http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00BUVDDY8 Price drop to $.99 for a limited time!! If you're looking for a great new Romantic Suspense author, this was a greahttp://www.amazon.com/dp/B00BUVDDY8 Price drop to $.99 for a limited time!! If you're looking for a great new Romantic Suspense author, this was a great one. This is an author to watch out for, guys!
I've dodged bullets, got in high speed chases, nearly got blown up, got kicked in the balls. None of it compared to being forced to wait for you to come back to me."
4.5 Stars Well color me surprised! You never know what you're going to get when offered a read-for-review book. Since I was recently lamenting the lack of good new Romantic Suspense authors, the offer from Mrs. Stelmack seemed serendipitous ;);)
From page one, this book is packed with action, intrigue, sexual tension, and edge of your seat moments. And yet somewhere amid the chaos is a wonderful love story, between two deserving people.
My Synopsis: Delta Fox (come on, can a name be ANY more kick ass?!) comes from a sad and lonely background. Betrayed in the worst possible way by her parents, she spent her teenage years being trained in the art of stealth by her mentor and pseudo father figure, Mr. Hadrian. When her one and only friend is murdered and people start chasing Delta, she doesn't simply try to get away...she wants to get even. Delta doesn't have special people in her life, and the ones who took her friend need to be brought to justice. Problem is, Delta is a thief. Sure, she only steals things from those that were originally stolen, so she's not technically breaking the law. Nevertheless, there have been enough run ins with cops and bad guys that she has a warrant out for her arrest. So she must stay hidden.
Brian is a thrill seeking stuntman and owner of a special effects studio Cause & FX. He's no stranger to danger...in fact, he actively seeks it out. When he comes across a lone woman hitchhiker in the pouring rain on the highway late at night, he has no idea that he's about to be led on a merry chase with more thrills and danger than he'd bargained for. Not to mention, the cute little ninja like woman he picked up is sexy as hell and pushes all the right buttons.
Within a day of Delta and Brian's first meeting, there are car chases and shootings, smashed limbs and assassination attempts. Boy, does this author know how to write action! I have missed this genre, although I have to say that it focuses less on the sexual aspect and tension than my normal Navy SEAL stories or FBI macho men romances. And yet somehow, the love story between Delta and Brian is very genuine, somewhat slow building, (although the time line is still very small, so much happens that it feels longer).
My Thoughts: Brian is exactly what Delta needs. He sees a sweet, pixie like woman beneath her tough girl exterior. He uncovers her vulnerabilities. Here's what he says when he learns of her past:
But you beat them, didn't you? They betrayed you in the worst way a person can be betrayed, but you didn't lie down and die. You found your own path in one of the toughest cities on Earth. You found friends and a mentor and became this ninja, wall climbing super-thief...You're a hero, Delta..."
Ummm...Swoon! Yes, yes, I swooned!!
Aside from the fabulous suspense and action that this book contained, I loved most watching how Delta is slowly won over by Brian. He's steadfast when that's what she needs most. She changes from a loner woman, stoic and simply living day to day to a woman who loves, desires, giggles, and truly LIVES her life, for the FIRST time in her life. It was beautiful! And it made me smile while giving me warm fuzzies! When they finally reach the point of playful and fun with each other was the highlight of the book for me! I love how Delta goes from frightened and mistrustful to letting loose a round of giggles.
"I'm not most women." And before he could correct the stupidity of that remark, she keeled over sideways onto the bed and was giggling like a madwoman, making the mattress jiggle. He whacked her one with a pillow..."
This was the ultimate man who knows EXACTLY how to handle the strong willed Delta. And boy, does Delta ever need someone to show her tenderness and devotion! My favorite Brian quote:
"Use my love. You need to wear it when you're cold. Turn it on when the room's too quiet. Read it when you're bored. Pop it back when you're sick. Call it when you're in trouble...Take it, Delta. Take mine, take it all." She swallowed. "I've got nothing to give in return." "Nothing at all?" She knew what he wanted. He knew how to love somebody. She'd get it wrong, she didn't know how to love. "You don't want my love. It's small. And hard. And poky."
A remarkably full debut novel from this husband and wife writing team. I'm very much looking forward to the next installment featuring Brian's quirky, off the wall assistant Gina.
My HUGE thanks to the author for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. I was honestly thrilled!!!...more
"If you must lie, lie in the arms of the one you love. If you must steal, steal away from bad company. And if you must drink, drink in the moments th
"If you must lie, lie in the arms of the one you love. If you must steal, steal away from bad company. And if you must drink, drink in the moments that take your breath away."
Jake has been an honorary member of the Sullivan family for nearly twenty years. And Sophie Sullivan has been in love with him since she was five. But she's the "nice" twin, the shy librarian, the one always in the background who does what she should instead of what she wants. Until now. Chase and Chloe's wedding brings out the stars in her eyes, and she makes a last ditch attempt at making Jake see her as more than his friend's kid sister.
Little does Sophie know that Jake's always stood in awe of her quiet, reserved beauty. So he displays very little resistance when Sophie attempts seduction.
It's a little hard to not spoil the big idea behind this book. Suffice it to say, Sophie and Jake don't have to worry about losing each other. Circumstances are already set for them to be important in one another's lives. Now they just have to find a way to accept that their love is returned to them. Jake has a hard time feeling like he deserves Sophie due to his background of poverty and because of his learning disability...even though he's extremely successful as the owner of McCann's pubs. And though Sophie braved a seduction once, she has a long way to go to feeling like she's enough woman to keep the interest of playboy Jake.
Another fabulous installment to the Sullivan's series...this one moved the series forward with a wedding and an engagement and a couple other life altering surprises.
As of 3-18-13, the first four of these books are free to read here on Goodreads!!!! Can't beat that!...more
This is freely readable here on Goodreads, and so are books one and two!!!!!!!!! Three FREE reads...awesome, Ms. Andre!!!
Somehow, I loved this book evThis is freely readable here on Goodreads, and so are books one and two!!!!!!!!! Three FREE reads...awesome, Ms. Andre!!!
Somehow, I loved this book even though it is EXTREMELY formulaic for the Contemporary Romance genre. Maybe I just happen to love the formula...yes, I think that's it!
Gabe saves Megan and her seven year old daughter Summer from a fire in their apartment building.
Problem: Gabe won't date women who see him for his firefighting hotness, due to a cray cray ex girlfriend fixating on his hero status. And Megan already lost one husband to his daredevil ways, and has no intention of starting a relationship with another risk taker.
Solution: Seven year old precocious little Summer is half in love with Gabe already, and insists on bringing muffins to the fire station, then insists on pushing her mom and Gabe together as often as possible.
Formula: Man and woman spend time together unintentionally. They are extremely attracted to one another (because both are extremely hot), but both have issues that will keep them apart. After one hot and heavy night of passion, they try to part ways. But Mr. Man (Gabe) decides that he doesn't want to stay away any more.
And the chase is on....
I adored Gabe for his tenderness. He's a big, brawny, tough guy, but he has such a soft spot for Summer. And he falls in love with not just Megan, but her daughter too. Summer remains a big part of the story throughout, and while there are a couple of times that there are conveniently placed babysitters, she isn't confined to the background. This is a family in the making, and my heart went pitter pat.
"How different would it be if Megan and Summer lived here with him? If all that color from their small apartment were in here? If their clothes hung in the closets and Summer's drawings were on his fridge?"
Awww, the man wants some kids drawings on his fridge!
Of course, that helps to win Megan over, by leaps and bounds. He loves her daughter, he loves her...what's not to love about him?
"Maybe it was the way he always made plans for three, rather than trying to pretend she didn't have a daughter."
Megan fights and fights, but of course we all know where all of that fighting leads. I love how she can't fight too hard...eventually, she says screw it! Hot firefighter, love me!!! And the cave man claiming NEVER gets old.
"Mine." He was crawling up over her now, pressing her aainst the pillows. "You're mine, Megan."
SOLD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I"M SOLD.
"You never told me how the story ends, Gabe." She held her breath, waiting for his response. His expresionheld all the love an desire she knew he felt for her. "It doesn't."
Le sigh! Sorry for the quote-y review, this was just full of 'em. I just really enjoy this series. I've missed the family dramas of contemporary romance series, the way you get to know everyone so well and stick with them throughout years of their lives. It's always sad for those series to end. Bella Andre has a slightly old school style of writing that brings back happy memories of why I love the romance genre...
The good: *Jonah *Jonah *Jonah: The man is amazing...hugely muscled UFL champion, a god in bed, ridiculously tender with his womA few quick thoughts:
The good: *Jonah *Jonah *Jonah: The man is amazing...hugely muscled UFL champion, a god in bed, ridiculously tender with his woman and his Mom...nuff said
* Some really skanky adversaries that were actually treated like skanks instead of being sent on their way with a pat on their heads. Maybe I live in a bubble, but does any girl really act this way? Anyhow, they got what was coming to them...
*Blake!!!!! Why do I always fall in love with the oversexed male sidekick? I freaking LOVED Blake!!! He's unabashedly sexual, and he never lets up...but that's who he is, and it's just accepted. I liked how Raven just laughed him off instead of getting pissed at his chauvinism. It was all in good fun, and he was one of my favorite parts about the book...maybe even more so than Jonah?!
The bad: * Raven is not the tough chick I thought she'd be. At first, I thought that she was, but soon enough, the tears start to trickle...and flow...and soon I wondered if she'd wash away on her own self made river. She starts to rely on Jonah too much for my tastes. There's one thing about letting a man stand up for you and protect you, but another about hiding behind him and letting him be your shield.
* Some of the circumstances seemed pretty fantastical...some of the characters didn't act realistically. One example - why did pimp daddy go to so much trouble to pimp his own daughter? That's like his entire goal since she was a newborn...why? No explanation...there were quite a few sensationalized instances, in my humble opinion.
It was still an okay read, but again one that didn't grab me like I wanted it to.
A couple of fave quotes: -- "Anyone up for a ride on the bi-polar coaster..." (That's Raven speaking of herself...love that she could see her own flaws.)
-- "To think that I could experience this all consuming lust, as well as the soul-shackling love that I would die to keep is life changing. This tiny girl who works on cars, laughs at stupid jokes, and blushes at the slightest flirtation is min. There is nothing I wouldn't do for her. I would spend the rest of my life making her happy if she'd let me. So this is love. My life will never be the same..."
--"That's it!" Locking her eyes with mine, she throws her hands in the air. "I'm done. I'm switching teams. I despise men and from now on will only date women... "Are you going to be okay?" I'm grateful to see her previously purple face fade to a splotchy red. "Me? Hell yeah, I'll be okay. I'm a lesbian now."...more
My absolute favorite of the series so far. Honestly, this entire series really just deserves SHADEX, DEX, WHAT ARE YOU DOING TO ME?
I mean, to Perry...
My absolute favorite of the series so far. Honestly, this entire series really just deserves SHADES OF FIFTY STARS, because I'm pretty sure Karina Halle is a genius. Each book has a formula...set up for the life of Perry and Dex/setup for the situation they are about to find themselves in/set up for the state of their sad and effed up, star crossed relationship.....and then BAM!!!!!!! You're hit over the head with awesome!!!! Seriously, each book is really good up to the fifty percent mark or so and then you realize that you're not sitting in your living room any more, you're actually ghost hunting with Dex and Perry, getting ready to be eaten by rotting leper babies or dragged off by evil shape shifters. It's quite difficult to come back to reality when the book is over. I feel quite bereft every time!!
Okay, beyond the gushing...
So Dex gets a great opportunity to film in his hometown of Seattle, in a never-before explored haunted mental hospital. The hospital is still used by a few patients, but for the most part is empty, with only one wing being used.
Instead of putting Perry up in a hotel, Dex comes up with the brilliant idea that she should just stay in his guest room...you know, in the apartment he shares with his wine babe GIRLFRIEND!!! What the hell, Dex?! And what the hell, Perry?! Of course, what kind of story would this be if she actually said no? So we end up staring at the beginning of a train wreck.
"I want you to stay with me," he said. "And that's the problem. Every time you leave me, I need you a little bit more..."
Well, pardon me, but fuck you too, Dex...with your girlfriend and your life and your distance and your randomly sweet words. What is going on in your head? It's beyond sad, because these two are so meant to be, and it's beyond obvious to everyone but them. And yet they couldn't be more lonely. I just want to scream at him, "She's RIGHT THERE, DEX!!! TAKE HER, keep her, hold her, she's yours!"
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At first, EWBG (Evil Wine Babe Girlfriend) seems welcoming and sweet...not to mention that she's drop dead gorgeous and a bit of a fashionista too..as if Perry needs yet another reason to feel inadequate!!! But Perry gets to meet some of the other people who work for Jimmy, and the crew seems to be very nice...and very curious to meet the infamous Perry, the “girl who broke Dex's nose.”
Needless to say, the whole situation is messed up and awkward. Amidst this lovely setting, Experiment in Terror still needs to be filmed, and the two end up spending some night time fun in the haunted mental hospital...in dark hallways
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with the ghost of Dex's old girlfriend determined to...do something...to either Dex or Perry or both. I was never really sure who she was after. Let me say this: she is rotting and ugly, and she's holding a grudge. Oh, yeah, and Dex is allergic to wasps...keep that in mind.
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But of course, the show must go on...and so it goes...and so does the tension and soul deep connection between our meant-to-be couple.
Honestly, the horror of this book takes a limousine sized backseat to what's really the focus here: Dex and Perry. You've never met a couple that are truly soul mates until these two. There is an almost tangible invisible line, you can just feel their connection, and IT. IS. PAINFUL.
"I had the urge to lean over, grab him by the edge of his plaid pajama pants and pull him on top of me. His body in my hands would make the fear go away. I wanted to tug at his shaggy black hair, suck on his bottom lip. I wanted to run my fingers over the tattoo on his chest, "And with madness comes the light" and feel the madness inside of me until it consumed both of us."
What a line!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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Nothing can top the end to this book, NOTHING!!! My heart simply breaks for them both, even though I was so angry I could smack someone (Dex). But the good thing about this is that I'm fairly certain that the man has good reason to act the way he does. There's no excuse, really, by there's so much going on in the messed up minds of these two complicated people, and with their situations, it's nearly impossible to overcome the obstacles keeping them apart.
And yet I have faith that if anyone can make them "see the light," it's this author. She's fast become one of my all time favorites. Amazing how an author so unknown to me a few short weeks ago has this much power over my emotions now.
I am consumed with the Experiment in Terror series....more
On this episode of Experiment in Terror, Dex and Perry are called to Red Fox, New Mexico to investigate a report of a haunted ranch. Not only haunted,On this episode of Experiment in Terror, Dex and Perry are called to Red Fox, New Mexico to investigate a report of a haunted ranch. Not only haunted, but bombarded with night time rock hailstorms and overrun with wild animal sightings...inside the house.
Believed to be the work of something called a skinwalker, the entity feels evil to Perry. Skinwalkers are said to be violent and malevolent beings, a legend of many Native American tribes. These are not nice creatures.
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The couple that Dex and Perry are sent to help are devout Christians, and won't allow any 'sinful behavior' to go on uner their roof...which leads to Dex and Perry pretending to be married for the duration of their stay on the ranch. They share a room and a bed, which leads to a few heartfelt discussions and a little more bonding time than we got in the first book. In fact, Dex's past is inadvertently brought to light through one of his friends from his past, and it goes a long way in convincing Perry and this reader how multilayered he is.
“Dex,” I whispered. “Mmmm?” he grunted. “I hope you never stop feeling alive.” I could have sworn his heart skipped a few beats. He tensed. Then relaxed. “As long as you’re around,” he said softly, “I’ll be alive.”
Again, while there were definitely some freaky goings on, I wasn't too overwhelmed with fright. Although I fully admit to ensuring a well lit room was where I parked myself to read! These skinwalker things are freaky!!! Not to mention that the majority of the book takes place on a ranch in the middle of the desert, miles from anywhere.
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This is a couple that is like none other that I've read before. Each book gives you just a bit more of who they really are, each book brings them just a tiny bit closer as friends, and with the sexual chemistry that fairly SCREAMS from the pages, you know that once these two finally cut loose, it's gonna be good! I can't help but think that Dex and Perry are a lot more alike than they think. ...more
I never thought while reading this series that it would be one to hurt my heart. I've felt the gamut of other emotions, but despair and hopelessness wI never thought while reading this series that it would be one to hurt my heart. I've felt the gamut of other emotions, but despair and hopelessness weren't something I was prepared for. I should have known, I should have expected that Halle had even more in store for Perry. In On Demon Wings, she nearly broke me.
If you haven't read the previous books (all the way through Lying Season), Don't read my spoilers!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
You've been warned!
This story picks up pretty much directly after (view spoiler)[Dex and Perry's heartbreaking connection in Lying Season. And that's exactly what it was, a soul-deep connection...there's that invisible line between these two again, before Dex (and Perry, let's be honest) screw it up. (hide spoiler)] Perry is back at her parent's house again, but she's not alone. In more ways than one, she's not alone. Aside from her ever-loyal "Little Fifteen", Ada, she's got something else with her.
Whatever it is begins to take over Perry's life. Her mind is lost in fits and starts, and she has periods of time in which she can't even recall living. Not only that, but her emotions seem to affect objects around her...anger starts fire, and nightmares become reality. She sees burning, malevolent eyes in the darkness... [image][image]
and there is darkness everywhere for her. Soon, Perry starts to realize that the darkness...the demon...is in HER.
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It gets to the point that Perry can't sleep. She starts breaking down. Her mind can't handle the pressure, and she's so very alone...gah, it's just heartbreaking!! There is fear in the eyes of her loved ones...they know something is going on with her, and when Perry starts to do things that endanger them and herself, the proverbial sh** hits the fan, and the situation explodes.
Dex....
Again, Dex....Always DEX!!!
"I'd gone from thinking we'd always be connected in some way, that we were the same person separated a long time ago, to having not idea at all. I was here, going through hell, and he had absolutely no idea. He really was cut and gone."
Dex is sorely missed in this installment of the Experiment in Terror series. That is not to say that his absence detracted from the story. Once again, Karina Halle proves that she excels at building suspense, drawing out a scenario until you think you're going to SHATTER if the tension isn't relieved. Perry has never needed Dex more, but she also can't take being with him any more. She's alone, alone, alone....and close to breaking.
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In steps Maximus, and while his good ole boy southern charm seems like it's helping Perry, I often had the feeling that he had ulterior motives. Another cry for the long lost Dex from me! And don't worry folks, the man does show up eventually...at the point that you just can't stand it any more, and the last piece of Perry is barely hanging on...here comes Dex...
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What an intense ride this book was!!! It's another un-put-downable read in this remarkable series. Seriously, I have lost so many hours of sleep over this series. It's practically turned me into a zombie myself!!!!!! Think Dex will come save ME? ...more
This book is PURE FANTASY!! Twin hotties not only vying for your attention, but also doing it in such a seductive and sexual way that practically everThis book is PURE FANTASY!! Twin hotties not only vying for your attention, but also doing it in such a seductive and sexual way that practically every setting of your life leads to foreplay? SIGN ME UP!
The opening scene in Down to You is great...it set the whole tone for the rest of the book. Cash and Nash (but especially Cash...WHO likes bad boys? Me, me!) both somehow pop up in Olivia's life within a day of each other.
Cash is a bar owner bad boy who's sexy, slow smile and flirty ways draw Olivia like a moth to a flame. Though flirt sounds like something a fourth grader does compared to Cash's come-ons. He wants Olivia, and he intends to have her. By 'have her', I mean he wants to F*ck her brains out. But Olivia is done getting her heart broken by bad boys. She knows Cash is the love em and leave em type, and she tries (and fails) to run far, far away.
In steps Nash...who's sitting in her kitchen with her beeyotch of a cousin...because they're together. Not only is he the spitting image of the god she met the night before, but HIS interest is pretty clear also. And he soon leaves no doubt that he wants her just as much as his brother, regardless of his girlfriend. Problem is, Nash is what Olivia SHOULD want. He's on his way to being a successful, solid lawyer. He's cool, calm, collected (unless he touches Olivia, then all bets are off.)
So Olivia is stuck wanting both boys. What to do, what to do? Well if you're Olivia, you don't have to do anything. These boys are willing to do ALL the work. This is women's fantasy put into words. I loved, loved, loved the first ninety percent of the book
Somewhere toward the end, everything sort of comes to a head. Secrets are revealed and all of a sudden, the story takes a huge turn. For me, it was just felt totally out of place. I understand that it was supposed to be a surprise ending, and I was okay with one aspect of it...I'd already kinda figured out the little twist. It wasn't hard. But what is revealed after that just didn't jibe with the feel of the book. Suddenly, it's a romantic suspense? Hmmm...
Still, I get what the hype is all about. Cash and Nash are lip smacking good...pure decadent sexual fantasy, and I loved it!!...more
I loved the first 100 pages or so, and felt the book had promise to be great. After that, it sort of fell apart for me. There is soooooooooooooooo mucI loved the first 100 pages or so, and felt the book had promise to be great. After that, it sort of fell apart for me. There is soooooooooooooooo much unnecessary drama that could have been avoided had either of these two had stopped being self involved enough to think through their situation rationally.
I didn't dislike either of them, but I think I just expected a more mature relationship. This one felt like a high school love affair with adult situations and sex.
Basically, it wasn't a bad book. The British slant of writing was kind of cool, because you don't often get a writer who won't cave in and write 'American'. I'm sure there is a technical term for it, but you get my drift. Though I'm glad I don't have to read it all of the time, because it did interrupt the flow. What is a 'vest' in the UK? Is it a tank top? I also think that there were some editing issues, but not enough for me to care all that much about.
So for the first 100-150 pages, I give it five stars. After that, not so much. I think this is one that you really need to be in the mood for. Prepare for angst and drama, drama, drama!!! I can see the appeal, but I read it at a time that I needed something a little more toned down....more
I am just so, SO impressed with this book series. I've never read anything like it before, and I was hesitant at first to start a series made up of noI am just so, SO impressed with this book series. I've never read anything like it before, and I was hesitant at first to start a series made up of nothing but novellas. But they each were so closely tied together, and Ms. Vane just has such a way of cutting the extra, unneeded junk out and condensing the dialogue, the setting, the worthless characters and villains. Every word moves you on to the next thought or action. And every word makes you want more. DeVere and Diana's story has been slowly building throughout the series, so if you haven't read the first three, I highly recommend that you do.
After reading the previous book, The Devil You Know, I fell in instant lust with Ludovic DeVere. The ultimate playboy of London, and the way the book ended I was just certain that the author couldn't make me fall in LOVE with him. He just has the demeanor of a solid player...he cares for no woman. He allows them the use of his body, that's all. There is something truly sexy about complete confidence and a complete lack of inhibitions. Even when it came to Diana, I kept feeling as if he held back. He never spoke to her of feelings; it was always visceral and visual. The look in his eyes, their mutual feelings when they were together...but the way it all ended!!!! Break my heart!! Poor Diana! And poor DeVere...until I remembered what a hoochie he was being while Diana secluded herself away from society.
Without giving away spoilers, let me say that I am officially won over. And it didn't even happen until the last bit of the story. The way this couple dances around each other is painful but so fun to watch! Again, this book has a more serious feel to it than the first two of the series. We get background info on DeVere which really helps the reader to understand the why's of the way he is.
I just loved this series. Erotic and refreshing, I will for sure keep an eye out for more by this wonderful author!
One big defense here...I've seen a rash of publishers doling out a measly two or three chapters at a time...releasing one every month or so and charging for each...the ebook ends up costing the reader a bundle for an ebook that is no bigger than normal. THIS IS NOT ONE OF THOSE! These novellas are each around 130-150 pages, and tell a completely self contained story. You won't put your reader down and grumble about a cliffhanger...even between The Devil You Know and this one...they are both about DeVere and Diana, and although that installment makes you WANT more D&D, you're still satisfied with the end....more
And here we get to the meat of this mini-series. The man I waited for...Ludovic DeVere! This book wasn't nearly as lighthearted as the precious two...And here we get to the meat of this mini-series. The man I waited for...Ludovic DeVere! This book wasn't nearly as lighthearted as the precious two...though the steam factor was turned up a notch!
I actually love how the author has laid out the time line for this series. During books one and two, we get little snippets of DeVere and a Diana...you know there is a tension there, and it builds little bits at a time. During book two, it is much more obvious, and Diana is so cold. She seems as if she's completely opposite of DeVere. He is unapologetic-ally lascivious. He literally revels in sin and wickedness. Diana, while not particularly stuffy, seems fairly straight laced and...well...normal!
And here we are, getting that background on these two. Though I expected there to have been something sexual, I didn't expect the emotions. You mean to tell me, Ms. Vane, that Ludovic has some vulnerabilities? Some tenderness buried under all of that outer playboy? Though I suppose tenderness isn't exactly the right word for it, I was really surprised to find that Ludovic has emotions.
So it's as if this portion of their lives has had the door closed on it. I felt, as a reader, that I got the entire story. That part of their life is finished. They are no longer the same people. Thank goodness they still have another 140 pages or so in order to fall into each others arms!
I am so very, very glad that I noticed this book showing up on my feed from multiple friends. So many little gems get easily overlooked, and I'm lucky that this wasn't one of those for me. I snatched it up and am hopelessly addicted!! I'm moving on to finish Diana and DeVere's refreshingly potent love story. ...more
Okay, so I knew that I wouldn't love Vesta. She showed her childish nature during Ned's book, when he brings home her new step momma. (Ned is her fathOkay, so I knew that I wouldn't love Vesta. She showed her childish nature during Ned's book, when he brings home her new step momma. (Ned is her father, and the 'hero' from the first in the Devil Devere series.)
But I must say that I think Vesta and Hew are wonderful together. Hew DeVere is Ludovic's younger brother. He takes life seriously...as I don't imagine Ludovic ever could. By the way, I mention Ludovic often because his story is being told simultaneously throughout the Devere mini-novels. He plays a major role in trapping his young brother into a compromising position in The Virgin Huntress. It just goes to show another playful, la-di-da side of him.
Vesta has come to London for her coming out. She's only 18 years old, which I'm sure contributed to my inability to relate to her. She just seems so very young and spoiled. I think, though, that this is exactly what the author was trying to put out there. She's a very different kind of heroine. She sees what she wants (Hew) and basically bowls the world over to get to him. When she thinks that Hew has an interest in her godmother Diana, she simply changes the location of...well, her and Hew. With a little help from the Devil DeVere.
This was a nice installment to the series but I must say that I'm so intrigued by Diana and Ludovic that they are overshadowing everything else at this point.
Let's put it this way...had this been my first...or even my tenth Kristen Ashley book, I might have been thrilled to read it and soaked up every last Let's put it this way...had this been my first...or even my tenth Kristen Ashley book, I might have been thrilled to read it and soaked up every last word of the story. However, I've read more than twice that amount, and I just can't bring myself to invest more of my valuable reading time on one again for quite some time.
As everyone was, I was over the moon excited about reading Benny and Frankie's story. Unrequited love, a heated and dramatic past, a truly worthy separation (for once) had me clamoring for their HEA. And of course, we get the HEA. But I'd say that roughly 75% of this book was filler, worthless internal dialogue, and the back and forth bickering between protagonists that KA has become so well known for. Now, that leaves the other 25% as being some really good shit. That small percentage was so wonderful, so heartfelt, so emotional, and it sort of makes it sad to note that the rest of it bored me to tears.
I haven't read a single review for this book as of yet. I didn't want to color my own perception if everyone loved it. I didn't want raised expectations because that always ends up going bad for me. I wanted to know nothing about the book/plot/story. So I won't even do a recap here. I'll just say my likes and dislikes and move on.
Dislikes:
NO PLOT!!!!!!!!!!! Yes, there is a romantic storyline here. For the first 250 pages, that was the focal point of the book. But even there, it read just like every other KA couple. The small amount of real emotion that I felt for Frankie's situation could have been magnified tremendously had Ashley delved more into the Bianchi family's apologies and feelings for Frankie. As it was, there was no apology at all...just a few dramatic puppy dog looks, and Frankie was all about healing the seven year betrayal that she received from the entire family. Not good enough. We never got any real emotion from the Bianchis...why did they love Frankie? Why did they want her for Benny? DID they want her for Benny? Stop making effing dinner and have a damned conversation with the young girl who meant so much to you before you blamed her for your son's death and then left her alone to deal with the aftermath!!
During the second half, there is a half assed attempt at bringing a plot into the storyline regarding Frankie's job. At that point, however, it felt odd to introduce all of these characters and intrigue to the story. I had no interest in it whatsoever. Not to mention, when the action sort of starts happening, it was constantly interrupted by sex and those ever-present back and forth arguments between Frankie and Benny. Annoying, at best.
Too much filler text I enjoy some down time in a book. It's a good way to segue into a new direction for the plot or to give some gravity to a budding relationship. But there was way too much pointless interaction and silly conversation here. If a scene doesn't move the story forward, it's just filler. And more than half of this book could easily been deleted altogether, the only difference being that the page numbers are smaller, and I would have been more interested.
Recycled characters Don't get me wrong, Benny and Frankie were great characters. Good people. But remember those other nearly three dozen Kristen Ashley books I've read? I could substitute any other KA hero/heroine names in this book and it could easily been called the "Lee and Indy" or "Chace and Faye"...minus maybe five of her books, the characterization is interchangable.
One more tiny gripe...I wish the title to this book had simply been "Frankie and Benny" instead of The Promise. I feel like they deserved it, and fans did too. It would have made a big statement, and as it is, The Promise did nothing for me, not even when it was all kinds of cleverly inserted into the story.
Likes:
Cameo appearances by beloved characters My absolute favorite part about this book was getting so many of the other characters from the 'Burg series AND the Rock Chick series. We get to have a conversation with Lee Nightingale, and we get a lot of Luke Stark in all his epic swooniness. He gets to be badass as well as a sweetheart commando to protect Frankie.
"I have a question." Stark looked to me. "Can you kick Chuck Norris' ass?" Luke Stark smiled, white and lazy. My heart thumped. "I strive to be Chuck Norris," he replied. More so than either of those, we get a whole lot more of Joe Cal and Vi from At Peace. Kate and Kiera round out the family, and we get to witness Joe's introduction to fatherhood again and the wedding of the series between on of my all time favorite couples EVER. And we get to see him happy...can't beat that!
"You wanna give me my daughter back?" Call butted into the conversation. "No," Sal answered. "That wasn't really a question," Cal pointed out. "Take this beauty from me, I'll cut off your hand," Sal shot back."
Blurry good/evil lines: I loved how Sal's characters is portrayed and I loved all the varying reactions to him. Of course, the Bianchi family is not a fan of his. Not only is he the head of a crime family (and obviously does some very bad things) but their son was killed while working for him. On the other hand, Frankie still loves Sal and his wife...they're more family than her blood family ever was. Still, Sal cheats on his wife and there is this obvious rage in his eyes when someone contradicts him. But he sure loves Frankie.
The SEX!!! Holy hot blow jobs, batman!!! Benny sure knows how to boss his woman in between the sheets. The first time he put her on her knees and grabbed her hair, I broke out into a sweat, I swear!! Ahem...go Benny! And yay for Frankie! "Finish your donut. I'm in the mood to fuck you again." "So annoying" He grinned. "You want me to fuck you." She glared and snapped, "Annoying!" His hand tightened on the back of her neck and he dipped his face close to hers. "You want it." "Benny, you're making it impossible to eat my donut," she shared. He put his mouth to hers and whispered, "Finish it quick, baby. I want you to drop right here and take my cock in your mouth."
Welp! Alrighty then!!
In conclusion, I really think that if the Burg series is maybe one of two series by this author that you've read, or if you're just really a die hard fangirl of KA you'll enjoy this book. As it is, I feel like some of the magic has definitely worn off for me. Her Fantasyland series stands out for me as being wildly different, but her contemporaries/romantic suspense are becoming too repetitive. And to be honest, I can't even say that with complete sincerity because there are hidden gems in there too, such as At Peace, Sweet Dreams,Motorcycle Man and Rock Chick Reckoning, which I'm partial to, mainly because they are dissimilar enough to stand out....more
Kristen Ashley once again managed to captivate me. Set in the same parallel universe of Wildest Dreams, The Golden Dynasty is the story of a modern woKristen Ashley once again managed to captivate me. Set in the same parallel universe of Wildest Dreams, The Golden Dynasty is the story of a modern woman who wakes up among the Horde of Korwahk, right before the brutal wife hunt. Scared and confused, she befriends a couple of other lost souls minutes before running for her life. But her golden hair and eyes have captured the attention of the Dax, or king, of the Horde.
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Dax Lahn wants her as his wife…this golden woman among the dark. He knows that she is his destiny and that together, they will start a time of great magic and great peace among his people….The Golden Dynasty, a time told in prophesy and legend.
Only this golden woman, Circe, is not so easily caught or tamed. She does not bow to the Dax, nor does she know the language of the Korwahk. Circe must learn this new world, the customs and language of her new people, and learn to accept a brutal way of life that most people only deal with when watching movies or reading books. Slavery, rape, forced sterilization, and bloody fights to the death are the norm in this world. And Circe is now queen of it all.
And yet somehow…
Somehow Circe finds the tenderness in her barbarian husband. His brutality changes on a dime into tenderness. The way that Circe and Lahn communicate so stiltedly at first was sigh-worthy. Here’s one scene where something happens to Circe that leaves her not well, and Lahn is distraught. Circe tries to comfort him.
“I pressed my hands to his chest and whispered, “I’ll be all right, Lahn. I’ll be okay.” “Yes, okay, Circe,” he agreed on a light squeeze. I nodded my head against the pillows. “Yes, honey, okay.” “Honey,” he repeated on another squeeze.”
Awww, the big bad warrior is worried! I also loved how Circe’s little words of endearment became crucial to Lahn…he needed to hear them in order to feel secure in their relationship, even if at first he had to have an interpreter express the importance of them.
“He has decided he likes the meaning of honey best but he prefers how you speak when you call him baby. He is, of course, a ‘big guy’ and simply finds it amusing you would point this out.”
Not only does Circe change due to her new world, but this Golden Queen changes those around her. Small things such as respect and compassion seem to be nonexistent…not because they are unwilling, but because it is not their way. And now their legendary queen is here, showing them her beauty and humanity, and therein lies the story of how one woman changes a barbarian horde into humans.
“Your king did not break through with me until his touch stopped taking and started giving.”
Most of all, this was a gorgeous fantasy, and a beautiful love story. This is the perfect blend of two genres, and it spoke to my romantic nature and my desire to get away from reality. Dax Lahn is the epitome of alpha male, as are all of KA’s men. But Dax is a king. He doesn’t have the luxury to change his mind or show tenderness. He is blunt and honest, and that honesty sometimes came so wonderfully romantic:
“I could not dream a better you.”
And sometimes very, very HOT!!!!!
My queen, do not get drowsy. I am not done fucking you.” Oh. My. Gosh!!!
Of course, in a situation such as this, the road is rocky and communication isn’t even an option at times. But my goodness, it sure made for one hell of a ride! Ashley was able to write some stunning visualizations and her storytelling is, in my opinion, best shown in this book than any other that I’ve read so far. Kristen Ashley has a phenomenal imagination…She is a masterful storyteller. Execution is perhaps a little muddled for some tastes and I can understand that. But for me, reading a KA book is like talking to my best girlfriend. I just get her…it’s comfortable and casual…it flows easily.
EDIT TO ADD: For those of you that have read this already, here's a little reminder of one of the most emotional scenes I've read. I think she deserves a double rainbow in paradise, don't you? [image][image]"/> And the accompanying song, just for a little extra punch to the gut: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PSZxm...
Once again, I’m playing my “I LOVE KRISTEN ASHLEY” broken record. I don’t mind at all…this chick is amazing. And this book was fantastic!...more
Oh, Kristen Ashley...how do I love thee? Let me count the ways (because I'm running out of adjectives)
1- Chace - He's an ass from the start. But if yoOh, Kristen Ashley...how do I love thee? Let me count the ways (because I'm running out of adjectives)
1- Chace - He's an ass from the start. But if you read the end of Lady Luck, you know he's got a good reason to be an ass. Poor guy is dealing with copious amounds of guilt and sadness, helplessness, and not just anger...but rage. Rage at his father and the people who helped to put him in the position he is in right now, dealing with the death of a skank of a wife that he never liked to begin with.
But oh, Chace is such a beautiful, romantic man! Chace Keaton stared down at Faye Goodknight, her head against the pillows of her bed, her body under his and he wondered how in the fuck six years of misery led him to all the promise that was her.
2- Faye - The town's conservative, quiet, shy librarian who has loved Chace Keaton from the moment she saw him thirteen years before. Faye is easy to relate to, for obvious reasons. She always has her head buried in a book, (sound familiar?) and is always the pretty lady in the background. She's not reclusive, just absorbed with her life and content to sit on the fringes. And Chace vowed when he first laid eyes on her that he would have her sweetness, her innocence, for himself. That is, until the questionably evil people in his life used him to cover their asses, turning his future from hope to darkness.
3 - The town of Carnal - I absolutely love that KA has included the other boys of Colorado Mountain here in Breathe. In fact, Tate, Ty, and Max all make some pretty big cameos and are an integral part of the suspenseful storyline. Their wives, too.
4 - The kids - Kids always bring out the protective instinct of men, and Chace is just built to be a protector. Of course, he's a cop, but when Faye decides to help a dirty, skinny homeless boy who comes into her library to steal books, Chace goes above and beyond the call of duty. We already know he's an alpha male, but I love how gentle he is when he deals with Malachi. Ty, also, get to show his paternal instincts when his bundle of joy arrives. I don't think I can swoon enough!
Once again, I could write a book about this book. Kristen Ashley's characters are multifaceted. Chace did some things and said some things that pissed me off. But that's real. Real people aren't perfect. But Chace is perfectly Chace. And Faye is just made for him. She is the goodness and sweetness that he needs at a time in his life that he can't go any lower. She saves him, and he knows it. The best thing about that is that Faye doesn't have to change. She's still quiet, pretty, and shy. But now she gets to love him openly and honestly. She held out for a hero, and boy did she ever get one!...more
"Babe, advice. A man expresses his gratitude, you do not throw attitude. You kiss him and, maybe, suck his dick to show your appreciation."
Right there"Babe, advice. A man expresses his gratitude, you do not throw attitude. You kiss him and, maybe, suck his dick to show your appreciation."
Right there is the best damned quote in the book, and the best that I could find to show the side of Tack that he shows the world...the unapologetic, utterly crass and crude, shockingly male side of him. He is such a macho man badass.....UUUUURRRRGGG! I hated him at times! Every time I read a Kristen Ashley, there is a point at which I hate her hero...and Tack, I SWEAR is the worst of the lot. Has she written more of a male chauvinist before? I think not! (Of course, I have this same internal dialogue during every KA read.)
As I said in my updates, though...my inner feminist was hiding in the closet, crying like a little bitch. Because I LOVED HIM!!!
Of course, if you know and love this author as I do, you KNOW that there will come a turning point. It just takes a bit. Tack and Tyra meet under biker dude circumstances, at a party at Ride, the Chaos compound. For Tyra, the night spent with Tack is what dreams are made of...and Tack is her dream man. She never thought it would be this kind of man...but there you go. You don't choose love. It chooses you. That is, until her dream man slaps her ass and tells her to go find her own bed. WTF, Tack? I've gotta say...it made me laugh. What did she expect from a slam bam thank you ma'am biker guy? Everlasting love after a one night stand?
The kicker...she has to show up the next day at Chaos...because she's the new office manager. The one who just got boinked by the boss.
Tack isn't too keen on keeping her on, either as an employee or as his woman. But when he gets some of her sassy mouth, she's instantly irresistible. Aaaaaand here we go. WHAT A WILD RIDE!!!! Tack's teenage kids, the Russian mob, Tack's crazy beeyotch of an ex wife, and the rest of Chaos...I say again...WHAT A WILD RIDE!!!!
Tack, Tack!!! You naughty boy! Kane (Tack)Allen has the best dirty mouth. The sex between these two is explosive, and Tack loves to talk. Mmmmmm, mmmmm! (view spoiler)["My girl has a greedy pussy." (hide spoiler)] The spoiler is just a raunchy quote that I highly recommend reading...and imagine it coming directly from Tack's lips.
Of course, the man has his moments of tenderness. When the ultimate macho man shows his love, the moment is made sweeter due to its rarity.
“And into the darkness, to his sleeping woman, he whispered, “You don’t know this, baby, but some men have dream women too.”
I know Tack is all I've talked about...and really, I read KA for her over the top heroes. Tyra is cool. She's completely unsure about the Chaos world, and that's completely understandable. It's crazy and ruthless. She is put through some insanely scary stuff after becoming Tack's 'old lady.' But she perseveres, and she really is perfect for him. These two sort of reminded me of Tess and Brock...total opposites and yet they mesh so very well.
I loved this book...it's my favorite of the Dream Man series. ...more
"You got one life, never use it just to breathe..."
I've got to say, of all of the Kristen Ashley bad boys I've now met, Sam was the hardest one to tak"You got one life, never use it just to breathe..."
I've got to say, of all of the Kristen Ashley bad boys I've now met, Sam was the hardest one to take for me. I had a hard time dealing with how overbearing he was. He just never seemed to let up, and even when all was said and done...you know, toward the end when everyone sort of realises that there are two sides to the story and no one person is completely at fault...he never accepted blame.
Kia, also, seemed to rub me the wrong way. She was exactly opposite from Sam in that she seemed to give in way too easily and too often. If you've read the synopsis, you know that Kia had been abused during her entire seven year marriage, so I understand how she is the way she is. She's basically been forced to be a doormat. So I think that I just wanted/needed for Sam to be the person who gave her back some of her power. Because she had been not only powerless but helpless for so long.
From what I've said so far, you may surmise that I didn't like the book, but I actually did, very much. It's the ultimate teenage fantasy - to catch the eye of your famous hottie dream lover and have him sweep you away from your dreary, lonely existence to exotic places, all the while falling madly in love with your captivating beauty and irresistably naive charm.
Kia gets this and more when her abusive husband is murdered and leaves her with a pretty stinking healthy life insurance settlement. She finds someone who is not only a gentle soul, but feirce in his protective nature. Sam may not put power into her hands in the way of making decisions and such, but he hands her the freedom of living without fear. That in itself must be a powerful thing.
As always with Kristen Ashley, the epilogue is truly magical. It's everything an epilogue should be. It wraps up all of the dangly loose ends and goes one step further to give you a little bit of the softer side of Sam...which is EXACTLY what I needed. It is the extra push that made me fall in love with him and truly see what a great guy he is.
Sam and Kia both had some big demons to fight. Only Kia's are so much more tangible, and being the girlie girl that she is, she can't help but express emotions outwardly for the whole world to see. Sam, in turn, has had to be the big strong tough guy since he was a kid. He is forgivably pushy, I suppose. Though for me, I just didn't 'get' him until the last thirty or so pages....more
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