGena Showalter is the New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling author of over seventy books, including the acclaimed Lords of the Underworld series, the Gods of War series, the White Rabbit Chronicles, and the Forest of Good and Evil series. She writes sizzling paranormal romance, heartwarming contemporary romance, and unputdownable young adult novels, and lives in Oklahoma City with her family and menagerie of dogs and cats.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 457 reviews
September 20, 2017
I was so excited about this book when I read the blurb and few reviews. I wanted to jump into what seemed at the time awesome story. But sadly I was disappointed. To be honest I skimmed the whole book and even dropped it almost at the end. I couldn't stand Shaye and her reason was a too weak one to excuse her behaviour towards a man who truly cared for her. I mean, I get you'd be ticked off when someone took you agains your will and threw you into a whole new, to you alien, word. But there has to be a line between push-pull play where it's still cute and interesting and between a time where it's just annoying as hell. The whole reason I didn't like this book was because of her childish behaviour. And the inner dialog, where one second she wants him and in the next she's all about finding excuses and making herself believe she hates and even loathes him. That really got on my nerves.
I loved her, what seemed only, female friend and I was glad we got to see her story and her POV. She was way more mature and she's been through so much, I loved tha she found love. And boy, she'll have her hands full. ;)
Beside that, I also liked Valerian and I could overlook his past, since we get his POV and see just how much he cares about that ungrateful child. His patience is made of steel.
So there were some good moments but mostly I wished for more. I hope this won't be my last book from this author, since some books look quite promising.
I loved her, what seemed only, female friend and I was glad we got to see her story and her POV. She was way more mature and she's been through so much, I loved tha she found love. And boy, she'll have her hands full. ;)
Beside that, I also liked Valerian and I could overlook his past, since we get his POV and see just how much he cares about that ungrateful child. His patience is made of steel.
So there were some good moments but mostly I wished for more. I hope this won't be my last book from this author, since some books look quite promising.
April 29, 2015
This book spits on everything that feminism has been trying to accomplish for the last century.
November 10, 2009
Intrigued by the "myth" of Atlantis? Always wanted to know more about nymphs? Dying to read a book with a heroine who manages fairly well to resist an irresistible hero?
Then you would love this book. Valerian is the Nymph King, irresistible to all womenkind. I was prepared to dislike Valerian, considering that he starts the book in bed with not one or two women, but three. The sneer arose on my lips at this point, yet I still kept reading. This woman is a good writer. She held my attention, and kept me wanting more. As a reader, I want to have an author give me a premise that keeps me glued to the page. Showalter does this.
Captivated is a good term to use for how I felt. I was captivated because I wanted to hear more about the Nymph King and his nymph warriors. As a lifetime lover of mythology and folktales, I was somewhat familiar with the concept of nymphs. But I realized that I really didn't know all that much about them. This book really explored the nymph myth and filled in the blanks, so to speak.
According to Showalter's vision of nymphdom, it seems that a nymph is absolutely controlled by his or her need for sex. This puts them in a difficult situation if they don't have a sexual outlet. The warriors lose strength and power. And considering their ongoing battle with the dragons for control of Atlantis, this would be a serious disadvantage. Unfortunately, the nymph women have not arrived to their new home in Atlantis, claimed from the dragons, their immortal enemies. The nymph men are weakening daily without sex. Because the nymph king has a greater need for sex, he claims the three humans who unwittingly entered the portal to the surface world prior to the start of the book, and entirely with their permission. As a matter of fact, they are ready and willing for more of his attentions. But Valerian is not selfish. He realizes the importance of fulfilling his nymph army's need for sex. He makes the decision to allow them to go to the surface and claim human women as temporary bedmates. He will get more than he imagined.
Valerian is written convincingly, not just another player out to bed every women he sees. I am definitely not a fan of this kind of hero. But one of the ways that a writer wins my loyalty is through the ability to get me to buy a concept I normally don't like. And Showalter does this. She gives the reader plenty of justification for Valerian's lifestyle. At least he has a reason to be such a sex fiend (unlike way too many romance novel so-called heroes). Furthermore, he is likeable because he really does show a sense of honor and duty to his people and his kingdom (I found it to be quite an interesting twist to have a culture built around the need for sex and plenty, even if it's meaningless).
Shaye Holling is serving as a bridesmaid in yet another of her mother's weddings, and hating every minute of it. She has no belief in love and happily ever after and makes it her goal to push every living being away so that her often broken heart is not injured again. She's seen her mother and her father go from lover to lover, has had a host of sometimes nice and sometimes not nice stepsiblings come and go from her life. And she has determined that being alone is much better than being left again and again. She is so dedicated in her cynicism that she started an Anti-Greeting Card company. Some of the lines that she comes up with are classic!
In the midst of a heated argument with her mother, an army of men of unearthly beauty and masculinity arise from the surf like the goddess Aprhodite. There is one man who is the most captivating of all. They come to conquer. Most of the women make easy conquests, unable and unwilling to resist the seductive pull of the nymphs. She and one other women are the only ones to resist (and her story is very interesting, but you'll have to read the book to find out). But Valerian sees the slender, white-blonde with dark eyes, and recognizes his true mate. There is no way he's not taking her. Even against her will.
Then begins a battle of wits, sense against sensibility. A woman's fight to resist an incredible passion for the man who can have any woman, but wants only her. But he's not about to take an unwilling woman. She has to be his of her own volution, although he's not going to let her leave him.
I enjoyed these "battle scenes," if you will. I also enjoyed the new twist on Greek and Atlantean mythology, with a variety of mythical beings thrown in. And heck, I've always been in love with the ocean, and it was really cool to get a vision of life under the sea. (Growing up Splash was one of my favorite movies because I was obsessed with mermaids). Also, I liked that for once the heroine actually does put up a fight and doesn't instantly fall into bed with the so-called irresistible hero. And this is even more fun because he's truly (and magically) irresistible to women. The great thing about it is that Shaye has to work really hard to fight the temptation to surrender to her desires. It's not half-hearted on her part. She's fighting to keep her heart from being broken when he tires of her and moves onto more interesting prey. It brings the battle to another level. It's refreshing change for me. It can be really annoying to read book after book where the heroine has absolutely no resistance to the hero, even knowing that he's bad for her. She loves him so much that she simply must lie down like a doormat and allow her heart to be walked on.
It's hard to say what captivated me so much, but I think part of it is the snappy, often hilarious dialogue, the interesting plot twists, lets face it, the numerous hot men, including nymphs, dragons, and vampires, and the mythology. And also Atlantis is an intriguing idea, and I like what Showalter does with it.
There is a lot of sex going on in this book, most of it between other partners and the best scenes between Shaye and Valerian. After all, it's absolutely essential to their wellbeing. :) Before and after battles, the nymphs must have sex and lots of it. And they're not picky about having it in public places. I couldn't even imagine walking around minding my own business and seeing couples having sex all around me. This is what Shaye is around, knowing that she had to resist with all her heart.
Most definitely, this book is spicy and sensual but hasn't left behind the heart of romance, the story of love between one woman and one man. That's the most seductive part of this book is that pure and simple love story. And it's great when you read an author who hasn't forgotten that.
I'm definitely going on a hunt for the other books in the series....and soon!
Then you would love this book. Valerian is the Nymph King, irresistible to all womenkind. I was prepared to dislike Valerian, considering that he starts the book in bed with not one or two women, but three. The sneer arose on my lips at this point, yet I still kept reading. This woman is a good writer. She held my attention, and kept me wanting more. As a reader, I want to have an author give me a premise that keeps me glued to the page. Showalter does this.
Captivated is a good term to use for how I felt. I was captivated because I wanted to hear more about the Nymph King and his nymph warriors. As a lifetime lover of mythology and folktales, I was somewhat familiar with the concept of nymphs. But I realized that I really didn't know all that much about them. This book really explored the nymph myth and filled in the blanks, so to speak.
According to Showalter's vision of nymphdom, it seems that a nymph is absolutely controlled by his or her need for sex. This puts them in a difficult situation if they don't have a sexual outlet. The warriors lose strength and power. And considering their ongoing battle with the dragons for control of Atlantis, this would be a serious disadvantage. Unfortunately, the nymph women have not arrived to their new home in Atlantis, claimed from the dragons, their immortal enemies. The nymph men are weakening daily without sex. Because the nymph king has a greater need for sex, he claims the three humans who unwittingly entered the portal to the surface world prior to the start of the book, and entirely with their permission. As a matter of fact, they are ready and willing for more of his attentions. But Valerian is not selfish. He realizes the importance of fulfilling his nymph army's need for sex. He makes the decision to allow them to go to the surface and claim human women as temporary bedmates. He will get more than he imagined.
Valerian is written convincingly, not just another player out to bed every women he sees. I am definitely not a fan of this kind of hero. But one of the ways that a writer wins my loyalty is through the ability to get me to buy a concept I normally don't like. And Showalter does this. She gives the reader plenty of justification for Valerian's lifestyle. At least he has a reason to be such a sex fiend (unlike way too many romance novel so-called heroes). Furthermore, he is likeable because he really does show a sense of honor and duty to his people and his kingdom (I found it to be quite an interesting twist to have a culture built around the need for sex and plenty, even if it's meaningless).
Shaye Holling is serving as a bridesmaid in yet another of her mother's weddings, and hating every minute of it. She has no belief in love and happily ever after and makes it her goal to push every living being away so that her often broken heart is not injured again. She's seen her mother and her father go from lover to lover, has had a host of sometimes nice and sometimes not nice stepsiblings come and go from her life. And she has determined that being alone is much better than being left again and again. She is so dedicated in her cynicism that she started an Anti-Greeting Card company. Some of the lines that she comes up with are classic!
In the midst of a heated argument with her mother, an army of men of unearthly beauty and masculinity arise from the surf like the goddess Aprhodite. There is one man who is the most captivating of all. They come to conquer. Most of the women make easy conquests, unable and unwilling to resist the seductive pull of the nymphs. She and one other women are the only ones to resist (and her story is very interesting, but you'll have to read the book to find out). But Valerian sees the slender, white-blonde with dark eyes, and recognizes his true mate. There is no way he's not taking her. Even against her will.
Then begins a battle of wits, sense against sensibility. A woman's fight to resist an incredible passion for the man who can have any woman, but wants only her. But he's not about to take an unwilling woman. She has to be his of her own volution, although he's not going to let her leave him.
I enjoyed these "battle scenes," if you will. I also enjoyed the new twist on Greek and Atlantean mythology, with a variety of mythical beings thrown in. And heck, I've always been in love with the ocean, and it was really cool to get a vision of life under the sea. (Growing up Splash was one of my favorite movies because I was obsessed with mermaids). Also, I liked that for once the heroine actually does put up a fight and doesn't instantly fall into bed with the so-called irresistible hero. And this is even more fun because he's truly (and magically) irresistible to women. The great thing about it is that Shaye has to work really hard to fight the temptation to surrender to her desires. It's not half-hearted on her part. She's fighting to keep her heart from being broken when he tires of her and moves onto more interesting prey. It brings the battle to another level. It's refreshing change for me. It can be really annoying to read book after book where the heroine has absolutely no resistance to the hero, even knowing that he's bad for her. She loves him so much that she simply must lie down like a doormat and allow her heart to be walked on.
It's hard to say what captivated me so much, but I think part of it is the snappy, often hilarious dialogue, the interesting plot twists, lets face it, the numerous hot men, including nymphs, dragons, and vampires, and the mythology. And also Atlantis is an intriguing idea, and I like what Showalter does with it.
There is a lot of sex going on in this book, most of it between other partners and the best scenes between Shaye and Valerian. After all, it's absolutely essential to their wellbeing. :) Before and after battles, the nymphs must have sex and lots of it. And they're not picky about having it in public places. I couldn't even imagine walking around minding my own business and seeing couples having sex all around me. This is what Shaye is around, knowing that she had to resist with all her heart.
Most definitely, this book is spicy and sensual but hasn't left behind the heart of romance, the story of love between one woman and one man. That's the most seductive part of this book is that pure and simple love story. And it's great when you read an author who hasn't forgotten that.
I'm definitely going on a hunt for the other books in the series....and soon!
December 9, 2010
You guys where looking for something ORIGINAL?
Well you've found it!!!
This is a great series, very entreating, and I just wanna read more and more. I never thought I would like it so much as the ratings of it are a bit low, but IMHO this series is totally worth to be read.
In this installment we get to read about a totally new supernatural species to me, the Nymphs. They are a species that needs sex to stay strong, and one of the fiercest of them all. They are also mostly men; powerful-strong-hot-sexy-breath-taking men,LOL.
The hero of this book is their king, Valerian. I was told he was an egocentric and vain hero,difficult to like, but what a lie that was. I adored Valerian. He may have been self-centered at the beginning but he totally proved to be a worthy male when he had and needed to be. At the end I was feeling towards him like a newborn puppy feels towards his new owner,LOL, I was irrevocably in love with him. He may have been a womanizer but it was before he met the heroine (his mate), so I would never punish him for that, specially because he needed the women, I mean he is a Nymph, you just can't blame the guy for being what he is. He was loyal to the core and caring when he had to be. A strong and powerful hero too. I just loved to read about Valerian.
The heroine was great as well. She had a terrible past with a family who was never there for her, not only that but made her think she could never trust anybody, not even love because they would use that to hurt her at the end. I just felt bad for her and couldn't even blame her when she kept trying to stay away from the hero. How can you love someone when you did never learn how to do so? And that she was able to accomplish this at the end only proves how strong their love was.
Now I'm not sure which species I like the most,lol, Dragons or Nymphs? **SIGH** can I have both?
While I love this series, I'm pretty sure I wont ever read it again. It's one of those you love to read, but just once, not a fav.But definitely a must read for paranormal romance fans!
..................................
Dear Gena Showalter,
Please just NEVER stop writing!
your eternally grateful fan,
vale.
Well you've found it!!!
This is a great series, very entreating, and I just wanna read more and more. I never thought I would like it so much as the ratings of it are a bit low, but IMHO this series is totally worth to be read.
In this installment we get to read about a totally new supernatural species to me, the Nymphs. They are a species that needs sex to stay strong, and one of the fiercest of them all. They are also mostly men; powerful-strong-hot-sexy-breath-taking men,LOL.
The hero of this book is their king, Valerian. I was told he was an egocentric and vain hero,difficult to like, but what a lie that was. I adored Valerian. He may have been self-centered at the beginning but he totally proved to be a worthy male when he had and needed to be. At the end I was feeling towards him like a newborn puppy feels towards his new owner,LOL, I was irrevocably in love with him. He may have been a womanizer but it was before he met the heroine (his mate), so I would never punish him for that, specially because he needed the women, I mean he is a Nymph, you just can't blame the guy for being what he is. He was loyal to the core and caring when he had to be. A strong and powerful hero too. I just loved to read about Valerian.
The heroine was great as well. She had a terrible past with a family who was never there for her, not only that but made her think she could never trust anybody, not even love because they would use that to hurt her at the end. I just felt bad for her and couldn't even blame her when she kept trying to stay away from the hero. How can you love someone when you did never learn how to do so? And that she was able to accomplish this at the end only proves how strong their love was.
Now I'm not sure which species I like the most,lol, Dragons or Nymphs? **SIGH** can I have both?
While I love this series, I'm pretty sure I wont ever read it again. It's one of those you love to read, but just once, not a fav.But definitely a must read for paranormal romance fans!
..................................
Dear Gena Showalter,
Please just NEVER stop writing!
your eternally grateful fan,
vale.
September 21, 2020
The Nymph King is better than the first book but weaker than the rest of installments of this series.
I must confess that I am honestly not sure if my rating is more due to the actual book or that I just tend to be predisposed to like Gena Showater’s work; I am just not sure that I am being completely objective about it, sorry.
The Lords of the Underworld series and Alien Huntress series have a more complex and interesting universe and on the whole I consider them to be superior to the Atlantis series books.
Atlantis #1: Heart of the Dragon - 2.5 stars.
I must confess that I am honestly not sure if my rating is more due to the actual book or that I just tend to be predisposed to like Gena Showater’s work; I am just not sure that I am being completely objective about it, sorry.
The Lords of the Underworld series and Alien Huntress series have a more complex and interesting universe and on the whole I consider them to be superior to the Atlantis series books.
Atlantis #1: Heart of the Dragon - 2.5 stars.
March 29, 2008
This is a random book I picked up - not based on the cover, that's for sure - and bought out of boredom. So I was pleasantly surprised by its humour, sauciness and the great chemistry between many of the characters. I've always been wary of books that throw up the Atlantis thing, but I didn't mind it all here. It was fun, and racy, and (because this often comes up), Shaye didn't annoy me. I understood her, so her stubborness made sense, and helped create some sizzling sexual tension. Valerian was adorable, though I'm not looking too closely at some of the ideas behind the nymphs. They reminded me a bit of Jaid Black's vikings. So I give it 4 stars for being an enjoyable, spicy read, and for not being as cheesy as the cover :)
April 12, 2009
This was a good story. I really liked the chemistry between Valerian and Shaye. I also liked that there were 2 different love interests in this story. The other was between Joachim and Brenna had a story within this main story. I like that. I think I liked this story the best so far. I am moving on to The Vampire's Bride which is Layel's story. I already have a soft spot for Layel, so I'm excited to start his book.
January 15, 2019
3.5 stars
March 23, 2010
I was pretty excited to read this book in the Atlantis Series. Everything mentioned previously in the series describes the nymphs as the strongest warriors in Atlantis although they are the most laid back. They won't bother you if you don't bother them first.
Valerian, King of the Nymphs, has led his army to capture a castle from the dragons. To retaliate the dragons stole the nymph females. Valerian's men are getting antsy and weak because even though Valerian is still getting sex to keep his strength up, his men aren't. Valerian finally decides to lead them to the surface world to capture unattached woman to have sex with, but swears that he won't claim any of the women from the men. Unfortunately for Valerian he recognizes his mate, Shaye, among the woman. Now he has to deal with figuring out how to claim her without breaking his word and how to get her to want to be with him.
As I was reading I was really curious to find out how the author would swing Shaye falling for Valerian. The man doesn't have any respect for women other than for their bodies. He has a huge ego and has slept with a gargantuan amount of women. For a women coming from modern earth I'd expect those to be pretty big issues that they have to work through together. Unfortunately there was much more time spent on sex and lusting to have sex. Shaye did try to make the nymphs see that what they were doing was wrong but she easily ignored her own objections when it came to lusting after Valerian.
The second half of the book where there was more interaction with the dragons and vampires was more interesting. It seemed like a little more time was spent on the plot and a little less on the sex. I wish more time had been spent making Valerian and Shaye seem like they were really falling in love. It's sad to say, but I felt more of a connection between the characters in the secondary romance. One part that I did think was funny though was in the beginning where Valerian kept asking Shaye if she could smell him. I thought it was pretty cute.
Valerian, King of the Nymphs, has led his army to capture a castle from the dragons. To retaliate the dragons stole the nymph females. Valerian's men are getting antsy and weak because even though Valerian is still getting sex to keep his strength up, his men aren't. Valerian finally decides to lead them to the surface world to capture unattached woman to have sex with, but swears that he won't claim any of the women from the men. Unfortunately for Valerian he recognizes his mate, Shaye, among the woman. Now he has to deal with figuring out how to claim her without breaking his word and how to get her to want to be with him.
As I was reading I was really curious to find out how the author would swing Shaye falling for Valerian. The man doesn't have any respect for women other than for their bodies. He has a huge ego and has slept with a gargantuan amount of women. For a women coming from modern earth I'd expect those to be pretty big issues that they have to work through together. Unfortunately there was much more time spent on sex and lusting to have sex. Shaye did try to make the nymphs see that what they were doing was wrong but she easily ignored her own objections when it came to lusting after Valerian.
The second half of the book where there was more interaction with the dragons and vampires was more interesting. It seemed like a little more time was spent on the plot and a little less on the sex. I wish more time had been spent making Valerian and Shaye seem like they were really falling in love. It's sad to say, but I felt more of a connection between the characters in the secondary romance. One part that I did think was funny though was in the beginning where Valerian kept asking Shaye if she could smell him. I thought it was pretty cute.
May 4, 2009
Valerin wakes up post orgy tangled in 3 sleeping women; one for each hair color of course. He had tried to selflessly pimp them on his soldiers, for you see nymphs need sex for survival. But the soldiers' manslut karate is no match for V's kung fu. So they ignored the other perfect (if slightly worn hunks) and all 3 threw themselves at him in tandem. When the Nymph army had set off for their latest exploit, he ordered all the women stay behind, it was too dangerous and they wouldn't be gone long. But now after they've settled and sent for the women, they're missing. Feeling guilt over this and his selfish manwhore actions last night while his men suffered, he agrees to let them use the magic portal to earth.
The plan if they choose to accept it, is: to kidnap as many earth women as possible quickly and take turns choosing later; since earths' environment is toxic to them past short durations. V goes to supervise promising not to claim any of the earth women for himself. All that changes when the prerequisite mate scenting happens, and he realizes Shay is his. He can't go back on his word because of honor stuff. So he throws her in T&A pageant line up anyway, praying no one picks her. Shaye is not amused at the circumstances and wants nothing to do with any of his men or V. She's determined to escape back to earth and the life she's made for herself. And thus the battles of wills begins, that is sure to end in lurve.
Shaye's a plucky heroine, who doesn't feel love is an excuse for idiocy. She runs a Anti-cards business, cards for those who want "to tell someone to efff off in a round about way"; I liked her instantly. There was a delightful playfulness to their courtship. And I enjoyed Valerin's initial confusion & vulnerability upon realizing he has to woo her, when she doesn't fall on her back legs spread; as he's accustom. The minor love triangle plot, with Brenna (another captured woman, with a dark past) and the 2 soldiers she's drawn to on very different levels; is by far the high point of the novel.
The plus column ends there for me, since the rest was sprinkled in generic cliched fairy dust. You know how it goes : declarations she'll beg for his touch, if she attempts to escape he will "punish" her in some kinky orgasmic fashion, the overuse of the word "mine" in mental dialogue, lots of spirited rebuffs on her part though she's quivering woman jelly for him on the inside, somehow despite being 25 and jaded from boyfriends past - she's untouched *gag*, and he comes to the brilliant realization that she doesn't know what she wants, because she's never had sex ...so less talky more 'getting it on'.
I really enjoyed the first book in this series, Heart of the Dragon. I keep reading in hopes the next addition will measure up, no dice yet. All the above mentioned cliches make me tingle like any other Para Romance enthusiast when well executed. But the Nymph King lacked effort; the characters were new, the story recycled. Fingers crossed The Vampire's Bride will be an improvement, when I eventually get around to reading it.
Curious about my blog or how other blogs reviewed the title?
The plan if they choose to accept it, is: to kidnap as many earth women as possible quickly and take turns choosing later; since earths' environment is toxic to them past short durations. V goes to supervise promising not to claim any of the earth women for himself. All that changes when the prerequisite mate scenting happens, and he realizes Shay is his. He can't go back on his word because of honor stuff. So he throws her in T&A pageant line up anyway, praying no one picks her. Shaye is not amused at the circumstances and wants nothing to do with any of his men or V. She's determined to escape back to earth and the life she's made for herself. And thus the battles of wills begins, that is sure to end in lurve.
Shaye's a plucky heroine, who doesn't feel love is an excuse for idiocy. She runs a Anti-cards business, cards for those who want "to tell someone to efff off in a round about way"; I liked her instantly. There was a delightful playfulness to their courtship. And I enjoyed Valerin's initial confusion & vulnerability upon realizing he has to woo her, when she doesn't fall on her back legs spread; as he's accustom. The minor love triangle plot, with Brenna (another captured woman, with a dark past) and the 2 soldiers she's drawn to on very different levels; is by far the high point of the novel.
The plus column ends there for me, since the rest was sprinkled in generic cliched fairy dust. You know how it goes : declarations she'll beg for his touch, if she attempts to escape he will "punish" her in some kinky orgasmic fashion, the overuse of the word "mine" in mental dialogue, lots of spirited rebuffs on her part though she's quivering woman jelly for him on the inside, somehow despite being 25 and jaded from boyfriends past - she's untouched *gag*, and he comes to the brilliant realization that she doesn't know what she wants, because she's never had sex ...so less talky more 'getting it on'.
I really enjoyed the first book in this series, Heart of the Dragon. I keep reading in hopes the next addition will measure up, no dice yet. All the above mentioned cliches make me tingle like any other Para Romance enthusiast when well executed. But the Nymph King lacked effort; the characters were new, the story recycled. Fingers crossed The Vampire's Bride will be an improvement, when I eventually get around to reading it.
Curious about my blog or how other blogs reviewed the title?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 14, 2013
Buddy read with Maru.
Quotes:
“Do you like the palace?” he asked again.
She hesitated before saying, “I’ll be honest. Your home…the walls, remind me of you.”
Our home, little moonbeam, our home. “Thank you.”
Frowning, she slapped at his hand, trying to force him to release his hold. “That wasn’t a compliment.”
“Being told pictures of sex make you think of me is not a compliment?”
Her mouth fell open, but she snapped it closed. “That’s not how I meant it, and you know it.”
He chuckled. “Deny it all you want, but every time you look at me you think of naked flesh and writhing pleasure.”
“Don’t forget the gag and rope,” she growled. “Let me go.”
“I like the sound of the rope.”
“You would, you dirty pervert.”
“Holy shit!” She slapped a hand over her mouth, shocked by what she saw.
A deep, throaty chuckle greeted her ears. “We must work on your language, Shaye.”
The sound of that chuckle washed over her erotically. The sound of her name on his lips, however, proved more stimulating. Be rude. Make him dislike you. A heartbeat of time passed, and she didn’t say anything. I don’t want to be rude, some part of her whined. She gnashed her teeth. Just do it! “Well…you can just blow me, Valerian.”
“Thank you. I will.”
Quotes:
“Do you like the palace?” he asked again.
She hesitated before saying, “I’ll be honest. Your home…the walls, remind me of you.”
Our home, little moonbeam, our home. “Thank you.”
Frowning, she slapped at his hand, trying to force him to release his hold. “That wasn’t a compliment.”
“Being told pictures of sex make you think of me is not a compliment?”
Her mouth fell open, but she snapped it closed. “That’s not how I meant it, and you know it.”
He chuckled. “Deny it all you want, but every time you look at me you think of naked flesh and writhing pleasure.”
“Don’t forget the gag and rope,” she growled. “Let me go.”
“I like the sound of the rope.”
“You would, you dirty pervert.”
“Holy shit!” She slapped a hand over her mouth, shocked by what she saw.
A deep, throaty chuckle greeted her ears. “We must work on your language, Shaye.”
The sound of that chuckle washed over her erotically. The sound of her name on his lips, however, proved more stimulating. Be rude. Make him dislike you. A heartbeat of time passed, and she didn’t say anything. I don’t want to be rude, some part of her whined. She gnashed her teeth. Just do it! “Well…you can just blow me, Valerian.”
“Thank you. I will.”
December 28, 2010
WOW...I loved this! This book was incredibly sexual and I really did laugh out loud at some of the antics. You have got to respect a writer that can take a race of promiscuous sex addicts and make them desirable to the average girl. Be warned though, this book has some VERY hot love scenes - do not read it on a train...in fact make sure you are safely at home to save your embarassment!
Valerian is a warrior and king of the Nymphs. He is so handsome it hurts and NO woman can resist him. He literally needs to have sex and lots of it, otherwise he will weaken and most likely die. He's not picky about who he sleeps with until he meets Shaye. As soon as he claps eyes on her ethereal beauty, he recognises that she is his mate...the one and only woman that he would die for.
Shaye has never been accepted by her family. Her Mum and Dad are both far more interested in their own latest conquests than they are in their own daughter. Subsequently she keeps everyone at arms length, where they can't hurt her. When she meets Valerian, she does her absolute best to resist his obvious charms. She feels imense attraction to him but refuses to give herself fully to him, only to be cast aside like so many women have before her.
Once again this series hits all the right buttons for me. It's exciting, sexy and romantic. I love stories where the hero literally goes up in flames for their mate - and Valerian does this big time. I loved Shaye and her rebellious nature. She is a stronger woman than I would be in the face of such temptation, I am sure. These two burn up the pages in a big way.
I also loved the side story of Brenna and Joachim. They were really sweet and really hot together, in equal measure.
LOVE LOVE LOVED IT!!
Valerian is a warrior and king of the Nymphs. He is so handsome it hurts and NO woman can resist him. He literally needs to have sex and lots of it, otherwise he will weaken and most likely die. He's not picky about who he sleeps with until he meets Shaye. As soon as he claps eyes on her ethereal beauty, he recognises that she is his mate...the one and only woman that he would die for.
Shaye has never been accepted by her family. Her Mum and Dad are both far more interested in their own latest conquests than they are in their own daughter. Subsequently she keeps everyone at arms length, where they can't hurt her. When she meets Valerian, she does her absolute best to resist his obvious charms. She feels imense attraction to him but refuses to give herself fully to him, only to be cast aside like so many women have before her.
Once again this series hits all the right buttons for me. It's exciting, sexy and romantic. I love stories where the hero literally goes up in flames for their mate - and Valerian does this big time. I loved Shaye and her rebellious nature. She is a stronger woman than I would be in the face of such temptation, I am sure. These two burn up the pages in a big way.
I also loved the side story of Brenna and Joachim. They were really sweet and really hot together, in equal measure.
LOVE LOVE LOVED IT!!
March 14, 2010
A friend who thought I needed a laugh lent me this one. Laugh? boy did I ever. It's SUCH a stereotypical erotica. We've got no plot (though a little is thrown in near the end), some purple prose and questionable grammar, and exaggerated and conformist gender roles. Hello strong warrior man who knows nothing of love but is ACTUALLY totally misunderstood and needs to civilizing influence of a woman. Greetings healer woman who has daddy issues/mommy issues/abusive ex-boyfriend issues, and needs a strong hard man to break through those emotional barriers with the subtlety and finesse of a jackhammer. From a standpoint of it being a good book, it fails like the Hindenburg. But if you need literary crack to ease your aching brain after midterms/reassurance that if you find the right publisher, you can get anything in print, no matter how bad your story, I recommend it.
February 9, 2013
With this third installment in the Atlantis series, I was curiously anticipating a story involving a race of creatures that aren't known for monogamy and require sex to survive. It was fascinating getting her idea of dragons and then a book that pulled a little from all the races in Atlantis, but now it zeroed in on the Nymphs who were briefly mentioned in the other books. I was ready to be intrigued yet again.
This was one of those stories that teetered on the edge of like/dislike for me. I honestly wanted to like it and did to a certain extent particularly the last portion of it, but I just couldn't get past my dislike of the female lead. I stuck with it through my initial dislike of Shaye because I trust Gena to give me a good story and I had a general idea of where Gena was going with this character. To combat the sexual pull and mystique that Nymphs have on everyone they come into contact with, Valerian the Nymph King's heroine had to be someone who wasn't pulled in by his Nymph power, but by someone who wanted him as himself. And the reverse had to be true. Valerian had to be attracted to and learn what it was to court a female who couldn't just be pulled in by his power.
So like I say, I got the writer's choice to write about a heroine who had been hurt by love and kept herself apart from others and kept herself far away from her feelings. Unfortunately, Shaye was too much for me in the sense that she claimed to be cold and hateful and purposefully drove others away so that she couldn't be hurt again, but underneath all that she roiled with hurt, pain and unhealthy emotions. I was appalled every time Shaye made the conscious decision to be a witch to perfectly innocent people who came into her life. If it had been a knee-jerk reaction or she didn't even realize she was being horrid, that would have been one thing, but to pause, think it through and decide to say an unprovoked cruel or rude statement just didn't work for me. Then I didn't get the man-hater thing when she hadn't been around men long enough to form that deep of an opinion- hey, we all could cite times when a relationship didn't work out for us, but that doesn't mean take it out on the rest of the world for the rest of your life. She was totally transferring the stuff with her mom and dad onto the rest of the human race which just struck me as pitiable and sad instead of snarky and feisty.
I approved of the fact that she didn't instantly cave in to the arrogant and 'confident in his own abilities to bag any female he wanted' Valerian, but it just made him look like a real hero when he worked harder than ever over the long haul to prove himself to her. I loved that he he was happy to finally find his mate and that he cherished Shaye, but I personally struggled to see something worth cherishing there.
So now that I've gone on ad nauseum about the heroine which probably seems like it took up much of the review, I'll just say that the relationship battle between Shaye and Valerian was the main plot and focus of the book which should explain why I was frustrated about Shaye and discussed it at length.
The other parts of the book was a side storyline involving Valerian's cousin Joachim who made a play for Valerian's throne and made a play for one of the other human women, Brenna that were captured with Shaye. I found Brenna's storyline probably my favorite part of the book. There was also a subplot involving the Greek god Poseidon finally taking an interest in Atlantis and deciding to interfere a little in things. Then there was a confrontation when Darius and his dragons came to take back the castle from the Nymphs. That last portion of the book redeemed it for me because finally Shaye has gotten her head on straight, Valerius is in his defining hour, and there's a great deal of action between the Nymphs, Dragons and the Vampires with the ominous presence of Poseidon that will probably carry over into the next book of the series.
In the end, it was not my favorite installment, but it wasn't a dud either.
This was one of those stories that teetered on the edge of like/dislike for me. I honestly wanted to like it and did to a certain extent particularly the last portion of it, but I just couldn't get past my dislike of the female lead. I stuck with it through my initial dislike of Shaye because I trust Gena to give me a good story and I had a general idea of where Gena was going with this character. To combat the sexual pull and mystique that Nymphs have on everyone they come into contact with, Valerian the Nymph King's heroine had to be someone who wasn't pulled in by his Nymph power, but by someone who wanted him as himself. And the reverse had to be true. Valerian had to be attracted to and learn what it was to court a female who couldn't just be pulled in by his power.
So like I say, I got the writer's choice to write about a heroine who had been hurt by love and kept herself apart from others and kept herself far away from her feelings. Unfortunately, Shaye was too much for me in the sense that she claimed to be cold and hateful and purposefully drove others away so that she couldn't be hurt again, but underneath all that she roiled with hurt, pain and unhealthy emotions. I was appalled every time Shaye made the conscious decision to be a witch to perfectly innocent people who came into her life. If it had been a knee-jerk reaction or she didn't even realize she was being horrid, that would have been one thing, but to pause, think it through and decide to say an unprovoked cruel or rude statement just didn't work for me. Then I didn't get the man-hater thing when she hadn't been around men long enough to form that deep of an opinion- hey, we all could cite times when a relationship didn't work out for us, but that doesn't mean take it out on the rest of the world for the rest of your life. She was totally transferring the stuff with her mom and dad onto the rest of the human race which just struck me as pitiable and sad instead of snarky and feisty.
I approved of the fact that she didn't instantly cave in to the arrogant and 'confident in his own abilities to bag any female he wanted' Valerian, but it just made him look like a real hero when he worked harder than ever over the long haul to prove himself to her. I loved that he he was happy to finally find his mate and that he cherished Shaye, but I personally struggled to see something worth cherishing there.
So now that I've gone on ad nauseum about the heroine which probably seems like it took up much of the review, I'll just say that the relationship battle between Shaye and Valerian was the main plot and focus of the book which should explain why I was frustrated about Shaye and discussed it at length.
The other parts of the book was a side storyline involving Valerian's cousin Joachim who made a play for Valerian's throne and made a play for one of the other human women, Brenna that were captured with Shaye. I found Brenna's storyline probably my favorite part of the book. There was also a subplot involving the Greek god Poseidon finally taking an interest in Atlantis and deciding to interfere a little in things. Then there was a confrontation when Darius and his dragons came to take back the castle from the Nymphs. That last portion of the book redeemed it for me because finally Shaye has gotten her head on straight, Valerius is in his defining hour, and there's a great deal of action between the Nymphs, Dragons and the Vampires with the ominous presence of Poseidon that will probably carry over into the next book of the series.
In the end, it was not my favorite installment, but it wasn't a dud either.
July 18, 2010
★★★☆ I liked it
O'oh. This series started so good but has kept dropping from there. I expected this to be a fantastic book focussing on the impending war between the nymphs and dragons, with a love story of course. Instead, we just get a sex-crazed King who won't stop until he gets what he wants. Sex, sex, sex. It's pretty much all that happens (or is thought about). Even the "war" was lacklustre. Shaye is meant to be his mate but he seems to just want to have sex with her for the rest of his life. Not very romantic if you ask me. Ignoring all of that though, I still had a hard time putting this down. Gena has a way with words that keeps your eyes and attention between the pages.
Shaye was a likeable enough character. She kind of reminds me of myself in that she pushes men away to protect herself. She does take it to the extreme though and doesn't even give a man that she likes a chance. The to-and-fro between her and Valerian in the first half got a bit old. I let out a sigh of relief when their relationship started progressing and Valerian finally learnt that there is more to Shaye then her body. My favourite character was Brenna. She had a real story to tell and real problems to work through. Her indecision of which man to choose was well written.
As I've begun expecting from Gena now, the sex scenes were unbelievably hot. Even though the references to sex was in excess, I still loved reading about the tension that built between them. Something that surprised me is that one of the Gods returns to Atlantis. I'll definitely welcome more of where that came from. With all of The Nymph's King's faults, I'm hoping this is just the lull in the middle of the series. I've already started The Vampire's Bride, and already I can tell I'm going to enjoy it much more.
Cover: Eh. I could take it or leave it.
Atlantis Series
1. Heart of the Dragon Review
2. Jewel of Atlantis Review
3. The Nymph King
4. The Vampire's Bride
5. The Amazon's Curse
O'oh. This series started so good but has kept dropping from there. I expected this to be a fantastic book focussing on the impending war between the nymphs and dragons, with a love story of course. Instead, we just get a sex-crazed King who won't stop until he gets what he wants. Sex, sex, sex. It's pretty much all that happens (or is thought about). Even the "war" was lacklustre. Shaye is meant to be his mate but he seems to just want to have sex with her for the rest of his life. Not very romantic if you ask me. Ignoring all of that though, I still had a hard time putting this down. Gena has a way with words that keeps your eyes and attention between the pages.
Shaye was a likeable enough character. She kind of reminds me of myself in that she pushes men away to protect herself. She does take it to the extreme though and doesn't even give a man that she likes a chance. The to-and-fro between her and Valerian in the first half got a bit old. I let out a sigh of relief when their relationship started progressing and Valerian finally learnt that there is more to Shaye then her body. My favourite character was Brenna. She had a real story to tell and real problems to work through. Her indecision of which man to choose was well written.
As I've begun expecting from Gena now, the sex scenes were unbelievably hot. Even though the references to sex was in excess, I still loved reading about the tension that built between them. Something that surprised me is that one of the Gods returns to Atlantis. I'll definitely welcome more of where that came from. With all of The Nymph's King's faults, I'm hoping this is just the lull in the middle of the series. I've already started The Vampire's Bride, and already I can tell I'm going to enjoy it much more.
Cover: Eh. I could take it or leave it.
Atlantis Series
1. Heart of the Dragon Review
2. Jewel of Atlantis Review
3. The Nymph King
4. The Vampire's Bride
5. The Amazon's Curse
April 1, 2018
In genere i ninfi attaccavano solo se provocati, ma i draghi erano nemici dell’unica razza loro alleata, i vampiri. Questi erano i soli in tutta Atlantide a non bruciare di gelosia per il potere dei ninfi sulle donne. Anzi Layel, il loro re, lo trovava divertente.
«Non farò da menu per i tuoi uomini» dichiarò la sua compagna, mozzandogli il fiato con una possente gomitata nello stomaco.
«Stai un po’ ferma, donna.»
«Muori, bastardo.»
I suoi uomini li guardavano a bocca aperta. Valerian aveva insegnato loro la lingua della superficie e dunque sapevano cosa gli aveva detto il suo piccolo raggio di luna. In genere le donne lo adoravano, imploravano il suo tocco e la sua attenzione e non desideravano certo la sua morte. Lui però non era imbarazzato da quella scena, anzi: se Valerian, il più desiderato di tutti i ninfi, non riusciva a conquistarla, i suoi uomini avrebbero capito che rivendicandola sarebbero andati incontro a un sonoro fallimento. Se l’avessero scelta, quella notte avrebbero rischiato di dormire da soli, un destino che speravano di evitare: per il momento infatti volevano solo fare sesso. Trovare l’amore o la compagna della loro vita non li interessava.
Durante la rocambolesca fuga dei protagonisti de “Il Gioiello di Atlantide”, abbiamo avuto modo di dare uno sguardo a Valerian, il prode Re che comanda il popolo dei Ninfi. Ora ritroviamo Valerian al comando del castello del secondo Guardiano, riconquistato dopo avere sconfitto la piccola armata di Draghi che aveva abitato il palazzo strappandolo agli umani, che si erano così impossessati del secondo portale che conduce alla superficie. I Ninfi sono le creature più potenti di Atlantide, ben più forti anche dei Draghi. Non hanno sottomesso le altre razze solo perché non hanno una natura molto combattiva, reagiscono solo se attaccati, o se hanno un motivo per farlo. Di solito sono nomadi, ma il loro Re ha deciso che il palazzo del Guardiano sarebbe diventata la loro casa, e l’accesso al portale è un motivo in più per tenerlo a tutti i costi. Pur essendo fortissimi, i Ninfi hanno un’intrinseca debolezza: se non fanno sesso per qualche tempo si indeboliscono e perdono le forze. Le Ninfe però, convocate dal loro Re al palazzo per rinvigorire gli uomini, non sono mai arrivate perché intercettate dai Draghi, che le hanno fatte prigioniere.
Anche nella città vicina, ogni volta che i Ninfi vi si recano, tutte le donne sembrano essere scomparse, oppure non si fanno trovare. Questo perché sono ben consapevoli di non avere possibilità di resistere al richiamo sessuale che i Ninfi esercitano su qualsiasi essere di natura femminile, sia essa un demone, una sirena o un vampiro. Ogni donna di fronte ad un Ninfo è disposta a fare qualunque cosa per giacere con lui. Ora, Valerian si trova con un’armata che si indebolisce giorno dopo giorno, e l’unica cosa che gli rimane da fare è disobbedire alla legge degli Dei, che impedisce agli abitanti di Atlantide di uscire in superficie, e andare alla ricerca di donne terrestri. I Ninfi sono fortunati: sulla spiaggia, infatti, si sta celebrando un matrimonio, e fra gli invitati ci sono molte ragazze. Non appena i guerrieri escono dal mare, tutte le donne vengono prese dalla frenesia, ben contente di farsi tranquillamente rapire. Tutte meno una, che cerca di lottare con tutte le sue forze, e non sembra assolutamente presa dall’incantesimo. Non appena Valerian la vede, capisce di trovarsi di fronte a quello che non ha mai cercato e che anzi, sperava di non incontrare: la sua Compagna predestinata. I Ninfi, infatti, trascorrono la loro vita passando di donna in donna, annoiandosi molto velocemente, sempre pronti a cambiare la partner di turno. Questo, però, improvvisamente cessa non appena vedono la loro Compagna. Da quel momento in poi, il Ninfo non sarà più in grado di eccitarsi per nessun altra donna, vorrà sempre e solo lei. E non è mai capitato che una compagna si rifiutasse. Ma come scoprirà il nostro prode Valerian, c’è sempre una prima volta per tutto. E nel frattempo Poseidone, Dio del mare, in preda alla più cupa noia, ha deciso che il gesto dei Ninfi non deve restare impunito.
Valerian è forte, bellissimo, affascinante, ed è su questa Terra da ben 600 anni. Ogni donna che ha incontrato l’ha desiderato all’istante, ma quando si trova di fronte a Shaye Hollyng e scopre che è la sua compagna, ha il più grande shock della sua vita: lei non lo vuole. Trasportata nel suo palazzo, la giovane si rivelerà inflessibile nel suo desiderio di tornare a casa, e i loro dialoghi saranno davvero divertenti. Valerian deve assolutamente convincerla ad amarlo, oppure si indebolirà a tal punto da morire, perché ormai nessuna donna potrebbe restituirgli la forza, quindi deve puntare tutto sulla dolcezza per far cedere Shaye. Nessun Ninfo ha mai fatto del male ad una donna, non ne ha mai avuto bisogno, e non è nella sua natura. Shaye, d’altra parte, è ben lungi dall’essere indifferente a quell’uomo bellissimo, e sono solo il suo carattere caparbio e il suo non credere affatto all’amore che le permettono una così strenua resistenza.
La ragazza infatti si trovava sulla spiaggia perché costretta ad assistere al sesto matrimonio della madre, una donna sempre alla ricerca del vero amore. Shaye ha pagato duramente per questa continua ricerca; ha dovuto subire le prepotenze dei vari fratellastri che si sono succeduti nella sua vita, ha dovuto vivere nella paura delle attenzioni non desiderate dei vari patrigni, e all’amore ormai non crede più. È diventata talmente cinica da farne un lavoro: ha avviato una fiorente attività di anti-biglietti, ovvero biglietti con auguri di questo tipo:
Devo ammetterlo, hai portato la religione nella mia vita: adesso credo all’inferno.
Sto così male senza di te che sembra quasi che tu sia qui.
Puoi ottenere di più con una pistola e una parola gentile che solo con una parola gentile
Man mano che passano i giorni, sono felice che tu non sia qui a rovinarmeli
E perciò, nonostante il desiderio che le ispira Valerian, è decisa a non cedere, ammantandosi di quel cinismo e di quel sarcasmo che hanno sempre allontanato gli uomini che tentavano di avvicinarsi. Ma quando avrà la possibilità di andarsene, capirà ciò che davvero il suo cuore desidera.
Non accade molto in questo libro eppure, nonostante questo, i dialoghi fra i due protagonisti, e la storia parallela che vivranno altri due Ninfi e una delle umane rapite, Brenna, sarà sufficiente a tenere desta l’attenzione del lettore. Qui, più che negli altri libri, l’atmosfera è carica di sensualità, con il corteggiamento serrato e passionale di Valerian. I personaggi risultano interessanti e la scrittura è fluida e scorrevole, ma il libro è sicuramente un poco inferiore a quelli che l’hanno preceduto, molto più lento. Rimane comunque una lettura estremamente rilassante, e aggiunge un ulteriore tassello al grande arazzo con cui Gena Showalter ci sta raccontando la “sua” Atlantide.
«Non farò da menu per i tuoi uomini» dichiarò la sua compagna, mozzandogli il fiato con una possente gomitata nello stomaco.
«Stai un po’ ferma, donna.»
«Muori, bastardo.»
I suoi uomini li guardavano a bocca aperta. Valerian aveva insegnato loro la lingua della superficie e dunque sapevano cosa gli aveva detto il suo piccolo raggio di luna. In genere le donne lo adoravano, imploravano il suo tocco e la sua attenzione e non desideravano certo la sua morte. Lui però non era imbarazzato da quella scena, anzi: se Valerian, il più desiderato di tutti i ninfi, non riusciva a conquistarla, i suoi uomini avrebbero capito che rivendicandola sarebbero andati incontro a un sonoro fallimento. Se l’avessero scelta, quella notte avrebbero rischiato di dormire da soli, un destino che speravano di evitare: per il momento infatti volevano solo fare sesso. Trovare l’amore o la compagna della loro vita non li interessava.
Durante la rocambolesca fuga dei protagonisti de “Il Gioiello di Atlantide”, abbiamo avuto modo di dare uno sguardo a Valerian, il prode Re che comanda il popolo dei Ninfi. Ora ritroviamo Valerian al comando del castello del secondo Guardiano, riconquistato dopo avere sconfitto la piccola armata di Draghi che aveva abitato il palazzo strappandolo agli umani, che si erano così impossessati del secondo portale che conduce alla superficie. I Ninfi sono le creature più potenti di Atlantide, ben più forti anche dei Draghi. Non hanno sottomesso le altre razze solo perché non hanno una natura molto combattiva, reagiscono solo se attaccati, o se hanno un motivo per farlo. Di solito sono nomadi, ma il loro Re ha deciso che il palazzo del Guardiano sarebbe diventata la loro casa, e l’accesso al portale è un motivo in più per tenerlo a tutti i costi. Pur essendo fortissimi, i Ninfi hanno un’intrinseca debolezza: se non fanno sesso per qualche tempo si indeboliscono e perdono le forze. Le Ninfe però, convocate dal loro Re al palazzo per rinvigorire gli uomini, non sono mai arrivate perché intercettate dai Draghi, che le hanno fatte prigioniere.
Anche nella città vicina, ogni volta che i Ninfi vi si recano, tutte le donne sembrano essere scomparse, oppure non si fanno trovare. Questo perché sono ben consapevoli di non avere possibilità di resistere al richiamo sessuale che i Ninfi esercitano su qualsiasi essere di natura femminile, sia essa un demone, una sirena o un vampiro. Ogni donna di fronte ad un Ninfo è disposta a fare qualunque cosa per giacere con lui. Ora, Valerian si trova con un’armata che si indebolisce giorno dopo giorno, e l’unica cosa che gli rimane da fare è disobbedire alla legge degli Dei, che impedisce agli abitanti di Atlantide di uscire in superficie, e andare alla ricerca di donne terrestri. I Ninfi sono fortunati: sulla spiaggia, infatti, si sta celebrando un matrimonio, e fra gli invitati ci sono molte ragazze. Non appena i guerrieri escono dal mare, tutte le donne vengono prese dalla frenesia, ben contente di farsi tranquillamente rapire. Tutte meno una, che cerca di lottare con tutte le sue forze, e non sembra assolutamente presa dall’incantesimo. Non appena Valerian la vede, capisce di trovarsi di fronte a quello che non ha mai cercato e che anzi, sperava di non incontrare: la sua Compagna predestinata. I Ninfi, infatti, trascorrono la loro vita passando di donna in donna, annoiandosi molto velocemente, sempre pronti a cambiare la partner di turno. Questo, però, improvvisamente cessa non appena vedono la loro Compagna. Da quel momento in poi, il Ninfo non sarà più in grado di eccitarsi per nessun altra donna, vorrà sempre e solo lei. E non è mai capitato che una compagna si rifiutasse. Ma come scoprirà il nostro prode Valerian, c’è sempre una prima volta per tutto. E nel frattempo Poseidone, Dio del mare, in preda alla più cupa noia, ha deciso che il gesto dei Ninfi non deve restare impunito.
Valerian è forte, bellissimo, affascinante, ed è su questa Terra da ben 600 anni. Ogni donna che ha incontrato l’ha desiderato all’istante, ma quando si trova di fronte a Shaye Hollyng e scopre che è la sua compagna, ha il più grande shock della sua vita: lei non lo vuole. Trasportata nel suo palazzo, la giovane si rivelerà inflessibile nel suo desiderio di tornare a casa, e i loro dialoghi saranno davvero divertenti. Valerian deve assolutamente convincerla ad amarlo, oppure si indebolirà a tal punto da morire, perché ormai nessuna donna potrebbe restituirgli la forza, quindi deve puntare tutto sulla dolcezza per far cedere Shaye. Nessun Ninfo ha mai fatto del male ad una donna, non ne ha mai avuto bisogno, e non è nella sua natura. Shaye, d’altra parte, è ben lungi dall’essere indifferente a quell’uomo bellissimo, e sono solo il suo carattere caparbio e il suo non credere affatto all’amore che le permettono una così strenua resistenza.
La ragazza infatti si trovava sulla spiaggia perché costretta ad assistere al sesto matrimonio della madre, una donna sempre alla ricerca del vero amore. Shaye ha pagato duramente per questa continua ricerca; ha dovuto subire le prepotenze dei vari fratellastri che si sono succeduti nella sua vita, ha dovuto vivere nella paura delle attenzioni non desiderate dei vari patrigni, e all’amore ormai non crede più. È diventata talmente cinica da farne un lavoro: ha avviato una fiorente attività di anti-biglietti, ovvero biglietti con auguri di questo tipo:
Devo ammetterlo, hai portato la religione nella mia vita: adesso credo all’inferno.
Sto così male senza di te che sembra quasi che tu sia qui.
Puoi ottenere di più con una pistola e una parola gentile che solo con una parola gentile
Man mano che passano i giorni, sono felice che tu non sia qui a rovinarmeli
E perciò, nonostante il desiderio che le ispira Valerian, è decisa a non cedere, ammantandosi di quel cinismo e di quel sarcasmo che hanno sempre allontanato gli uomini che tentavano di avvicinarsi. Ma quando avrà la possibilità di andarsene, capirà ciò che davvero il suo cuore desidera.
Non accade molto in questo libro eppure, nonostante questo, i dialoghi fra i due protagonisti, e la storia parallela che vivranno altri due Ninfi e una delle umane rapite, Brenna, sarà sufficiente a tenere desta l’attenzione del lettore. Qui, più che negli altri libri, l’atmosfera è carica di sensualità, con il corteggiamento serrato e passionale di Valerian. I personaggi risultano interessanti e la scrittura è fluida e scorrevole, ma il libro è sicuramente un poco inferiore a quelli che l’hanno preceduto, molto più lento. Rimane comunque una lettura estremamente rilassante, e aggiunge un ulteriore tassello al grande arazzo con cui Gena Showalter ci sta raccontando la “sua” Atlantide.
April 14, 2010
El es tercer libro de la serie Atlantis. Aunque no es necesario, recomiendo leer primero Heart of the Dragon (Corazón de Dragón) y Jewel of Atlantis.
Esta vez el protagonista llamado Valerian es un hombre de la raza de los Ninfas, mas específicamente, el Rey de todos ellos. Los ninfas son una raza puramente sexual, pues de este acto obtienen fuerza. No hay mujer (y algunos hombres) que puedan resistirse a su encanto. Simplemente caen como esclavas, y son adentradas a un mundo de placer sin igual.
Cuando Valerian y su grupo de guerreros se ven a la falta de mujeres, deciden ir al mundo de los humanos y secuestrar a algunas. Es la tarea mas sencilla del mundo, hasta que Valerian consigue a Shaye, y sabe que es la única.
Al momento que una ninfa/ninfo descubre su “alma gemela”, no hay otra persona que le inspire deseo. Pero Shaye no cae directamente a sus pies, y termina siendo mas difícil convencerla de lo esperado…
Hasta ahora, es el libro mas caliente que he leído de esta serie. Desde la primera pagina lo que leerás es sexo, en directo. Desde tríos, hasta en publico. Sin embargo, Gena Showalter consigue narrar una historia de amor en medio de un harén, en donde el sexo es mas que una necesidad.
Disfrute este libro mas que el anterior de la serie, pero siento que las protagonistas se vuelven repetitivas. Siento que siempre son las típicas jóvenes, con algunas inseguridades, que no quieren enamorarse pero no lo pueden evitar. Y vírgenes, casi siempre. Por la parte de los hombres, no me quejo. Son la fantasía de cualquier mujer.
Por otra parte, me encanta que la autora logre, en una misma saga, redactar tantos puntos de vista. Desde Dragones, Humanos, Vampiros y ahora Ninfas; estoy a la expectativa a ver con que me encontrare en los próximos libros.
Esta vez el protagonista llamado Valerian es un hombre de la raza de los Ninfas, mas específicamente, el Rey de todos ellos. Los ninfas son una raza puramente sexual, pues de este acto obtienen fuerza. No hay mujer (y algunos hombres) que puedan resistirse a su encanto. Simplemente caen como esclavas, y son adentradas a un mundo de placer sin igual.
Cuando Valerian y su grupo de guerreros se ven a la falta de mujeres, deciden ir al mundo de los humanos y secuestrar a algunas. Es la tarea mas sencilla del mundo, hasta que Valerian consigue a Shaye, y sabe que es la única.
Al momento que una ninfa/ninfo descubre su “alma gemela”, no hay otra persona que le inspire deseo. Pero Shaye no cae directamente a sus pies, y termina siendo mas difícil convencerla de lo esperado…
Hasta ahora, es el libro mas caliente que he leído de esta serie. Desde la primera pagina lo que leerás es sexo, en directo. Desde tríos, hasta en publico. Sin embargo, Gena Showalter consigue narrar una historia de amor en medio de un harén, en donde el sexo es mas que una necesidad.
Disfrute este libro mas que el anterior de la serie, pero siento que las protagonistas se vuelven repetitivas. Siento que siempre son las típicas jóvenes, con algunas inseguridades, que no quieren enamorarse pero no lo pueden evitar. Y vírgenes, casi siempre. Por la parte de los hombres, no me quejo. Son la fantasía de cualquier mujer.
Por otra parte, me encanta que la autora logre, en una misma saga, redactar tantos puntos de vista. Desde Dragones, Humanos, Vampiros y ahora Ninfas; estoy a la expectativa a ver con que me encontrare en los próximos libros.
April 5, 2015
*Contains detailed sex scenes*
This series is oh so good. It’s so hot and steamy and yet not in a weird way. There’s always so much chemistry between the two main characters and you just know they’re gonna give into their passion and end up with each other in the end.
These books are very sensual and the plotline and story are so captivating.
I loved the romance in this book. I thought Shaye’s hard edge nature was so interesting. All she really wanted was someone to need and love her and I loved how she fought so hard not to fall for Valerian.
Valerian was a wonderful male lead. He was strong and powerful and I thought it was so funny how the last thing he wanted or planned was to find his mate and yet that’s what ended up happening. I liked that even though he needed her, he didn’t force Shaye to do anything she didn’t want. He respected her and I loved that.
I liked the side story in this book too, between Brenna and Joachim. I think he was the best person to help her overcome her haunted past and I thought it was sweet that he did.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 19, 2011
I was really shocked at how much I disliked this book, as I've loved everything else Ms. Showalter has written.
The lead character is controlling, abusive, narcissistic, and he ABDUCTS his "mate" who assaults him physically to try to escape. I got 1/3 through the novel and was horrified at the control he was using against her, and words like "obeying" etc. It was just a horror. Her attempts to survive and go back to her life are called "stubbornness", which implies he knows what is best for her, as he's taken away her voice and her power.
I will give Atlantis #4 a shot, but if its anything like this one I'm bailing on this series.
The lead character is controlling, abusive, narcissistic, and he ABDUCTS his "mate" who assaults him physically to try to escape. I got 1/3 through the novel and was horrified at the control he was using against her, and words like "obeying" etc. It was just a horror. Her attempts to survive and go back to her life are called "stubbornness", which implies he knows what is best for her, as he's taken away her voice and her power.
I will give Atlantis #4 a shot, but if its anything like this one I'm bailing on this series.
April 16, 2011
This is my second book by the author. I first read The Darkest Kiss which I don't like at all. I don't even remember what the story was about...
Due to that awful first time, I was ready to not like this too. I was surprised by how much I love this one! It is most definitely better than The Darkest Kiss by miles.
It's just funny and sexy and so, so seductive without being lurid or crude.
Now I only wish that I had read the first two of the Atlantis series because I'm a sucker for reading serial books in their proper order.
Due to that awful first time, I was ready to not like this too. I was surprised by how much I love this one! It is most definitely better than The Darkest Kiss by miles.
It's just funny and sexy and so, so seductive without being lurid or crude.
Now I only wish that I had read the first two of the Atlantis series because I'm a sucker for reading serial books in their proper order.
July 23, 2010
Amazing, I think I may just love this one more then the first,I know I love it more then the second. I like how the leading lady (Shaye) didn't just give up and swoon like all the other chicks, she had strength and power. She was her own self, and I liked how Valerian didn't give up on her. I loved this book, really loved this book. But one thing bothers me, why are all the lead females virgins???
August 14, 2016
A fairly typical Showalter romance novel. Lots of smut in this one; not really much of a plot persey. But it delivers enough to make me read to the end.
One thing I wish Showalter did with these books is that we got to see more of our past characters (the women in particular) that cross with the new characters being introduced. But I hope that comes later in the series. This is only book 3 after all.
One thing I wish Showalter did with these books is that we got to see more of our past characters (the women in particular) that cross with the new characters being introduced. But I hope that comes later in the series. This is only book 3 after all.
December 26, 2007
This book was funny! There is a paranormal theme, i.e., the lost city of Atlantis and all that that implies...dragons, vampires, centaurs, the greek god poseidon and others.
The title was awful and I thought...ick, but someone suggested it to me and I'm so glad they did. I laughed through this book. This author has a wonderful sense of humor.
The title was awful and I thought...ick, but someone suggested it to me and I'm so glad they did. I laughed through this book. This author has a wonderful sense of humor.
August 31, 2009
Okay, I really liked this book, but the heroine irritated me alot. But the actual storyline was awesome! and so was the plot, other characters, and it fits in really well with the other Atlantis books, but you don't have to read them in order to understand it. I would fully recommend it to anyone who wants a great read they can't put down with a super hot HOT nymph king as the hero!
January 16, 2013
Buddy read with Aly
Another great book :))
Another great book :))
July 31, 2015
*3.5/5*
March 31, 2021
Klappentext
Für eine Berührung des Nymphenkönigs würden Frauen alles tun. Alle, bis auf die Menschenfrau Shaye. Obwohl sie füreinander bestimmt sind, wehrt sie sich mit allen Kräften gegen die magische Bindung, die ihnen vorbestimmt ist. Aber nun, da er sie gefunden hat, wird keine andere Frau ihn jemals wieder zufriedenstellen können. Und Valerian wird erst ruhen, wenn er Shaye in einer sinnlichen Eroberung bezwungen hat und sie wahrhaft die Seine ist …
Meine Meinung
Das Buch erzählt abwechselnd aus der Sicht des Nymphenkönigs Valerian und der Menschenfrau Shaye. Valerian ist ein Nymphe, ein gutaussehender Mann, der Sex benötigt, um sich zu stärken. Die Sexbesessenheit ist damit absolut notwendig, weil sie sonst ihre Kraft und Stärke verlieren. Sie benötigen ihn auch, um zu heilen. Er wirkt nach außen hin arrogant, entschlossen und stark, kann aber auch sehr charmant sein. Shaye ist eine blasse Schönheit, die bisher durch ihre kalte Ader andere Menschen von sich gestoßen hat. Sie gibt sich selbstbewusst, arrogant und unterkühlt, ist aber in Wahrheit verletzlich und sehnt sich in Wahrheit nach einen Mann, der nur sie liebt. Durch ihre Mutter, die mehrfach verheiratet war, traut sie sich nicht, Bindungen aufzubauen. Es gibt wieder überraschende Wendungen und Entwicklungen, auch wenn sich diesmal alles primär umd die Beziehung geht. Interessant war es auch etwas über die Lebensweise der Nymphen zu erfahren. Die Erotikszenen fügen sich aber wieder gut in die Handlung ein und sind gut beschrieben. Eine Hintergrundhandlung ist beinahe nicht vorhanden, was ein wenig schade ist. Der Schreibstil ist angenehm und flüssig zu lesen.
Bewertung
Eine gelungene Fortsetzung mit anderen Protagonisten, die leider nur die Beziehung im Zentrum hat, weshalb sie mir schwächer gefallen hat als der Vorgänger, mich aber dennoch noch gut unterhalten konnte, daher gibt es verdiente
3,5 von 5 Würmchen
Für eine Berührung des Nymphenkönigs würden Frauen alles tun. Alle, bis auf die Menschenfrau Shaye. Obwohl sie füreinander bestimmt sind, wehrt sie sich mit allen Kräften gegen die magische Bindung, die ihnen vorbestimmt ist. Aber nun, da er sie gefunden hat, wird keine andere Frau ihn jemals wieder zufriedenstellen können. Und Valerian wird erst ruhen, wenn er Shaye in einer sinnlichen Eroberung bezwungen hat und sie wahrhaft die Seine ist …
Meine Meinung
Das Buch erzählt abwechselnd aus der Sicht des Nymphenkönigs Valerian und der Menschenfrau Shaye. Valerian ist ein Nymphe, ein gutaussehender Mann, der Sex benötigt, um sich zu stärken. Die Sexbesessenheit ist damit absolut notwendig, weil sie sonst ihre Kraft und Stärke verlieren. Sie benötigen ihn auch, um zu heilen. Er wirkt nach außen hin arrogant, entschlossen und stark, kann aber auch sehr charmant sein. Shaye ist eine blasse Schönheit, die bisher durch ihre kalte Ader andere Menschen von sich gestoßen hat. Sie gibt sich selbstbewusst, arrogant und unterkühlt, ist aber in Wahrheit verletzlich und sehnt sich in Wahrheit nach einen Mann, der nur sie liebt. Durch ihre Mutter, die mehrfach verheiratet war, traut sie sich nicht, Bindungen aufzubauen. Es gibt wieder überraschende Wendungen und Entwicklungen, auch wenn sich diesmal alles primär umd die Beziehung geht. Interessant war es auch etwas über die Lebensweise der Nymphen zu erfahren. Die Erotikszenen fügen sich aber wieder gut in die Handlung ein und sind gut beschrieben. Eine Hintergrundhandlung ist beinahe nicht vorhanden, was ein wenig schade ist. Der Schreibstil ist angenehm und flüssig zu lesen.
Bewertung
Eine gelungene Fortsetzung mit anderen Protagonisten, die leider nur die Beziehung im Zentrum hat, weshalb sie mir schwächer gefallen hat als der Vorgänger, mich aber dennoch noch gut unterhalten konnte, daher gibt es verdiente
3,5 von 5 Würmchen
March 29, 2013
Valerian, the King of Nymphs is a purely sexual creature that emulates sensuality at its best. He has recently regained the palace from the Dragons. When he is training with his men, he realizes how weak they all are. Since there aren't available women around, that can cause disaster among Nymphs. Nymphs need to be intimate often with women to keep up their strength, its vital for their survival. So he decides that they must go to the surface and bring down human women. Shaye Holling is attending her mother's wedding, her sixth one. Shaye has never been close to her mother, she has had numerous amounts of boyfriends and husbands, and not one of those relationships lasted. Shaye is content with living single the rest of her life, rather than endure the heartache and pain that comes from a intimate relationship with someone. Then six handsome and sensual men come out of the water, and walk toward the guests. Shaye is captivated by the leader Valerian. However, she is able to resist his charm that obviously comes with him being a Nymph. Shaye is almost appalled when she she so many women around her fawning over these males as if they are gods needed to be worshiped. Valerian is surprised that there is one woman that is able to resist his sensual promises and charm. No woman has ever dared to do so. Thus he takes her under the water, against her will, knowing that she is his one and only mate. That she is the one that he will spend the rest of his existence with. At first Shaye believes that when she is dragged under the water that he means to kill her, but then she is taken to Atlantis the home of mythical creatures. Valerian than goes about trying to convincing her that she is his mate, and that her life will be on Atlantis and she will never return back home. Even though she isn't close to her family, she worked hard to create a life for herself. She continues trying to get back, but despite all her protests, she finds her resolve weakening toward Valerian. That she might actually fall in love with this utterly captivating Nymph King.
This is the first book that I have read from Gena Showalter, and have decided that for sure she is one of my favorite paranormal authors so far, at the top of the list. I have a love for mythology and especially for those surrounding Atlantis. Gena Showalter made the myth become reality of Atlantis. I loved really the whole plot and story line to this book, it definitely is the type of book that I love to read!!! I couldn't put it down, I had it read in a couple of hours. I also loved both the main and sub characters, it also had a sub plot with Valerian's cousin and a woman who was as resistant to the Nymph Charm as Shaye was. So that was also fun to get into as well. These pages were filled with adventure, romance, magic, exciting plot, and a love between this couple that will captivate your heart.The cover alone, was what really drew me in, I mean how can one woman resist such a epitome of sensuality right? Its at the top of my list of my favorites, and one I could re-read, so bring on the rest of the series, I can hardly wait for more adventure and passion!!!
This is the first book that I have read from Gena Showalter, and have decided that for sure she is one of my favorite paranormal authors so far, at the top of the list. I have a love for mythology and especially for those surrounding Atlantis. Gena Showalter made the myth become reality of Atlantis. I loved really the whole plot and story line to this book, it definitely is the type of book that I love to read!!! I couldn't put it down, I had it read in a couple of hours. I also loved both the main and sub characters, it also had a sub plot with Valerian's cousin and a woman who was as resistant to the Nymph Charm as Shaye was. So that was also fun to get into as well. These pages were filled with adventure, romance, magic, exciting plot, and a love between this couple that will captivate your heart.The cover alone, was what really drew me in, I mean how can one woman resist such a epitome of sensuality right? Its at the top of my list of my favorites, and one I could re-read, so bring on the rest of the series, I can hardly wait for more adventure and passion!!!
July 6, 2012
What can I say about this book except that it is the best one yet. I love it when a series gets better as it goes along and this is definitely the case here.
This series was recommended by a friend on a yahoo book group. So I tried it. I was definitely intrigued by the first two books though admittedly not super impressed. I had never read anything by the author but was willing to continue with the series. I'm so glad I did.
The Nymph King is the best of the series yet. Valerian oozes sexual allure and passions, and has no problem going to any woman's bed. Then he allows his men to go from Atlantis to the surface and world of humans only to come face to face with his mate, the only woman he will ever want after seeing her.
Shaye is a cynical woman who keeps people at bay with her quick wit and biting comments. And now she's being carried into the ocean by some huge man that radiates naughty thoughts.
Valerian is a great hero for the story. He doesn't hide any "faults" Shaye points out and is refreshingly opened and honest about all manner of things. He also rarely backs down. He wants Shaye and he won't stop til he gets what he wants; even if it means the death of his cousin.
Shaye is a great character. So many times the heroine of the story is pathetic and weak and lacks all sense of humor but Shaye's got it in spades which is part of her problem. She's one of those people that can't fathom letting someone close enough to break her heart and Valerian's promiscuous ways aren't coming near her, until she realizes what he means by mate.
Another great addition to the story is there is technically more than one hero and heroine. Joachim and Brenna are a great pair that quickly became equally as interesting as Valerian and Shaye.
Joachim watches as another warrior picks Brenna for his bed-mate (against her will) and seethes with anger. He wanted her and because he doesn't get her he plans on challenging Valerian for Shaye just to make his cousin suffer with him. Joachim isn't a match for Valerian and ends up injured which brings Brenna to his side as she's a doctor.
Brenna is terrified of these men. She's been attacked before and just wants to go home. Brenna is saved from the warrior who chose her because Shaye demands that any unwilling woman be left alone. Only problem is that the warrior who picked Brenna follows her everywhere and now her patient has her wondering if she wants to go home or not. As it turns out, Brenna is Joachim's mate and he will do anything to gain her broken trust.
I love Brenna and Joachim and Valerian and Shaye are great too. We also get a little insight into Layel who the next book is about. I think this series is getting better and this book is well worth it.
This series was recommended by a friend on a yahoo book group. So I tried it. I was definitely intrigued by the first two books though admittedly not super impressed. I had never read anything by the author but was willing to continue with the series. I'm so glad I did.
The Nymph King is the best of the series yet. Valerian oozes sexual allure and passions, and has no problem going to any woman's bed. Then he allows his men to go from Atlantis to the surface and world of humans only to come face to face with his mate, the only woman he will ever want after seeing her.
Shaye is a cynical woman who keeps people at bay with her quick wit and biting comments. And now she's being carried into the ocean by some huge man that radiates naughty thoughts.
Valerian is a great hero for the story. He doesn't hide any "faults" Shaye points out and is refreshingly opened and honest about all manner of things. He also rarely backs down. He wants Shaye and he won't stop til he gets what he wants; even if it means the death of his cousin.
Shaye is a great character. So many times the heroine of the story is pathetic and weak and lacks all sense of humor but Shaye's got it in spades which is part of her problem. She's one of those people that can't fathom letting someone close enough to break her heart and Valerian's promiscuous ways aren't coming near her, until she realizes what he means by mate.
Another great addition to the story is there is technically more than one hero and heroine. Joachim and Brenna are a great pair that quickly became equally as interesting as Valerian and Shaye.
Joachim watches as another warrior picks Brenna for his bed-mate (against her will) and seethes with anger. He wanted her and because he doesn't get her he plans on challenging Valerian for Shaye just to make his cousin suffer with him. Joachim isn't a match for Valerian and ends up injured which brings Brenna to his side as she's a doctor.
Brenna is terrified of these men. She's been attacked before and just wants to go home. Brenna is saved from the warrior who chose her because Shaye demands that any unwilling woman be left alone. Only problem is that the warrior who picked Brenna follows her everywhere and now her patient has her wondering if she wants to go home or not. As it turns out, Brenna is Joachim's mate and he will do anything to gain her broken trust.
I love Brenna and Joachim and Valerian and Shaye are great too. We also get a little insight into Layel who the next book is about. I think this series is getting better and this book is well worth it.
June 18, 2012
The Nymph King was classic Gena Showalter in that it was funny, sexy, fast-paced and unput-downable! Her characters are so interesting and original in every single book and this quality just continues to thrill and astound me. Of course Valerian and Shaye are no exception.
Shaye is just an average girl living on good ol’ planet earth attending her mom’s sixth wedding to Mr. Perfect, irritated that she’s away from her anti-card business, and being her usual caustic self when anyone tries to talk to her. She’s learned over the years that her icy bubble keeps the bad people away and her life nice and ordered. Shaye is happy with her life, she’s independent, self-sufficient, and she isn’t blinded by any rose-coloured glasses.
Valerian –fierce warrior, King of the Nymph’s of Atlantis, sex god– finally relents when his sex-starved troops beg him to take them to the surface to find females because they have become too weak to defend their palace. Although the king has promised not to claim any of the humans they find as his own, and Valerian never goes back on his word, he is stunned when he sets eyes on the ethereal woman, Shaye. Determined to make her his, he takes her back to Atlantis with him, despite her intent to fight him every inch of the way. The more he gets to know Shaye the more Valerian realizes he needs to show her that her bubble of self protection is blocking her from all the good people out there too.
As human and nymph circle one another they have no idea who is playing with the strings of Atlantis. A god has learned that Atlanteans have travelled to the surface and brought back humans unbidden –breaking rule numero uno. He’s determined to teach everyone a lesson.
I really enjoyed the third book in the Atlantis series for all of the reasons I listed before. Although Valerian’s story wasn’t exactly what I was expecting, for instance it read more like a contemporary romance than a supernatural one (not that there’s a HUGE difference), I still liked it. Overall a great read and now I can finally get to Layel’s story!
Shaye is just an average girl living on good ol’ planet earth attending her mom’s sixth wedding to Mr. Perfect, irritated that she’s away from her anti-card business, and being her usual caustic self when anyone tries to talk to her. She’s learned over the years that her icy bubble keeps the bad people away and her life nice and ordered. Shaye is happy with her life, she’s independent, self-sufficient, and she isn’t blinded by any rose-coloured glasses.
Valerian –fierce warrior, King of the Nymph’s of Atlantis, sex god– finally relents when his sex-starved troops beg him to take them to the surface to find females because they have become too weak to defend their palace. Although the king has promised not to claim any of the humans they find as his own, and Valerian never goes back on his word, he is stunned when he sets eyes on the ethereal woman, Shaye. Determined to make her his, he takes her back to Atlantis with him, despite her intent to fight him every inch of the way. The more he gets to know Shaye the more Valerian realizes he needs to show her that her bubble of self protection is blocking her from all the good people out there too.
As human and nymph circle one another they have no idea who is playing with the strings of Atlantis. A god has learned that Atlanteans have travelled to the surface and brought back humans unbidden –breaking rule numero uno. He’s determined to teach everyone a lesson.
I really enjoyed the third book in the Atlantis series for all of the reasons I listed before. Although Valerian’s story wasn’t exactly what I was expecting, for instance it read more like a contemporary romance than a supernatural one (not that there’s a HUGE difference), I still liked it. Overall a great read and now I can finally get to Layel’s story!
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