Author: Angela Knight
Title: Warrior (Time Hunters series, #1)
Genre: Futuristic Romance
Publisher: Berkley Sensation
ISBN: 9780425220849
The Romance Author's Verdict: 4/5 Stars
Blurb:
In the 24th century, anyone can leap through time at will. To police the time jumpers, the Temporal Enforcement Agency has established a precinct in time. Galar Arvid is a genetically altered warlord and agent who’s been sent back to 2008 to save a pretty Atlanta artist from a Xeran time traveler who intends to kill her for profit. What Galar doesn’t count on is the powerful desire Jessica Kelly ignites in him. But could a romance between them work? A three-hundred-year chasm separates them and, even if they dart through time, there’s still a maniacal killer on their tails.
I've heard mixed things about Angela Knight, some people really love her and others have said she's only so-so. I wasn't sure what to expect when I picked up this book, but I was looking for something sci-fi-ish so decided to give it a go.
I think this book could have been fantastic. It is good, I'll give you that, but it was like a really great idea got mushed together with a cliche romance and the result was something that swung back and forth between "wow, I can't put this down" and "eh, what a surprise, they're having sex. *skipping pages*"
The story was what kept me going, the b-grade romance I could have done without. Galar (and I had a real issue with his name, that partly put me off) was a bit stereo-typical. He was all tough and warrior-like (hence the title) and had a bad-ass reputation. He'd been burned by a previous girlfriend and carried all the usual issues of an Alpha-Male-Betrayed-By-Ex-And-Now-Only-Wants-Sex-With-No-Strings-Attached. Of course he decided that the heroine he'd been tasked with protecting, Jessica, wouldn't be around for all that long, so he was going to scratch his itch and then send her on her way. And we all know how that always ends up turning out. Surprise! He started having feelings for her so things became complicated.
In this book's defense, the Time Hunter element really intrigues me, so I will be off to read the next books in the series, and some of Ms. Knights other books such as Warfem and Jane's Warlord. I'm just really hoping next time I get a better romance element out of the story.
Showing posts with label 4/5 stars. Show all posts
Showing posts with label 4/5 stars. Show all posts
Friday, December 30, 2011
Sunday, December 11, 2011
Review: The Last Warrior by Susan Grant
Author: Susan Grant
Title: The Last Warrior
Genre: Science fiction / fantasy romance
Publisher: HQN (imprint of Harlequin Mills & Boons)
ISBN: 9780373775422
The Romance Author's Verdict: 4/5 Stars
As a decorated soldier, the young General Tao knows only one kind of honor—to his people. But when his own king betrays him, he discovers that his sacrifices, his successes, may not have been for the good of the country at all.
Fate—and his enemies—throw him together with Elsabeth, a red-haired beauty who has served as the royal tutor. Her loyalties, though, remain with her father's people, the rebellious Kurel, who worship the old ways, even harboring the forbidden arks that brought the Kurel to this planet ages ago. When a threat greater than their peoples' war looms, intent on destroying the world they both know, the fierce warrior and the sensitive scholar must unite. Together, they must fight for their planet, for their world and for their love.
The first Susan Grant book I ever read was The Legend of Banzai Maguire, book one in the 2176 series. It was a great book, so I went out and got some other Susan Grant books. Unfortunately, I feel the other books I read by Ms. Grant haven't been quite as good. I'm not saying her other books aren't good -- they are, she's a talented writer. And so I keep buying her books on the hope another story will capture me like that first one did. Obviously so far, Banzai Maguire is my favorite.
But I'm supposed to be talking about The Last Warrior. Though this is a romance published by HQN, I felt the relationship between Tao, a General falsely charged with treason, and Elsabeth, took a backseat to the world building and story of Tao's fight to clear his name -- also not necessarily a bad thing. I quite enjoyed this world, the different factions, and the history of how the current situation on the planet came to be. While I found it a bit slow going at the start, the story built into a really great ending, with a character acting very unexpectedly to tie everything up fairly nicely.
There aren't that many big name sci-fi romance authors around, though slowly we are starting to see more into the mainstream romance publishers (though not enough for my liking!), but Ms Grant has certainly made a name for herself as a successful SFR author.
If you're looking to venture into this genre, or already love it and haven't tried Ms. Grant yet, then I can definitely recommend picking up one of her books. The Last Warrior is a satisfying read.
Title: The Last Warrior
Genre: Science fiction / fantasy romance
Publisher: HQN (imprint of Harlequin Mills & Boons)
ISBN: 9780373775422
The Romance Author's Verdict: 4/5 Stars
As a decorated soldier, the young General Tao knows only one kind of honor—to his people. But when his own king betrays him, he discovers that his sacrifices, his successes, may not have been for the good of the country at all.
Fate—and his enemies—throw him together with Elsabeth, a red-haired beauty who has served as the royal tutor. Her loyalties, though, remain with her father's people, the rebellious Kurel, who worship the old ways, even harboring the forbidden arks that brought the Kurel to this planet ages ago. When a threat greater than their peoples' war looms, intent on destroying the world they both know, the fierce warrior and the sensitive scholar must unite. Together, they must fight for their planet, for their world and for their love.
The first Susan Grant book I ever read was The Legend of Banzai Maguire, book one in the 2176 series. It was a great book, so I went out and got some other Susan Grant books. Unfortunately, I feel the other books I read by Ms. Grant haven't been quite as good. I'm not saying her other books aren't good -- they are, she's a talented writer. And so I keep buying her books on the hope another story will capture me like that first one did. Obviously so far, Banzai Maguire is my favorite.
But I'm supposed to be talking about The Last Warrior. Though this is a romance published by HQN, I felt the relationship between Tao, a General falsely charged with treason, and Elsabeth, took a backseat to the world building and story of Tao's fight to clear his name -- also not necessarily a bad thing. I quite enjoyed this world, the different factions, and the history of how the current situation on the planet came to be. While I found it a bit slow going at the start, the story built into a really great ending, with a character acting very unexpectedly to tie everything up fairly nicely.
There aren't that many big name sci-fi romance authors around, though slowly we are starting to see more into the mainstream romance publishers (though not enough for my liking!), but Ms Grant has certainly made a name for herself as a successful SFR author.
If you're looking to venture into this genre, or already love it and haven't tried Ms. Grant yet, then I can definitely recommend picking up one of her books. The Last Warrior is a satisfying read.
Thursday, November 17, 2011
Review: Glass Houses by Rachel Caine
Author: Rachel Caine
Title: Glass Houses (Morganville Vampires, book #1)
Genre: Young Adult Paranormal
Publisher: NAL Jam (Imprint of Berkley)
ISBN: 9780451219947
The Romance Author's Verdict: 4/5 Stars
Blurb:
From the author of the popular Weather Warden series comes the debut of an exciting new series set in Morganville, Texas, where you would be well advised to avoid being out after dark.
College freshman Claire Danvers has had enough of her nightmarish dorm situation. When Claire heads off-campus, the imposing old house where she finds a room may not be much better. Her new roommates don't show many signs of life, but they'll have Claire's back when the town's deepest secrets come crawling out, hungry for fresh blood.
After I finished reading this book, I couldn't decide whether or not I liked it. One thing is for sure, I wasn't impressed with the ending. The book didn't finish, it just stopped. Okay, I understand how that might entice your readers into picking up the second book, but I found it annoying and unsatisfying.
It also took me a bit to get into this book, I couldn't connect with Claire. I didn't understand her motivations in wanting to stay in college, within striking distance of those who wanted to seriously hurt her, though her reasons for needing to stay in town did become clearer later on.
This book was an interesting read, which is why I gave it four stars, but you can probably tell from this review I'm still conflicted over it. All of the main characters were interesting and I enjoyed learning their stories and even the threads revealed that will no doubt be dealt with in later books. I also enjoyed the hint of romance, which obviously has the potential to become something big later on.
On the other hand, it is also just another take on teenagers and vampires, I didn't find anything to set it too far apart from other teen-vamp adventures. One other point, I found the writing kept me disconnected from the characters. Much of the writing was very narrative, when I wanted (like usual) to get into the dark depths of the character's thoughts and feelings.
Overall, its not a bad read, which is why I gave it four stars. If you want another teen-vamp romp, and light writing you won't get too sucked into, then the Morganville Vampire books fit the bill. I haven't decided whether or not I'll read any more in the series. If I do, it will be more out of an interest to see if the writing and characters develop any farther, than wanting to know what's going to happen story-wise.
Title: Glass Houses (Morganville Vampires, book #1)
Genre: Young Adult Paranormal
Publisher: NAL Jam (Imprint of Berkley)
ISBN: 9780451219947
The Romance Author's Verdict: 4/5 Stars
Blurb:
From the author of the popular Weather Warden series comes the debut of an exciting new series set in Morganville, Texas, where you would be well advised to avoid being out after dark.
College freshman Claire Danvers has had enough of her nightmarish dorm situation. When Claire heads off-campus, the imposing old house where she finds a room may not be much better. Her new roommates don't show many signs of life, but they'll have Claire's back when the town's deepest secrets come crawling out, hungry for fresh blood.
After I finished reading this book, I couldn't decide whether or not I liked it. One thing is for sure, I wasn't impressed with the ending. The book didn't finish, it just stopped. Okay, I understand how that might entice your readers into picking up the second book, but I found it annoying and unsatisfying.
It also took me a bit to get into this book, I couldn't connect with Claire. I didn't understand her motivations in wanting to stay in college, within striking distance of those who wanted to seriously hurt her, though her reasons for needing to stay in town did become clearer later on.
This book was an interesting read, which is why I gave it four stars, but you can probably tell from this review I'm still conflicted over it. All of the main characters were interesting and I enjoyed learning their stories and even the threads revealed that will no doubt be dealt with in later books. I also enjoyed the hint of romance, which obviously has the potential to become something big later on.
On the other hand, it is also just another take on teenagers and vampires, I didn't find anything to set it too far apart from other teen-vamp adventures. One other point, I found the writing kept me disconnected from the characters. Much of the writing was very narrative, when I wanted (like usual) to get into the dark depths of the character's thoughts and feelings.
Overall, its not a bad read, which is why I gave it four stars. If you want another teen-vamp romp, and light writing you won't get too sucked into, then the Morganville Vampire books fit the bill. I haven't decided whether or not I'll read any more in the series. If I do, it will be more out of an interest to see if the writing and characters develop any farther, than wanting to know what's going to happen story-wise.
Friday, October 21, 2011
Review: Whisper No Lies by Cindy Gerard
Author: Cindy Gerard
Title: Whisper No Lies (3rd book in the BOIs series)
Genre: Romantic Suspense
Publisher: Pocket Star Books Romance (Imprint of Simon & Schuster Inc)
ISBN:978-1-4165-6675-5
The Romance Author's Verdict: 4/5 Stars
AN INDECENT PROPOSAL...
When a high roller at the Vegas casino where Crystal Debrowski manages security makes a scandalous proposition, she flat-out refuses, especially given rumors of his shady overseas connections. But then counterfeit bills mysteriously flood the gaming tables, and her reputation — and her life — are on the line.
REVEALS A SIMMERING DESIRE...
Despite his big, flirty grin, Texas heartbreaker Johnny Duane Reed can't get sassy Crystal off his mind. When she is abducted by an international crime lord with a threatening obsession, Reed enlists his Black Ops, Inc. team to pursue a dangerous mission to rescue her.
...WITH DEADLY CONSEQUENCES.
Between Crystal and Johnny burns a scorching flame, but as they battle her relentless abductor, they uncover a malicious arms trafficking and white slavery ring. Together, they must destroy the tyrant's wicked enterprises or face his reign of terror themselves....
I've got to be in the right mood to pick up a Cindy Gerard book. I know she's a New York Times Bestselling Author, but I've found her to be a bit hit and miss. I read the first book in the Black Ops Inc, or BOIs series, Show No Mercy, and thought "meh". It was okay, but wasn't going to make me rush out and read the next one. In fact I skipped the second one, Take No Prisoners, and went straight to this one for the simple fact that out of all the BOI team members, I really liked Johnny Reed and Whisper No Lies is his book.
This was a simple, quick read. The facts are straight forward, the characters easy to understand and there's enough action to keep you engaged. I think these elements are why Ms. Gerard is a NYT Bestseller. Johnny didn't disappoint. His journey of falling for Crystal and then coming to grips with it was very well done. Likewise, Crystal's own challenges, both physical and mental, made for a contrast at some points, but also sometimes mirrored Johnny's struggles. I don't remember reading another book where both characters were coming to terms with commitment issues for different reasons and Ms Gerard handled this really well.
So if you like an action packed romantic suspense and an easy read you don't have to put too much effort into thinking about, then Whisper No Lies hits all the right marks.
Title: Whisper No Lies (3rd book in the BOIs series)
Genre: Romantic Suspense
Publisher: Pocket Star Books Romance (Imprint of Simon & Schuster Inc)
ISBN:978-1-4165-6675-5
The Romance Author's Verdict: 4/5 Stars
AN INDECENT PROPOSAL...
When a high roller at the Vegas casino where Crystal Debrowski manages security makes a scandalous proposition, she flat-out refuses, especially given rumors of his shady overseas connections. But then counterfeit bills mysteriously flood the gaming tables, and her reputation — and her life — are on the line.
REVEALS A SIMMERING DESIRE...
Despite his big, flirty grin, Texas heartbreaker Johnny Duane Reed can't get sassy Crystal off his mind. When she is abducted by an international crime lord with a threatening obsession, Reed enlists his Black Ops, Inc. team to pursue a dangerous mission to rescue her.
...WITH DEADLY CONSEQUENCES.
Between Crystal and Johnny burns a scorching flame, but as they battle her relentless abductor, they uncover a malicious arms trafficking and white slavery ring. Together, they must destroy the tyrant's wicked enterprises or face his reign of terror themselves....
I've got to be in the right mood to pick up a Cindy Gerard book. I know she's a New York Times Bestselling Author, but I've found her to be a bit hit and miss. I read the first book in the Black Ops Inc, or BOIs series, Show No Mercy, and thought "meh". It was okay, but wasn't going to make me rush out and read the next one. In fact I skipped the second one, Take No Prisoners, and went straight to this one for the simple fact that out of all the BOI team members, I really liked Johnny Reed and Whisper No Lies is his book.
This was a simple, quick read. The facts are straight forward, the characters easy to understand and there's enough action to keep you engaged. I think these elements are why Ms. Gerard is a NYT Bestseller. Johnny didn't disappoint. His journey of falling for Crystal and then coming to grips with it was very well done. Likewise, Crystal's own challenges, both physical and mental, made for a contrast at some points, but also sometimes mirrored Johnny's struggles. I don't remember reading another book where both characters were coming to terms with commitment issues for different reasons and Ms Gerard handled this really well.
So if you like an action packed romantic suspense and an easy read you don't have to put too much effort into thinking about, then Whisper No Lies hits all the right marks.
Monday, October 17, 2011
Review: Dragon Bound by Thea Harrison
Author: Thea Harrison
Title: Dragon Bound
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Publisher: Berkley Sensation (Penguin Group)
ISBN: 978-0-425-24150-9
The Romance Author's Verdict: 4/5 Stars
Half-human and half-wyr, Pia Giovanni spent her life keeping a low profile among the wyrkind and avoiding the continuing conflict between them and their Dark Fae enemies. But after being blackmailed into stealing a coin from the hoard of a dragon, Pia finds herself targeted by one of the most powerful–and passionate—of the Elder Races.
As the most feared and respected of the wyrkind, Dragos Cuelebre cannot believe someone had the audacity to steal from him, much less succeed. And when he catches the thief, Dragos spares her life, claiming her as his own to further explore the desire they’ve ignited in one another.
Ms Harrison's writing is new and unique, a voice that I think will become brilliant in its uniqueness, much the same way authors like JR Ward, Sherrilyn Kenyon, or Kresley Cole did. The book is mostly written in third person, but every so often a paragraph or two, or sometimes just a sentence, was delivered in first person. Initially, I couldn't decide if I like this style or not, but as the book continued on, I could see that with Ms Harrison's voice, it was working quite well.
The only thing I couldn't agree with was the 'head-hopping.' I'm not a fan of changing character point of view midway through a scene and then even changing back a few paragraphs later. I know some publishers and agents will reject a manuscript written in such a way, so I find it interesting that Ms. Harrison has broken some of the current 'rules', yet found success anyway.
Style aside, I'm now very interested to read the next few books in the series. I imagine that if Ms Harrison has really honed and strengthened this unique voice, then the books will only get better.
In terms of the story, I was a bit dubious about the whole dragon-thing. I've read a few dragon-shifter books, but none of them ever made much of an impression on me. However, Ms Harrison managed to change my mind on the issue. To me, Dragos acted very much in line with a primitive type of dragon nature, which made for an impressive hero.
Character-wise, I couldn't really fault this book. Dragos was the kind of old-school, true alpha male you don't come across very often, but contrary to his nature, he did bend enough to accommodate Pia in his life. On the other side of the relationship, though Pia often doubted herself, in the moments that counted she showed real strength, which I think made her more realistic and believable.
If you enjoy shifters, and real tough alpha males, then I'd definitely recommend this book, you won't be sorry.
Title: Dragon Bound
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Publisher: Berkley Sensation (Penguin Group)
ISBN: 978-0-425-24150-9
The Romance Author's Verdict: 4/5 Stars
Half-human and half-wyr, Pia Giovanni spent her life keeping a low profile among the wyrkind and avoiding the continuing conflict between them and their Dark Fae enemies. But after being blackmailed into stealing a coin from the hoard of a dragon, Pia finds herself targeted by one of the most powerful–and passionate—of the Elder Races.
As the most feared and respected of the wyrkind, Dragos Cuelebre cannot believe someone had the audacity to steal from him, much less succeed. And when he catches the thief, Dragos spares her life, claiming her as his own to further explore the desire they’ve ignited in one another.
Ms Harrison's writing is new and unique, a voice that I think will become brilliant in its uniqueness, much the same way authors like JR Ward, Sherrilyn Kenyon, or Kresley Cole did. The book is mostly written in third person, but every so often a paragraph or two, or sometimes just a sentence, was delivered in first person. Initially, I couldn't decide if I like this style or not, but as the book continued on, I could see that with Ms Harrison's voice, it was working quite well.
The only thing I couldn't agree with was the 'head-hopping.' I'm not a fan of changing character point of view midway through a scene and then even changing back a few paragraphs later. I know some publishers and agents will reject a manuscript written in such a way, so I find it interesting that Ms. Harrison has broken some of the current 'rules', yet found success anyway.
Style aside, I'm now very interested to read the next few books in the series. I imagine that if Ms Harrison has really honed and strengthened this unique voice, then the books will only get better.
In terms of the story, I was a bit dubious about the whole dragon-thing. I've read a few dragon-shifter books, but none of them ever made much of an impression on me. However, Ms Harrison managed to change my mind on the issue. To me, Dragos acted very much in line with a primitive type of dragon nature, which made for an impressive hero.
Character-wise, I couldn't really fault this book. Dragos was the kind of old-school, true alpha male you don't come across very often, but contrary to his nature, he did bend enough to accommodate Pia in his life. On the other side of the relationship, though Pia often doubted herself, in the moments that counted she showed real strength, which I think made her more realistic and believable.
If you enjoy shifters, and real tough alpha males, then I'd definitely recommend this book, you won't be sorry.
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