REVIEW: Playing the Maestro by Aubrie Dionne

Playing the Maestro by Aubrie Dionne

Publication Date:February 11th 2013

Publisher:Entangled Publishing (Bliss)

Edition:ebook, 190 pages
Useful Info: Goodreads, Author's Website

Melody Mires has sworn off dating musicians, but when the sexy European conductor Wolf Braun takes over her struggling symphony, her hesitation almost flies out the window with the notes of her flute—until he opens his mouth. Wolf is arrogant, haughty, and seems to have a personal vendetta against Melody. Oh, and he’s her boss. If she wants to keep her job as principal flutist, she’ll have to impress Wolf while simultaneously keeping her undeniable attraction to herself.

Wolf came to America to get as far away from his past as possible, and to recover some of the swagger he had as one of the world’s best maestros. He never imagined being forced to reassess the entire orchestra’s talent—and potentially fire anyone who doesn’t make his cut. Dating the attractive flutist is out of the question, but as their feelings reach a fever pitch, can they risk both their careers for a chance at love?

Let's face it, I have a thing for all Entangled's titles, especially those of the Bliss imprint. It's no secret! I love how sweet and cute and at the same time sexy they are without having any really hot sex scenes in them. So, when I read the premise of Playing the Maestro I couldn't wait to get started with it. I mean I knew I would read a cute and romantic story plus, as far as an interesting setting is concerned, one couldn't hope for a better, seeing this one is about a maestro! I haven't read anything like that before, so naturally I was beyond intrigued!

And while Playing the Maestro is fresh and unique in it's own way, it's cute and sweet, everything I had hoped for exactly, still, it failed to impress me or catch my interest. After a point, I couldn't care less about what happened in the story. Not because it was a bad one or the writing was bad but simply because I was bored. And I'm terribly sorry to say that but despite how fresh is the idea behind this story, still, the result was a lukewarm romance and a plot that didn't have anything exciting in it. It was terribly predictable, following every single cliche out there that even a gorgeous maestro or a cute flutist couldn't save the day. I may enjoyed reading about how the orchestra operated or Wolf's ideas to make kids care about classical music, but other than that there was little else I enjoyed in this book. Not that I hated everything else, I just had read everything before so there was nothing to keep my interest there. And if it wasn't a rather short story, I would have put it aside before even reaching the middle, but since it was a quick one, I decided I might as well finish it.

The plot like I said isn't anything fresh or interesting. Full of cliches and as predictable as one could get. The writing style, may be decent, but still I couldn't really appreciate it or give much thought to it since for most of the time, I just read for the sake of reading. With no real interest or a mind set to what I was reading. Too many things just went unnoticed truth be told.

The characters were ok I guess. I liked them. But I wasn't thrilled with them. And like with everything else in this story, I didn't care for them. And that is the main problem. That the author couldn't make me care about anything. Why? Maybe because despite the fresh setting, everything else was presented with in a rush way. Wolf hasn't even met Melody and he's set on impressing her even though he reminds him of his dreaded ex while Melody on the first page of the story vows to never date another musician and a little later she dreams about her dreamy boss... I get that this is a rather short story, but if you can't built your characters and a decent romantic plot in so few lines, use more pages or just don't do it at all. Honestly, at the time I picked up this book I was already tired of romances that just were on fast forward so maybe my judgement is a little bit harsher about this one specifically. But I just can't help it and I'm sorry about that.

All in all, Playing the Maestro is a sweet romantic title but nothing unique or fresh except for the fact that here the main hero is a maestro - and that is something you don't read about every day. Other than that, this story is exactly like a thousand others out there.

 * This title was provided for a review from the publisher.

EARLY REVIEW: Platinum by Jeffe Kennedy

Platinum by Jeffe Kennedy

Publication Date:February 25th 2013

Publisher:Carina Press

ebook
Useful Info: Goodreads, Author's Website

Althea Grant's Charleston gallery might be suffering from the bad economy, and her artistic aspirations have gone nowhere, but she's doing just fine, thank you. When bad-boy sculptor Steel rides up on his motorcycle looking to rent studio space, his infusion of cash is more than welcome. But his art is raw, visceral, sexual—and completely inappropriate for her pastel world of watercolor landscapes.

Steel, fascinated by Althea's rare albino coloring, sees in her the key to his next piece: a metal satyr designed for bondage games. Moving into her gallery basement is the first step; seducing the cool Southern belle into modeling for him is the second.

As Steel peels away her careful manners and tasteful outfits, Althea begins to realize her life isn't just fine at all—it's as pale and washed-out as the watercolor paintings she's failing to sell. Can she transform her life and accept her most secret desires?

The review was originally published at Book Lovers Inc

To be completely honest, I don't even know how to rate Platinum by Jeffe Kennedy and it's my second erotica title in a row that I face the very same problem. And that is none other, than the whole story being focused on the sex and nothing else apart from that. Should I rate Platinum based on how hot a book it is or how well described the sex scenes are, my rating would probably be a 4. But a good book, erotica or no, isn't the one that is hot. That's still an important factor, especially if the title is within the erotica genre, but come on authors, there are so many other things for you to explore other than that. Like a plot, or character development and easy flowing dialogues. The hot sex is good but what of all the other things that make your story solid?

Platinum I'm afraid falls into that category of books where there's nothing else to it other than the sex parts. There's no plot, no character development, the characters have a minimum background, the dialogues are cheesy as hell and stiff and to sum it up, there's nothing going on in this book other than the two protagonists having hot sex every other page.

I mean, the whole story starts with a brief introduction of Althea and Steel (yeah the guy goes under that name and not his real one, had me laughing hysterically over that name quite a few times, because do you get the metaphor here, or is only my mind THAT dirty?) and before you even know it, Steel lives under Althea's roof, giving her easy access to his, ehm... art. We get a couple of chapters before the whole action begins, I have to give credit to the author for that one, where we get to meet Althea a little bit better and how uptight she is and in desperate need of a good old fashioned f**k. After that point, all we get is sex, sex and oh, some more sex. All we really know about Althea is the fact that she once wanted to be an artist but never had the talent, how prim and proper she is, but underneath that facade, she craves for something spicier in her life that manages to unlock her ability to paint as well. While on the other hand, all we know about Steel is that he had a troubled past, he's a good artist and likes to have his sex a little bit rougher in the edges. That's all.

As far as the plot of Platinum is concerned, well, there's not one to be honest. Nothing. All the story is about is how some rough sex can make an uptight woman feel better and increase her self esteem and because we do want our happily ever after, she finds the man of her dreams in the process (of having rough sex that is). And speaking of the man of her dreams, that ending was so quickly wrapped up, so unrealistic that it just managed to make me roll my eyes one more time before I reached the last word of this book.

All in all, Platinum is a hot story and if you're searching for just well written sex, then this is just the book for you. If like me, you care about other things of little consequence such as good characters and a plot, then stay away from Platinum. You will feel disappointed.

 * This ARC was provided for review from NetGalley

REVIEW: The Pleasures of Winter by Evie Hunter

The Pleasures of Winter by Evie Hunter

Publication Date:November 1st 2012

Publisher:Penguin Ireland

Paperback, 400 pages

Useful Info: Goodreads, Author's Website, Book Depository

The Pleasures of Winter is a steamy erotic story of romantic obsession and explosive sexual chemistry for fans of Fifty Shades of Grey and Bared to You.

When reporter Abbie Marshall needs to escape Honduras, a private jet carrying a Hollywood A-lister is her only way out. She has a ride home with Irish actor Jack Winter - notorious womanizer and all round bad boy. Abbie is shaken to the core by Winter's blazing beauty and provocative mind.

After the plane's nose-dive into the remote rainforest forces them to fight for survival, Abbie catches tantalizing glimpses of the complicated man behind the image. And the more she sees of him, the more he touches some primal part of her that she is determined to suppress. But after a devastating encounter with Winter's shadow side, Abbie's detachment is shattered.

On returning to normal life, Abbie cannot forget what happened, nor ignore the shocking rumours about the star's private life. Her struggle to make sense of her torment leads straight back to Winter, who is just as obsessed by her. But if they are to have a relationship, Abbie knows she must embrace his hidden desires ... and accept her own.

No longer caring about anything but their intoxicating love affair, Abbie is drawn deeper into the dark heart of Winter - and the secret that threatens to destroy everything ...

'Evie Hunter' is actually two Irish authors who discovered a mutual love of erotic fiction when doing a creative writing workshop two years ago. They are delighted the rest of the world has caught up with them. Before writing The Pleasures of Winter, their first full-length novel, they co-wrote a number of BDSM-themed novellas.

Review first published at Book Lovers Inc

With all the craziness that 50 Shades has created recently and after seeing one erotica, BDSM themed, story being published after the other, I had made a promise to myself that I would try to stay away from it all. Since 50 Shades weren't really one of my favorite books and not for its story but for the writing style, it was only natural for me to stay away from anything that is promoted to be the next 50 Shades, only better. To be honest with myself, I was tempted more than a few times by some titles but always managed to stir away from temptation. But, with The Pleasures of Winter, I just couldn't resist. Even if deep down I knew that I shouldn't try it, that premise made me break my promise and pick up this book. Now I read it, I think that promises are made for a reason and next time, I'd do well to not break them...

The Pleasures of Winter, is indeed a book fans of 50 would really enjoy and like some other reviewers said, better written. And I can't agree more about either of those facts. Pleasures of Winter follows the exact same pattern with 50 (with spankings, obsessive heroes and the like), only the writing style is so much better, with actual plot in the story and there's not a moment you want to smack your head on any available surface due to repetitions or the appearances of inner goddesses. Hands down, this book is actually written in a way that you can easily read it and there's some character development. But, despite that, it still wasn't the right book for me.

The best part of Pleasures of Winter is by far the first part of the story that is set in the jungle. The part where Abbie and Winter crash in the jungle and fight for survival is the best part of the book. I liked everything about it. Well, everything right up their last day in the jungle that is and the first real hint of Winter's sexual appetites. Up until Winter "punished" Abbie for disobeying him I was sure that this would be an erotica title that I would love. After that, I felt uneasy towards Winter but still had hopes that he would somehow redeem himself, something that unfortunately never happened.

Maybe, BDSM themed stories are not for me. I don't know. Most of the stories with that theme that I read, were certainly not for me, but, there are a few that I really liked, so probably, it's not the theme that I don't like, but the way the hero or heroine is portrayed. And although Abbie was a nice character, well written and even if submissive in bed not a pushover, Winter was, for lack of a better description a real jerk. I didn't like Pleasures not because of the BDSM theme, not because of the writing style, not even because of the fact that it's a story already been written and said but because of the main hero, who I just couldn't picture him as sexy and caring no matter how hard I tried. The way he treated Abbie was horrific. I mean, I get the whole spanking idea, BUT only if both participants are okay with it all. How would you call a man who just starts spanking you just because you disobeyed him and it's not in the middle of a sexual act you both agree to, or you don't even know that this is the way he's turned on? Winter just starts spanking Abbie while she has no kind of relationship with him, she doesn't know a thing about him and they're not even in the middle of a sexual game. Because in my world, that screams abusive. It's a whole other thing to consent to something and a whole other to just get thrown in the middle of it with no prior knowledge. Who cares if Abbie is turned of in the end by the spanking? I don't. I was so repulsed with the whole scenario that from that point on, nothing Winter did could be perceived as sexy from me. And to make matters worst, he keeps treating Abbie badly and I'm not talking about while exploring her submissive side. Somewhere in the end of the story, Abbie and Winter break up and Winter's attempt to make up to her and take Abbie back is only saying that he's sorry (I think I'm not 100% certain about the sorry part), not giving any explanation whatsoever for his behavior and when Abbie isn't responding the way he'd liked he threatens her with punishment for not being obedient on the spot. I mean come on!!!! Is that even remotely sexy??? Is something wrong with me that I can't see it as sexy?

Like I said, maybe BDSM themed stories are not my cup of tea, despite enjoying a few of them in the past. But for me to enjoy any book, I must like the heroes and understand them, regardless the story's theme. So maybe, BDSM books are harder to write in terms of character, I don't know. The thing is, that The Pleasures of Winter was yet another failure for me, a book that might be well written and with sufficient character development, but with a main hero who I could never understand or find likable. I can't recommend it, but it will have a certain appeal to fans of 50 Shades, that's for sure.

*This title was provided for review from the publisher.

ARC REVIEW: Touch of Death by Kelly Hashway

Touch of Death by Kelly Hashway

Series: Touch of Death, #1

Publication Date: January 15th 2013

Publisher: Spencer Hill Press

Paperback, 229 pages

Useful Info: Goodreads, Author's Website, Book Depository

Jodi Marshall isn't sure how she went from normal teenager to walking disaster. One minute she's in her junior year of high school, spending time with her amazing boyfriend and her best friend. The next she's being stalked by some guy no one seems to know.
After the stranger, Alex, reveals himself, Jodi learns he's not a normal teenager and neither is she. With a kiss that kills and a touch that brings the dead back to life, Jodi discovers she's part of a branch of necromancers born under the 13th sign of the zodiac, Ophiuchus. A branch of necromancers that are descendants of Medusa. A branch of necromancers with poisoned blood writhing in their veins.
Jodi's deadly to the living and even more deadly to the deceased. She has to leave her old, normal life behind before she hurts the people she loves. As if that isn't difficult enough, Jodi discovers she's the chosen one who has to save the rest of her kind from perishing at the hands of Hades. If she can't figure out how to control her power, history will repeat itself, and her race will become extinct.

When I picked up Touch of Death in my hands, I have to admit that for some reason I had high expectations from this book. What with those few raving early reviews and a premise that gives glimpses of a really interesting story and I thought that this book would be amazing. And although the potential for a good book is all there, the execution I'm afraid, spoiled things for me.

The first thing that bothered me in Touch of Death, was how slow it was. I mean almost the whole first half of the book feels like an introduction to the story, where nothing crucial happens, only the problem is, that all that place in the narration isn't used to build the world or the plot, but it's rather wasted on extensive descriptions that aren't really helping anywhere or adding anything to the story. The first half of the book is full of some really extensive descriptions of things like an attempt to catch a rat, that to be frank, I think could have been described in far less pages... As it was, the author wastes precious space in her book just to prolong things. At least I felt that way...

My next problem was the main heroine, Jodi. She was a bit annoying and too self-centred at times. She just acts in a way I can't possibly understand, like when she totally disregards the fact that her room was searched by a stalker just to go on a date. To be accurate, she just pretends that important and dangerous things haven't even happened, just to go on a date...! She pretends and acts with a total abandon over her own life and the life of people she claims she loves, just because she has more important things to do that evening, like finally kissing her boyfriend. I'm sorry, but I just can't like a heroine who acts like that. Jodi is too irresponsible, too gullible and to reckless for my taste. The way she just chose to believe without a second thought, all the crazy things her "stalker" presented her as the truth, didn't help matters either. I mean, you don't just believe a stranger you presume as your stalker so easily and make plans to go away with him for the sake of the people you love. It's just unbelievable.

And now, time for my main source of problems with Touch of Death which I'm afraid is the core of the whole plot. And that is the fact that for the reader to understand Jodi's powers, the author goes on and describes not one, but five (or maybe six I'm not completely sure) deaths, deaths, Jodi herself was responsible for. It doesn't matter for me that she didn't know about her powers. We are talking about 5 murders here, 2 animals and 3 people. I think that I could understand Jodi's extensive powers without all that killing. After that, I really couldn't sympathise with Jodi no matter what. I just couldn't stomach all those deaths. Call me bizarre, but it bugged me.

The second half of the book though is far better and it's the reason I'm giving this book 2 starts instead of one. The plot there becomes more interesting with the necromancers and Medusa, but still, it was far too predictable and the plot was a bit all over the place.

All in all, Touch of Death was a book that couldn't really hold my attention and one that I had many problems with regarding both the plot and the main heroine that are the core of every novel. It may haven't been the book for me, but for so many reviewers to love it, it must have some redeeming qualities that I failed to notice.

* This ARC was provided by Spencer Hill Press for a review.

REVIEW: Flat-Out Sexy by Erin McCarthy

Flat-Out Sexy by Erin McCarthy

Series: Fast Track, #1

Publication Date:November 4th 2008

Publisher:Berkley Sensation

Paperback, 291 pages
Useful Info: Goodreads, Author's Website, Book Depository

Independent single mother Tamara Briggs wanted to find a new, sexy, no-strings-attached man-just not one as young as NASCAR driver Elec Monroe. But he sure does get her heart racing. And after she’s tricked into a blind date with him, Tamara gives in to her passion. Things screech to a halt, though, when he asks to meet her children. Whatever happened to wham-bam-thank-you ma’am? Suddenly Tamara has to decide how much risk she’s willing to take to experience the power of true love.

I can't even begin describing in how many ways I was disappointed with Flat Out Sexy.... Really, after all those raving reviews, I find myself once more in the minority of readers, but honestly, I struggled to finish this one.

I will start with the things I liked about Flat Out Sexy. And that is just one: the writing style and consequently the sex scenes. I may sound really harsh, and believe me I hate it, but this book is nothing more that some really well written sex scenes. And when I say well written, I mean it. But to be honest, I can't like a book in its entirety just for the good sex scenes. Because even a good sex scene, when there's absolutely no story to back it up, seem bad. Well, not bad precisely, just boring.... Because after a point I just felt like the whole book was just an excuse for Tamara and Elec to jump to bed and entertain us. And that was okay for the first and second sex scene, but after that I was just bored. I had already read about their sexual exercises and 5 or 10 more wouldn't change a thing. The story that was needed to keep me interested, was just not there.

And that was my main problem. The lack of even a substantial storyline... The story of Flat - Out Sexy was so full of cliches, so full of cheesiness that even the best written sex scenes in the world couldn't keep me interested. Not when all that happened where Tamara and Elec jumping each other whenever and wherever they could without caring if it was appropriate or if others knew exactly what they did. And I get it, they were so in love that they jumped to action straight away, only how could I possibly believe that they managed to fall deeply in love from the two or three times they had met???? So, we're talking about lust here. Which is just fine. Only, both of them were supposed to be decent, so even if their friends eventually knew about their sexual life, going about it like rabbits during a dinner was a bit too much to stomach. But my problem wasn't their decency. I couldn't care less about it. I just mention those incidents in order to highlight further the exact point where I knew I would struggle to finish this book... And that was when Elec, after two sex sessions with Tamara, and when I talk about sex sessions I mean just that and little talk, they were not even dates, starts feeling oh so in love with her and wants to adopt her children or whatsoever since he can't have children of his own. Oh, and he's 25 years old. Really??? I don't know about you, but I don't think that most people his age have those kind of thoughts and act on them so quickly. And I can't stress the word quickly enough... So, combining those two incidents, the so in love sex whenever and wherever and the thoughts of caring for another's family after only a week Elec and Tamara know each other, and well, you get why I just found everything about this story quite unrealistic...

Anyway, Flat - Out Sexy was just not the book for me. Probably I once more missed all the hidden pleasures of a book so many others enjoyed, but to be honest I just skimmed through most of the sex scenes of the second half of the story. Even if well written, they didn't add up anything to the story. The characters were good, not as much developed as I would like and apart from a couple of funny scenes with Tamara's children, there's not much I will remember about this book. Coming to think of it, Hunter and Petey - Tamara's children - where the only thing I loved about this book from the beginning to the end. Especially Petey and his smart mouth, a kid who only spoke when he thought it was necessary and to deliver at the same time some amazing lines!

All in all, I'm sad to say it, but I can't recommend this book to anyone. Even if the sex scenes are great. It was just not the right book for me. It may be the right one for you though, since it's a rather popular book, I just can't bring myself to recommend it.

REVIEW: Just One Look by Linda Cajio

Just One Look by Linda Cajio

Publication Date:August 13th 2012 (first published June 1st 1990)

Publisher:Loveswept

ebook, Loveswept Classics, 208 pages

Useful Info: Goodreads, Author's Website, Book Depository

In this taut and tingling romance, two spies find themselves entangled in a deadly game—and a sweet obsession—as undercover takes on a sexy new meaning.

His orders are to follow her every move. Luckily for agent Remy St. Jacques, this assignment comes with an unexpected benefit: His mark is drop-dead gorgeous. Too bad she is a traitor, a “turned” agent now trading state secrets for money. But when the unthinkable happens, and Remy is spotted by his target, he must make a bold move: forge an intimate bond with the woman, seduce his way into her heart, and discover what she’s hiding. Only now Remy’s not so sure she’s guilty of anything—except making him fall in love with her.

Susan Kitteridge had the perfect cover as a glamorous denizen of the Washington, D.C., party circuit. But when the spy sees something she was never supposed to see, she must flee the city and plot her next move. Susan’s mind is in turmoil when a handsome stranger suddenly catches her eye. But the growing, burning heat between them just might lead them both into mortal danger.

I just have to admit that I didn't really think twice to pick Just One Look up. I just saw the cover, read the premise and I just knew that I had to read it. Huge mistake on my part... As huge was my mistake to believe that a contemporary title, first published in 1990 would be something new and fresh... I still believe that some stories or authors are timeless, but that's not the case for Just One Look I'm afraid.

As soon as I started reading this one, it was obvious that I wouldn't end up loving it. The story, no matter how interesting the premise sounds is a little bit boring and far from what I expected. Because let's face it, when you read about spies you kind of expect some action, some violence, something. Just One Look had nothing. It was just a romantic story where the protagonists happen to be something like spies (Susan is nothing like Jennifer Garner from Alias, believe me!) and there's no action, anywhere in the book. There's no action even in the sex scenes if you know what I mean... All the story, in every department, is sort of flat. I have no other word to describe it any better.

The writing style is slow, heavy on the romantic department, but the kind of romance with no spark, where the protagonists feel an immediate attraction for each other, from the very first glimpse. And I'm not a fan of that, especially in adult novels. In YA, instant love is something that may work occasionally, but I have yet to encounter an adult novel where IL worked in advantage of the story. Remy, the main hero, tried very hard to be the drool worthy alpha male, but he failed to caught my attention, and I have yet to encounter a heroine, as indifferent as Susan. It pains me to be so harsh, but nothing in Just One Look worked for me. Absolutely nothing. Well, apart from one thing: Susan's grand mother! That's the only redeeming character and quality in this story for me. As soon as she was in a scene, I knew I wouldn't be bored and thankfully, she was part of the story for the biggest part.

All in all, Just One Look is not a romantic suspense story. Far from it. It's just a romantic story set in a world that so much could happen in terms of action and suspense. It's a short story, so at least you can easily read it but as far as memorable characters and stories go, it's among those novels that I easily forget. Nothing remarkable. Whether I recommend it or not? Consider yourselves warned :)

*This title was reviewed via NetGalley

REVIEW: A Blood Seduction by Pamela Palmer

A Blood Seduction by Pamela Palmer

Series: Vamp City, #1

Publication Date:May 29th 2012

Publisher:Avon

Mass Market Paperback, 1st Edition, 368 pages

Useful Info: Goodreads, Author's Website, Book Depository

Take me down to Vampire City...

Vampires live only for lust and pleasure in the eternal twilight of Vamp City. But the city's magic is dying. The only person who can restore it? A beautiful woman from the mortal world...one who knows nothing of the power she wields.

Quinn Lennox is searching for a missing friend when she stumbles into a dark otherworld that only she can see—and finds herself at the mercy of Arturo Mazza, a dangerously handsome vampire whose wicked kiss will save her, enslave her, bewitch her, and betray her. What Arturo can't do is forget about her—any more than Quinn can control her own feelings for him. Neither one can let desire get in the way of their mission—his to save his people, hers to save herself. But there is no escape from desire in a city built for seduction, where passion flows hot and blood-red.

Welcome to Vamp City...

I started reading A Blood Seduction, feeling that this was THE book for me! That it would be so good, I wouldn't be able to put it down. And for approximately 30% of this book, it was exactly like that. Sadly, after a point, things rapidly deteriorated and I ended up with a book I couldn't wait to finish and one I didn't like at all I'm afraid...

As I said, A Blood Seduction started with everything I search for in a book. Interesting and fresh world building, a hot hero and a heroine determined to do whatever she can to save herself and those she cares for. Add to that a decent writing style, so you get why I was so amazed at first and certain that I would love this book. But, despite all the potential and all the things that I liked, A Blood Seduction failed to deliver everything that it promised to.

I can't pinpoint exactly when things started to go downhill, probably during the make out sessions between Quinn and Arturo, the main couple. But still, although I didn't like neither how quickly they started lusting after each other nor I found sexy their make-out sessions, I still had hope. Because you see, the world building was truly good. You don't get your typical vampires, not at all. The vampires in A Blood Seduction are ruthless, blood-thirsty and treat humans like food. They not only feed with blood but through human emotions as well. Emotions such as pain or fear. You get the picture right? As I said, the vampires in this world, are exactly like vampires should be, the mythical creature people are afraid of. But not only that. In this world, we also have magic. A magic that permits those vampires to live in a parallel to ours universe and come and go between those two dimensions as they please. Intrigued enough? I was at least. Intrigued and fascinated.

But, as the story progressed, things just became to much. Pamela Palmer chose to wove to many elements in her story, and instead of making it more unique and fascinating, it just became unecessarily complicated and without any sense. As the story progressed, it reminded me of many different books. At first, it reminded me a bit of Halfway to the Grave what with Quinn tied to a bed and a hot vampire interrogating her when the protagonists first meet. Then, I was reminded of Spartacus the TV show and of Hunger Games. And in the way Arturo spoke to Quinn's mind in dangerous times, I couldn't help but think New Moon and Edward. So much for creativity... Or maybe, the fault lies with the many elements that were forced to coexist in a single story...

As far as the characters are concerned, all I can say is that I couldn't invest to any of them. Quinn and Arturo's relationship seemed forced, forced to be as sexy as it could get, but what I got instead was a man who tried to force himself in a subtle way and a woman who didn't know what she wanted. And how sexy can that be? I mean one moment Quinn feels like she's being raped and instead of protesting immediately she enjoys a bit and then protests. Granted, Pamela Palmer knows how to write a sexy scene but for a scene to come off as sexy the reader should be able to care or understand the heroes. And I could do neither of those things. Quinn was a bit irritating but for the better part of the book I didn't care for her and Arturo was a character that I forgot about as soon as I closed this book. Or maybe I remember something about him... That at first he reminded me of my beloved Bones. But only at first. What with the scene with the bed as I said above and the way he behaved, I was reminded of Bones, but he wasn't half as good a character as Bones is I'm afraid.

Anyway, A Blood Seduction, had all the potential to be one of my favorite books ever, but it failed to deliver in every department. I don't know how best to put it. And I'm so sad about it, because I really wanted to like it a lot more.

REVIEW: Demon Hunting in the Deep South by Lexi George

Demon Hunting in the Deep South by Lexi George

Series:Demon Hunting, #2

Publication Date:July 31st 2012

Publisher:Kensington

Paperback, 336 pages

Useful Info: Goodreads, Author's Website, Book Depository

The warrior and the wallflower . . .

Shy, self-conscious Evie Douglass tries to stay under the radar, especially when her nemesis Meredith Peterson, aka The Death Starr, is anywhere around. Meredith and her bitch posse of skinny girlfriends have tormented Evie since the seventh grade, calling her names like The Whale and Thunder Thighs.

Evie tries to stay invisible, but that’s not an easy thing for a plus-sized gal to do in a small town like Hannah, Alabama. She finds it doubly hard to avoid Meredith’s wrath once she takes a job at the lumber mill. You see, Meredith’s husband is Evie’s new boss. Translation: more torture time for The Death Starr.
Evie thinks things couldn’t get much worse until the morning she finds Meredith’s bloody body sprawled across her desk. Typical Meredith, she gets herself dead mere days after a very public scene in which Meredith accuses Evie of having an affair with her husband. Worse, the murder weapon is found in Evie’s car.

Suddenly, Evie is the Number One suspect in a sensational murder case. But she’s got bigger problems. Hannah is infested with demons—soul sucking, body snatching creatures of evil—and, for some reason, they want Evie. The only thing standing between Evie and death or possible possession is a hunky blond demon slayer named Ansgar.

Ansgar is a Dalvahni warrior, a supernaturally gorgeous race whose sole purpose is to hunt down and capture rogue demons.

Evie could almost swear that Ansgar is interested in more than demons. He seems interested in her. Ridiculous, of course, because he’s sex on two legs and she’s…

Well, she’s Whaley Douglass.

To add to Evie’s troubles, Meredith doesn’t even have the decency to stay dead. She shows back up as a ghost and she’s more of a beyotch than ever. Meredith has deathnesia—she can’t remember who killed her—leaving Evie to solve the mystery herself, or go to jail for a murder she didn’t commit.

Review first published at Book Lovers Inc

Demon Hunting in the Deep South is one of those books I find it extremely hard to review from time to time. For different reasons in most cases, but difficult nonetheless. And it's so hard for my to rate and review this one because even though I knew that it was part of a series, I was under the impression that it could be read as a stand alone just as well. But that, was a mistake.

Let me explain. Demon Hunting in the Deep South, has a different set of characters from the first book in the Demon Hunting series BUT the same characters that are now the main couple, had a rather extended presence in the first book of the series, Demon Hunting in Dixie. And when I say extended, I mean that they had so much history, that I couldn't possibly keep up with their story. There were so many things that tied Evie and Ansgar together, so many things that happened between them in the first book that no matter how many explanations the author gave me, I always felt that there were some pieces missing.

And that feeling of loss extends to the world building and plot as well. Lexi George does an amazing job with the complexity of her world but not everything is explained in detail. Or in enough detail to be able to grasp exactly how everything works. Granted, some things are explained but there are many that are not making it difficult for me not only to understand how the world ticks but to evaluate the author's ability to present her world to her readers. I simply don't know if things are left unexplained or were explained in the first book.

For example, in Demon Hunting in the Deep South you will meet a diversity of paranormal creatures: demons, fairies, ghosts and lots of magic. There are so many different paranormal elements but they don't form a solid world I'm afraid... I can't see any connection between them. They are just thrown in the story, without so much of an explanation or reason for existence. Nothing. And as I said, I don't know if those explanations I was seeking were given on the first book of the series, or not at all. SO, you see my problem in making my mind about the world building and the writing style...

Apart from that, there's one thing I immensely enjoyed about this book though: the sarcastic tone and humour of the author. Lexi George simply has a voice that stands out and knows how to write a villain who you love to hate. And that is Meredith. She may not be the main villain but she's definitely not angel material. But I loved her to pieces even when she was a total bitch. Especially when she was one :)

As far as Evie and Ansgar are concerned, there where things I liked and disliked in both of them. In Evie I liked how she developed throughout the novel and how loyal she was, but she was far too shy for my taste and honestly, the part where she gets arrested and her main concern is that she's commando, made me roll my eyes more than once.

Ansgar on the other hand, is your typical, drool-worthy alpha male, which is always a plus, I loved his brutality and how he fought his feelings for Evie, but I thought that he approached her far too easily and quickly for a man that did everything he could for Evie to forget all about him. He kind of contradicted himself.

The sex scenes, were fairly good written and sexy and you could see the chemistry between Evie and Ansgar, but again due to their history form the first book, the make out scenes came far too quickly before I could connect with the characters, and that is something I don't usually like. That, and reading sentences like "touche me there" or "touch her houhah" in the middle of a sexy scene that completely turned me off.

All in all, Demon Hunting in the Deep South is a book I had some problems with, problems that I wouldn't probably have if I had read the first book in the series. As it is, my review and rating is based solely without any previous knowledge to Lexi George's world and I really want you to take that into consideration. To fans of this series, Demon Hunting in the Deep South is a must. To the rest, take my advice and read those books in order. Lexi George's sense of humour is worth it! That, and I want you to meet Meredith :P

REVIEW: Breathing Room by Susan Elizabeth Phillips

Breathing Room by Susan Elizabeth Phillips

Publication Date:April 29th 2003

Publisher:Avon Books

Paperback, 400 pages
Useful Info: Goodreads, Author's Website, Book Depository

America's Diva of Self-Help, Dr. Isabel Favor, just lost her fiance to a disorganized earth mother, her accountant has absconded with her hard-earned money, and the empire she's built is in shambles. Seeking emotional shelter, she flees to Italy to find some peace. But for Isabel, the biggest disaster lies just ahead...in the gorgeous form of Lorenzo Gage, Hollywood's favorite villain. Before they know it, wine will flow, sparks will fly, and hearts will meld in this remarkable new bestseller from a writer at the pinnacle of her creative talents.

Review originally posted at Book Lovers Inc

I picked up Breathing Room feeling certain that it would be an amazing read. After all, I couldn't expect anything less by a book written by Susan Elizabeth Phillips. Unfortunately, it turned out to be, not at all the book for me and certainly nothing I could even half enjoy.

At first, I couldn't really get into the book. But since that is the case with every single book I read by Phillips, I just thought that it would be something temporary and that I should give the characters some time to grow on me. Yeah right... That never happened. Up until the end of the book, I really disliked Isabel and I couldn't care less about Ren.

But let's take things slower.

As far as the plot is concerned, it couldn't grab me. I felt that it dragged at times, that it was uneven and all in all, the whole story of this book, despite what the summary indicates, couldn't appeal to me. And I'm sad to say this, because honestly, from the summary, the story was something right up my alley. The heroine is a psychologist with whom I could totally relate to and the hero a bad-buy movie star. We are talking about a fantasy here! But still, the way the story progressed couldn't grab my interest. Not by a long shot.

The romance was lukewarm for my taste, nothing like what I expected from the author and the twists by the end of the story to spice things up made me believe that I was reading a really bad soap opera. I mean, the mystery factor Phillips introduced to make this story something more than a romantic tale made me twist my eyes and want to throw this book out the window. It was bad. Really bad. That statue thing was unnecessary and didn't add anything else to this story but silliness. At least the way I saw it.

And now, let's get to the real factor that made me dislike this book so much. And that is Isabel Favor, the main heroine. I have quite sometime to dislike so much a hero. Firstly, I couldn't possibly regard her as the professional she claimed to be. I can't regard as a professional someone who bases his career on pop-psychology. Isabel kind of reminded me all those tv psychologists who believe that through generalisations they can actually help people who face problems. Whatever those problems may be. News here: that's not how the job is done.

Apart from that, she was truly a hypocrite. She was so snob and pretentious that by the middle of the story I was sure that there was simply nothing she could do to change my mind about her. She wanted to have sex but had to first categorise it into some spiritual or higher cause and then succumb to her obvious needs. Let me tell you that as a professional, she should know that having a healthy sexual life is crucial and if you have the need to persuade yourself that you are doing it for other more noble reasons isn't mirroring a healthy person.

She had so many problems herself and it strikes me as quite odd, the fact that she didn't ever thought to go to a professional herself to resolve her various problems. She was such a control freak that she had to manage everyone's life even if they clearly didn't ask for her help. It doesn't matter if that way she managed to save the day. You just can't possibly interfere to strangers' lives, just because you have a PhD.

Anyway, I can go on and on about all the things I hated on Isabel. Bottom line, she was just one of those characters that can totally spoil a book for you, and since there weren't many other things to balance the story in this book, everything went downhill pretty quickly. Among the things I really liked, apart from Phillips' exceptional writing was the setting of the book. The whole story took place in Tuscany and the descriptions were so vivid and well written that actually made me re-visit the place once more. And since my memories of the place are really fond, I really enjoyed that part of the book.

But despite the nice setting and descriptions, Breathing Room was a book I will certainly want to forget that I ever read. And it pains me to say so, cause Susan Elizabeth Phillips is truly an author I really admire. That being said, I can't possibly recommend this book. Better try the author's other, simply amazing books and skip this one.

EARLY REVIEW: Dark Kiss by Michelle Rowen

Dark Kiss by Michelle Rowen

Series: Nightwatchers, #1

Publication Date:May 29th 2012

Publisher:Harlequin Teen

Paperback, 348 pages

Book & Purchase Info: Goodreads, Author's Website, Book Depository

I don't do dangerous. Smart, über-careful, ordinary Samantha-that's me. But I just couldn't pass up a surprise kiss from my number-one unattainable crush. A kiss that did something to me...something strange. Now I feel hungry all the time, but not for food. It's like part of me is missing-and I don't know if I can get it back. Then there's Bishop. At first I thought he was just a street kid, but the secrets he's keeping are as intense as his unearthly blue eyes. If he's what I think he is, he may be the only one who can help me. But something terrifying is closing in, and the one chance Bishop and I have to stop it means losing everything I ever wanted and embracing the darkness inside me.... NIGHTWATCHERS When angels and demons must work together, something beyond evil is rising...

I picked up Dark Kiss feeling quite certain that this book was right up my alley and that it would be a story I'd really enjoy. Unfortunately, although the story was something I would probably enjoy, the way it was presented and executed failed to grab my interest and entertain me.

My problems with Dark Kiss started really soon. From the very first chapters to be exact. I may knew and thus expected that in this story a kiss would play a major role, but still, the way the main heroine Sam, loses her soul through a kiss felt really cheesy. Cheesy and overused. But since I already knew and suspected that from the premise and title, I got past it easily. What I couldn't get past though throughout the whole book was the main heroine,Sam. I can easily say that she was the main reason I couldn't enjoy this book as much as I expected along with a couple more reasons, surely, but she, was unfortunately the main one...

From the first chapters I felt no connection with Sam, I couldn't fathom her reactions to things, I couldn't understand the way she acted or what exactly motivated her. More than enough times, I got the impression that she acted in a way, only because in that way, the story could move forward. It's something I have seen in other stories in the past, and not once did I appreciate it. There are always ways to proceed your story and make your heroes act in a consistent way. Always. And if not, then there's something wrong with the way the story proceeds.

Sam, acted in a bizarre way many times throughout the book. From the beginning when she meets Bishop, the hero, a boy she never have seen before in her life and treats him as a long lost friend up to the end when she goes and confronts a total stranger who she doesn't even trust with some rather crazy (even if true) accusations, Sam, acts like no sane or real person would. At least the way I see it.

My other problem with her, was the fact that she accepted things total strangers told her as facts way too easily... It was like:

Bishop:" I'm an angel"

Sam: " You must be joking right? Okay and what is your mission on earth?"

You get the picture. Bottom line, Samantha needed work for me. And I have to admit that I focused so much to her and her unrealistic reactions so much that all the rest went more or less unnoticed.

The story, was something that I would enjoy and the execution, though not perfect was good enough but unfortunately, I couldn't get into the story no matter how hard I tried. Add to that the fact that it was repeated again and again that Sam was Special by almost everyone in the story from page one and I hate to admit it, but I couldn't wait to finish the book. I mean, the word special was mentioned every other page and we got no hints whatsoever as to why she was so special. I understand that those answers weren't given so easily to maintain the mystery of the story but still, all those appearances of the word special tired me a bit.

Writing a bad review is never a task I enjoy. Never. And I'm certain that what I didn't like in Dark Kiss, others may really enjoy, or find other things to like that I failed to see. But personally, I just couldn't enjoy this story, no matter how hard I tried.

*This title was reviewed via NetGalley

REVIEW: Shadowlander (Shadow Sisters,#1) by Theresa Meyers

Shadowlander by Theresa Meyers

Publication Date:November 1st 2011

Publisher:Entangled Publishing

e-book

Four sisters, three rules to live by, one big problem.

O'Connell Family Rule #1: Don't let the Fae know you see them.
O'Connell Family Rule #2: Don't talk to the Fae.
O'Connell Family Rule #3: Never, ever follow them.

Most people only believe what they can see. Gifted with the ability to see the deep, dark fae of Shadowland, Catherine Rowan Mary O'Connell would prefer not to. When the fae abduct her friend Maya, Cate breaks the sacred O'Connell Family Rules and sets a trap for the handsome fae who haunts her every step.

Rook, High Court Advisor to the Shadow King, has been following Cate since she was sixteen. When Cate reveals herself as one of the fabled "Seers", Rook is stunned—she is one of the few that can permanently open the gates between their worlds. If he turns her over to the Shadow King, his court will rule the human realm.

Cate knows she has precious little time to find Maya. By midnight, the glamour of Mid-Summer's Eve will fade, leaving her trapped forever in the Shadowland, but Maya's abductor won't give up the woman he's mesmerized easily.

The midnight hour is almost at hand. Cate must choose: her freedom or her destiny.

I was dying to read Shadowlander ever since I read that amazing premise. It kind of sounded like Fever series meets Wicked Lovely to me and to be honest I was just desperate to find my next great UF series with fae, so when I picked this novella up, I was just certain that it would be great. Only to be hugely disappointed once more...

I'm not a big fan of novellas and that is why I try to avoid them usually. I simply think that there's not enough "room" in a novella to develop enough your characters or your plot. Well, one might contradict that there are 500 pages books that seriously lack in both those aspects development, but ok, you get what I mean...

Shadowlander was just a quick read, heavy on the romance department but aside from that a read that I won't remember for long and to sum it up in a sentence: A book that I shouldn't have bothered reading.

It may have been a really quick read as I said and although the story was something I would usually enjoy I just didn't care about the characters or the story whatsoever. I found Rook creepy what with him following a girl for 16 years and Cate a bit "lukewarm" and acting in a stupid way in some cases.

The story was progressing really, really quickly that I couldn't possibly invest or care about the characters and maybe that is something to be expected by a novella but that can't change my feelings I'm afraid. The book starts with Cate having lunch with her best friend, a best friend who is acting nothing like a friend I must add, who is later kidnapped by a fae and Cate rushes to her rescue. Don't get me wrong but from the little I got to know about that best friend I got the feeling that she was a self centered person and where was the need for our heroine to jeopardise everything, her family most importantly to save her from a fate she didn't even know how bad it was? I don't know, I just couldn't get Cate's sacrifice. The next major let down was when she formed a kind of a plan to save that friend, exposed herself to that creepy fae that has been stalking her for 16 years and from one minute to next she's madly attracted to him and talking about "recharging" sex (think of sex as a form of battery for the energy sources of a fae). Just couldn't go along with it for some reason.

Anyway, there were a couple more things that made me roll my eyes while reading this novella but bottom line is, that although the premise indicates a story more than intriguing, the execution of the story spoiled things for me. Maybe I shouldn't be expecting more, cause this is a novella after all, but truthfully I don't really think that's the case. The thing is that for this to be a good story there were lots and lots of things that should be added. As it is, I feel that Shadowlander is the plan of a full book that will be written again in the future.

REVIEW: Magic Lost, Trouble Found (Raine Benares,#1) by Lisa Shearin

Magic Lost, Trouble Found by Lisa Shearin

Publication Date:May 29th 2007

Publisher:Ace

Mass Market Paperback, 345 pages

Buy via Book Depository

My name is Raine Benares. I'm a seeker. The people who hire me are usually happy when I find things. But some things are better left unfound. I'm a sorceress of moderate powers, from an extended family of smugglers and thieves. With a mix of street smarts and magic spells, I can usually take care of myself. But when my friend Quentin, a not-quite-reformed thief, steals an amulet from the home of a powerful necromancer, I find myself wrapped up in more trouble than I care for. I like attention as much as the next girl, but having an army of militant goblins hunting me down is not my idea of a good time. The amulet they're after holds limitless power, derived from an ancient, soul-stealing stone. And when I take possession of the item, it takes possession of me. Now my moderate powers are increasing beyond anything I can imagine-but is the résumé enhancement worth my soul?

UGH! I picked Magic Lost, Trouble Found through some recommendations on books similar to Poison Study by Maria V. Snyder. I read the premise, found it intriguing and bought the book. Now that I read it, I really want to scream at those people who actually found it similar in any way with Snyder's books. Where did they find the similarities??? Where?

Before anything else, let me state one thing beforehand. It's not that Magic Lost, Trouble Found was a bad book. Not by any means.It was a decent Fantasy title, just not one that I would ever like. So, my rating of this book, represents solely my likeness of the book and not if it was technically a good book or not. Cause technically, this is a good book, not a 5 star rating but a 3,5 or 4. But unfortunately, I couldn't bring myself to like it or care for the story at all.

I found myself really bored by the point I reached the 1/3 of the story and after that point, I just couldn't make myself care for the characters or the story, even when it started to pick up a little after the first half. I was really tired by all those strange names the author used for her universe and the complicate relationships between the characters. Truthfully, they weren't so complicated, but when you read almost 100 pages of who is who and what is everyone doing and how even secondary characters are placed exactly in the story, well that is bound to exhaust you a bit. Well, in my case it exhausted me more than a bit and in cost to the actual story of the book.

Another thing that bothered me a bit was the fact that the story was pure fantasy, set in a completely imaginative universe with clothing of past centuries and according technology while the language was full of slang and dialogues I couldn't possibly place in the same century. The setting and the language didn't exactly blend together harmonically.

Anyway, as I said, I picked this one based on the assumption that it would resemble Snyder's work, which it didn't in any way. And it's not the book's fault that I picked it up expecting something else entirely. But I did. And if it wasn't for that, I wouldn't ever come across this title or consider reading it. Cause it's not the book I usually pick and enjoy, so it wasn't so much of a surprise that I didn't like it. But as I said, technically, it's a good fantasy title, definitely worth picking if you are a fan of the genre, just keep in mind that you'll have to ignore any recommendations that suggest it is similar to Poison Study. Cause it's not. In any way.

REVIEW: Fitzwilliam Darcy, Rock Star by Heather Lynn Rigaud

Fitzwilliam Darcy, Rock Star by Heather Lynn Rigaud

Publication Date:September 1st 2011

Publisher:Sourcebooks, Incorporated

Paperback, 432 pages

Buy via Book Depository

Darcy's as hot as he is talented...

Fast music, powerful beats, and wild reputations-on and off stage-have made virtuoso guitarist Fitzwilliam Darcy's band into rock's newest bad boys. But they've lost their latest opening act, and their red-hot summer tour is on the fast track to disaster. Now Darcy and bandmates Charles Bingley and Richard Fitzwilliam are about to meet their match...

But she's about to rock his world...

Enter Elizabeth Bennet, fiercely independent star of girl-band Long Borne Suffering. Elizabeth, her sister Jane, and friend Charlotte Lucas have talent to spare and jump at the opening band slot. Elizabeth is sure she's seen the worst the music industry has to offer. But as the days and nights heat up, it becomes clear that everyone is in for a summer to remember.

As soon I started reading Fitzwilliam Darcy, Rock Star I truly believed that I had in my hands the best fan fiction I have ever read and a really good contemporary romance title. I'm sad to say that by the time I had read the first 1/3 of the book, my opinion started to change rapidly, only to leave me by the end exhausted and feeling that I have read one of the worst contemporary titles ever. I mean this book literally sucked the life force out of me...

I'll start by telling what I liked in this book and why I forced myself to finish it and what made me have such a good impression of it at first. Rigaud, does an amazing job at presenting and "modernising" characters that we all know since our childhood. She took Austen's characters and really made them look like people who live in modern times. In most fan fiction titles I have read, authors fail miserably in that department, but Rigaud truly gave to her characters a modern voice that were in essence the same characters we all know, but could as well be characters we first met in her novel. Don't know if I'm making much sense, but bottom line, the character building and the story building came off as something really fresh.

And those sadly, are the only good characteristics of Fitzwilliam Darcy, Rock Star.

This book in unnecessarily too long, with details that if omitted, I would now be talking about one of the best books I have ever read. I mean, when I read the first sex scene between Charlotte and Richard (yeah that Charlotte and Richard Fitwilliam, Darcy's cousin who have a rather extended role in this novel), I said ok, that's a nice way to twist the plot a little. When I read the next sex scene between Charles and Jane, I said again,ok, they were one of the main couples in the original book as well... But soon after, this book was just an endless purple prose with constant sex scenes between pretty much everyone. And we're talking about really long sex scenes, the kind that the couple ends the first intercourse and then proceeds immediately to the second...

You know me, I don't mind sex scenes in my books, but there's a limit to everything. There's that line that should a writer cross it, the result isn't a sexy book but something else entirely.

As I said, this book is way tooooooo long... And I can't stress this strong enough. Most of my problems begin from this fact. There were so many details, so many times the POV changed that should I haven't read Pride and Prejudice previously I would be completely at a loss. The book is being narrated from almost everyone's POV. And we are talking about at least 7 characters here. Before soon I had a bit of a headache, even if I was already acquainted with all those characters.

So, despite all the good attributes and twists to the story Rigaud added, the result was a tiring book, that lacked in the editing department and that is completely a shame, cause the author tried. Rigaud really tried to deliver a unique story and she could have done it if someone left out about 150 pages...

Add to that the completely unbelievable ending ( I mean how possible is it really that a 3 member male band and a 3 member girl group ends up matched and married???) and you can imagine my feelings exactly.

So, no matter how much I wanted to like Fitzwilliam Darcy, Rock Star, and even if there were some things I really liked and appreciated in Rigaud's effort, the result was a book I couldn't wait to finish and proceed to something else, forgetting that I have ever read it. And that really saddens me, cause it had all the potential to be a great book.