Book Review: Slave to Sensation by Nalini Singh (Psy/Changelings Series)

I haven't posted for a long time again, but I have been doing a lot of reading during this time. One of the series that I'm very much addicted to right now is called the Psy/Changelings Series by Nalini Singh. The first installment of the series, Slave to Sensation, is a wonderful page-turner written in a convincing original alternative universe (with very yummy male characters, of course).

Summary:

As the alpha of one of the most powerful leopard packs in the country, Lucas is committed to protecting his pack at all cost. When a brutal murder descended upon his pack, DarkRiver, he was determined to find and bring Changeling justice to the serial killer. But to do so, he must extract information from someone of a race devoid of all emotions.

Where the Changelings depends heavily on their emotions and the bond of pack, the Psy denies all emotions, considering it as a weakness. Sascha Duncan was the daughter of a Councilor of the Psy race and was taught to become the perfect Psy from a young age, but she was flawed. Fascinated and attracted to her new Changeling business partner, Lucas, she must hide her emotions to avoid the horror of a "rehabilitation", a fate worse than death, even as he temps her otherwise.

What I liked:

I must admit, I never really liked shape-shifters with the exception of the ones in Kresley Cole's Immortals After Dark Series (see my reviews here), and those Lykae weren't even real shape-shifters. I like animals, but having a lover who'll go all furry on you wasn't exactly the sexist thing to imagine. I already have my cat, Kuhla, who snuggles up to me when he's in a good mood, thank you very much, lol. But, I must say, Nalini Singh managed to make her Changelings beyond sexy. What I really love about the Changelings is that their animal is very much a part of them even when they are in human form. This is not something I see all the time in other shape-shifter stories. Throughout the series, you see their human-side battling with their animal-side, which wants to act on instinct. This made their race very interesting and real, which brings me to my next point.

Another reason I was so hooked on this book and, subsequently, the series, is how well and convincing the world was developed. The story takes place in an alternative universe with three different races, Human, Changeling and Psy. Introducing new races and an original alternative universe is very difficult. What was great about the author's approach is how she took ideas we are familiar with and expanded on it to make it her own. We are familiar with the idea of shape-shifters, so she took that as a base and added her own elements to it to make the Changelings. We are familiar with the idea of psychic powers, she took that and added her own twist to make the Psy. What's even better is that we get to discover the ways of the unfamiliar Psy race along with the Changelings, as they are almost as equally clueless about this "emotionless" race as the readers are.

Of course, the hero of the story, Lucas, was super yummy and I can never resist a dominant male (not in a chauvinist pig way) who cherishes females. I loved how he is so protective of Sascha even as he still saw her as an enemy and wanted to extract information from her to get to the serial killer. I also liked Sascha's character development and her struggles to hold on to what is "right", as was taught to her from childhood, even though it goes against everything in her nature. Again, I think that is certainly very real. Most of us are afraid to be different because we know we will become an outcast, so often we do everything in our power to fit it. And that's exactly what Sascha was doing in the earlier parts of the story, until love conquers all, so to say. :)

What I didn't like:

There isn't really anything I didn't like about Slave to Sensation. But there were a few minor things that bothered me a little. For example, at one point in the story, it was said that one of Sascha's favorite memory exercises she does on the computers involved a list of different sex positions. It just seemed odd to me that as a race that views emotions as a weakness, promotes reproduction through the use of sperm banks instead of sex and a governing body that erased information they don't want their people to know would allow the use of sex positions as part of a memory exercise. However, as I said, the things I found odd are only minor things that did not really affect the rest of the story.

Some reader found it unrealistic that once Sascha decided to let go of Silence, the practice of getting rid of all emotions, she was able to transition right away and became like everyone else. Although, I would have liked to see her struggle just a little more on adjusting to her new life with emotions, I wasn't too bothered by it. How I see it, was that she was not able to be herself before, and now that she let go of Silence, she was just being herself - a normal person with emotions. But then I guess it all depends on how you see it.

Conclusion:

If you haven't seen Slave to Sensation by Nalini Singh, then you're missing out. I highly recommend this book, and the series to shape-shifter-lovers and non-shape-shifter-lovers alike. The world created in this story is highly believable and intriguing that you'll find yourself immediately hooked. Right now, the Psy/Changeling series is almost at the end of the first arc, with Kiss of Snow coming out in June, so it's getting super exciting to see how things will turn out.

Let me know what you think of this book or series. Did you like it?

All reviews for the Psy/Changeling series by Nalini Singh

Book Review: One Silent Night by Sherrilyn Kenyon

One Silent Night is one of the best stories in the Dark Hunter series. It was a fast-paced, page turner, where Sherrilyn Kenyon turned the all-time villain into the hero of his HEA romance novel.

Summary:

Stryker, the all-time villain of the Dark-Hunter series, the Daimon who's ultimate goal is to destroy Acheron and mankind, was once in love eleven thousand years ago. Forced to divorce his ex-wife only after a year of marriage by his father Apollo, he thought that she was long dead when his father cursed his whole race to die at the age of twenty-seven. After loosing his sister to his eternal enemies Acheron and Nick, he unleashed the uncontrollable War to make his revenge, only to find his ex-wife sent to kill him by Artemis.

Zephyra was surprised when Artemis sent her to kill Stryker, her ex-husband, and she was more than willing to do the goddess' bidding. It wasn't only because Artemis had saved her life so long ago and that she was forever in the goddess' debt, but also because she can finally take her revenge against the one person she had once loved. Eleven thousand years ago, she was young, and she had fallen in love with Stryker and believed in him, only to be divorced by him a year after so that he could go marry another women. But even after so many years and all those hatred towards him, she could still feel their attraction deep inside her.

What I liked:

I think it's very difficult to write a romance story about a villain. It must be sympathetic to a degree, and yet, the characters cannot have a sudden personality change. And I really think that Sherrilyn Kenyon did a great job in this book on those aspects. I did not all of a sudden fall in love with Stryker, but the story that was told about his past and his point of view of things did make me sympathize with him to a degree that I accepted him being able to love another. And I'm also very glad that he remained a villain throughout the story, and not all of a sudden wanted love and peace (ok, love yes, peace, no).

What I didn't like:

The story was way too short. It was a much thinner book, with huge fonts. In a way, I felt somewhat cheated when I first started reading. Did Sherrilyn Kenyon put too many words in her book Acheron that she's sacrificing word count on this book? Luckily, the story made it up for me, so that by the end of the book, it didn't bother me anymore.

Conclusion:

Although there are mixed reaction to One Silent Night, the 13th installment of the Dark Hunter series, by Sherrilyn Kenyon, I thoroughly enjoyed it very much. Although the story was short, I was able to see things on Stryker's side for once, and thought him worthy of his HEA story. I'm very glad that he remained as a villain though, so I do suggest those who are contemplating on whether to read this book or not to keep an open mind, and I believe you will appreciate the HEA of a villain all the more.

All reviews for the Dark Hunter series by Sherrilyn Kenyon

Book Review - Wicked Deeds on a Winter's Night by Kresley Cole (Immortals After Dark Series)

Wicked Deeds on a Winter's Night by Kresley Cole is the third installment of the Immortals After Dark Series. This is a well deserved solid 5 Pink Hearts paranormal romance novel that is sizzling hot with an irresistible storyline.

Summary:

Mariteka the Awaited was a witch who have not yet reached her immortality. She was born to be powerful, and yet, she could not control her powers. Either she fails to cast her spells, or she end up blowing things up. Tired of being looked down on, she entered the Talisman's Hie to prove herself, and she was determined to win. But so was everyone else. Especially Bowen, who she was attracted to instantly the first time she saw him.

Bowen MacRieve entered the Talisman's Hie determined to win the prize that would let him go back in time to getting back the mate he lost two centuries ago. Instead, he found Mariketa, who he was attracted to instantly. Despite of what his instincts were screaming out to him, he decided to ignore it for she was a witch, a race of the lore that he, as a Lykae, despises. And since she was a witch, she must have casted a spell on him making him think she was his mate.

What I liked:

Wicked Deeds on a Winter's Night was, like the other installments of the Immortals After Dark series, fast-paced, action packed, hot and sizzling page turner. I simply couldn't put the book down.

Before I read this book, I've always thought that Kresley Cole was going to write the story on Bowe getting his mate back, so it was a complete surprise that this story was about him and Mari, who was obviously not the mate who died years ago. The story was an adventurous one, and Bowe really melted my heart when he tried his best not to hurt or scare off Mari when his instincts take over during a full moon.

What I didn't like:

There really wasn't anything that I didn't like about the book. If there MUST be one, it would be the title "Wicked Deeds on a Winter's Night," as that has nothing to do with the story really. But other than that, I think the book's perfect.

Conclusion:

Wicked Deeds on a Winter's Night by Kresley Cole is a must read. I definite recommend it to anyone who like romance novels with an alpha male hero paired with a strong female who can rival him. Bowe was so sweet that he would melt your heart instantly. However, although this book can be read as a stand alone, I would highly recommend reading the previous two installments in the Immortals After Dark series before reading this book. Especially No Rest for the Wicked, as that story took place directly prior to this one, and will help the reader understand much more about the Talisman's Hie, and the lore world Kresley Cole has created.

All reviews for the Immortals After Dark series by Kresley Cole

Book Review - No Rest for the Wicked by Kresley Cole (Immortals After Dark Series)

No Rest for the Wicked is the second book of the Immortals After Dark series written by Kresley Cole. This sensual adventurous paranormal romance novel will keep your heart rate up and wanting for much much more. Definitely a solid 5 Pink Hearts material.

Summary:

After making the mistake of showing a Vampire mercy, which cost the lives of her two beloved sisters, the Valkyrie Kaderin the Cold Hearted had lost all her emotions. She felt for nothing, and her only goal in life was to kill every Vampire she sees, and collect their fangs as trophies. Just prior to entering for the Talisman's Hie - the immortal's equivalent to a deadly scavenger hunt - she made a detour intended to rid the Vampire terrorizing a small town in Europe, but instead found a vampire who stirred her deadened emotions.

Sebastian Wroth was the third of the famous Wroth brothers when they were alive. Centuries ago, he was turned, against his will, into a Vampire by his older brothers, and now he stayed in his castle awaiting his death. The moment Kaderin showed up at his castle to finish him, he knew she was his Bride, as his deadened Vampire heart began to beat once again. Although he believed that they belong together, Kaderin thought otherwise, so follow her he did to join the deadly tournament of Talisman's Hie, where the grand price was something that she (and many other contestants) would gladly die for.

What I liked:

No Rest for the Wicked was very imaginative and original, and although both Kaderin and Sebastian had dark pasts, the story was a relative light-hearted read. Most of the plot were focused on the tournament, which showed us the many sides of both our hero and heroine. I soon learned to love Sebastian's gentle nature and his giving personality, and to adore Kaderin as a strong-minded capable women.

As much as I would like Kaderin to fall in love with Sebastian earlier on in the book (or at least earlier than she did, since she didn't until almost the end), Kresley Cole made it completely believable and logical that she didn't. And although there were many times when Kaderin caught herself falling for Sebastian and had to hold back, it never got to a point when I was annoyed with her for doing so.

I also really liked the part where Sebastian admitted to his brother, half way through the story, that he didn't know if he loved Kaderin, but he just had to be with her. I thought that was very real. In the Immortals After Dark series, most couples where bounded by fates to be destined "mates," "brides" or whatever. Many authors writing books with this kind of a theme often fell in the trap that "finding your destined mate" = "falling in love," which isn't necessarily true. I really appreciated that in the No Rest for the Wicked, that mistake was not made, and we could clearly see how and why Sebastian and Kaderin fell deeply in love with each other in the end.

There was also an excellent balance between the romance plot and the tournament. Never a moment did I feel that the Hie was taking over the romance plot at all, instead, it highly complemented it, and drove many situations where the two fell, bit by bit, in love with each other.

What I didn't like:

One of the things... or maybe it's the only thing, that I didn't like about this book was that Kaderin and Sebastian hit it off, physically, a little too early in the story for my taste. They actually made-out the first time they met. Umm... It did got me worrying a little in the beginning, because I don't like female characters (or male characters for that matter of fact) being too casual (yah, call me conservative). However, after continuing with the series, I find out that that was just the away things were in their kind who lives for centuries, which made this a little better for me. But it would be better if that was established earlier in the series.

Conclusion:

Kresley Cole's No Rest for the Wicked is definitely a paranormal romance novel that I would highly recommend to anyone who likes an intense, imaginative plot with a super lovable Vampire hero who knows how to respect and love a strong-minded women. Although I did begin this series with A Hunger Like No Other, this definitely could be read as a stand-alone. But please be warned that you will likely not be able to put the book down until the last page. And when you do, you will likely rush out to the bookstore to get Wicked Deeds on a Winter's Night, the third installment of the Immortals After Dark series.

All reviews for the Immortals After Dark series by Kresley Cole

Book Review - The Accidental Demon Slayer by Angie Fox

The Accidental Demon Slayer by Angie Fox is a witty, funny, paranormal romance comedy that will keep you awake all night disturbing your neighbor, because you're too busy laughing your ass off. This was the first paranormal romance that I've picked up one day in the supermarket, and it has proved itself to be well worth 5 Pink Hearts in my Romance Novels Review blog.

One minute, Lizzie Brown, a pre-school teacher, was worrying about being late to her 30th birthday dinner, and the next minute, she was thrown into her own bathroom by her biological grandmother, who she just met 30 seconds ago, with a demon emerging from her toilet trying to kill her. As her new biker witch grandmother was trying to fend off the demon by throwing magic spells from her Smucker's jars, she easily killed off the demon without knowing what she was doing. The next thing she knew, she was pronounced a Demon Slayer (by heritage), and on the back of her grandmother's Harley heading off to a whole gang of crazy biker witches for training.

On the way to Memphis for training, Lizzie and her grandmother were attacked and were rescued by Dimitri Kallinikos, a very VERY yummy griffin shape-shifter, who claims to be her protector. Within a couple hours, everything Lizzie knew about what life was were flipped upside-down and inside-out, lost everything she possessed, and where left to face the Red Skulls, the biker witch coven her grandmother belonged to, a whole new life to adapt to and a bunch of responsibilities she never knew she had. Oh, did we mention that her beloved dog, Pirate, can now talk, and her grandmother was suspected to have killed her biological mother?

The Accidental Demon Slayer was a lot of fun to read, as we go on this unexpected and hilarious adventure with Lizzie and see her develop from an average everyday girl to a brave Demon Slayer, who - well, perhaps still doesn't quite know what she was doing - saved the day, and everybody else.

Written in the first person POV, the story cuts right into action in the very first page, and not for even one paragraph after that does the action slow until you reach the very last word in the novel. Lizzie's character was also developed extremely well as we see her transformation throughout the book, both physically and mentally, and the reader could definitely feel her emotions and everything she went through just as though you were going through it yourself. And although she makes some very stupid mistakes throughout the story, but there is never a time you'd thought her "dumb," because, in a situation like hers, anyone will make the same stupid choices.

Dimitri, as I've mentioned was a very yummy griffin love interest for Lizzie, who played a big role in pushing the story forward. He had his flaws (ie. lying to Lizzie to get his way), but every bit of it was redeemed by his love towards her in the end of the story. Plus, his reason for lying wasn't unforgivable at all.

The only complain that I might have for this book is that the "romance" part was a little on the light side. Don't get me wrong, Angie Fox did a great job in convincing the readers the two fell in love, but the paranormal "action" dominated most of the story rather than the mushy, lovey-dovey feelings they had for each other. However, the story plot definitely made up for that 150%.

Although I normal very much dislike the whole idea of "Slayers," the way it was presented, Angie Fox really did it for me. All in all, this book is definitely categorized as one of my favorite paranormal romance novels, and I would gladly recommend it to anyone who would like a good laugh with tons of paranormal action. I cannot wait until the sequel The Dangerous Book of Demon Slayers comes out in April.

A word of caution: Allocate enough free time to finish the novel at one go. Otherwise, you'd either find yourself deprived of sleep or ruin any plans you had for the day once you open this book.

Book Review - A Hunger Like No Other by Kresley Cole (Immortals After Dark Series)

A Hunger Like No Other by the author Kresley Cole is the first installment of the Immortals After Dark series of Paranormal Romance novels that is well worth a solid 5 Pink Hearts.

Lachlain MacRieve, the king of the Lykae clan, has been captured and tortured by the vampires for over a century. He was imprisoned and burned to death each and everyday only to have is own immortality revive him to endure more. Until one day he sensed his mate nearby. After waiting for his mate for more than a millenia, he gathered up all his strength to escape, to get to his mate, only to find her a small fragile female vampire.

Emmaline Troy was a timid half-vampire, half-valkyrie, the first and only of her kind. Raised by a coven of valkyries who hunts vampires for fun, she had always felt out of place, no matter how much she knows everyone loves her. Gathered up her wits, she traveled to Europe wanting to know more about her heritage, only to find a powerful Lykae, claiming her as his mate and forcing her to accompany him back to his castle in Scotland.

A Hunger Like No Other is one of my favorite paranormal romance novels that I would gladly be recommending to anyone out there, whether they like the idea or werewolves or not. Lachlain, or any of Kresley Cole's Lykaes for that matter, is not your average werewolf you will find in any shape-shifter novel out there. They are of a very different nature.

Our hero is very much of an alpha male; although, he can be somewhat controlling at times, it was never difficult to see through to his intention to protect and provide for his mate. Emma, our heroine, on the other hand was very timid in the begining of the novel, and she was very intimidated by Lachlain. However, the stronger side of her could soon be seen once she regained her strength - she did not even hesitate for a second before lashing out at him and dislocating his jaw in the process. :)

As the two learn to care for and fall in love with each other, it was not difficult at all for the reader to fall deeply in love with the two characters, as Lachlain became more caring and lovable, and Emma became stronger, both mentally and physically for both herself and the one she loves.

One of the things some people did not like about this novel was one of the earlier scenes in the novel, often refered to as the "capture scene" as Lachlain physically captures Emma. There are some that would argue that there was forced seduction in the scene, and others who would go as far as saying that he raped her.

Now, the "rape" part is not true. They did get intimate under the condition that Emma was not entirely willing (emphasis on entirely); however, Lachlain did not end up forcing himself on her. The characters did not have sex until both of them were ready and willing.

Now that I've got that part out of the way, let's discuss the force seduction scene, where Emma was not 100% willing. I can understand how some people would find it uneasy to read through those chapters or even find it offensive; however, I believe it is how the author portrayed it that made the scene work for me (and many others). First of all, the reader must understand that Lachlain was tortured for more than a century, and he was in a mentally unstable state at that time. Second of all, he was tortured by vampires, which was exactly what Emma is, and that made things much worse. Put yourself in his shoes, when you've waited for your mate for 1,000+ years just to find her one of the people who have tortured you for 100+ years of your life. It was reasonable that he wanted revenge, and it was reasonable that he hated her in the begining. However, that's not the only reason why the forced seduction scene was justifiable. The cause of it was, yes. But it was how he treated Emma later on in the story that redeemed his character, how he looked pass his hatred for the vampires, how cared for Emma, and how he realized that he cannot be controlling her that made him such a lovable character.

Anyway, so that was my review for A Hunger Like No Other by Kresley Cole, the first installment of the Immortals After Dark series - a series that everyone should give a try to, imo. This was the book where I got seriously hooked on all Kresley Cole's books. This particular novel also wont the RITA Awards for best paranormal romance, so, if you haven't read it, you should really check it out.

All reviews for the Immortals After Dark series by Kresley Cole