Nov 29, 2017 | reviews, romance
Certain individuals might consider Lady Amelia Pembroke a managing sort of female, but truly, most people would be lost without her help. Why, the latest on-dit is that rakish Viscount Sheffield is canceling the fete of the year because he hasn’t time for silly soirees. He doesn’t need time—he needs her!
When a flash of lightning destroys the venue for his family’s annual Christmas ball, Lord Benedict Sheffield intends to enjoy a relaxing holiday for once. But after twelve days of beguiling Lady Amelia’s guerrilla tactics, he’s up to his cravat with tinsel… and tumbling head over heels in love.
The Viscount’s Christmas Temptation, by Erica Ridley
Thanksgiving has passed and as such, it is now fair game to put on the Christmas music and decorate the house and dive into all the Christmas-themed books that I otherwise leave off. Not because they’re not enjoyable but because there’s a special magic to read them in the lead-up to the holiday, reminding me of all the love and joy that I associate with the season.
And while I haven’t managed to get my tree up yet or the ornaments pulled out from storage (Thanksgiving travel does not help with this, nor does being sick), I have gotten one novella read already.
Lady Amelia Pembroke is the sort of woman who plans. And plans and plans and plans, so that no potential calamity is left unaccounted for. Unexpected guests? Illness? No problem. She’s prepared for every possible outcome, having run her brother the Duke’s household since she was 14. However, it occurs to her that the reason her brother has yet to take a wife is because he doesn’t want to set up a conflict between his sister and his duchess. As such, she resolves to marry — and quickly, as her thirtieth birthday is fast approaching. The annual Sheffield Christmas ball seems the perfect place to size up potential husbands and make her selection.
Unfortunately for her, the Christmas ball has been canceled thanks to a lightning bolt. For many women that might seem like an insurmountable obstacle, but not for Miss Pembroke. She takes herself over to Viscount Sheffield immediately, ready to offer her services to relocate and run the ball with less than two weeks to go.
Viscount Sheffield isn’t at all sure about the lady who turns up on his doorstep, demanding that he allow her to organize and throw the ball his family has hosted for generations. Not that he has much attachment to the ball, but he’s not willing to simply stand by and let someone else take it over. Despite this, he’s intrigued by this woman who is neither a shrinking wallflower nor one of the women he’s spent years dallying with. He agrees but only if he can oversee the process.
The story proceeds rather predictably from that point, with the timeline tight because this is a novella. Still, an absence of side characters means the story stays focused and I enjoy how even though Amelia is falling in love she still retains the core of who she is. I admit to feeling at least a small amount of kinship with Amelia because her journals sound like something I would do. Possibly something I do do.
As far as Christmas stories go, there’s relatively little “Christmas” about this one; I could probably read this one outside the Christmas season and be okay with it. It’s free on Amazon (at least at the moment) and serves as the introduction to the Dukes of War series, which I suspect I’ll read at some point. The writing was certainly crisp and enjoyable and while this might fall into the “slightly less realistic” category of Regencies, I enjoyed it all the same. An excellent short diversion from the holiday prep if you’re looking for one!
Nov 21, 2017 | reviews, romance, scifi
When a female Shifter comes to town seeking refuge, Feline Shifter Sean Morrissey claims the new arrival and finds a beautiful woman who looks him straight in the eye without fear, stirring the mating frenzy within him.
To relocate to a new Shiftertown, half-Fae, half-Shifter Andrea Gray must accept a new mate. But Andrea’s intense attraction to Sean is something she never expected-a perilous complication for a woman with a troubled past.
Primal Bonds, by Jennifer Ashley
This was a bit of a different read for me. As much as I might love the Psy/Changeling series, I’ve read a few of the other big-name paranormal series in the past and haven’t found them to be my cup of tea. Still, tastes change and I occasionally try to revisit that particular subgenre to see if there’s something that might catch my eye.
Primal Bonds is actually the second book of the Shifters Unbound series; I picked it up on sale (like I do so many these days) since the reviews indicated that the first book was helpful but not required to understand the universe. I think I would judge that as perhaps 75% accurate — while I could certainly follow the story easily enough, there are a few holes in my understanding of the universe that might not exist if I’d read the first book. I can’t be sure, however, since I have yet to read the first book. Keep that in mind as reading this review.
The book starts with an attack at the bar where Andrea Gray is working. She’s a relatively recent transplant to the Austin Shiftertown, having moved to escape the wolf pack where she grew up when the man who wanted to claim her as his mate refused to take no for an answer. Of course, in order to move to the new Shiftertown, she must accept a mate-claim from one of the males already in the pack. Sean Morrissey offers for her sight unseen, intending to give her some space to get settled before deciding what she wants to do. Of course, the best laid plans and all that…
Sean is a Guardian, one of the Shifters who uses a magic sword to sever the soul from the dead body. This allows the Shifter access to the afterlife. Even though there’s debate within the Shifter community about how necessary this act is, most Shifters still want his services available when the time comes. Rarely do they acknowledge the burden it places on him, however, especially when the soul severed is one of a close family member or friend. Sean had given up hope of finding a mate, since although he was popular with the ladies, none of them were interested in sharing that particular burden.
Andrea, on the other hand, is used to hiding her half-Fae side. For years, she’s been told she’s the lowest of the low and completely worthless in the pack, tolerated only because male Shifters heavily outnumber females. Her mother passed away when she was young, leaving her behind in the care of her stepfather. In the new Shiftertown, she’s hoping to learn more about the Fae who sired her — especially as her Fae magic seems to react to the Guardian sword that Sean carries.
There were definitely some interesting bits and pieces to this universe. Shifters are collared and forced to live together in Shiftertowns, even thought they might be members of different packs. There is definite discrimination by humans against Shifters. Less is clear about the Fae, but there are hints that they are involved in a more shadowy role, both with the Shifters and with the humans.
On the flip side, the story seems to move from instant lust into love very quickly and it feels like there are a lot of loose ends in the story. Some of this is likely deliberate, in order to keep the reader invested in the series, but to choose an example, it’s repeatedly emphasized how Andrea doesn’t seem phased by other Shifters’ displays of dominance where she should be reacting to them and the reason for this isn’t clearly articulated. There are multiple points like this, where something is clearly highlighted but no explanation is given. That’s frustrating for me as a reader. I can overlook it more easily if the love story felt more natural but…
In the end, I enjoyed the world enough that I will consider picking up another one or two of the books if I can catch them on sale. Hopefully the first book will be one of them — this does feel like a universe where that first world-building book is important!
Nov 15, 2017 | reviews, romance
Vampire hunter Elena Deveraux and her lover, the lethally beautiful archangel Raphael, have returned home to New York only to face an uncompromising new evil…
A vampire has attacked a girls’ school–the assault one of sheer, vicious madness–and it is only the first act. Rampant bloodlust takes vampire after vampire, threatening to make the streets run with blood. Then Raphael himself begins to show signs of an uncontrolled rage, as inexplicable storms darken the city skyline and the earth itself shudders.
The omens are suddenly terrifyingly clear.
An ancient and malevolent immortal is rising. The violent winds whisper her name: Caliane. She has returned to reclaim her son, Raphael. Only one thing stands in her way: Elena, the consort who must be destroyed…
Archangel’s Consort, by Nalini Singh
Having survived a mad archangel in Angels’ Blood and a clash between the Cadre in Archangel’s Kiss, Elena and Raphael are happy to finally return to New York. It’s the first time Elena’s been back to the city since her transformation and both she and the city need to adjust to each other. Still, she’s looking forward to a chance to settle into her role as consort to Raphael without any more crises — or at least anything beyond the occasional vampire hunt for the Guild.
Then a call comes from Elena’s half-sisters and it marks only the tip of the iceberg. Vampires are being consumed by bloodlust, strange weather and natural disasters are striking around the globe, and Raphael is starting to act cold and distant. It will take all of Elena’s will to fight for her consort and their relationship as both of them deal with the scars left by family. After all, the last time Raphael saw his mother, it was as she walked away from his broken body.
Like I said in the review for Archangel’s Kiss, what I really like is that there is no magic wand in Nalini’s world. Actions have consequences. Elena might be a little stronger than she was before and ready to return to New York, but she’s far from a power in the angelic world. She’s still weak by immortal standards, relying on the skills she’s been able to adapt since waking up from her coma. I love that she doesn’t let this stop her. Elena insists on defining herself on her own terms, even when she learns some family history that pulls the rug out from under her.
In the meantime, Raphael is doing an admirable job of learning to cope with fear for someone who hasn’t had to deal with it for centuries, but he still makes mistakes. There were moments in this book where I wanted to smack him upside the head, archangel or no, but he and Elena manage to resolve their differences like adults instead of stewing over it. Elena, to her credit, does a good job of learning when she needs to compromise instead of simply pushing herself to her limit like she might have before becoming Raphael’s consort.
Once again, Nalini makes you believe in a world populated by people. The secondary characters and even the antagonists are well-rounded and multi-dimensional. The world is a violent one (see the death toll at the end of the second book) but despite what it demands, Raphael and his Seven still carry a core of honor with them that let’s you feel like you can root for them to succeed. It’s an impressive balancing act.
This resolves the story arc that started in Angels’ Blood, so if you were thinking about checking out this series I would recommend reading at least this far before making your decision about whether or not to continue. (If you’re feeling a sense of deja vu, yes, I did say much the same thing about the Psy-Changeling series.) As for me, well, I’m continuing. I’m sure that’s not a surprise to anyone. 🙂
Nov 8, 2017 | reviews, romance
Princess Brianna of Tullymullagh is determined to marry only for love—until her father’s holding is conquered and the king decrees that she must wed one of the victor’s sons. Thinking she can outwit this condition, Brianna issues a challenge: the son who brings her a gift that makes her laugh will win her hand.
Thus begins the Bride Quest of the three brothers Fitzgavin.
Burke and Rowan, knights both, ride out on Brianna’s quest, each intent upon triumph. Only Luc refuses to participate, for he knows that a princess had no place in the life of a battle-weary warrior like himself. Brianna is not inclined to accept his refusal—she tempts him and awakens his slumbering senses with her alluring beauty and her sweet kisses. Luc has sworn to lay down his sword forever—until he is the sole one who can defend the fair maiden who has claimed his shielded heart.
The Princess, by Claire Delacroix
I’m not sure what I expected out of this book but what I got was an enjoyable read with well-written characters and a plot that, if not perfect, moves along at a decent clip and reaches a satisfying conclusion. Set in medieval Ireland, the story opens with Brianna’s father, Connor of Tullymullagh, acknowledging his defeat at the hand of a Welsh mercenary serving King Henry of England. Brianna is heartbroken for her father, who has worked to build the castle he is now being forced to surrender, and interrupts the ceremony.
Of course, for a woman to draw attention to herself like that places Brianna in a dangerous position. King Henry seeks to use her to bind his vassals together and orders her married to one of the mercenary’s sons. Gavin immediately puts forward Burke, his heir, but desperate to maintain both her own independence and somehow keep the castle for her father, Brianna demands a choice. Her spirit amuses the king, who supports her request, and Gavin is forced to send for his three sons to allow Brianna a choice.
Brianna, meanwhile, is plotting to choose none of them and when presented with the three for her choosing, announces a quest instead. Burke and Rowan, obedient to their father’s will, ride off in search of a gift to make Brianna laugh. Only Luc, the eldest, remains behind, having no interest in a wife. He had answered his father’s summons only in an attempt to receive the seal for the Welsh estate he grew up on and now manages, having hung up his spurs as a knight. Not even his father’s temper can drive him out — which complicates Brianna’s plan to no end.
I really enjoyed watching Brianna and Luc fall in love with each other. Brianna is willful and used to getting her own way, but she also genuinely cares about the people her father rules and grows into someone who does for them over the course of the book instead of simply taking her position for granted. Luc, on the other hand, has scars that run deep from his service as a knight but realizes over the course of the book that the main thing keeping him from healing was himself.
If I had one complaint about the story, it’s that some of the side characters are a little flat. This is probably due to the need for multiple characters in order to make the mystery halfway believable, but the result is a bunch of characters who are less well developed, especially in comparison with Luc and Brianna. The plot feels at its weakest when it’s relying on the mystery for tension, which is unfortunately much of the second half of the book.
Still, I enjoyed this enough to read through it in one sitting. I’m looking forward to the next book in the series, even though this isn’t one of my regular subgenres, so I encourage you to pick it up if you have the chance.
Nov 1, 2017 | fantasy, reviews, romance
Vampire hunter Elena Deveraux wakes from a year-long coma to find herself changed – an angel with wings the colors of midnight and dawn – but her fragile body needs time to heal before she can take flight. Her lover, the stunningly dangerous archangel Raphael, is used to being in control – even when it comes to the woman he considers his own. But Elena has never done well with authority…
They’ve barely begun to understand each other when Raphael receives an invitation to a ball from the archangel Lijuan. To refuse would be a sign of fatal weakness, so Raphael must ready Elena for the flight to Beijing – and to the nightmare that awaits them there. Ancient and without conscience, Lijuan holds a power that lies with the dead. And she has organized the most perfect and most vicious of welcomes for Elena…
Archangel’s Kiss, by Nalini Singh
The events at the end of Angels’ Blood make it very hard to wait on reading the sequel. Elena and Raphael managed to stop Uram but the price was nearly Elena’s life. Now she’s the first angel Made in human memory, saved by the Archangel who loves her. The transformation doesn’t come without a price, however, and Elena isn’t very good with limits.
Of course, the Cadre is still the Cadre. Elena’s position as Raphael’s lover means she is his weakness, something both of them are having trouble adapting to. For the first time in centuries, he knows what it is to fear. When Lijuan invites them to a ball, there is no choice but to accept the invitation and hope that they’ll both survive.
I love that the events from the first book have consequences, both good and bad. Elena is an angel, yes, but instead of everything being perfect from the beginning, she’s weak. As hunter-born, she was strong for a human and she’d spent years honing her skills with weapons. She still has those skills but her body is different now and she has to learn how to adapt, especially to her wings. After all, having wings isn’t the same as knowing how to use them.
The focus of this book is still Raphael and Elena, although we get to see more of the secondary characters we met in the first book. Raphael’s Seven continue to guard and serve, which means helping protect Elena, since she’s his weakness. We explore the Refuge, where angelic children are raised, and learn a little more about the various archangels in the Cadre. Nalini is really good at creating multidimensional characters that still have a hook you can identify, and that’s definitely in full swing here.
If the first book was a paranormal romance, this book is rather firmly on the urban fantasy side of the divide. We see more of the growing relationship between Elena and Raphael, and learn some of the past that has shaped both of them, but there is no new couple here like we see in the Psy/Changeling books. (There’s plenty to suggest that will come, though.) The focus here is instead the consequences of the first book and the growing sense that something isn’t right in the world. The world-building continues to be excellent and Elena is a strong heroine without losing her ability to be vulnerable. We’re sharing in Elena’s journey as she struggles to cope with all the changes that have happened, without losing her sense of self.
Overall, I think that if you enjoyed the first book, you should definitely read the sequel. As for me, well, I have a series to catch up on.
