Book Review - Eclipse by Stephenie Meyer (Twilight Saga)

Book three of the Twilight Saga by Stephenie Meyer, Eclipse, is a paranormal romance novel with a good and interesting plot, but very annoying characters. For that, I can only give the novel a 3.5 Pink Hearts.

Summary:

With her boyfriend being a vampire, and best friend being a werewolf, Bella was torn between love and friendship. As much as she couldn't live without Edward, she couldn't give up her personal-sun, Jacob, even though the two hate each other so much that they want to tear each other apart. As Bella try to work everything out with this complicated relationship, Jacob just had to make things more complicated by insisting her feelings towards him was much more than friendship. And to make matters worse, a group of newborn vampires were roaming Seattle, just an hour or so away from their town of Forks, and an old enemy still lurks in the shadows threatening for revenge.

SPOILER ALERT!! SPOILER ALERT!!

What I liked:

I liked how the plot played out in this story, and their enemy's tactics. It was fresh, and helped to give much more insight about many secondary characters, especially Jasper. I really liked that because for the first two books, he was more like an unnecessary character, with no in depth description or characterization. But in Eclipse, he character finally developed, making him much less of an unnecessary background.

Although I fell in love with Edward in the first book, Twilight, I believe I fell in love with him all over again in Eclipse. It was just amazing how much he loved Bella, and how much he was willing to do for her.

What I didn't like:

I was never a big fan of Bella, mainly because she was just a shallow teenager, who, for no particular reasons, fell in love with a vampire. But she did not officially begin to annoy and piss me off until Eclipse. Throughout the whole story, she was inconsiderate and indecisive. Knowing how much Edward worried about her being with unstable young werewolves, she still chose to run off (multiple times) to see Jacob. Knowing how Edward would be jealous of her being together with another person who likes her more than a friend, she still constantly talk about Jacob in front of him. And then, when she finally realize Jacob's feeling towards her, she tells him no, but still continues to see him all the time. If these actions are not inconsiderate, I don't know what what they are.

In a way, I see Bella's action towards Jacob was due to her insecurity towards Edward, and would just like to hold on to somebody. But that, in my opinion, is seriously cruel. If it was in New Moon, when Edward was still nowhere to be found, I can understand, but he came back, and Bella chose to accept him again. Then why the hell was she leading Jacob on while still clinging onto Edward? Unfortunately, Bella's behavior in Eclipse made me loose a lot of respect for her.

Jacob, was another annoying character. As much as Bella did somewhat lead him on by keep going back to him, she did, after all, repeatedly said that she didn't see him that way, that she only loves Edward, and yet, he kept pressing her. I'm sorry, persistence is good only to a certain point, after that, it becomes annoyance. And that was exactly what Jacob was. And, granted, I never liked Jacob's character in New Moon, I just hated him even more in Eclipse. By 3/4 of the story, he annoyed me so much that every time he appears, I would either want to strangle him, or pray that he would die soon or something.

Conclusion:

With all that said, Eclipse was still a decent read if you have been following the series. However, for me, the only thing that held the book together was a decent plot, and a very yummy Edward. If those two elements were not present or if I'm rating this book solely on Bella and Jacob's character... argh, I don't even want to think about it. But then again, Stephenie Meyer did do a good job wrapping up some of the lines in this book, and will leave you wondering what would happen next.

All reviews for the Twilight by Stephanie Meyer

Book Review - Devil May Cry by Sherrilyn Kenyon (Dark-Hunter Series)

Devil May Cry by Sherrilyn Kenyon is the eleventh installment of the Dark Hunter paranormal romance series, excluding all anthologies and books from the Dream-Hunter series. This is a solid 4.5 Pink Hearts engaging read that answers many questions the readers were dying to know about all throughout the series.

Summary:

Sin was an ex-Sumerian god, who had his godhood stolen from him three thousand years ago by Artemis. Although, listed as one of the Dark Hunters, he didn't hunt daimons, instead his job was to keep the gallu demons, which were created by his pantheon eons ago, in line. Having been betrayed all his life, Sin didn't trust anyone, until this one person came crashing into his life fighting by his side and offering her heart.

Katra was a well hidden daughter of Artemis'. When her mother came to her asking her to kill Sin because he was evil, Katra knew there was more to the story. And the more time she spent with the ex-god, the more she knew she was right. As the gallu demons tried to free the Dimme to destroy the world, she must earn his trust, despise that she was the daughter of his most hated enemy, in time to save mankind.

What I liked:

Devil May Cry was a very pleasant read. The conversations between Katra and Sin was great fun to read, as they were filled with sarcasm. I couldn't help myself laughing out loud many times throughout the story at their dialog. For the people following the Dark Hunter series, this book will answer many many questions unanswered by previous books, which was great. I guess after 11 books, the conspiracy was getting a little too much, so having Sherrilyn Kenyon answering some of the mysteries hinted in previous stories was great and really kept me wanting to read more.

What I didn't like:

Although the storyline was great, Acheron kind of stole the show a bit in this novel. Not that I object him showing up all the time, but I would have liked it a bit more if the focus was more on Sin, the hero of the story. But, by talking about Ash's past, there was a shift of focus in the book. So instead of wanting to read more about Sin, I find myself wanting more of Ash when I was reading. But since this was a love story of Sin and Katra, it would have been better if I find myself thinking more about Sin than Ash throughout the story.

Conclusion:

Devil May Cry by Sherrilyn Kenyon is a great read that I would recommend to all those who have been following the series. You will definitely have many of your questions answered, and left asking for more. However, for those who have not been reading the series, this book can be a little difficult to follow... in fact, I think many of the Dark Hunter series books aren't that great when read as a stand alone.

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 - Captive Dreams by Angela Knight & Diane Whiteside

Captive Dreams by Angela Knight and Diane Whiteside is a sizzling hot paranormal/futuristic erotic romance. The storyline is great by erotic romance standards, and is just one sexy, kinky read. An absolute 4.5 Pink Hearts material.

Summary:

Both Celeste and Corrine Carson were successful writers of science fiction and romance novels. It wasn't until one day, when they materialized and kidnapped the two sisters to their world that the girls realized that the hot sexy alpha male heroes they created in their novels actually existed, and they had revenge on their mind.

In Bound by the Dragon, Mykhayl Tibronson, High King of Torhtremer, kidnapped Corrine to a his world of dragons and spells. Convinced that Corrine was a sorceress, he accused her for causing all his tortures and misfortunes in the past, and he intended to punish her for all that she had done. Intrigued and sexually drawn to the insatiable Mykhayl, she realized it was true that by writing her novels, she truly was his tormentor. Plagued with guilt and other feelings she'd rather not face, she was determine to help cure his sterility, no matter what it may cost her.

In Bound by the Dream, Jarred Varrain was finally able to get his hands on Celeste, the woman who made his life a living hell. He intended to exact his revenge on her, make her a sex-sub, and then give her to his friend. There was no escaping for her, as he was a cyborg, who was physically enhance, a sensor implanted in his brain, and incomparable skills in bed. Now it was just a matter of getting her out of his system in 14 days so he could give her over to his friend.

What I liked:

As an erotic romance story, both Bound by the Dragon and Bound by the Dream had a rich romance plot with scenes so hot that it sizzle off the pages. That made a very good balance between the romance plot, paranormal/futuristic elements, and erotica, which is difficult to find in other erotic romance stories. I also really liked the fast pace in Bound by the Dream. Angela Knight did a very good job in throwing us right into the story, wasting no time at all, which made it all the more engaging.

What I didn't like:

Bound by the Dragon, however, was slow to start off with as a novella. Unlike Angela Knight, Diane Whiteside chose to describe a lot of elements in her mystical world. That would have worked if the story was a novel; however, as a novella, the pace was just too slow, failing to capture my attention right from the beginning of the story.

Conclusion:

I would admit that I do like Bound by the Dream quite a bit better than Bound by the Dragon, hence, the high overall rating. But as erotic romance stories, they were both above average. So I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who likes erotic romance that has a well balance romance plot and sizzling sex scenes. Angela Knight will be on my radar from now on, and I will definitely be reading more of her works from now on.

Book Review - Dark Gold by Christine Feehan (Carpathian/Dark Series)

Dark Gold is the third installment of the Carpathian/Dark series by Christine Feehan. It is an intriguing, sensuous read that I've very much enjoyed reading. However, due to certain flaws, which I will discuss later on in this post, I had to debate whether to give it a 3.5 or a 4 Pink Hearts rating. But I guess 4 Pink Hearts it is, because I enjoyed it very much despite that I did not like part of the story.

Summary:

Alexandria Houton loved her little brother and would do anything to protect him from harm. As a psychic, she could be safely turned into a Carpathian and become one of the few that could save the dying race, and now the Vampires hunted her, wanting to claim her as their own. Plunged into the mysterious, yet dangerous world of Carpathians and Vampires, her body turned into a Carpathian by the hands of the powerful Aidan. But, as much as her body embraced both her bond with the attractive stranger and her physical changes, she had yet to accept her fate mentally.

Aidan Savage was a hunter for the mysterious Carpathian race, and the only one that lived with a human family. After 800 years of life without a lifemate, his inner demons were strong, and was close to turning, but that was until he found Alexandria. To heal and cleanse his lifemate's tainted blood from the Vampire's attack, Aidan turned her into one of his kind without her consent. He was determined to give her time to cope, although he found his fight with his inner demon more of a challenge everyday, yet she continued to defy him, continued to deny her new existence and their unbreakable bond. And the latter, he would not allow.

What I liked:

Again, Christine Feehan was really the master of creating perfect men. I love how Aidan loved Alexandria so unconditionally that he was willing to risk himself to allow her time to adjust. I love how he accepted her little brother and gave him the best and everything he wanted just because he was someone Alexandria loved. And I loved it even more that, despite being 8 centuries old and without emotion for the most part of it, once he found his emotion back by meeting Alexandria, he was the most fun and loving person you'll ever meet.

In Dark Gold, I also really liked the fact that Alexandria did not accept the whole concept of Carpathians and Vampires immediately, and that she was in a denial state for quite a bit of time. This part of the plot was handled quite well by the author for most of it, as it was very real and very believable for a normal person to react the way she did when thrown into such a dangerous and foreign world.

What I didn't like:

Although Christine Feehan did handle the "denial-state" quiet well for the most part, it also caused me to dislike some parts of the story. First of all, Alexandria's denial-state dragged on for 3/4 of the story. First she wouldn't believe the existence of Carpathians and Vampires, then when she finally did, she wouldn't believe that she became a Carpathian, then when she finally did, she wouldn't believe the bond of lifemates in her new world. And the whole thing just dragged on and on as if she was just trying to find something to not believe in.

Now the second problem came when she finally was able to accept everything including her love with Aidan. One minute she was still denying that she was not human anymore and that she does not love him, and a minute later she turned around 180 degrees, accepted everything, and was willing to give him whatever he wants/needs...? I couldn't help but keep thinking from that point on towards the end of the story if I've missed part of the story. The transition was just not natural to me.

Conclusion:

Despite the problem with the heroine's personality of extremely repetitive denial and defiance (do we see a pattern here yet?) and a not-so-natural transition to the romance plot of the story, Dark Gold, the paranormal romance novel by Christine Feehan is a very good read that I would recommend to anyone who like the paranormal romance genre. As usual, I loved the hero in this story, and the plot definitely had me turning the pages. If it wasn't for the overdoing of the denial state and the unexpected (in a bad way) transition, I would have no doubt given this book a 5 Pink Hearts, and classified it as a must read.

Read my reviews of the other novels in the Carpathian/Dark series by Christine Feehan