Genre: historical romance
Spoiler free description: This is the first of Elizabeth Hoyts four "The Legend of the Four Solidiers" books. It follows Samuel, an American vetran of the French-Indian war. It's several years after the war and Samuel, now an extremely successful businessman, is visitting London with his younger sister. He asks his neighbor, Emeline, to help his sister "come out" in society. Emeline agrees to help. Samuel and Emeline are very attracted to each other, but she knows she cannot act on it. Especially since she's engaged to a mutal friend of theirs. Samuel is suffering from PTSD after the war and struggling to live as a normal person. This book is a great look at how that played out after the war, given the class and culture of the time. The future books look promising as well.
The best: Great tension. I liked how Emeline's son and Samuel's daughter played into the story. I liked how the possibility of pregnacy was addressed and handled.
The worst: For some reason the mocassins really bothered me.
Grade B+
Showing posts with label Romance. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Romance. Show all posts
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
The Ideal Wife, by Mary Balogh
Genre: historical romance, marriage of convenience
Spoiler free description: Miles is a newly made earl under pressure from his extended family to marry and produce an heir. His family has set up a marriage for him and is on their way to steamroller him into it. Then in walks Abigail, asking for - not money - references to get a new job. She's claiming Miles is a distant relative and has humbled herself to ask for help. She's on her best behavior and nothing like her normally outspoken, rambunctious self. Just like that, Miles proposes, excited to get the quiet and boring bride he can tuck away into the country and continue his life as is. Abigail accepts, feeling a bit guilty that he has no idea what she's really like. Then the fun begins.
The best: I loved how there were no huge misunderstandings. They talked through a lot of things. And each of them with their friends discussed what they were hiding from the other. I loved the pacing of their relationship and how everything built slowly and steadily, and how they worked it all out. Best scene - when his family comes and meets Abigail.
The worst: A little too much drama about the "big" secret she has, considering what it turns out to be.
Grade B+
Spoiler free description: Miles is a newly made earl under pressure from his extended family to marry and produce an heir. His family has set up a marriage for him and is on their way to steamroller him into it. Then in walks Abigail, asking for - not money - references to get a new job. She's claiming Miles is a distant relative and has humbled herself to ask for help. She's on her best behavior and nothing like her normally outspoken, rambunctious self. Just like that, Miles proposes, excited to get the quiet and boring bride he can tuck away into the country and continue his life as is. Abigail accepts, feeling a bit guilty that he has no idea what she's really like. Then the fun begins.
The best: I loved how there were no huge misunderstandings. They talked through a lot of things. And each of them with their friends discussed what they were hiding from the other. I loved the pacing of their relationship and how everything built slowly and steadily, and how they worked it all out. Best scene - when his family comes and meets Abigail.
The worst: A little too much drama about the "big" secret she has, considering what it turns out to be.
Grade B+
The Book of Scandal, Julia London
Genre: historical romance, already married.
Spoiler free description: I think my favorite romance gimmick is marriage of convenience, but a close second is the already (unhappily) married. This book starts with unhappily married Nathan and Evie having lived apart for 3 years. Though it's not clear on the back cover blurb, the death of their infant son caused the breakdown in their marriage, which just wasn't strong enough to survive their grief. However, a scandal brewing in London has Nathan bringing Evie home, whether she likes it or not. How they work through things from there is a great story, though more of a tear jerker than I normally like to read.
The best:A very good look at the grieving process and what can tear people apart and what can bring them together. Not rushed, good pacing.
The worst: Actually, a little too much history for me, though that would probably be a strong point for someone else.
Grade B
Spoiler free description: I think my favorite romance gimmick is marriage of convenience, but a close second is the already (unhappily) married. This book starts with unhappily married Nathan and Evie having lived apart for 3 years. Though it's not clear on the back cover blurb, the death of their infant son caused the breakdown in their marriage, which just wasn't strong enough to survive their grief. However, a scandal brewing in London has Nathan bringing Evie home, whether she likes it or not. How they work through things from there is a great story, though more of a tear jerker than I normally like to read.
The best:A very good look at the grieving process and what can tear people apart and what can bring them together. Not rushed, good pacing.
The worst: Actually, a little too much history for me, though that would probably be a strong point for someone else.
Grade B
Hot Mail, by Janice Maynard
Genre: Contemporary Romance, Football!, marriage of convenience
Spoiler free description: Jane and Ethan were best friends for years until they split when Ethan got engaged four years ago. Though he never married and they never renewed their friendship, Jane still has a huge crush on Ethan, and he still considers her a best buddy. She decides to send him anonymous hot mail - erotic poetry - to see if that will bring them together.
The best: It was fun to see them come together and tip toe around each other trying to figure out where they stood. The secondary storyline of Ethan's sister and his co-worker was just as good as the primary HEA.
The worst: The Super big Super Secret of WHO was sending the erotic valentines had me wanting to bang my head on the wall.
Grade C
Spoiler free description: Jane and Ethan were best friends for years until they split when Ethan got engaged four years ago. Though he never married and they never renewed their friendship, Jane still has a huge crush on Ethan, and he still considers her a best buddy. She decides to send him anonymous hot mail - erotic poetry - to see if that will bring them together.
The best: It was fun to see them come together and tip toe around each other trying to figure out where they stood. The secondary storyline of Ethan's sister and his co-worker was just as good as the primary HEA.
The worst: The Super big Super Secret of WHO was sending the erotic valentines had me wanting to bang my head on the wall.
Grade C
The Price of Pleasure by Kresley Cole
Genre: historical, romance, island romance
Spoiler free description: I picked this one up because I love Kresley Cole's paranormals. She didn't disappoint. Once again, I started with the 2nd in a series, but that wasn't a problem with following the story. Tori was 13 when she and her governess are shipwrecked on a desserted island. Eight years later - and after a few unsavory attempted "rescues" - Grant shows up looking for her on a commission from Tori's grandfather. Grant doesn't give up and is determined to bring her home and earn the reward he was promised. Unfortunately for him, Tori is just as determined and even more resourceful than he is, and she's not quite sure she wants to leave with him.
The best: Another strong heroine. I enjoyed that Tori always had an ace up her sleeve and didn't ever give up and faint away, even when she really wanted to. I also thought Grant did an admirable job of winning her over.
The worst: The conflict in the book is caused by Grant being stupid, for reasons I really didn't understand.
Grade B
Spoiler free description: I picked this one up because I love Kresley Cole's paranormals. She didn't disappoint. Once again, I started with the 2nd in a series, but that wasn't a problem with following the story. Tori was 13 when she and her governess are shipwrecked on a desserted island. Eight years later - and after a few unsavory attempted "rescues" - Grant shows up looking for her on a commission from Tori's grandfather. Grant doesn't give up and is determined to bring her home and earn the reward he was promised. Unfortunately for him, Tori is just as determined and even more resourceful than he is, and she's not quite sure she wants to leave with him.
The best: Another strong heroine. I enjoyed that Tori always had an ace up her sleeve and didn't ever give up and faint away, even when she really wanted to. I also thought Grant did an admirable job of winning her over.
The worst: The conflict in the book is caused by Grant being stupid, for reasons I really didn't understand.
Grade B
Sunday, March 8, 2009
Dream Warrior, by Sherrilyn Kenyon
Genre: Paranormal Romance, part of the Dark Hunter series
Spoiler free description: Cratus is a long abused god, Delphine is a half blood dream hunter. She's the first person to show him tenderness and compassion... ever. Will they be able to stop the end of the world?
Other comments: OK, so this is about the 37th entry in Sherrilyn Kenyon's Dark Hunter series. And on one hand, it's so similar to many of her other works that I had a feeling of deja vu while reading it. On the other hand, there's a reason why she's written so many books... she's good! It catches your interest and drags you in. Even more fun is visitting with old friends and seeing how she's changing the Dark Hunter world. However, there are so many changes that it's a bit hard to keep up with!
The best: Standard Kenyon - enjoyable dialog. Fun to see Ash and Tory, Zarek and Astrid.
The worst: I seriously need a guide to keep up with all this stuff. And it kind of got to the point that I just didn't care much any more.
The worst: I seriously need a guide to keep up with all this stuff. And it kind of got to the point that I just didn't care much any more.
Grade C+
The Courtesan's Wager, by Claudia Dain
Genre: Historical Romance
Spoiler free description: Amelia is not stupid. She sees that Sophia has arranged marriages for 3 ladies in 3 weeks and she wants in. So she asks
Sophia for help attaining her heart's desire - marriage to a duke. Sophia is happy to help. And happy to inform a horrified Amelia that EVERYONE knows Amelia wants to marry a duke. Sophia decrees that the best course would be to go public with that knowledge and start holding interveiws. And you know what? Sophia is right! The only one more horrified than Amelia is Lord Cranleigh, younger brother to Iveston - next in line to be a duke. Cranleigh will not stand for this and he gets himself in way of Amelia.
Sophia for help attaining her heart's desire - marriage to a duke. Sophia is happy to help. And happy to inform a horrified Amelia that EVERYONE knows Amelia wants to marry a duke. Sophia decrees that the best course would be to go public with that knowledge and start holding interveiws. And you know what? Sophia is right! The only one more horrified than Amelia is Lord Cranleigh, younger brother to Iveston - next in line to be a duke. Cranleigh will not stand for this and he gets himself in way of Amelia.
Something I found annoying, though, was a big reveal half way through the book. And then I thought the hero was almost TSTL (too stupid to live) given the big reveal. So, really the only obstacle left was some pride, ego, and stupidity. That detracted from an otherwise good book.
The best: Finally reading a Dain heroine who had a clue about what Sophia was doing. The chemistry between Amelia and Cranleigh rocked. And I'm still LOVING the ongoing story arcs with Sophia, Anne, Ruan, and Calbourne. I want more!
The worst: I felt like the ending dragged out. I was glad that Amelia held out to get the respect she deserved, but it really seemed like the whole thing would have been sorted out much quicker if they actually spoke to each other about anything!
Grade B
The worst: I felt like the ending dragged out. I was glad that Amelia held out to get the respect she deserved, but it really seemed like the whole thing would have been sorted out much quicker if they actually spoke to each other about anything!
Grade B
The Courtesan's Secret
Genre: Historical Romance
Spoiler free description: After seeing Sophia's success at arranging Caroline's marriage (The Courtesan's Daughter), Louisa plucks up her courage and approaches Sophia to ask for help getting her pearls back, as well as finally attracting the attention of Dutton. Louisa has been chasing Dutton for TWO years. He's been ignoring her just as long. Well, all she had to do was ask, and Sophia's on the case. But Sophia sees clearly that Dutton has no time for Louisa, and Blakesly has been chasing after Louisa for just as long as she's been chasing Dutton. Let the games begin.
One note to keep in mind, this story centers just as much on Sophia as on the HEA couple. There also appears to be an ongoing story arc with Anne Warren, which I'm really enjoying.
The best: I still say witty dialog. Nice double entendre. Layers and layers to the story! I love Sophia's brother and nephews. The scene where Blakesly gets permission to marry Louisa from her father... I think it will be an all time favorite of mine!
The worst: Louisa is pretty stupid and self absorbed. Too wrapped up in herself to appreciate what's goign on and read any road signs by herself. That got to be quite annoying.
The best: I still say witty dialog. Nice double entendre. Layers and layers to the story! I love Sophia's brother and nephews. The scene where Blakesly gets permission to marry Louisa from her father... I think it will be an all time favorite of mine!
The worst: Louisa is pretty stupid and self absorbed. Too wrapped up in herself to appreciate what's goign on and read any road signs by herself. That got to be quite annoying.
Grade B
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
Zen and the Art of Vampires, by Katie MacAlister
Genre: Paranormal Romance, Vampire
Spoiler free description: OK, first off, it's a Dark Ones novel by Katie Mac, which says a lot to me (like it says: READ ME!) Second, it's a two parter, which also says a lot to me (like it says: RUN AWAY!) How much do I HATE it when there's no HEA? I hate it very much. However, the 1st over-ruled the second. I have enough love for Katie Mac that I'm willing to try something new with her. But then, not far into the book there's a third. Let me back up a little bit and do the description thing.
So, Pia is nearly 40 and chubby (not that you'd know it by the cover, but that's a whole 'nother rant). And Pia, on a singles tour of Europe, currently in Iceland, finds herself in the middle of a BIG MISUNDERSTANDING. And then she finds two hot guys. And (here's the third thing) about 2 minutes later, apparently so excited that someone actually wants her, has sex with one of the guys. And here's the *fourth* thing, THEN, 24 hours later, she has sex with the other hot guy, best friend to hottie number one.
Honestly, I almost stopped reading. Up until the third thing, I was really identifying with Pia. I found the first sexual encounter (Alec) very abrupt and unbelievable. And when she's getting all into the best friend (Kristoff) she really hates him, and I kept thinking "Really?" "Really, she's doing this?" And they both hate themselves after... I just don't know.
Now, it's a Dark Ones story, so Pia is a Beloved (aka soul mate and savior) but the big question is supposed to be whose Beloved is she. Except she's not confused, she's sure she's Alec's. And *I* was not confused, I've read the other books, it's clear she's Kristoff's. The part I don't really get is how Alec and Kristoff don't know whose she is. And the other part I don't really get... HELLO! Read each other's minds! Duh. You have a bond, use it! Ugh.
But none of that explains how, once I was about 1/2 way through I just really needed to know how it ended. And I have to say, going in knowing this was just a pit stop on the way to HEA, I was really happy with how it ended. And, despite all the ranting, I can't wait to read the rest! Why, oh why wait until May???
The best: Hmmm. I guess just how addictive it was.
The worst: The third and fourth things. Plus I found Alec to be a little creepy. Actually kind of a lot creepy. And it was a BUSY book. Typical Katie Mac, hard to keep track of it all.
Grade C (I would say D, but I have to give credit because I DID want to read the whole thing, and I still want to read the next one!)
Sunday, March 1, 2009
The Dream Thief, by Shana Abe
Genre: Historical Romance, paranormal, shapeshifter
Spoiler free description: Lia is the drakon (dragon shapeshifter) daughter of Rue & Kit from The Smoke Thief. Zane is Rue's old apprentice, a fully human man, who is aware of the drakon and what they are. Lia doesn't have the normal gifts of her kind, and is not even able to take her dragon or smoke forms. Although she lacks traditional drakon gifts, Lia does have the unusual gift of seeing the future. A gift so unusual, and giving of visions so dark and frightening (as well has hot and enticing) that she never tells anyone of her gift. Her dreams show tell her that she will find the long lost drakon diamond. Her dreams tell her that Zane will be her lover. And her dreams tell her of a dark, dark future.
The best: Dragons!!! I like Lia a lot, and Zane, too.
Spoiler free description: Lia is the drakon (dragon shapeshifter) daughter of Rue & Kit from The Smoke Thief. Zane is Rue's old apprentice, a fully human man, who is aware of the drakon and what they are. Lia doesn't have the normal gifts of her kind, and is not even able to take her dragon or smoke forms. Although she lacks traditional drakon gifts, Lia does have the unusual gift of seeing the future. A gift so unusual, and giving of visions so dark and frightening (as well has hot and enticing) that she never tells anyone of her gift. Her dreams show tell her that she will find the long lost drakon diamond. Her dreams tell her that Zane will be her lover. And her dreams tell her of a dark, dark future.
The best: Dragons!!! I like Lia a lot, and Zane, too.
The worst: I really wanted Lia to tell Zane about her visions. I don't understand why she didn't. That was hard to understand. I'm also not a big fan of their first time.
Grade B
A Grand Passion, by Jayne Ann Krentz
Genre: Romantic Suspense, Contemporary
Spoiler free description: Cleo knows he's the man for her the minute she sees him. He's also immediately attracted to her. And, yeah, there's suspense. I don't htink I've read much romantic suspense before, and I didn't really like it.
The best: Throughout the book, Cleo, as an author, talked about romance novels and erotica and what readers and non-readers think of it. That was cool. Also, the thing that kept the two apart, that was very believable
The worst: I just didn't really care.
Grade C - it was probably good for someone else
Spoiler free description: Cleo knows he's the man for her the minute she sees him. He's also immediately attracted to her. And, yeah, there's suspense. I don't htink I've read much romantic suspense before, and I didn't really like it.
The best: Throughout the book, Cleo, as an author, talked about romance novels and erotica and what readers and non-readers think of it. That was cool. Also, the thing that kept the two apart, that was very believable
The worst: I just didn't really care.
Grade C - it was probably good for someone else
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
The Spymaster's Lady, by Joanna Bourne
Genre: Historical Romance
Spoiler free description: Robert is a spy, and so it Annique. They meet in a prison and Annique helps Robert and his partner escape. She doesn't realize his mission is to collect the secrets she keeps. But there is more to everyone than meets the eye... I read this based on awesome reviews it got online and how often I saw it at the top of the best of 2008 lists.
The best: Great writing! A real page turner. Annique is a great heroine. Roberts friends are awesome, and I really enjoyed their parts of the story and how they weighed in on the budding romance.
The worst: I felt bad for Annique. At many times in the story I didn't like Robert.
Grade: B
Spoiler free description: Robert is a spy, and so it Annique. They meet in a prison and Annique helps Robert and his partner escape. She doesn't realize his mission is to collect the secrets she keeps. But there is more to everyone than meets the eye... I read this based on awesome reviews it got online and how often I saw it at the top of the best of 2008 lists.
The best: Great writing! A real page turner. Annique is a great heroine. Roberts friends are awesome, and I really enjoyed their parts of the story and how they weighed in on the budding romance.
The worst: I felt bad for Annique. At many times in the story I didn't like Robert.
Grade: B
One Bite with a Stranger, Christine Warren
Genre: Contemporary Paranormal Romance
Spoiler free description: Reggie and her friends started a "Fantasy Fix" for each other, where they set each other up with men who can fulfill their fantasies for the night. Reggie says she wants a dominant vampire. When her friends set her up, a real life vamp steps in to take over the Fantasy Fix
The best: I enjoyed the chick feeling to the book, especially when Reggie was with her friends. I thought the BDSM motivations were explained well, and it was hot.
The worst: For all the early work put in to explaining the BDSM side of things I didn't feel like it carried through consistently. I was dismayed by how easily Reggie turned her life upside down.
Grade: C
Spoiler free description: Reggie and her friends started a "Fantasy Fix" for each other, where they set each other up with men who can fulfill their fantasies for the night. Reggie says she wants a dominant vampire. When her friends set her up, a real life vamp steps in to take over the Fantasy Fix
The best: I enjoyed the chick feeling to the book, especially when Reggie was with her friends. I thought the BDSM motivations were explained well, and it was hot.
The worst: For all the early work put in to explaining the BDSM side of things I didn't feel like it carried through consistently. I was dismayed by how easily Reggie turned her life upside down.
Grade: C
The Mane Attraction, Shelly Laurenston
Genre: Paranormal Romance, Shapeshifter
Spoiler free description: Third in this series. Mitch (lion) goes into hiding with his best friend Sissy Mae Smith (wolf). While in Sissy Mae's home town they realize they want to be more than just friends. But Sissy Mae has quite a history in town, and the bad guys Mitch is supposed to testify against want him dead. More of Laurenston's signature animal behavior in people form, which ROCKS!
The best: Mitch and Sissy Mae together, and Smithville. Laurenston paints a very entertaining shifter town.
Spoiler free description: Third in this series. Mitch (lion) goes into hiding with his best friend Sissy Mae Smith (wolf). While in Sissy Mae's home town they realize they want to be more than just friends. But Sissy Mae has quite a history in town, and the bad guys Mitch is supposed to testify against want him dead. More of Laurenston's signature animal behavior in people form, which ROCKS!
The best: Mitch and Sissy Mae together, and Smithville. Laurenston paints a very entertaining shifter town.
The worst: Underdeveloped plot line with the wolf witches on the hill.
Grade: B
Playing Easy To Get - Anthology
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Spoiler free description: This was a re-read for me - I had it long ago for the Kenyon story in it. Then once I read Kresley Cole I realized one of the stories in this anthology was the story of Mysty the Vampire Layer, but I couldn't remember it. So I re-read just for the Cole story. Overall, I think it was good, but there was at least one thing I found so off-putting that it really ruined the rest for me.
The best: Strong hero and heroine
The worst: You shouldn't be able to command someone not to feel pain.
Grade: C
Spoiler free description: This was a re-read for me - I had it long ago for the Kenyon story in it. Then once I read Kresley Cole I realized one of the stories in this anthology was the story of Mysty the Vampire Layer, but I couldn't remember it. So I re-read just for the Cole story. Overall, I think it was good, but there was at least one thing I found so off-putting that it really ruined the rest for me.
The best: Strong hero and heroine
The worst: You shouldn't be able to command someone not to feel pain.
Grade: C
Monday, February 2, 2009
Flat Out Sexy, by Erin McCarthy
I think I've read some short stories by Erin McCarthy in some anthologies. I know I've heard her name before. I was curious when I read the good review for this book on http://www.smartbitchestrashybooks.com/ so I got it from the library. Winner!Genre: Contemporary, Romance, NASCAR
Spoiler free description: Two years after her famous race car driver husbands dies in a race, Tamara is finally ready to start dating again. She literally bumps into Elec, and though he is younger than her, the sparks fly. She figures she could do with a one night stand, he's looking for a relationship. Elec tries to convince her it's worth a try, but there are hurdles to cross - she's a single mom, the previous generation has a family feud, and she's a bit older than him...
The best: No unbelievable villians out to get anyone. Really, no villians at all. This felt like ROMANCE to me. They have issues, they work them out. I love Tamara! Sensible, logical, gets swept away, but still keeps up with all her responsibilities.
The worst: Elec was a little too perfect. I can't really complain about that.
Grade A-
Sunday, February 1, 2009
The Immortals After Dark Series, by Kresley Cole
Genre: Sci-fi/fantasy, Romance, paranormal,
Spoiler free description: Strong heroines and very Alpha heros. Vampires, Valkyrie, Demons, Lykae (werewolves) and more. Very contemporary - references to the Amazing Race and Survivor. Funny, funny, funny stuff. Quite hot, too. On my top 5 series list!
Spoiler free description: Strong heroines and very Alpha heros. Vampires, Valkyrie, Demons, Lykae (werewolves) and more. Very contemporary - references to the Amazing Race and Survivor. Funny, funny, funny stuff. Quite hot, too. On my top 5 series list!
The best: I love the strong heroines! I love the families/support groups that the characters have. Witty banter. I love it all!
The worst: I wish there were more... now.
The worst: I wish there were more... now.
Grade A
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Alpha & Omega AND Cry Wolf, by Patricia Briggs
Genre: Sci-fi/fantasy, Romance, paranormal, shifter
Spoiler free description: These books must be read together. The short story "Alpha and Omega" is in the book On the Prowl, and it is really just the first few chapters in Cry Wolf. And wow do I love this story. Anna is an abused, newly made, undereducated werewolf. Charles is a 200 year old dominate werewolf who comes to investigate trouble in Anna's pack. He immediately recognizes Anna as a rare and valuable Omega wolf (not the submissive she thinks she is) and his "brother wolf" also sees Anna's wolf as his mate. Anna realizes that her wolf feels safe with Charles, and that lets her trust him. But the real story is how the human halves of Anna and Charles get to know each other and try to catch up with the bond their wolf halves have decided on. Awesome!
The best: Lots of show, not too much tell. I like how the book unfolds and we see things alternating from Anna and Charles' points of view. I like how it's not easy, but they keep trying, and how they don't always get it right. I loved watching Anna's self confidence grow.
The worst: Hmmm. Not much to complain about. I would have loved more Anna and Charles and less secondary storyline, but I'm sure there is more coming in future books, as this is the beginning of a series. (Hunting Ground is due out in August 2009)
Grade A-
Bet Me, by Jennifer Cruise
Genre: Contemporary
Spoiler free description: Minn is an average looking, man-hating, logical actuary. Cal is a gorgeous womanizer runs from commitment. When Minn's ex bets Cal that he can't bed Minn (because, of course, since Minn wouldn't sleep with her ex in 2 months, she must be frigid...) and Minn overhears the bet, hilarity ensues
The best: Really well written! Just about the best sexual tension I've ever read. And laughter abounds in the secondary characters as well as Cal and Minn. Awesome.
The worst: Cal's ex. Cal and Minn's parents. Cold, almost non-human.
Would you recommend this book? Absolutely!!! To anyone
Grade: A
Grade: A
The Pride Books, by Shelly Laurenston
Genre: Paranormal, shifter
Spoiler free description: The Mane Event is two stories, Christmas Pride: Mace(Lion) & Dez(human) and Shaw's Tale: Brendan(Lion) & Ronnie Lee(wolf) . The Beast in Him: Smitty(wolf) & Jess(wild dog) (no, really, wild dog).
Christmas Pride is the only one where all the characters are not aware of the shapeshifting. In this case Dez is a tough as nails human cop, who is surprised when her stringbean best friend from middle school shows up as a grown up Marine. Though the lion part is original, it wasn't the best story I've read. In fact, I almost didn't read the second story in the book, and I'm so glad I did. (C+)
I laughed from the beginning of Shaw's Tale to the end. It was a blast. And it made me curious as to what the author would do with a full length novel. (A-)
The Beast in Him was good. Laurenston does full length well. (B)
The best: Laurenston does an awesome job of showing animal traits in human form. The way a lion breed stares much like a cat would. A dog's gleeful smile and playful nature. There's an awesome scene early in Shaw's Tale where Ronnie Lee is trying to handle a playful and feverish lion, in lion form, that makes me smile just to remember it.
The worst: Sometimes the stories drag. Especially the secondary storylines, have the mystery/plot. The relationships are fun to watch unfold. The drama... eh.
Would you recommend this book? Yes, if you like paranormal/shifters, with lots of humor
Grade: B
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