Top Ten Tuesday: New Orleans or bust!

 

Welcome to this week's edition of Top Ten Tuesday which is hosted by That Artsy Reader Girl. This week's theme is Purple, Green and Gold in honour of Mardi Gras which is today.

Whilst I am pretty sure I can do purple, green  and gold books pretty easily, but I thought I would twist it the topic a little bit. The last time I visited the US we visited New Orleans. Because we aren't going anywhere any time soon, I thought I would revisit some places that we have visited over the last few years on our US holidays, a couple with books associated!

The main reason for starting our 2018 trip in New Orleans was to catch up with some friends who I originally met through Sara Donati's author forum. Her book, Queen of Swords, was set against the background of the Battle of New Orleans. We were able to visit a few of the places she visited when researching for the book which was fun.

Other books I have read set in New Orleans include the Sherrilyn Kenyon series. I used to read these books a lot but I can't remember the last time I read a  paranormal romance.Back in the day, I didn't read a lot of contemporary romance but did read a bit of paranormal romance. Now it's the other way around.

During our visit to New Orleans we did visit one of the famous cemeteries where the books referenced included Interview with a Vampire, and A Confederacy of Dunces got a mention too during our time there. I haven't read either of these though.

In 2017 we visited New York. Of course there are tons of books set in New York, but I thought I would focus on two historical novels. One of these is from the follow up series to the Into the Wilderness series about the next generations. It was such a good read. 

The other series that I wanted to mention was Beverly Swerling's Old New York series which is set in the early days of colonisation.

Of course, there are many, many contemporary novels set in New York too. The latest one I read was The Prenup by Lauren Layne which was so much fun and then there is the futuristic New York as portrayed in the J D Robb In Death series.

The reason why we visited the US both in 2017 and 2019 is that my son was at college playing basketball in a place called Concordia in Kansas. Whilst I am sure that there aren't many books set in the town, there is a museum called the National Orphan Train Complex, which tells the story of the orphans who were taken from the East Coast to the midwest. The town is filled with statues telling stories of the children who rode the train. This book, The Orphan Train wasn't set in the town but the connection to the story that the museum is trying to preserve is obvious

Of course it's hard to talk about Kansas without thinking about The Wizard of Oz!

Other places that we visited on those two trips to see my son included Wichita, Tuscon, Nashville, Memphis, Tulsa, and Kansas City (twice) .

We also went on a Carribean cruise that docked in Honduras (where we officially got engaged), Belize and Mexico so in honour of that I am posting one of the James Michener  books I used to read back in the 80s and 90s.

Armchair BEA - Deciphering the signature

So you got your books signed. The question for today is...can you read it?

On Tuesday  I posted about getting to meet Paullina Simons and having a whole mountain of books signed by her. Today I wanted to do a quick post about an author who signed just one book for me. Early in 2009 I was lucky enough to attend ARRC (the Australian Romance Readers Convention), and one of the key note speakers was Sherrilyn Kenyon, author of the paranormal romance Dark Hunter novels.

Now looking at this signature, you might think that I was the last in a long queue of people to get their book signed, but I really wasn't. In fact, I was one of the first for the session, and yet, I have no idea what this says, and believe me, I have looked at it on and off for more than a year trying to figure it out. I think I know what some of it says, but if other people want to have a go that would be fun too! It could relate to the conversation we had where I said that this was my favourite Dark Hunter novel, or it could be something completely different!

What do you think that says?

My Big Fat Supernatural Wedding Anthology

Werewolves, vampires, witches, voodoo, Elvis---and weddings

An “ordinary” wedding can get crazy enough, so can you imagine what happens when otherworldly creatures are involved? Nine of the hottest authors of paranormal fiction answer that question in this delightful collection of supernatural wedding stories. What’s the seating plan when rival clans of werewolves and vampires meet under the same roof? How can a couple in the throes of love overcome traps set by feuding relatives---who are experts at voodoo? Will you have a good marriage if your high-seas wedding is held on a cursed ship? How do you deal with a wedding singer who’s just a little too good at impersonating Elvis?

· L. A. Banks
· Jim Butcher
· Rachel Caine
· P. N. Elrod
· Esther M. Friesner
· Lori Handeland
· Charlaine Harris
· Sherrilyn Kenyon
· Susan Krinard

Shape-shifters, wizards, and magic, oh my!

My main reason for picking up this short story collection was so that I continue working my way through Sherrilyn Kenyon's Dark Hunter series. An unfortunate side effect is that I am pretty sure I read something out of order for the Harry Dresden series, but what can you do really? I am not 100% sure if some of the other stories were parts of series as well because that will really knock my "only read a series in order" mantra around a bit as well!

In Spellbound by L A Banks, the Hatfields and the McCoys have been feuding for generations, "working roots on each other, casting evil spells, dabblin' in hoodoo". When Odelia Hatfield and Jefferson McCoy fall in love, the one thing that can be guaranteed at the wedding is problems! It doesn't really help that the wedding was something of a surprise to all parties who thought they were coming to town to celebrate individuals graduations!

L A Banks is an author who I only ever seem to read in anthologies, but I do like her voice, and will maybe try to make an effort to read more of her longer books!

I really enjoy reading Jim Butcher's Dresden files stories, and Something Borrowed was no exception. Wizard Harry Dresden is a last minute replacement best man for his friend's wedding, but there just isn't quite something right about the bride! Once he puts his finger on what the issue is, it's a matter of life and death and Harry has to pull out all the stops to save the big day!

The only thing that was a bit annoying for the OCD in me, is that this story should be read between Dead Beat and Proven Guilty (books 7 and 8 in the series) and I am only up to book 3. I have previously read another short story out of order as well! Let it go Marg, let it go!

Dead Man's Chest by Rachel Caine was a really fun read. At first I was really confused at where the author was trying to take the story, but in the end I think this will be one of my favourites from the collection.

Cecilia couldn't believe her luck when romance cover model Ian Taylor fell for her. Only problem is that things are going a little bit fast for her when suddenly she is whisked onto an old style sailing ship to be married in what appears to be a ship wench outfit. Turns out there is something strange about the crew, and suddenly Ian doesn't seem to be quite the catch either. Lots of fun.

All Shook Up by P N Elrod was another fun read. Frankie is catering at a celebrity wedding reception when she is completely shocked to see that the entertainment is a VERY good Elvis impersonator. Whilst she is an excellent caterer, she also has another gift - seeing the future, and she is not sure that she likes what she sees, but Elvis seems to be doing a good job of distracting her for now! Another author that I only seem to read in anthologies. Last time I reviewed one I said I can definitely see myself reading more by this author. Same still applies - I just need to get around to starting a whole book by her.

If there was one story in this collection that didn't really work for me, it was Esther M Friesner's The Wedding of Wylda Serene. There haven't been many events held at the exclusive Club, basically because absolutely anything could, and has happened. It is therefore something of a surprise when the local darling, Wylda Serene insists that she must get married there, especially when no one seems to have met the lucky man yet. Whilst I did enjoy the premise, and think that it is one that the author could have a lot of fun with (who couldn't have fun with a bunch of ancient and trouble making Greek Gods), I don't think I really got the mother-of-the-bride-zilla moments enough to be able save this story from being meh!

Lori Handeland seems to be yet another author that I only read in anthologies, and yet I liked the last story I read from her featuring characters from her Jager-Sucher series. In this story, Charmed by the Moon, Jessie and Will are about to get married when they find a love charm that has been hidden amongst their belongings. This leads them to question whether they are really in love or if they have been manipulated, and by whom?

Tacky by Charlaine Harris is set in the same world as the Sookie Stackhouse books, but Sookie isn't one of the characters. This short story examines what might possibly happen if a vampire decides to marry a werewolf. The main character is neither bride nor groom, but the bridesmaid. She also has to figure out what the bridesmaid's role in the wedding is meant to be, with a special focus on not ending up with a bridesmaid dress that looks tacky! There is also the fact that not everyone on either side is comfortable with this union, which leads to some problems on the big day, and then there is also the opinions of regular humans that might well get in the way as well.

A Hard Day's Night-Searcher by Sherrilyn Kenyon was the reason I read this book, and was in itself an okay story. It certainly didn't blow my mind though. Rafael Santiago's squire Jeff is a bit of a problem. He has published a story where he has changed the names, but other than that he has basically written about the Dark Hunter world, and now the top squires want to see him. They send Celina to pick up Jeff, but Rafael manages to stall by offering her a deal - he can get her to break the Squire within a week if she has to stay with him.

"...Or Forever Hold Your Peace" by Susan Krinard, was more a mystery than a romance, but I would love to read more set in this world. It is set in a alternate Victorian style world called Albion, where all the best families pass on not only land and treasures but also paranormal Talents. At the key moment in the wedding of Lady Emma Wakefield and Lord Edward Parish, a stranger bursts into the wedding and objects to the union. As he runs away from the wedding, he is killed. The next day, the bride goes missing and it is up to Lady Olivia Dowling and her friend, Kit Meredith, to figure out how those two events are connected. I really liked Olivia and Kit as a couple and you could easily see something more developing between the two characters.

Stroke of Midnight Anthology

Four of romance's most intriguing authors have come together to create a mesmerizing anthology— unforgettable tales of vampires, shapeshifters, and were-wolves. At the heart of these deeply sensual tales are everyday people facing extraordinary events—men and women thrown together by fate and an irresistible desire. In this world, your eyes can betray you as myth becomes reality, curses are vanquished, and love is the only weapon that can stand in the face of evil. In this world, there is a moment when passion and forbidden desire collide at the... Stroke of Midnight.

I picked up this anthology because it contained the next story in the Dark Hunter series by Sherrilyn Kenyon


Winter Born by Sherrilyn Kenyon
Two enemy Were-Panthers discover that fate has destined they become lovers. Pandora must learn to trust Dante's foreign nature. But as she slowly succumbs to the truest passion she has ever known, dark forces have already set out to reclaim her...

I'm not really sure why but this DH short story didn't really do anything for me. Pandora is a young were-panther who has just gone into her first heat - a very dangerous time. When she goes to Dragon*Con to try and find Ash to try and be protected from the pack of were-panthers who would take her and basically destroy her life. At the same Dragon*Con are Dante and his 3 brothers, only one of whom is mated. Basically as soon as Dante and Pandora meet each other, they are in bed because they both can't resist their animal instincts, and then they are basically bonded forever, they just have to choose whether or not they want to make their vows. There's a lot of action packed in this story, but just didn't really ever draw me in really.

Born of the Night by Amanda Ashley
When Lady Shanara Montiori is taken hostage, she learns that the rumors about her captor are true. Lord Reyes is afflicted with the dark curse of the werewolf. Still, Shanara can't fight the attraction they both feel. Will their love break the curse-or feed its powerful hold?

I've only read one other novella from Amanda Ashley, and I really didn't like it! This one was better.

Make It Last Forever by L. A. Banks
An innocent mistake forces the beautiful Tara onto a mission to save herself from the dark fate that awaits her. Salvation comes in the form of a seductive biker with a heart of gold. But will surrendering to their ripe attraction unleash a danger even she cannot control?

I haven't read any L. A. Banks before. I read the first chapter of this novella, and thought WTF? I very nearly put the book down at that point because it just seemed such a strange story, but I kept reading, and was glad that I did. In the end this was the best story in the book - mainly because I haven't read a story like it before. Tara is on the point of being turned to vampire, and is trying to get to her Native American grandmother's house to try to stop the turning from happen, but along the way the undead are trying to stop her. Rider is a guardian, but doesn't know it yet, and as he falls in love with Tara, and tries to save her, his life changes.

Red Moon Rising by Lori Handeland
Novelist Maya Alexander's peace is shattered when she is stalked by a Navaho skinwalker who has taken on the guise of a wolf. Her only hope is the mysterious Clay Philips. In his arms, she seeks protection-but as the red moon rises, no one is safe from the danger that lurks nearby...

This one was interesting. Lori Handeland is another new to me author, and I didn't mind her novella. I think it is part of a series, but can't quite figure out where it fits!

The idea that there were Jager-Sucher's (basically paranormal hunters) out there to try and track down paranormal creatures - some of which were ancient creatures, and others created by the Nazis was interesting. Maya was apparently gifted in that she could hear the winds, and Clay has to track down the skinwalker, and protect her, whilst trying to stop himself from falling in love with her, because the last people he loved were killed because of him.



Overall, this was a pretty lacklustre collection, but it does mean that I can now move onto the next book in the Sherrilyn Kenyon series, so that's okay with me!


Rating 3.5/5

Night Play by Sherrilyn Kenyon

Bride McTierney has had it with men. They're cheating, self-centered, and never love her for who she is. But though she prides herself on being independent, deep down she still yearns for a knight in shining armor.

She just never expected her knight in shining armor to have a shiny coat of fur…

Deadly and tortured, Vane Kattalakis isn't what he seems. Most women lament that their boyfriends are dogs. In Bride's case, hers is a wolf. A Were-Hunter wolf. Wanted dead by his enemies, Vane isn't looking for a mate. But the Fates have marked Bride as his. Now he has three weeks to either convince Bride that the supernatural is real or he will spend the rest of his life neutered—something no self-respecting wolf can accept…

But how does a wolf convince a human to trust him with her life when his enemies are out to end his? In the world of the Were-Hunters, it really is dog-eat-dog. And only one alpha male can win.

Mmmm....Vane!



Mmmm........Vane!! Sigh!


Bridie's a very lucky woman!


Rating: 4.5/5

Kiss of the Night by Sherrilyn Kenyon

Dear Reader,

What do you get when you have one immortal Viking warrior no one can remember five minutes after he leaves their presence, a princess on the run for her life, and one seriously annoyed demigod? Basically, you get my life.

It started out simple enough. One night I went to save a woman in trouble. The next thing I knew, the doorway to hell had opened and out stepped Daimons-vampires the likes of which I'd never seen before. Led by the son of Apollo, they are out to end the curse that has banished them all to darkness. The only problem with that is they have to kill Cassandra Peters to do it and if she dies, so dies the sun, the earth and all who dwell here. Life's just a bowl full of cherries, ain't it?

Brought together by fate, it's now my job to protect a daughter of the very race I have been hunting for centuries. Neither of us dares to trust the other. But she is the only one who remembers me... More than that, with her courage and strength, she is the only one who has ever touched a heart that I thought had died centuries ago.

The only way for a Dark-Hunter to regain his soul is through the love of a woman. But what happens when that woman isn't exactly human?

Wulf Tryggvasen
'

After really liking the last Dark Hunter book Dance with the Devil, I was very much looking forward to reading this book, However, right from page 1 I wasn't as invested in this one as I was for Zarek's book.

And that doesn't mean to say that it was a terrible book because it wasn't. There were many moments were I was moved, and even a couple where I cried, but overall Wulf's story was good but not great.

Wulf was cursed hundreds of years ago so that only a member of his family can actually remember him. Everyone else forgets him the moment they walk away, so it is very unusual when he meets a woman who actually does remember him from one day to the next. Of course, it isn't easy to forget a man who you have amazing sex with, even if it is only in your dreams....or is it!

Cassandra is no ordinary woman though. She is an Appolite, destined to either die on her 27th birthday, which is only months away, or to make the choice to become a Daimon, and she holds the future of the world in her hands. If she is to die without having children, then according to legend the world will end as well - and there are quite a few out there who are willing to test the legend to see if it is actually true or not!

Cassandra and Wulf meet when she and her bodyguard are being attacked by several Daimons, and events are quickly orchestrated so that he has to protect her, especially seeing as though she is now pregnant with his child. Wulf struggles a lot with the thought of the future - how can he love a woman who is destined to become one of the Daimons that he must hunt in his role as Dark Hunter, or she must die.

Some of the more emotional scenes for me were around the thought of the baby not knowing Cassandra as it grew up. I loved the memory box where she was placing little bits and pieces so that the baby would know something about her, as well as her family. There were a couple of interesting twists in this one, including the actions of Urian, who I am sure we will get to meet again in future books.

Whilst this one was nowhere near as good as Zarek's book I am still looking forward to the next one!

My only question is - do other people out there find all the mentions of DarkHunter.com, and yet another character reading a Kinley MacGregor novel, distracting? I have to admit that at times I do!

Strangely enough, even though I felt more invested in Zarek's book, I ended up rating them both the same. How does that happen?


A solid 4/5 for this book for me!

Dance with the Devil by Sherrilyn Kenyon

Zarek is the most dangerous of all the Dark-Hunters. He endured a lifetime as a roman slave and centuries as a Dark-Hunter in exile. Zarek trusts no one. Because of his steadfast denial to follow any orders, he is kept in isolation in Alaska where his activity is seriously limited and closely monitored. There are many who fear he will one day unleash his powers against humans as well as vampires.

Have nine hundred years of exile made Zarek too vicious to be redeemed? The gods want Zarek dead but reluctantly agree to allow justice goddess Astrid to judge him.

Astrid has never yet judged a man innocent, and yet there is something about Zarek that tugs at her heart. He views even the smallest act of kindness with shock and suspicion. But while Astrid struggles to maintain her impartiality in the face of her growing attraction to Zarek, an executioner has already been dispatched...

Not too long ago, when I reviewed Lover Awakened, I mentioned that I am rather partial to the tortured hero. There are many that I love - Sin from Born in Sin, Zsadist from Lover Awakened, and yes, Zarek from this book amongst others!

Zarek has been exiled in the wilds of Alaska for many hundreds of years as punishment for going on a terrible rampage and killing many people in his town. He has little if no interaction with the other members of the Dark Hunter world, and very little with the humans in the nearby town in Alaska. The bare minimum of contact with anyone.

In the previous book in the series, Night Embrace, Zarek was called out of exile to go to New Orleans, but whilst he was there he was caught on camera killing two people, in full view of mortals. Now, it has been decided that it is time to get rid of this problem Hunter once and for all. It takes all of Acheron's persuasiveness to convince Artemis that he should be judged before she has him killed, and in the end she reluctantly agrees.

Astrid is a judge, who is dissatisfied with her immortal life, who has never, ever found anyone innocent in the thousands of years she has been judging. The only time she came close she was betrayed by a man she thought she loved, and she is therefore incredibly wary of falling in love again. Zarek is led to her, in her set up situation where she is a blind woman living alone in a home, with only her pet wolf as company. In reality, the pet wolf is her eyes and ears, and is much more than just a wolf.

Snowed in by an incredibly bad blizzard, as Astrid spends time with Zarek she gradually comes to understand that whilst he is dark and brooding and violent, he also has a heart of gold. He hates himself more than he hates anyone else, and through spending time in his dreams she begins to understand exactly where his self esteem issues come from - a terrible existence that you would not even consider calling a childhood - slavery at the hands of his own father, torment and torture from his half brothers being just the beginning.

They fall in love with each other against a background of Zarek being hunted by Artemis' executioner. She has called him off, but he has a score to settle with Zarek from many hundreds of years ago, and he has decided that he will kill Zarek no matter what!

This book moved me in so many ways. As I said previously, Zarek was right up there with my all time favourite tortured heroes. There wasn't much more that was left to be done to the poor guy, and he deserved his HEA. It was interesting to hear the revelations of what happened all those years before to cause him to be exiled in the first place, and the implication of those revelations. There is also something quite unusual about Zarek, meaning that he is different from every other Dark Hunter in a crucial way.

Yet, amongst all the darkness there was also real humour. The fact that Astrid's sisters were the Three Fates caused several laugh out loud moments for me, particularly with them being so anti Zarek at times throughout the book.

This book also saw the introduction of Simi, who I had heard so much about from other DH fans, but couldn't ever figure out, so now I know what that is about, as well as a couple of new Dark Hunters who I am sure will get their turns at happiness in due course!

An enjoyable read, in a very entertaining series. Onto the next one!

Rating 4/5

Midnight Pleasures Anthology

Handsome and sensual, surrounded by an aura of danger, mystery, and the forbidden, a lover steps from the shadows. But is he mortal? Or is he an ancient god, a sorcerer, or a mythical beast who can possess a woman's heart...and her very soul?

Four of romance's most popular authors have created this spellbinding collection of stores filled with dark passion and desire. Under the cover of darkness, their heroes inhabit worlds haunted by ageless hungers and deadly forces stronger than any seen by day...and vanquished only by the power of love.

Now travel into realms where dazzling wonders roam the night, where magic replaces reason, and where a kiss unleashes a raging fire in the blood. And here, if you dare, discover the seduction that begins at the bewitching hour when a man and woman partake in...Midnight Pleasures.

I finished this anthology last night and whilst I normally like to review books in the order that I read them in. However, with this one I wanted to write the review straight away because otherwise I knew that I was going to forget some details! I originally got this book from the library so that I could read the novella Phantom Lover by Sherrilyn Kenyon as I continue glomming the Dark Hunter series. I had never read any of the other authors in the book. As soon as I got it, I read Phantom Lover and then I tried to start the other novellas.....and now I am not even sure where to start!!

The price of saving her dying mother is Channa's promise to spend a year at the castle of the tormented nobleman, Lord Darkfest....to obey him as his servant, or as his secrets are revealed, or become his salvation. And her own.

The first story in the book was Darkfest by Amanda Ashley. I am not sure how to say this any other way but........WHAT A STINKER! Starting from the characters names - the hero's name is Darkfest and the heroine is Channa Leigh! Now Darkfest is a wizard - to me it sounds more like the name of a convention of warlocks and wizards, not an individual!! Now, not only is he a wizard, he can change into a wolf. Channa Leigh is blind but can see when she is touching the wolf.

In exchange for her mother's life, Channa Leigh has to spend a year with Darkfest, and then when that year is over, she will be able to go and marry her betrothed Ronin. Now things get really silly when Darkfest turns Ronin into a frog. Also featuring in this story is a dragon, and then I did wonder if Darkfest was also going to turn into a vampire as well because he seemed to have an aversion to sunlight as well that either wasn't really explained or I just skimmed over what explanation was there. There were a couple of really squikky moments when he was a wolf and ....well, you get the idea. If I could put a book down when I wasn't enjoying it, I wouldn't have finished this one, but I can't so I did, and I tell you it was a relief when it was over!!! If I was rating this story I would give it a 1/5.

Haunted by recurring nightmares of terrifying beasts, Erin McDaniels is afraid to sleep - until a hero arrives in her dreams to save her....and makes erotic, incredible love to her. But can she find him again when she is awake?

Phantom Lover by Sherrilyn Kenyon was the first novella that I read out of this book, and I really enjoyed it. This short story introduces the Dream Hunters into the Dark Hunter series, and so whilst it really could be read alone, I suspect that this novella provides yet another platform in the series.

The hero is V'Aidan, who is not necessarily the good guy at the start, but something about Erin reaches his feelings, something that he is not supposed to have as a Skoti:

Skoti are not supposed to have any creativity of their own. They're not supposed to want love. Not supposed to want anything except a single night of dream surfing, hopping from one person to the next.

I really enjoyed this story, and it was very, very steamy! It will be interesting to see where the Dream Hunter story lines go in the future.

A consultant for a TV series about one gorgeous witch, "white witch" Melissa St. Cloud plans to make the show authentic. But once on the set she is pulled into the arms of a man who opens up a doorway to the dark side and chilling peril.

Next up was Under Her Spell by Maggie Shayne. As soon as Melissa St. Cloud meets Alexander Quinn she is irresistibly attracted to him, but she is also immediately aware that there is some kind of darkness around him. As the story progresses we get to find out more about him, and where that feeling of darkness comes from. As part of that we find out about a 30 year old mystery, and the influence of the father that Alexander never actually met over his life.

Whilst I didn't mind this story, there was a bit too much info dump in it, especially around the spells and what have you. It wasn't a bad story I guess.

Running away from an arranged marriage, Elise steals aboard a wagon in a traveling circus and finds herself in the bed of the Beast Tamer, Sterling Wulf, who is something other than he seems....and suddenly all Elise desires.

The final story was A Wulf's Curse by Ronda Thompson, and to be honest, this is the only author out of the three new to me authors in this anthology that I will read again. All of the males in Wulf's family have been cursed - if they love, then they will be destined to become werewolves whenever there is a full moon. For this reason, Wulf has basically withdrawn from the world, and women in particular, but when he finds runaway Elise Collins in his bed, suddenly he realises that he hasn't withdrawn far enough away. As Elise negotiates to stay with the circus until they get to Liverpool where her aunt lives, it is agreed that it is under the condition that she will work for her keep, and in a circus that means performing. In order to try and scare her away, it is suggested that she will do the Dance of the Veils, something that should mortify a well bought up young lady of the ton, but fear is a powerful motivator, and Elise is terrified of being found by her uncle and forced into marriage with the man of his choice. As Elise and Wulf spend more time together their feelings grow stronger, until the secrets that they both have are revealed.

This seems to be an introductory story in a new series, and having read this, I have added the other three books featuring the Wulfs to my TBR list.


So overall, one stinker, one okay read, and two pretty good reads.

Rating 3/5

Night Embrace by Sherrilyn Kenyon

Dear Reader,

Life is great for me. I have my chicory coffee, my warm beignets, and my best friend on the cell phone. Once the sun goes down, I am the baddest thing prowling the night: I command the elements, and I know no fear. For centuries, I've protected the innocent and watched over the mankind, making sure they are safe in a world where nothing is ever certain. All I want in return is a hot babe in a red dress, who wants nothing more from me then one night.

Instead, I get a runaway Mardi Gras float that tries to turn me into roadkill and a beautiful woman who saves my life but can't remember where she put my pants. Flamboyant and extravagant, Sunshine Runningwolf should be the perfect woman for me. She wants nothing past tonight, no ties, no long-term commitments.

But every time I look at her, I start yearning for dreams that I buried centuries ago. With her unconventional ways and ability to baffle me, Sunshine is the one person I find myself needing. But for me to love her would mean her death. I am cursed never to know peace or happiness-not so long as my enemy waits in the night to destroy us both.

--Talon of the Morrigantes

Mmmmm...Talon. Kenyon does such a great job of creating drool worthy heroes, whether they be blonde or dark. (Big sigh)...just taking a moment there! One thing that is interesting to me is that most of the heroes so far in this series have a past where theyhave been in love or married. Yes, that happiness has probably been taken away in tragic circumstances, but they have known that happiness once.

As for her heroines, well Sunshine Runningwolf is another heroine of hers that I just want to slap. She's not the first, not only in this series, but also in the Brotherhood series written under the name of Kinley MacGregor, but her ditziness was a little too overwhelming for me. I was a little surprised at the little twist at the end in relation to Sunshine's family heritage, but I guess it keeps the rest of the Runningwolfs in the series for a bit longer as well!

I love the way that the Dark Hunter world is building up with each book including the cameo appearances from heroes from the earlier books, and the introduction of more and more prospective heroes! Looking forward to reading more!

Rating 4/5 (Finished on 16 December 2006)

Night Pleasures by Sherrilyn Kenyon

The fourth instalment in the Dark Hunter series, following on from Dragonswan, this book is one of the books of the month for October and November over at Book Bitches.

Dear Reader,

Have you ever wanted to know what it's like to be immortal? To journey through the night stalking the evil that preys on humans? To have unlimited wealth, unlimited power? That is my existence, and it is dark and dangerous. I play hero to thousands, but am known to none. And I love every minute of it.

Or so I thought until one night when I woke up handcuffed to my worst nightmare: a conservative woman in a button-down shirt. Or in Amanda's case, buttoned all the way up to her chin. She's smart, sexy, witty, and wants nothing to do with the paranormal-in other words, me.

My attraction to Amanda Devereaux goes against everything I stand for. Not to mention the last time I fell in love it cost me not only my human life, but also my very soul. Yet every time I look at her, I find myself wanting to try again. Wanting to believe that love and loyalty do exist.

Even more disturbing, I find myself wondering if there's any way a woman like Amanda can love a man whose battle scars run deep, and whose heart was damaged by a betrayal so savage that he's not sure it will ever beat again.

Kyrian of Thrace

So chances are that I am not going to catch up on my reviews unless I actually start writing some right? I actually finished this book on 27 November, so it is stretching my memory a little bit, but we will see how we go! In fact it was stretching my memory so much that I had completely forgotten that when I tried to get this book out from the library it said that it was checked in, but I couldn't find it anywhere on the shelves. I put a request in for it, and after several weeks they still couldn't find it. In the end I read it in e-book form on my PC something quite unusual for me, and I don't know how it would have been if I hadn't been really interested in reading the story. The thing about reading at the PC for me is that I get a bit distracted. Someone comes on to chat, or I think about the website that I have been meaning to check out for a while, or I think maybe I should check Bloglines or one of my groups! The list of possibilities in terms of distractions is endless! Actually....the same thing happens when I am writing posts! Except I am trying to cook dinner as well! I apologise if I drop any spaghetti sauce anywhere through the post!

So what am I meant to be writing about? Oh yes, that's right. We heard a bit about Kyrian of Thrace in Fantasy Lover, in his capacity as the best friend of Julian. Julian believed that his best friend had died hundreds of years earlier, but it turned out that Kyrian had been betrayed by someone he loved, cruelly tortured and then he became a Dark Hunter. It has left him with trust issues, and with terrible memories that can manifest themselves at the most inopportune moments.

Amanda Devereaux is the only normal one in her family. Her sister is a vampire hunter, and her other sisters are also heavily involved in the paranormal, but the fact is that Amanda has a Gift that she has been ignoring for many years.

Amanda and Kyrian had great chemistry, although I do have to admit that there were a couple of times that I was wondering where something was going - the first being where Amanda decides to give Kyrian new memories, and the second time was in the scene where she had to claim him so that they could be together forever. In the end both scenes were fine, but I did wonder for a little while there!

In Fantasy Lover, the main thing I didn't like was the heroine, but in this one I liked Amanda. I did very much get the feeling that Kenyon was building her world gradually, with lots of detail regarding the Squires that help out the Dark Hunters, the hierarchy and the way that the Hunters all keep in touch. I am so looking forward to see the way that the author continues to build this series.

I was kind of surprised by one thing though. A while ago, there was a bit of a mini kerfuffle about the fact that Sherrilyn Kenyon gave a cover quote to a Kinley McGregor novel, when that is her own alter ego identity. The reason why I mention this is that Amanda was reading a Kinley McGregor novel at times throughout this novel, so it isn't the first time that that kind of thing has happened!

All in all, a really good read. I can totally see why this series is so popular.

Rating 4.5/5

Dragonswan by Sherrilyn Kenyon

The third instalment in the Dark Hunter series after Fantasy Lover and The Beginning.

Praised for novels that are "fun, sexy, wild, and fantastically different from anything else" (Romance Readers at Heart), New York Times bestselling author Sherrilyn Kenyon now delivers a special collector's-edition tale of unexpected passion woven from the mysteries of a celebrated ancient tapestry.

Beautiful scholar Channon MacRea has spent years studying the legendary Dragon Tapestry, devoting days and nights to deciphering the impenetrable Old English symbolism. Then one evening the unnaturally handsome Sebastian appears. He claims to hold the key to solving the tapestry's mysteries. Bearing magnificently taut and tanned flesh marked by intriguing scars of battle, he also claims to be a dragon slayer trapped between two worlds.

For Channon there's only one way to finally uncover the secrets of the intricate embroidery-by following the seductive stranger into a fantastic alternate world of magic, danger, and erotic adventure.

This is a rereleased novella, similar in fashion to one I reviewed not long ago by Karen Marie Moning called Into the Dreaming. In fact, both of these stories were originally in the same anthology called Tapestry that also featured novellas by Lynn Kurland and Madeline Hunter. Maybe I should see if their stories have also been rereleased so that I can say I have read the whole anthology!

Channon has been studying the legendary Dragon Tapestry for years, and one night she is studying it when Sebastian appears. His intention is to take the tapestry, as it is required to be the ransom to save his brother's life. He does have a few hours before he has to return to his own time, and so he spends it basically seducing Channon, who is portrayed as a somewhat scatterbrained academic. However just as he is about to leave Channon behind, he finds out that the Fates have decided that she is his one and only true mate. For his people, they have one shot and one shot only at love. If he leaves Channon behind he will never love again, but he can't take her against her will.

What follows is Channon's dream come true! She gets to spend time in a true medieval village, as she is taken back in time, but Sebastian still needs to protect her from his enemies.

This story was just okay for me. I had read a story about an inner beast that wants the girl not too long ago (JR Ward's Lover Eternal). I think I just need to get into the series proper.

One other comment to make though - it does tend to throw me out of a story when the author puts the couple into anatomically impossible sexual positions. I mean, in this book, the only way I could see one of the positions working was if she had three legs...and there was no mention anywhere else in the book to suggest that that was the case! If I have to think about how the position would work, chances are I am not that immersed in the book.

Rating: 2.5/5

Fantasy Lover by Sherrilyn Kenyon

It might sound like a man's favorite fantasy - to live forever, destined to be the lover of thousands of women. But for Julian of Macedon, it's a nightmare. Once he was a proud Spartan general, now he's a love-slave, his essence magically held captive in a book, cursed to spend all eternity pleasing women. Then, one day, Grace Alexander summons Julian to fulfill her passionate dreams - and sees beyond the fantasy to the man himself.

Long years as a sex therapist, listening to other people's bedroom problems, has taken a lot of the fun out of the physical side of love for Grace. She's remarkably understanding about Julian's situation - and that's disconcerting for all concerned. With or without sex, the rules of the enchantment cannot be changed. Julian is hers for the next month. And, as their time together slips by, Julian and Grace find more to share than sympathy and conversation - and they begin to wonder if love might be within their grasp. That leaves only one question. Is love enough to break a 2,000-year-old curse?

I have read nearly all of this author's books writing under the name of Kinley Macgregor, but this is the first time I have tried any of her Sherrilyn Kenyon books, and I have to say I was very pleasantly surprised. The reason why I picked this book up now is that The Book Bitches have selected five of the books from the Dark Hunter series of books as their books of the month for October and November. The five they chose were:

Night Pleasures (no. 4 in the series)
Dance with the Devil (no.7 in the series)
Night Play (no. 10 in the series)
Seize the Night (no. 12 in the series)
Dark Side of the Moon (no. 15 in the series)

Now, if you have been reading my blog for any length of time you will know that it would just about give my poor overworked heart a coronary if I just picked my way through a series like that, so I started at the beginning!

The funny thing is that when the girls provided us with the list of books in the series, they said about this book "You can skip this, worst in the bunch". Now either the other books in this series are going to be exceptional, or we have different taste in reading because I really liked this book...well, most of it anyway.

I'll start with the one thing I didn't like. Grace Alexander...sex therapist. Sex therapist who seems to have only had one sexual experience, and that one wasn't good. Sex therapist who has intimacy issues! Someone in one of the groups I was in said that this character seems to be quite common, particularly in contemporaries, but given that I read so few contemporaries, it isn't one that I was familiar with. I did find it quite unbelievable though, especially with the crazy stalker that was introduced.

Which is quite strange that I should say that Grace's character is unbelievable, seeing as Julian is the son of a Greek God, immortal warrior cursed by a jealous minor god to spend eternity stuck in the pages of a book, only being released occasionally to perform sexually for whichever woman calls his name three times.

The only way to break the curse is for Julian not to sleep with a woman from Alexandria (and luckily having a surname Alexander is close enough to satisfy) and then to join her on the last night of their time together for about 6 hours without losing their physical connection. Sound easy...well, kind of. Except that the torture for him will nearly send him insane. In the meantime, he teaches Grace how to receive pleasure without having sex, in some very hot scenes!!

With appearance by various Greek gods, with their petty arguments and long held grudges, this book was a lot of fun. To be honest I am not exactly sure how this fits in the series but I guess I will find out!

I also read the short story called The Beginning that gives the start of the Dark Hunter series. It didn't do much more than whet my appetite, but I definitely will be reading more!


That leaves just one more thing for me to say:

Julian of Macedon, Julian of Macedon, Julian of Macedon.







Did anything happen?

Maybe he's still walking from the train station.

Rating 4/5