Genre: Paranormal Romance
Book 2 in the Drake Sister series
ISBN: 0-743-47628-X
Releasedate: December 2003
Publisher: Simon & Schuster
Format owned: MMPB
For sale at: The Book Depository Store

Synopsis

Bestselling novelist Kate Drake is one of seven sisters gifted with amazing powers of witchcraft. Returning home in time for her northern California town's annual Christmas pageant, Kate catches the spirit of the season and decides to open a bookstore in a charming but run-down historic mill. Decorated former U.S. Army Ranger Matt Granite, now a local contractor, doesn't mind working in the undeniably eerie house -- not if it means getting closer to Kate. There's something about the quiet, sensual woman that powerfully attracts him.

When an earthquake cracks the mill's foundation and reveals a burial crypt, Kate senses that a centuries-old evil has been unleashed--and that it's coming after her. Though Matt vows to guard her from dusk till dawn, Kate knows she will have to summon all of her and her sisters' powers to battle the darkness threatening to destroy both Christmas and the gift of soul-searing passion her hometown hero wants her to keep forever...

REVIEW

When Matt and Kate meet again in a near accident they set things in motion. With danger luring around every corner and seem to aim to destroy everything that comes in its way they soon discover there might be more between them than the eye can see.

After hearing so much about Christine Feehan – say it due to her Carpathian-series – I decided to start reading some of her work and I was fairly surprised by this novel in her Drake Sisters series. Although I haven’t read the first one, the anthology Magic in the Wind – I don’t feel I missed an important part of the series. I do want to read Sarah and Damon’s story, but for now I’m contend with reading the next few novels!

There is something special in the way Christine was able to describe and write about the sisterly bond between the Drake Sisters. I think this is due to her being part of a big family as well. Being close to my own siblings this was a part that instantly got me hooked onto the story and felt such a homey-contendness with it. It made me snuggle up on the sofa and cuddle up with my cats while reading on.

This was a novella – and with that the story was in my opinion cut a bit short. I feel that more could have been putt into the story to make it a bit more flowing. At some point I found it a bit rushed through all they had to go through. This is a series about witches and with that it automatically falls into the paranormal genre. However what touched me more was the contemporary romance that was developed in the line of events. Having said that, the Drake Sisters charmed their way into my heart.

It’s like your reading along with a special part of life, like you’re allowed a glance in what they experience along the way.

This is one of those series you can just read the next novel striaght after the previous one without it getting boring or too much if you know what I mean. So I’m straight away diving into Oceans of Fire – Abigail’s story. I can’t wait to read about her and the Dolphins!

3,5 stars

Genre: Paranormal
Book 1 in The Magic Knot Fairies series
ISBN: 0-505-52796-0
Releasedate: January 27, 2009
Publisher: Dorchester Publishing
Format owned: MPB
For sale at: The Book Depository Store

Synopsis
When Rose discovers she is the Cornish pisky queen and her father is a dark druid who has imprisoned her people in portraits, the race is on to discover the fairy lore needed to release her people before her father destroys the piskies forever.

She seeks help from the sinfully sexy Irish fairy twins, the O’Connor brothers. Niall’s faint air of menace flutters dark thrills of anticipation through her, but does he want to kiss her or kill her when she accidentally touches his Magic Knot and forges a mystical lovers’ bond with him? And can she resist the seductive glamour of his mischievous brother Michael?

With the survival of the Cornish piskies in her hands, Rose must escape from a vampiric, winged fairy, outwit The Queen of Nightmares and surrender her mind, body and spirit to Niall to release her hidden inner fairy. The Tarot cards warn he will stab her in the back, but when she’s in his arms, the last thing on her mind is death.

REVIEW
When you start a job checking someone’s accounts you don’t expect being thrown in a world where leprechaun’s and fae exist but that is exactly where Rose is headed when she sets foot in an Inn in Cornwall, owned by the flirtatious Michael O’Connor and watched over by his twin Naill O’Connor.

After doing her job she was determined to go search for her father. However, events throw her into a world she never before knew existed, and into the arms of the Irish man with a brogue in his speech and a stubborn attitude that is hard to pierce!

The blurb to this novel got me hooked straight away. Knowing myself, and my love for Ireland, I just knew from the start this book would intrigue me, captivate me and lure me into the magical world of Irish lore. My feelings were correct. I picked up this book, started to read and didn’t stop till I read the last page, closing it with a sigh of pure ecstatic, heart-warming bliss.

With this debut-novel Helen Scott Taylor knows how to enthral you and keep your mind focussed on the two absolutely gorgeous Irish twins. Often with twins you see they complete the perfect package and Michael and Naill do precisely that.

Michael is the flirtatious one, the light hearted one, the one to make you grin shyly and blush heavily each time he speaks to you – every time he comes to pas in a scene, your heart starts fluttering with desire and want for a man like him in your life, uncomplicated and making you feel special in your own uniqueness.

Naill on the other hand is the more serious one, the one with the responsibility complex and control factor. Dark, brooding and dangerous he is the one whom you have to dig deep into to reach (extremely stubborn as well). He’s the one you have to work for but once you have him, he won’t let go.

Rosewyn “Rose” is this sweet girl, who has gone through quite a lot in her life, had to work herself up to where she is now – only to find out that what she thought was her life – is in fact not her true self. A bit insecure about her own strength, but in the end taking a stand in her new “me” and accepting what she knows in her heart to be true.

The secondary characters in this novel are there for world building and explaining the plotlines. Quite a few come to pass but it does not take from the story. Their background is briefly mentioned and explored, but the storylines concerning them leave enough open to make this world into a series and have a completion enough for those readers who seek an ending to each novel in a series.I’m intrigued by a few and would love to see their lives unfold in a full-length as well. Therefore I am so pleased with the knowledge that a follow up to this one is currently being written with Michael in the lead!

There is a lot of sensuality in this novel, the heat between the characters sparkle off the pages. It is not the main focus in this novel, but in all fairness I did not miss that at all. The storyline is about Rose, finding out who she is, what the magic knot stands for and the truth about her tarot-cards are such a strong plotline that it is indeed what should get the main focus. There are in fact scenes that are really steamy and make me long for more of those in the coming novels especially concerning two specific characters, which I’ll leave unnamed to not spoil the good stuff! Because The Magic Knot is such an easy read to get into, you get hooked on the story fast and it stays with you for the remainder of time.

Helen Scott Taylor is able to make her characters come of the pages and become alive in your mind. She’s able to make them touch your emotions. You instantly like the ones with good intentions and absolutely dislike the one’s you know who are there to spoil the fun! It reads like a spiced up fairytale. A stunning debut for an author who instantly became a permanent addition to my bookshelves!

4,5 Stars

Genre: Historical
Book 2 in the Medieval trilogy
ISBN: 0-7278-5948-X
Releasedate: 1993
Publisher: Avon
Format owned: HC
For sale at: The Book Depository Store

SYNOPSIS
A magical tale of romance and lionhearted chivalry in medieval Britain from this best-selling author Amber dreads the consequences of touching this unknown warrior, who has been brought to her cottage during the night. For he fits far too closely the words of a prophesy made at her birth - a prophesy of remarkable love... and the death that must inevitably follow.But the urge to touch him is too strong - and to touch him endlessly with unquenchable passion. When the warrior's memory returns, he realizes that Amber is his enemy. But how can he forsake the woman who has healed his body and his heart? Now he must defy to the death the dread forces that have proclaimed their love forbidden.

REVIEW
A very much superb sequel to the first book in this trilogy “Untamed”. I started reading this book and just couldn’t putt it down till I finished it! It got to me in so many ways that I don’t even know where to begin. This story is about Duncan – the man with no past – and Amber – the Untouchable – and the forbidden touch they both ferociously longed for but couldn’t have. A story about honor – oaths – magic and prophecy; all hidden within this perfect 300 pages long story. Raw emotions and strong love flow from every page with a surprising end that with no doubt will be followed up in the third book of this trilogy.

Although Elizabeth Lowell writes great fulfilling stories I did however miss the part of how Duncan ended up within the Stone Ring without any memory whatsoever of his past. So in that way she leaves me pondering a bit (maybe that is what she wanted, because let’s face it a book is a great book when you keep talking about it!), but my romantic heart was so pleased with this book!It merely held all one would seek in a Historical Romance! The images / scenes created by Elizabeth are well putt to paper, it’s like you’re almost there way back in the past living those moments yourself – all consuming!Again I’ve read this book in its Dutch translation and I do feel that part of the “magic” of this story was lost in the process. But some things are worth looking past when you read a great story like this.

I’m so hooked I’m straight away diving into ‘Enchanted’ to see what Simon – the Loyal is up to.

QUOTE:
‘Breath of my breath; heart of my heart; souls of my soul; touch me.’

Purrrrrrrrrrr – quote’s like the above make me purr like a little kitten who’s being stroked tenderly!

4,5 Stars

Genre: Erotica
Book 3 in the Lords of Satyr series
ISBN: 0-7582-2041-3
Releasedate: August 1, 2008
Publisher: Kensington Publishing
Format owned: TPB
For sale at: The Book Depository Store

Synopsis

The last in a fabled line of otherworldly aristocracy, the Lords of Satyr are born to wealth, power, and a talent for sensual delight that mere mortals only dream of. Commanded to marry, these passionate men will travel to Rome, Venice, and Paris--and along the way will explore desires both shamelessly wicked and blissfully divine...

HE IS ON THE PROWL ...

The youngest of the Satyr brothers, Lyon enjoys working in the family's Tuscan vineyards,caring for his menagerie of animals and bedding beautiful women. But he knows he must fulfill his destiny of taking the last daughter of King Feydon as his bride. And so he travels to Paris to wed the infamous Juliette Rabelais ...

FOR HIS MOST LUSCIOUS PRIZE ...

A celebrated courtesan noted for both her culinary--and carnal talents, Juliette is a voluptuous beauty with a body meant to tease. And with a full moon only days away, Lyon is quickly aroused. But after a night of intimacy, Lyon wonders if Juliette is truly a mistress of sensual pleasure or whether his sexual mastery will be her undoing ...

REVIEW

Lyon, the third Satyr-brother has traveled down to Paris in search for his bride, but once there, things go slightly different as expected. Will he find the daughter of King Feydon in time to save him?

Elizabeth Amber’s first two novels made a promise and rose up expectations, which she surely lived up to yet again. I had a certain vision on how Lyon’s character was and even though I expected him more playful and roguish, the Lyon I came to know was still amazingly sensual and I truly loved his dominant side between the sheets!

The Satyr brothers each have their own uniqueness and specialness, which I just can’t get enough of. I was actually a bit disappointed when I finished reading this novel because I wasn’t ready yet to say goodbye to Lyon and Juliette and the world that was created around them. So I re-read it again to keep holding onto the feeling.

Lyon started out as my favorite brother and in the end he still is. I actually doubted a bit because Raine got to me as well in his story but Lyon has a side to him that appeals to my inner female-he stirs just that little bit more in me. There’s a scene in the beginning that set me on fire and the part with the shimmerskins are thrilling and electrifyingly charged with such a high eroticism that it made me fall for him even more! That was topped off with the kitchen scene and my longing heart was complete! Top-notch erotica in my opinion!

Plot wise Elizabeth once more wrote an intriguing story. Despite the fact the basic Satyr-legend is the same, all three stories differ and bring out the best in every main character. She puts a heroine next to the hero that completes him and makes him standout without losing herself.

Juliette is a woman who, with the help of Lyon, unfolds into a strong and willful person, exploring sides to herself no one has ever seen and she again has to accept as her own. Even though she opens up a lot in the end still hasn’t overcome the experiences from the past, but is working towards it. She’s still coming to terms with her inner demons, but nonetheless trusts Lyon and lets him in. The way this story was put to paper only makes me sigh blissfully and in full satisfaction.

There has been a built up in erotically differences in the characters of this series, Nick, Raine and Lyon all have their own preferences and because these are all so well written out within a quality story, for me this series - these novels - are a thrill to have on my bookshelves and an addition to my books in the erotica-genre.

Having said that, Ms. Amber does know how to extend the boundaries and knows to what end the imagination of her readers can be stretched pushing it to the limits but writing it so that it’s still acceptable. Yet again I came across some things that I beforehand didn’t know I would accept. The fine line between the characters and their ways of carnal pleasure are such a perfect balance I just eased into it and was able to enjoy it all the more.

There, however, was one plotline in this novel that made me frown a bit. When you read this novel you’ll probably know which one I’m talking about… It does fit in with the character completely, so it is acceptable and adds to the story, but it does reach towards a limit in sexual immorality with me and I’m glad it was only mentioned in the last few pages. I thought about it for quite a bit, but I can see Elizabeth’s point of view in why she unfolded it like this, it explains the actions of this particular character, whom I will not name as not to spoil a plotline, but with only briefly mentioning it and not focusing on it majorly, she kept the story pleasurable and still at a marvelous high in the end.

There is an amazing talent and an excellence in Elizabeth Amber’s writing, she knows how to built up a story - as a novel as well as storylines within a series - so I’m blissfully happy knowing another novel in the Lords of Satyr series will be released. I can’t wait till Dominic will be released! I’d say it’s safe to say I again was swept of my feet; the Satyr-world got a permanent place in my reader’s heart.

My end conclusion…. Lyon was amazingly hot and wickedly erotic – my inner female still tingles from having spent time with him!

4,5 stars

Genre: Paranormal
Book 6 in the Blackdagger Brotherhood
ISBN: 0-451-22272-5
Releasedate: June 2008
Publisher: Signet
Format owned: HC Rhapsody & MPB
For sale at: The Book Depository Store

Synopsis
Phury vowed celibacy, but when he first saw her one word came to mind : MINE!!!

Fiercely loyal to the Black Dagger Brotherhood, Phury has sacrificed himself for the good of the race, becoming the male responsible for keeping the Brotherhood's bloodlines alive. As Primale of the Chosen, he is to father the sons and daughters who will ensure that the traditions of the race survive and that there are warriors to fight those who want all vampires extinguished.

As his first mate, the Chosen Cormia wants to win not only his body but his heart for herself- she sees the emotionally scarred male behind all his noble responsibility. But while the war with the Lessening Society grows more grim, and tragedy looms over the Brotherhood's mansion, Phury must decide between duty and love.

REVIEW
Phury, the celibate one, had no intention of taking a shellan and sharing his life, but certain previous made decisions and events had him come across Cormia, one of his bethroted as a Primale.

She stirs his long dormant feelings right into action, but what about all the others he’s suppose to ‘take’ ?

The change in approach that we came across in the previous 2 novels has been continued, so this new way of storytelling within this series has been set in stone. No longer is the main story-line about the Hero & Heroine but the whole world is starting to become important. This is something you either love or hate, as it takes numerous pages away from the romance storyline.

I have to admit it was a development I had to get used to, but JR Ward pulls it off. In the first few novels of this series she already writes towards the next story, so it already was different from what I was used to, but it still had a closure romance wise. This novel didn’t have that for me.

Phury and Cormia belong together and are equal to eachother. Phury is one of the brothers that didn’t really touch me and now – after reading this novel – still doesn’t do so. His celibacy plotline isn’t as well written out and for me still is not clear enough as to how and why he decided to become celibate. His drug(ab)use is sublimely worked out in all it’s aspects and one ‘personal-problem’ came to light and was over the top for me, as we should have read about it or at least hints towards it in previous novels to make it work properly in this particular one.

Cormia is a sweet darling. Such a doll and adoring. She is a great addition to the mixture of characters in the BDB-world.

The subplotlines with the lessers; and ofcourse Qhuinn-Blay-John; take a new twist making me crave for the next novel, as well as all the other storylines.

Rhev’s story is next, I particularly don’t look forward to his Happily Ever After, because he totally rubs me the wrong way but I indulge myself in the fact the romance is subdued by the other plotlines, so not a lot of pages will be spend to this.

Emotionally the plotline really got to me and stirred my inner core so despite the fact the main Hero & Heroine didn’t really do it for me overall I still was left in awe and was amazed by Ms. Ward one’s more. Eventhough I hoped the Primale plotline would have kept continueing on because I thought it was brilliant and despite the things that didn’t work out as I half expected them to, it is JR Ward’s writing that is of such high quality that I cannot come round to giving her less that the stars I gave her.

Is this a series I will continue reading? I don’t know, Rhev’s story will have to pinpoint that out to me. I don’t know if Urban Fantasy is what I like reading, let’s face it, that is the road JR Ward is going towards with this series, but I do know that I want to know what will happen with certain plotlines. I have a yearning to see how things will continue with John, Blay and Qhuinn but also the long lost brother Thor. How will things end up there?

A coin has two sides and for me the coin is standing upwards on the edge and can still fall on either side. Which way it falls time will tell....

4,5 Stars