Thea Harrison - Lionheart

King Oberon reigned over his Dark Court in Lyonesse for centuries, until an assassination attempt laid him low. Now he lies unconscious in his snow-bound palace, while his Power battles the enchantment that threatens to end his life.

A skilled trauma surgeon and magic-user, Dr. Kathryn Shaw reigns at the top of her profession in New York. Then comes a challenge she can’t resist—she is asked to cure the uncureable. Just getting close enough to try healing Oberon is a dangerous proposition. When she does reach him, he awakens too soon.
Roused from darkness by Kathryn’s presence, Oberon confronts the beautiful stranger who claims she wants to save his life. But the enchantment has frozen his emotions. How can he learn to trust her when he can’t feel anything?
Oberon’s desire is icy, devoid of all tenderness. Not only must Kathryn match wits with him, she must also fight her reaction to his touch, because there is so much more at stake than her own endangered heart.
For the Dark Court faces its most deadly peril yet. Its ancient enemy Isabeau, Queen of the Light Court, is obsessed with its annihilation, and Oberon must be brought to remember his loyalty and affection for his people.
Because if he won’t fight for them, Lyonesse itself may very well be destroyed…

Comment: This is the third and final installment in the Moonshadow trilogy, a spin off of the well liked PNR Elder Races series by Thea Harrison. I'm glad I've finished another series!

In this book, following the events of the previous ones, dr Katheryn Shaw is asked to go to Lyonesse to see if she can help Oberon, the Dark Court king, for he has been in a sleep caused by a curse. Even though the person who did it is now free of his own curse (part of the plot of book #2), no one wants him near Oberon. Despite the time slips between Earth and Lyonesse, Kathryn agrees to go mostly for the medical challenge but when things seem to go well, she is amazed Oberon wakes up and turns out to be quite different from what he imagined. As Oberon improves and Kathryn thinks about the best strategy to help him, they can't seem to want to stay away from each other. Will there be a future after Oberon recovers? Will he defeat Isabeau from the Light Court once and for all?

When this book was released, many commented on the cover. Truly, it's not the best model and I don't imagine Oberon that way... perhaps a different model or a different photo shop edition might have helped but thankfully, the content is a lot more appealing. I should also mention that the author does a wonderful job making this accessible to any reader, no matter if one hadn't read the other books, but it's a much cozier and rewarding experience indeed if not reads the other books first.

This book's plot reminded me of sleeping beauty but the other way around! Oberon was cursed and by doing so went to sleep but his Power remained and it affected Lyonesse, mostly by giving the place a perpetual winter feel. I won't go into obvious clichés but Kathryn manages to wake up everything and how she does so certainly must not be a big surprise...

The challenging part comes after Oberon wakes up, how they must become a team, not only to help him improve as best as he can, but also in making is possible for the people of Lyonesse, in exile and unable to return for so long, finally come back and can think about having a future in the place they love. This is also clear on Oberon's part, who did what he did to protect as much of the land as possible. He obviously wants revenge but even this was done in a very logical manner.

In fact, all the books by this author I've read seem to derive from a very logical scheme (as opposed to only character-drive) and sometimes this wasn't enough to make me enjoy the stories while in others I was marveled. I've given 2 stars to some books and 5 stars to others for instance. I think this book is the proof the author has matured her style and ideas and everything about this book made me think about good planning, logical steps and consensual and practical behavior from the protagonists.

They both acted as adults and this might sound silly to say but so many protagonists in romances don't.... I suppose there were some scenes where I would have enjoyed a bit more passionate demonstrations they were affected by their emotions and feelings but to be fair, this is rather obvious too, in their actions and responses to what is happening. I wouldn't say they were falling madly in love but where, instead, giving in to their attraction, maturity and mutual respect. It was romantic in their own way.

The plot is a little predictable, both in terms of romance and how the improvement of life in Lyonesse happens, but also regarding the revenge stuff. Of course there's closure on this subject but perhaps not as one might have idealized. I have the opinion things went pretty well the way the author chose. 

There are some boring moments, though, throughout the book and yes, once or twice I wish things had been a bit more magical, special, heartfelt... but it's personal impression and not the book's flaw.

In general, this was a good farewell to this series... I see the author has plenty of novellas in this series but I don't plan on reading them. If this is the end of the "big picture" in the series for me, I don't say goodbye in a sad state. I think this was a well chosen plot/romance to do it. 

Grade: 8/10

Thea Harrison - Spellbinder

Kidnapped while on tour, musician Sidonie Martel is transported to the mystical land of Avalon. A
human without magical ability, she is completely vulnerable to the deadly forces surrounding her.
When she defies her captors and refuses to share her music, an act of violent cruelty leaves her broken, her ability to play silenced, maybe forever. Her only hope is a whisper in the dark, gentle hands that offer healing, and a man who refuses to show her his face yet who offers advice she dare not ignore.
One of the most feared and powerful sorcerers in history, Morgan le Fae serves a Queen he despises, Isabeau of the Light Court. Once a famous bard and an advisor to kings, Morgan has been enslaved to Isabeau for hundreds of years, acting as enforcer and the commander of her deadly Hounds.
Sidonie’s music touches Morgan in places he had abandoned centuries ago, and her fiery spirit resurrects feelings he had believed long dead. For Sidonie, trapped in captivity, passion offers a comfort she cannot resist.
But Isabeau holds Morgan bound in magical chains that only Death can break. And in the court of a cruel, jealous Queen, the only thing that burns hotter than love is revenge…

Comment: This is the second book in the Moonshadow trilogy, a spin off of the Elder Races series by Thea Harrison. I liked the first book, which I read last year, but I admit I had hopes for this second one since it would feature the redemption of a villain... well, I imagined so anyway, but thankfully I was proven right and this turned out to be an engrossing read to me.

After what happened in the first book, where we met the villain Morgan leFey - even though we understood something shady was going on - the plot of this second one begins with the kidnapping of musician Sidonie Martel, whose violin concerts are in high demand. Sidonie is kidnapped by Robin (whom we met in book #1) so that he can use her as bait for Morgan, someone he considers the worst enemy. Since Morgan seemed to be fascinated by Sidonie's music, he creates an impossible situation where Sidonie, a human, ends up tortured by Isabeau from the Light Fae Court, the person who controls Morgan. However, despite the awful things he has been forced to do, Morgan still has a good heart and he tries to help Sidonie, not knowing she would be the solution to his problems...

Again, it does seem what I described is very complicated but for those who have read the first book, this makes perfect sense. Of course, a new reader would understand the plot easily too, there's no need to read the other book first but as it usually happens in these situations, things do have a better context if we know what happened before with more detail.

I liked this book a little better than the previous one. I certainly enjoyed the main characters' paths towards love a lot more, Morgan's in particular. Morgan is seen as a bad guy but he has been enslaved for too long and because of a spell he can't run from, he has done things he wished he hadn't. I could really root for him because, despite the bad things and the killings, his core is still good and he wishes he could undo many of the things he was forced to do. I especially liked how, despite all the words he says against it, he retained so many of his good human traits.

Sidonie is human and put in the middle of a fight she should not have anything do with but there is she is nevertheless. Robin, the puck from the previous book, who has been tortured by Isabeau (the true villain) decides to use her a pawn which obviously reveals his more egotistical nature, very unlike the human side he seemed to present in the first book. This puts her in a direct path of Isabeau's schemes and Morgan ends up feeling he has to help her...after all it was by being delighted by her concerts that she was approached by Robin... Sidonie playes her role admirably and I feel she revealed a lot more fortitude than expected, considering everything she goes through. On the other hand, this is set in a fantasy world, so different reactions from the real life ones can apply...

What I liked the best was how these two would slowly work together to try to find a way to rescue Sidonie. It's true Robin was mean by putting her in such a position but all things considered, that was what made it possible for her and Morgan to meet and find they can be a good match. Almost an end justifying the means.... still, I liked how their relationship developed, cautiously at first but when Sidonie had a bit more control of herself in a new world, things evolved rather quickly. They both shared personal things and although that is to be expected if they are going to be a couple in love at some point, I still felt happy that they had someone to trust, especially Morgan.

There are some adventures the characters need to go through, there's conflict and some harsh decisions closer to the end but I feel the author has thought well about how to play things out. It's true some things feel a bit too dramatic but at the same time it makes sense to create such difficulties. This is the way they feel validated in the choices they make and, to be honest, after such personal sacrifices, it does feel like they can be more secure in their path and in their happiness if they feel like they had to earn it... our minds do make us complex!

I had a great time reading this story, I rooted for the good guys, I wanted to see the bad ones punished, I wished the protagonists could find comfort and love in each other. I'm happy these things happened and even more so by having all this part of a fascinating world because, even though some stories in the Elder Races weren't favorites, the world building is very well done and intriguing and, as it always happens in these situations, part of the fun and the appeal is to follow the characters on their lives in such complex but intriguing worlds.

I'm curious about the last book and I'll definitely read it some day.

Grade: 8/10

Thea Harrison - Moonshadow

Recovering from a shooting, LAPD witch consultant Sophie Ross leaves her job and travels to the U.K. to search for answers about her childhood. When she encounters a Daoine Sidhe knight of the Dark Court, she becomes entangled in an ancient hatred between two arcane forces. 
Barred from his homeland along with his surviving brother knights, Nikolas Sevigny is embroiled in a conflict that threatens everything he holds dear. Only by uniting his people’s resources can they hope to prevail against Isabeau, the deadly Queen of the Light Court. He will do anything and use anyone to return home to Lyonesse.
When Nikolas encounters Sophie, he sees a tool to be used. The insouciant witch might be the key to unlocking every passageway that has been barred to the knights of the Dark Court, even as a fascination for her takes root in what’s left of his soul.
Sophie has no intention of becoming anyone’s pawn, yet the fierce Nikolas is so compelling, she can’t deny the temptation that endangers her guarded heart.
As magic threatens Lyonesse, Queen Isabeau unleashes her merciless Hounds, and Nikolas and Sophie become embroiled in a race for survival. Meanwhile, the passion that ignites between them burns too hot to be denied and quickly turns into obsession. 

Comment: This book has been in the pile pretty much since its release, since I got it a few months after that. It just got lost among all the others but this time I decided to finally start it.

In this spin-off from the Elder Races series, which made the author known among readers, we have a different set of characters and situations but set in the same world. This means previous known characters might be mentioned or have small appearances.

The book is focused on Sophie, a witch consultant in America who is approached by a woman claiming her family is responsible for Sophie's rescue as a young child and now this woman offers the deal of a lifetime to Sophie in the UK, where Sophie's origins are likely to be as well.

However, more than look for her roots, Sophie sees herself in the middle of someone else's affairs, namely Nikolas Sevigny, a member of the Dark Court in Lyonnais. Nikolas and a few of his comrades have been away from their land for too long, since time passes differently there and they have no way to go back, since they are still being chased after by members of the Light Court.

Can the fate of Sophie and Nikolas be the same somehow, will they be able to work together despite their animosity upon meeting one another to reach the same goal?

Despite the apparent confusion in my description of what this book could be about, I can say that while reading, everything makes perfect sense. This is set in the same world of the other series so for fans, the story makes a little bit more sense from the start, but for new readers the structure is such that it's possible to follow things easily. Still, I'd say it is easier if the reader has read some other book from the Elder Races series as some details make more sense that way.

So, basically, Sophie is a witch but she is not invincible and, in fact, is recovering yet from a shooting which puts her in a very uncomfortable position. She feels tired and uneasy and I think it was easy for me to feel empathy and a connection with her.

The set up for her to go to the UK was believable if not a little too convenient and a good reason to explain why a certain link between her and the woman who approached her (dr Kathryn Shaw) needs to exist, since it will certainly matter in the future books.

Sophie is determined, she doesn't admit much vulnerability in herself although we can obviously see it in her through her actions and behavior. Some readers have not liked her because she comes across as too fixed in her goals, as too set on her ways and the softer side of her isn't always visible while interacting with the hero. Their relationship isn't romantic, on a whole.

I can see why this might be said but I think the main characters' connection was good enough. I could see in the author's intention and and choices for this novel, the romance was not the main issue here, although Sophie and Nikolas develop an affection in the midst of their antagonism. It was fun to see them interact and getting closer that way.

Nevertheless, there is a slight tone here that makes us focus a bit too much on the task they have. There's a mission to accomplish and I did like how easy it was for me to immerse myself on their worries and plans (something that I failed to do in other of the author's books) without, however, losing track of where they wore, romantically.

I think Nikolas wasn't as easy to read simply because he keeps that mysterious side that can sound really appealing when one thinks of "romantic hero" but it's not as fun as when we want to see all the details of his evolution. 

I admit the biggest flaw I saw in this book was how much of the page count was spent on the meeting of the main characters, their plans and actions and not on the dealing with the after. I wanted more goals in common after they managed to complete their mission and less time speculating and planning. There are two more books and I'm certain we will see some result of what happened here too, but I suspect it might be minimal and not really a full set on Lyonnais and how the characters see themselves there.

Anyway, this book was very entertaining, I did like how Sophie and Nikolas had their own way of being together and talked to each other, I liked some of the secondary characters, I liked they were meticulous and that I could learn things about them and about their surroundings in little clues here and there.

On the less appealing side for me was the fact the plot feels a lot like a task to be done, no matter how it's done, the romance is special but not as sweet as it could be and there are just too many practical/analytical aspects regarding their lives that didn't give me that warm feeling of seeing a HEA come to life. But I'll read the next books, so that counts too, for enthusiasm.

Grade: 7/10

Thea Harrison - Shadow's End

For Beluviel, consort to the Elven High Lord, and Graydon, gryphon and First Sentinel of the Wyr, even the slightest desire for each other is forbidden. But two hundred years ago, after a desperate play to save Beluviel’s stepson left them indebted to the cruel Djinn Malphas, they found their fates inexorably linked together—and the hunger between them growing too strong to ignore…
Two centuries later, with their debt to Malphas coming due, Beluviel and Graydon realize that, if they are to stand any chance of saving their souls, they must once again work together—this time more closely than ever before. But every moment they spend with each other brings them nearer to losing something even more vital—their hearts…

Comment: This is most recent installment in the Elder Races series by author Thea Harrison. So far my reaction to these books has been a case of a hit and miss and books #2, #3 and #8 haven't been as amazing as that, in fact book#2 was quite weak to me. But all the others were great, especially book #4, my favorite and books #1 and #6 and #7 were very good. I had hopes #9, this one would follow the more positive trend...

In this book we finally have Graydon's story, he's one of Dragos' sentinels and a wonderful friend if all the books are correct, so it's not a surprise when he decides to ask for some free time to help someone defeating an enemy who has destroyed a lot of dreams..

Beluviel is an elf and she's quite important to her family and demesne but there's a secret she's been hiding and now, after such a shocking aftermath of the recent attacks, including her demesne, Beluviel finally has the tools to look for her own happiness.

But the enemy to defeat is strong and the help of many friends might be necessary...

I had a good time reading this novel. I'm very glad this can be placed in my personal column of the good books in this series because despite one or two things I liked less, overall, this is a very good story to spend time with.

The story starts with Graydon asking for some free time for personal reasons and soon after we go back in time, around 200 years, to the beginning of a relationship no one has ever imagined could be possible. I found the situation slightly unrealistic, considering the amount of time it took for something to be done, although it has to be said it wouldn't have been easy to do things differently hoping for a positive outcome.

But I think my faith in the book was tested when we go back 200 years and spend several chapters seeing what was happening. I must say this annoyed me a bit. I would have preferred to see things less explicit in that time and just have the main couple, Beluviel and Graydon, deal with things now, talking and discussing this now. 

This is quite the take on the lovers reunited, which usually is a trope I dislike immensely, but somehow I could get both character's POVs here. Still, their relationship felt rather plain and too smooth to be thought as believable. Not only was their connection too fast and too easy when they met, a sort of insta-love link, but now that they are dealing with everything at last, they are almost too polite about it, sex apart, their feelings feel too bland, too organized...after such a long time apart physically and after seeing the other from afar for so long, I expected a bit more reaction, more attitude, something more passionate...

The plot is very simple. Basically Graydon calls some favors, asks for the help of some known characters to deal with the enemy and kill him for ever, so he and Beluviel could finally get their HEA but also the opportunity to help someone else, a person the enemy was using to control and stop them from being together. The task is quickly staged, the bad guy dies but the good guys also have some losses, one of them I really didn't expect! Not a protagonist, but still..

Of course, in the end all ends well.

The main couple wasn't bad together. But the sparks between them were too thin, too contained. I'm glad they found happiness, but the path towards that, despite rocky for obvious (time related) reasons, wasn't as magical or romantic as I expected.

Individually, Graydon is a great guy but we kind of already knew that, his character is all good things but he's not truly exploited as far as he could.

Beluviel is a great lady too, very elegant and polished, but she isn't very memorable to me, her life and personality aren't anything like Grace, from book #4, which captivated me tremendously.

So, this couple is well balanced but not that amazing.

All in all, this is an easy book to read, one of those we can read as stand alone but obviously it all makes so much more sense if we had read the others first.

I think this is a good series in general, but yes, some stories are way better than others. This one reads well, but the romance is not spectacular.

Grade:7/10

Last books read in 2015

I'll take a few sentences to just present a summary of the last three books I've read in 2015, so I can get the blog tidy and on track to this new year's reads.

These three books were interesting, two just slightly better than the third, for specific reasons but I still wanted to share without writing a full comment when in reality there isn't much I can say about them that many others haven't already and certainly in a much more eloquent manner. Anyway, just a few comments about the books and my general opinion about them.

Ever since their scorching affair ended years ago, Julian, the Nightkind King, and Melisande, daughter of the Light Fae Queen, have tried to put the past behind them—and distance between them. But when a war breaks out between Julian and Justine, a powerful Vampyre of the Nightkind council, they find themselves thrown together under treacherous circumstances…
Kidnapped as leverage against Julian, Melly is convinced that her former lover won’t be rushing to her rescue. But when Julian gives himself up to save her, they both end up Justine’s captives. Armed only with their wits and their anger, Melly and Julian must work together to escape. But will they be able to ignore their complicated history, or will the fiery passion that once burned them blaze again?  

Comment: This is the 8th installment in the Elder Races series, featuring Julian and Melisande. Apparently they had an affair/relationship until 20 years ago but he got proof of her cheating and they broke up. But now she's in danger and he still cares and goes out to rescue her. Everything ends up well and they talk and get back together. I thought it was pretty basic, not interesting enough when it came to the plot but the thing I found weaker was their relationship itself, I don't like lovers reunited tropes and this was one of it. I liked Julian but Melly isn't the type of heroine I like, even if she was always decent and worthy. It just didn't feel amazing to me. It was the last book of the year.

Grade: 5/10

* * *

Nefertiti and her younger sister, Mutnodjmet, have been raised in a powerful family that has provided wives to the rulers of Egypt for centuries. Ambitious, charismatic, and beautiful, Nefertiti is destined to marry Amunhotep, an unstable young pharaoh. It is hoped by all that her strong personality will temper the young Amunhotep’s heretical desire to forsake Egypt’s ancient gods, overthrow the priests of Amun, and introduce a new sun god for all to worship.
From the moment of her arrival in Thebes, Nefertiti is beloved by the people. Her charisma is matched only by her husband’s perceived generosity: Amunhotep showers his subjects with lofty promises. The love of the commoners will not be enough, however, if the royal couple is not able to conceive an heir, and as Nefertiti turns her attention to producing a son, she fails to see that the powerful priests, along with the military, are plotting against her husband’s rule. The only person wise enough to recognize the shift in political winds—and brave enough to tell the queen—is her younger sister, Mutnodjmet.
Observant and contemplative, Mutnodjmet has never shared her sister’s desire for power. She yearns

for a quiet existence away from family duty and the intrigues of court. Her greatest hope is to share her life with the general who has won her heart. But as Nefertiti learns of the precariousness of her reign, she declares that her sister must remain at court and marry for political gain, not love. To achieve her independence, Mutnodjmet must defy her sister, the most powerful woman in Egypt—while also remaining loyal to the needs of her family.
Love, betrayal, political unrest, plague, and religious conflict—Nefertiti brings ancient Egypt to life in vivid detail. Fast-paced and historically accurate, it is the dramatic story of two unforgettable women living through a remarkable period in history.  

Comment: I borrowed this book, in Portuguese, from the person who has been friendly enough to let me borrow more books lately. This is a book about Nefertiti told by her sister whose name I can't spell but with the nickname Mutny. So basically the author did some research on Nefertiti and then wrote an historical fiction story, more fiction than historical and told us Neferitit's life story. I think it has too many unknown and made up things to be a proper historical but when it comes to romance and adventure it's fine. Mutny is the narrator of the story and I liked her more than Nefertiti and was more interested in her than the famous sister - who might not be her sister at all, according to historical sites. So bear in mind that this has a lot of author's personal ideas...still it was interesting enough to read, it was fluid and I read it fast. It was also entertaining if not brilliant.

Grade: 7/10

* * *

A foundling raised in a world of humans
Growing up, orphaned Josephine didn’t know who or what she was—just that she was “bad,” an outcast with strange powers. Her baby brother Thaddeus was as perfect as she was flawed; protecting him became her entire life. The day he was taken away began Jo’s transition from angry girl... to would-be superhero... to enchanting, ruthless villain.
A lethally sensual enforcer on a mission
A threat to the Møriør has brought archer Rune the Baneblood to the mortal realm to slay the oldest living Valkyrie. Whether by bow or in bed, he never fails to eliminate his target. Yet before he can strike, he encounters a vampiric creature whose beauty conceals a black heart. With one bite, she pierces him with aching pleasure, taking his forbidden blood - and jeopardizing the secrets of his brethren.
A boundless passion that will lead to sweet ruin...
Could this exquisite female be a spy sent by the very Valkyrie he hunts? Rune knows he must not trust Josephine, yet he’s unable to turn her away. Despite his millennia of sexual conquests, he can’t ignore the unfamiliar longing she arouses deep within him. When Jo betrays the identity of the one man she will die to protect, she and Rune become locked in a treacherous battle of wills that pits ultimate loyalty against unbridled lust.

Comment: Sweet Ruin is the latest installment in the Immortals After Dark series by Kresley Cole. We meet Jo, a sister to Thad, a younger character we've known for some books now. This is Jo's story, about her life, her choices and who and what she is. Jo really doesn't know what she is since she died at 11 and woke up again right after. She randomly meets Rune, a dark fey warrior who wants to kill Nix and the two of them quickly become an item if not intimate right away. Their happiness was planned however and Nix plays a part to make it happen. I liked the book simply because we get to see so many beloved characters. I liked the main romance but to be honest, it wasn't as captivating as some other titles. Some scenes were interesting and now I have even more characters I want to see happy and with mates. The romance wasn't spectacular but as always, it was good to see them get an HEA and be part of a continuous plot that still features so many loving couples.

Grade: 7/10

Thea Harrison - Rising Darkness

In the hospital ER where she works, Mary is used to chaos. But lately, every aspect of her life seems adrift. She’s feeling disconnected from herself. Voices appear in her head. And the vivid, disturbing dreams she’s had all her life are becoming more intense. Then she meets Michael. He’s handsome, enigmatic and knows more than he can say. In his company, she slowly remembers the truth about herself…
Thousands of years ago, there were eight of them. The one called the Deceiver came to destroy the world, and the other seven followed to stop him. Reincarnated over and over, they carry on—and Mary finds herself drawn into the battle once again. And the more she learns, the more she realizes that Michael will go to any lengths to destroy the Deceiver.
Then she remembers who killed her during her last life, nine hundred years ago…Michael.

Comment: I was given this book as a Christmas gift. I admit that I had my eye on it, although it was never a priority. I figured I could wait for some of my friends' opinions before getting my own, but one of said friends gifted it to me and I was able to read it for free.

This is the story of Mary, a doctor who has had several weird dreams and feels lost in her own life. Then one day something happens and she sees herself running for her life. She meets Michael, who helps her and who shows her who she really is. But there's someone hunting them and the reason why is a real mystery until Mary finally remembers it all...

This book is really weird. It shouldn't come as a surprise, considering how the author is what we readers call a "hit or miss". At least for me, personally, she is. Two or three of her books from another series were perfection incarnated while others were boring and annoying. I kind of hoped this one would be amazing, but well, it wasn't, not for me.

The thing is, I still can't explain what this book is about because honestly I never figured it out. I can understand the idea of special beings, very old and hard to be forgotten, being able to reincarnate and live on throughout the times in hopes of saving humanity? from a bad villain bent on destruction but I can't say more because, nothing else is explained. I'm being true, believe me.

The characters are very introspective, all of them. There is a lot of time dedicated to their thoughts and the story isn't big enough, in my opinion, to favorably divide the attention between that and a captivating plot. So, the plot lost this fight and it seemed there just to fill space, which seems absurd but was the feel it gave me.

I really can't explain this, because it's odd. This is UF and it's only the first of the series so I know more things will be reveled in the next installments, however I don't think I'll read them.

It's really hard to explain so I'll stick to things I didn't like and that stood out to me:

- The fact the main character is a doctor is pretty useless. She could be a nomad for all it mattered. Why does an author insert information just to build up a character but that isn't worth anything? Her being a doctor was just a detail, it didn't matter...so the blurb seemed misleading to me, as I expect it to contribute for the plot somehow;

- The introspective moments were supposed to detail things and happenings to better place the reader, but too much too many only made it boring;

- Apparently, Mary and Michael are reincarnations of special angel-like creatures who protect the world from a bad angel/creature. I have no idea if this is so, but it seemed like it from the descriptions and comparisons made throughout the story, but it's annoying to keep reading without any real goal achieved;

-The author clearly has a vision of things but it never came through to the paper because the plot is Mary running, finding Michael and beating the bad guy so they could run again, it's all so unstructured;

- The romance happens too fast even with past lives memories...what about the current lives they have now? No matter how disjointed or away from society, they just....love each other? No enough explanations or settings done to make it believable for me.

All in all, this book really dispointed me. I think the only reason it isn't worst it's because, despitr all, I could see where the author maybe is going with this? But the way it is being done, the elements chosen to build up the story, the way things are structured...unfortunately, for the most part I was bored and annoyed, thus the weak grade. It was just barely positive, because the writing is still there but honestly, the content....urgh.

Grade: 5/10

Thea Harrison - Night's Honor

On the run from her former employer, Tess knows that she’s vulnerable on her own amongst the Elder Races. That’s why she decides to audition to become the human attendant of a powerful Vampyre of the Nightkind demesne. But while her position affords her the safety she seeks, her protector turns out to be more than she bargained for.
The right-hand man of the Nightkind King, Xavier del Torro is both terrifying and alluring. While his true nature frightens Tess, she can’t ignore the appeal of his innate sense of integrity and self-restraint. Thrown into Xavier’s world, Tess must quickly learn to navigate the dangers—both to her life and to her heart. But the biggest threat comes from her own past…

Comment: After the wonderful story which was the previous installment, I kept my hopes for this new book, which I pre ordered months before it was released. And I'm pleased to say it worked for me, because, honestly, I read it in one single day.

This is Tess Graham's story and how she wants to run away from an enemy, someone she can't fight back. She tries to look for a refuge in somebody else's domain and the quickest way is to attend the auction the Vampyres are doing to accept more servants. She hopes to be chosen but during the process she gets disappointed at the whole thing and changes her mind. When she thinks she won't be accepted, she is asked for a interview, but will the unknown be better than what she already knows it's bad?

I liked this story mostly because there was this sense of purpose that was very interesting to follow. The plot was basic and simplistic but it worked for me because it focused on the experiences both main characters were having with the new status in their lives and what was surrounding them.

Tess just wanted a means to escape and she was terrified of what could happen in an environment she wouldn't control, but she slowly started to understand the way of life in Del Torro's house and even got to know him. With time, her reactions seemed more believable and reasonable. I liked how she changed her point of view about several things concerning vampyres and Xavier himself. I really think the best thing in the book was how Tess discovered how to trust and fall into her feelings.

Xavier has a past he regrets and those around him always tried to make him look bigger and worse than he is. In the vampyre world that helped him but his loyalty gained him the trust of the vampyres' leader. Making Tess his employee should have routine but she intrigued him so much, his own behavior changed a bit too. What I liked best was how he didn't turn into alpha mode or even worse macho mode after meeting Tess. He kept being the kind of person others respect and look for but he didn't change his all personality over her. I liked how balanced his character was and how much more credible he felt like on the page.

The romance was ok, I was actually more interested in their personal development, but the romance as very subtle and took some time for Tess to trust him completely. I think this is better done than what an insta-love would have been.

Now, many readers complained about the plot. Sure, someone like Xavier should have seen some things and problems coming, considering how old and knowledgeable about power and control he was, but what seemed to bother them more was how Tess is escaping a situation and then she solves it on her own, with just circumstantial help from Xavier and Julian, the vampyre leader, to the point where everything was solved in two pages. In a way, i get that, I was hoping for a bigger showdown and even more, a much more intricate solution. Ok, sometimes simple is better but in this case a bit of drama wouldn't be that bad. Still, I don't think it's reason to down grade the story.

In the end, for me, this book worked well and I was very happy with the majority of scenes and developments. Sure, some things could been different, and the romance could have been more passionate at the end and the end itself could have used some more romance, but if there's a word for this novel is balance, and I think the story had the perfect amount of it.

Grade: 8/10

Thea Harrison - Kinked

As a harpy, Sentinel Aryal is accustomed to dealing with hate, but Sentinel Quentin Caeravoron manages to inspire in her a burning ire unlike anything she’s ever known. Aryal believes the new Sentinel to be a criminal, and vows to take him out as soon as the opportunity arises. But the harpy’s incessant wrath has pushed Quentin to the limit, and forces him to make a deadly vow of his own.
To put an end to the conflict, Dragos, Lord of the Wyr, sends them on a reconnaissance mission to the Elven land of Numenlaur. Forced to work together, Aryal and Quentin’s mutual antagonism escalates. Each fight draws forth more passion, culminating in an explosively sexual confrontation. But when their quest reveals real danger, Aryal and Quentin must resolve their differences in ways beyond the physical, before the entire Wyr is threatened.

Comment: This is the most recent installment in the Elder Races series by the author. I've read the first 4 books being the first and the 4th wonderful and the one in between really boring, in particular the second one. I've skipped the 5th because I didn't want to go again into the same story but this one has been in my radar since I've read the blurb, I was immediately curious over the chemistry between the main couple that surely would sizzle the pages.

Therefore, this is Aryal and Quentin's romance. They seem to have a wonderful chemistry..for hate. They don't hide how much they dislike the other and secretly plot ways to kill the other. Things reach a point where Dragos puts them together in a mission to rescue a group of fey in a land recently devastated. While traveling to the place and fighting a surprising enemy, Aryal and Quentin actually talk and realize the other is exactly what they need to find happiness...

I was very happy with this book. There's always the fear any story by this author is a repetition of the experience with the second book, which was such a disappointment I can't even think about it. But this book was wonderful, fast paced all the way and structured in a way I enjoyed a lot because it felt balanced, meaning all the time dedicated to the character's inner thoughts, their romance, the plot, the going on with the rest of the world, all these things always went forward with a good time and development. The story not only felt in motion all the time, but it also allowed the reader to feel the time was well worth it and definitely not boring to go through.

The plot is based on a mission and it had many interesting elements, I was eager to see if they could find out what happened and if they could help the fey that were missing, people who had gone before to look for clues about what had happened. the reason was both imaginative and sad...because a feeling was the base of everything and sometimes the more we look for a way to solve a problem, the more we might loose ourselves in that quest. Still, the other side of the book, the idea not the romance, was quite well thought and an adventure I enjoyed seeing develop.

As for the romance, well obviously I loved it! I like several kinds of plots, but when the protagonists don't seem to get along but of course that means their relationship is doomed for bliss ever after, is one of my favorites. I love the notion time and common experiences and reluctance can be little things that ultimately unite people and they can see sometimes first impressions aren't all there is. Aryal had good reasons to hate Quentin but I confess she was a bit too much into her hate. Quentin seemed to hate as a reply to Aryal's behavior, something they sort of worked out after a conversation without much fight. From then on they seemed to see in the other worthy characteristics. Then feelings made an appearance besides lust and I was quite glad with the way their romance progressed. They believably went from hate to appreciation and love and in a way that didn't seem rushed or silly. I think the author did well in this. In the end, I liked them together a lot.

I was impressed with this book. I was very glad the author did such a good job and I was positively surprised with the plot and the relationship between the protagonists. All elements seemed to work well together in this book. I hope future stories go along this style and structure as well.
Grade: 8/10

Thea Harrison - Oracle's Moon

When Grace Andreas's sister, Petra, and her husband are both killed, Grace inherits the Power and responsibilities of the Oracle of Louisville, as well as her sister's two young children--neither of which she is prepared for. Then Khalil, Demonkind and Djinn Prince of House Marid, decides to make himself a part of the household both as guardian and counterpoint to Grace's impudence towards the Elder Races.

Comment: Some books just leave me wondering how authors can be so bipolar in their work?? How is it possible for them to write things so extreme in its differences that one is left thinking, is this by the same person?
Well, this author does that. She wrote one of the most boring books I've read (Storm's Heart) and now, in the same series, she writes this Oracle's Moon that was one of the most beautifully written romances ever! How can this be? Thoughts for later.

This is the story of Grace, the newest Oracle, left with the Power after her sister died. Then there's Kahlil, the Djinn that vows to protect Grace's nephew and niece. Kahlil and Grace don't get along that well at first but when Grace's feels threatened by all the Elder Races unknowns she still hadn't time to find out about, she kind of requests Kahlil's help with the children and this is something he won't refuse.
I loved that they didn't get along in the beginning and then...love! lol
The story starts right after the end of Serpent's Kiss and we're left wondering how Grace and Kahlil might fall in love because they really don't like each other but then one thing after another they realize the other is so much more than they thought and with trust and respect comes love.
I loved it! A classical romance, beautiful to watch and to go along. The storyline makes sense and it's appealing, interesting, moves along nicely and offers very god scenes.
The romance is obviously perfect (in my opinion) and doesn't happen right away, it's something believable, how I loved watching this!
The plot of full of twists about Grace's power and she does some things that endeared her to me and to Kahlil and it was great. I felt that everything fit perfectly in this story, there wasn't left any piece to complete the picture, it still amazes me how everything felt, sounded and was perfect!
I finished the book last week but I just can't avoid looking at my favorite scenes, I just get so happy over some things...this books is great! Truly, it is. This is why I feel so bad because of book #2...it just seems so unlikely that this is the same author...
Oh well, I'm basking in the glow of the wonder that is Oracle's Moon...it is worth all and every penny. I don't even know what to say about it that would make it justice, just...go get it.

Thea Harrison - The Serpent's Kiss

Recently, Vampire Queen Carling's power has become erratic, forcing her followers to flee. Wyr sentinel Rune is drawn to the ailing Queen and decides to help find a cure for the serpent's kiss-the vampyric disease that's killing her. With their desire for each other escalating they will have to rely on each other if they have any hope of surviving the serpent's kiss...

Comment: After such a disappointing book #2 in this author's series, I wasn't that thrilled to read this one, although in the end of Storm's Heart the couple of this 3rd book seemed promising. I'm glad I decided to insist (not counting the fact I already had the book anyway) because this story was much better. Not to the perfection of the first book, but better than the second, for sure. Carling is a very old vampire and she thinks she is close to dying because her powers are getting erratic and sometimes she looses conscientious thought and gets "lost" in her own mind. Rune is one of Dragos' sentinels and has a pretty much laid back life, but he's very concerned about his friends, so this is why he asked Carling for a favor in the end of the second book. So this 3rd book starts with him going to Carling to pay for it and fully expecting something that will take a long time but after a strange meeting she says the favor is paid. Still, Rune lingers because he is intrigued with Carling's problem and in the path to help her, they fall in love. I think this book was better mainly because the two main characters have chemistry and the actions they take to help Carling make the story move along which means there's less boring moments than in the 2nd book. I confess I was hoping for a different take in their relationship, but due to the storyline itself it couldn't be. I felt it was too straight, too narrow, I think I wish it could've allowed for more fun in their falling in love, the way it is, it doesn't feel like that. Perhaps it's the fact they're both beings with many years on them, but sometimes there could have been more funny moments than the ones that were. I liked seeing them fall in love though and trying to find a cure to Carling's problem. I was happy to see how simple is was after all that time. This means they can be happy sooner. This 3rd book seemed to have a better dialogue too, so things didn't look so boring. In the end the next couple is introduced and I was so eager to read their story right away, thankfully it won't take too long because the book is almost out and I've just read a review saying how amazing it is, yay. About this one, I'm ok with it, there's still some things in there I'd change but well...this happens to all of us while reading a book that isn't perfection, right?

Thea Harrison - Storm's Heart

Able to wield thunder and lightning, wyr sentinel Tiago Black Eagle has ruled the skies for centuries. His massive build and thunderous power make him one of the wyr's best weapons. And he's the one sent to protect Tricks, heir to the Dark Fae throne, when she's almost assassinated in Chicago. Soon Tiago and Tricks will fall prey to the stormy hunger that engulfs them-a passion that will shake the very foundation of all the worlds.

Comment: Before reading this book I've read some reviews and most of them (if not all) said that it was strange how fast Tiago and Tricks fall in love considering how long they have met and how it never happened anything between them to indicate attraction much less romantic feelings.
Now that I read the book I must say I agree... it was very strange how suddenly they went from friendly work partners to desperate love...and the fact the author kept saying that and still pushed them together...I just think there's no real chemestry between them, I wasn't convinced of it.
The storyline, I also must say, was pretty boring until page 90 or something. All those doubts Tricks had and Tiago going after her, it was all tiresome to read, it took me too long to go past that. After this, the story seemed to evolve more and the plot gained some interest with more characters showing up.
After such a great 1st book, I was expecting more. One of the things I loved the most was the constant information about all the kinds of beings that existed and in this book we don't get tha same "discovery" sense, but I was curious about some characters and will read the following books because of that.
In this book, the main focus is Tiago and Tricks's fight to accept each other. Like I said, the attraction wasn't convincing therefore everything else was also a bit too tasteless and the end...if you read it you know what I mean, it was just WTF? Once again I didn't think it was that believable and I think if the author had made things differently in terms of placing them in a different place, methaphorically speaking, towards Tricks new position, than perhaps the feeling of distance wouldnt be this strong to me...I'm not sure I'm explaining myself well, but I feel they're too far away from everything else because it sems they're too alone, you know...Anyway, perhaps it's just me.
Like I said, I'm curious about the protagonists of the next book, so I'll keep reading, but I hope it's better than this one.

Thea Harrison - Dragon Bound

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.

Comment: I loved this first book in a new series. It has all the things I love in a book: good characters, an interesting and developped world, secondary characters that aren't there just because, misterious tidbits about each character, a good plot and of course, great romance.
I loved the world, the whole idea of all the mythological creatures walking and living among humans. Plus, I loved that the author included beings we don't usually see even in paranormal, like the gryphons and the thunderbird. I can't wait for the next books, I need to read more about that amazing world. Even if the romance lacks soemthing, if the worl building keeps up like this, the series is already a winner.
About the romance in this book, I liked it, the pace wasn't too fast, which allowed us to enjoy the character's falling in love slowly. Then the things about them were also slowly showing up and the end was sweet. I liked everything that happened to them in the book.
The world also presents a fresh voice in interection between characters, for instance, they talk! Like, secondary characters aren't there just to fill up space, I liked the dialogue but much more the fact it existed in the first place.
I can't wait for the next one.