1 of 1 members found this review helpful.

• Rated 5 stars

“It is the first sentence that sets the tone for this novel:

Have you ever wanted to put yourself in the hands of a man whose sole purpose is to give you pleasure

Jack "Master J" had me from that moment on!! The beauty of Shayla Black's writing is she takes the reader step by step in an emotionally rollercoaster which in the end releases you and every fantasy is fulfilled as a reader of the Erotica genre!! It feels as if Shayla Black
has firsthand knowledge of Dom/Sub relationships and this proves to me the thorough research she has done!

Giving the erotic scenes a lifelike experience for the reader and slowly growing with Morgan to an equal Dom/Sub relationship. This author is one of those gifted people who can write with intense sensuality, painting a stunning picture of two people who complete each other and has a plot that serves the main story....all I can say is, two thumbs up for Shayla Black.

Courtesy of Realms on our Bookshelves”

Leontine wrote this review Monday, November 5 2007. ( reply | permalink )

• Rated 3 stars

“There are 500 pages of Vishous story and I didn’t really get what I needed from this romance novel. In the previous novels Vishous is portrayed as a smart ass, strong, bold and sure as hell of himself Brother but I couldn’t find this all back when he finally takes center stage. His story starts with a shocker in his lineage department which immediately grabbed my attention and I snuggled on the couch for prime brotherhood reading time .

V has his destiny revealed and he’s not in any way warming up to it. Still dealing with this he gets shot by a lesser and ending up in a human hospital finding a woman that makes him instantly growl: Mine. As Butch and Phury rescue him he demands that Dr. Jane is taken with him and arriving at his penthouse V doesn’t really understand himself but is accepting the emotions he’s feeling. V and Jane are discovering each other as Phury finds a darker side and John Matthew’s journey continues. Still destiny will not be so easily discarded and for every joy there will a price of pain. Will V take control of his destiny or will he submit?

As I close this book I felt like I was blown away by a hurricane of chaotic storylines, though the novel is starting strong I couldn’t relate to the romance of V and Jane. It was like they weren’t given enough time and space to tell their story as strong, almost overbearing sub plotlines take away your attention and this left me detached. V and his preferences in the passion department was something that could have been more developed as this is such a defining part of his character. It is briefly mentioned in a scene with a female but as things got interesting J. R. Ward seems to back out on it. I feel that the emotional turmoil of V would’ve been better served if the domination was more developed and this would come in to conflict with his feelings for Jane. I felt disconnected with their love, their journey and this frustrated me for I know J.R. Ward can deliver. Instead what captured my attention was John Matthew and his pre-trans adventures, emotions and his interaction with Blaylock and Qhuinn. Also Phury whom gotten more interesting with every page and at the end of the story I felt that he was taking it over, dominating the story as you will. The Scribe Virgin made me feel a moment or two relating to her but most of the time I was riding on a do-not-like-her wave. Though J.R. Ward knows how to create a spectacular romance story that keeps me anchored while a lot is going on around the main couple, this is not happening in Lover unbound. This is what I just missed the most and can’t help that this feeling over rides the better parts.

I enjoyed the interaction between V and Butch, wrapping their unfinished business up very nicely, but I missed the whole prophecy direction which was such an interesting ending in Lover revealed. Though the story bears enough quality storytelling for me to keep flipping the pages it is more likely that the story of Vishous will either work for you or won’t. For me it clearly didn’t with certain things I just missed and the ending was like a cold shower, others maybe see it as bold or daring as love will always find a way, I think it is an unreal ending and making me feel as V deserves something more and better. Overall I enjoyed the story but not so much for the love quest of V and Jane but more for the sub plotlines, interaction between the warriors and world building and I, in any case, don’t want the secondary cast of characters outshine the main hero and heroine.

This is definitely something different from J.R. Ward’s Black Dagger Brotherhood stable !

3 stars
”

Leontine wrote this review Friday, September 28 2007. ( reply | view 2 replies | permalink )

• Rated 3 stars

“Upon awakening, Valerian, King of the nymphs, untangled himself from the naked, slumbering woman beside him…only to discover his legs were entwined with two other naked, slumbering women.

This is the opening line of The nymph king and immediately captivated my interest. With Shaye attending her mother’s sixth wedding she is bored out of her mind but that will change very soon when Valerian and his warriors are surfacing to snatch up some women. Nymphs and no sex only made them weak which becomes a hazard when defending a palace in Atlantis and so this story begins…..

From the moment Valerian meets Shaye it is a dance of male sensual aggression answered by a female power of the mind. This novel, above anything else, speaks of the conquest and Gena Showalter did this with a sensual flair of writing. I loved the verbal clashing between Shaye and Valerian, the secondary cast of characters a joy to read and the Atlantis world a refreshing setting.

Though all of the elements were created in this novel with a talent to conjure up passionate images, well developed characters that kept me interested, for me it was just that, an enjoyable tale. The plot for me, lacked intensity that makes me want to turn the pages, eager to learn what happens next. I believe this is a matter of personal taste for Gena Showalter took the Nymph legend and placed some mouth watering men that will satisfy any female reader.

In the end the author delivers a fun-filled-read of sizzling heat, other-worldly-men and one stubborn woman wrapped up in a sparkling story that turns out to be an easy read which was a pleasure from the opening line.

Quote:
There, rising from the water like primitive sea gods, were six glorious tall and muscled barbarians.

3,5 Realm stars

Dark-Huntress
Courtesy of Realms on Our Bookshelves”

Leontine wrote this review Sunday, September 9 2007. ( reply | permalink )

• Rated 3 stars

“This story of Melissa Mayhue brought me home again, somehow it speaks of the novels written long ago, the ones I read when I was a teenager. Filled with romance, adventure and family it instantly made me want to snuggle up on the couch and let myself be swiped away to times that echo with long forgotten voices.

Caitlyn is at a juncture in her life, will she marry a man who is just interested in her for the connections her father has or will she finally find the strength and live her life the way she wants too? One evening with her nighties on and a glass of drambuie in her hand she slips on a necklace, suddenly a man shimmers into a man of flesh and blood. From the moment Connor MacKiernan appeared I could relate to Caitlyn, who doesn’t want to be asked for help in that way, by that kind of man, who wouldn’t risk it all and seek adventure!

This is a novel that flows with a grace that slowly lured me with its well developed characters and the settings made me wonder in Scotland, inhaling the magic, visiting castles as the people inhabiting it speak of long forgotten ways. I can honestly say that this is not a story that hits me like a lightning bold and reverberates through me with its thunder, Melissa Mayhue is not that kind of writer, I would say she has the talent to take her time with the hero and heroine, to build up the romance, to create a world and the plot which was in the end so surprising! True love is the greatest adventure and Caitlyn with Connor made me enjoy theirs from first till last page and speaks of an interesting future for Melissa Mayhue as a writer.I am pleased with this story with all the rough-around-the-edges highlanders and its strong no-nonsense women and the ending was so heartwarming that the romance-reader in me was satisfied from head to toe.

With a classic highlander tale, wrapped up in a bit of ancient Fearie magic Melissa Mayhue has written a solid debut novel that will interest many readers of this genre!

3,5 Realm stars

Dark-Huntress
Courtesy of Realms on Our Bookshelves”

Leontine wrote this review Sunday, September 9 2007. ( reply | permalink )

• Rated 4 stars

“This novel enveloped me in its warmth of emotions with such intense and passionate characters I started this book and took it everywhere with me, for Jack Devlin and Amanda Briars would not let me go. The story is spectacular in its simplicity telling about love, independence, strength and two imperfect people whom fit perfectly together and their journey of acceptance.


Lisa Kleypas has captured the essence of love for me with these two stunning characters and the tale they tell. Jack is so focused on his success as a publisher and the money he makes that the meeting with the vibrant Amanda takes him by surprise. They both want so much out of life, living it on their own terms and both are controlled by the rules of society though Jack has a healthy lack for certain rules which is expected from a man with a scoundrel status. From the moment they meet it is a chemistry of emotions that results in a sexual energy that radiated from the pages, luring the reader to read on and on and before you realize it you have finished the story and feel utterly spellbound by the romance, the characters and the tale Lisa Kleypas told with Suddenly you!


As this is my first novel by Lisa Kleypas all I can say that she delivered a high quality regency read that will compel to many readers in this genre. Suddenly you blends all the regency elements together with a high level of emotions and sizzling heat that will resonate with the reader. The supporting cast of characters is one that I enjoyed meeting and told so much about the personality of both Jack and Amanda that it adds more depth and understanding to where they are coming from. All though there is no real plot in this novel it doesn’t need one for it speaks of a man and a woman with their thoughts and feelings and that is all I needed!


With flair, passion, talent and unforgettable characters Lisa Kleypas written a book that will become an instant favorite!



Quote:
Jack Devlin - "Every man has his own preferences," he said. "You happen to fulfill all of mine."

Dark-Huntress
Courtesy of Realms on Our Bookshelves”

Leontine wrote this review Sunday, September 9 2007. ( reply | permalink )

• Rated 4 stars

“
I’ve been drawn back into the vampire world of Shannon Drake with her second vampire novel – When darkness falls. It’s been an exciting and exhilarating trip as new characters are threatened by Darian, a cruel, power-tripping vampire, who teamed up with his female equivalent of him. They’re wreaking havoc in Scotland, leaving a trail of blood and finding their way to New Orleans as they seek to finish what they started a year earlier.

The battle continues in this story and from the first chapter I was mesmerized again with the plot. How I admire the talent of Shannon Drake to conjure up vivid settings of Scotland and New Orleans. Her imaginations seeps into me and soon I was a part of this tale with every bit of passion, terror and romance.

We’ve met Lucien in the first book, Beneath a bloodred moon, as a somewhat ominous and arrogant King vampire but as the hero in his story we get to see a different side of him. The interesting past of Lucien is intriguingly mixed with the present, enhancing his character with a bite and mystery. This vibrates from him and Jade response to it results in some incredible dialogue.

Every character, main,-secondary,-good or bad is well developed and each has a voice and purpose in this story giving me a quality read I’m always searching for and Shannon Drake is one that always delivers. Jade is a heroine with courage and matches up to Lucien, they create an environment where the fear, action, mystery and passion simmers from the pages in a well paced plot. Although the suspense is impeccable, the story holds you in its grip, it felt a bit out of balance as the romantic aspect was subjugated to the plot, it was just not as developed as I would have liked and there for I couldn’t truly feel their love as this progresses in the story. There’s no real romantic closure between Jade and Lucien, leaving it a bit open and to the imagination of the reader.

Having said this I think that Shannon Drake has given me a marvelous novel, rich in its conspiracy for power among the vampires, characters and dialogue, making, When darkness falls, a joy to read and one that is a must for all vampire readers!

Dark-Huntress
Courtesy of Realms on Our Bookshelves”

Leontine wrote this review Sunday, September 9 2007. ( reply | permalink )

• Rated 5 stars

“
I just have turned the last page of this stunning debut from Anna Campbell and I’m in awe of her talent. She strips all the glitter and glamour from the regency time period and gives the reader a man and a woman with a range of emotions between them that echoes long after you’ve finished the story.

With a passionate pen Anna Campbell writes such vivid dialogues between Justin and Verity I actually felt the fire burning between them. Two characters, each in their own way, are bold, fierce and filled with a life-force that comes from a tough life. This and much more was translated in words that made me eager to turn the pages, more than eager to follow the verbal fights, the clash of emotions and the path of love and healing. All this poured right into my mind with reading every page and left me breathless.

There’s also a physical passion and hunger for domination that is described with heartfelt words that left me with no anger towards Justin Kylemore. His haunting and dark emotions travel with him in his actions and undoubtedly served a higher purpose in this story. To conquer such a man will never be easy and with Verity the author gave a voice to a powerful yet vulnerable woman. Possession can work both ways and this novel shares its path in both the light and darkness with every shade in between. There is no sugar coating nor any real humor to find that elevates the darker side but if you want to read about an intriguing journey of love and understanding, 'Claiming the courtesan' is a story for you!

Claiming the courtesan is bold and daring, both endearing as it is compassionate, dark and light as well as pain and pleasure. This tale speaks of such emotion you can’t close this book and not speak about it. A battle between the sexes has never been more scintillating!

Quote:
When surrender was so equal. What shame was there in defeat?

Dark-Huntress
Courtesy of Realms on Our Bookshelves”

Leontine wrote this review Sunday, September 9 2007. ( reply | permalink )

• Rated 5 stars

“C.L. Wilson – Lady of light and shadows:

As I read the last chapters of Lady of light and shadows I closed the book and fell in silent awe for the imagination pouring out of C.L. Wilson’s mind. In this second installment of the series I further more tasted the vast set-up of the worlds, its rich depth of the characters and the feeling that as I turned the pages I will discover something new. The plot lures with mysterious intrigue and darkness but also love that reaches out between Rain and Elly and the secondary cast of characters lifts this novel even to greater heights!

Sometimes a story demands your attention, sometimes a novel demands to be read immediately and in the end rewards you with a stunning tale. Lady of light and shadows is such a novel!

Dark-Huntress
Realms on Our Bookshelves”

Leontine wrote this review Sunday, September 2 2007. ( reply | permalink )

• Rated 3 stars

“With Devil may cry Sherrilyn Kenyon has written a novel where events no longer remain in the dark, she definitely sets the stage for Ash’s books. We get to see a glimpse of his history and torture but also his relationship with Artemis is highlighted here and there. When the last pages were read I truly felt that this story had to be told, for this series is heading in new directions. In the last chapter, when two people meet, I know the things to come are going to be diabolical and this wets my appetite! Overall I enjoyed the read but a shadow was cast for I longed to read a true dark-hunter novel and that craving wasn’t fulfilled, it was too much pantheon oriented. So a duality in feelings torment me as I close the book, series wise I truly enjoyed the book but as a novel I missed the whole selling-my-soul-for-one-act-of-revenge and the path to regaining freedom.

3,5 realm stars

Dark-Huntress
courtesy: Realms on Our Bookshelves website
”

Leontine wrote this review Monday, August 20 2007. ( reply | permalink )

• Rated 5 stars

“The first page picked me up and took me on a quest where on every page I could feel the time ticking, the chemistry between the two main characters a joy to read and the plot took me by surprise. Dan Brown combined all the elements masterfully with his Angels and Demons!

Dark-Huntress
Realms on Our Bookshelves”

Leontine wrote this review Monday, July 30 2007. ( reply | permalink )