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by Amelia

Review: Dark Sins and Desert Sands (Mythica series) by Stephanie Draven

10:17 am in Harlequin Nocturne, November 2011, Reviews by Amelia

The fifth book in the Mythica series is exceedingly original as it takes several myths and creates a very believable tale entwining the lives of these legends. There is innovativeness and much skill by Stephanie Draven in crafting these stories filled with constant fascination.

After Ray Stavrakis is able to break out of the Syrian prison where he has been held for two years, his main thought concerns proving the accusation that he worked with the enemy is false. He is a dedicated U.S. soldier, regardless of his heredity, and he wants the person who made the allegation to pay. While Ray was incarcerated, he was somehow given the mysterious power of controlling the mind of others plus can even change into a Minotaur. These capabilities allow him to learn the name of one of his torturers, and she now lives in Las Vegas.

Although Layla Bahset is a psychologist and enjoys aiding those who suffer troubling quandaries, she has a big problem of her own. It seems she has no recollection of her life before coming to Las Vegas two years ago, so she cannot recall the man who she has just encountered nor can she answer his demanding questions. Ray keeps watching Layla as he knows the information he wants is somewhere in her mind, and he comes to realize he is not the only one pursuing her. They both want to learn the truth about what has happened to them and why, but uncovering the reality may come with a steep price.

Stephanie Draven is at her imaginary best in the Mythica series. The brilliant blending of modern day facts with legendary fables results in stories that not only entertain but capture your every thought. From the very first paragraph to the last sentence, I was totally enthralled in each happening to the hero and heroine in DARK SINS, DESERT SANDS. Whether they are entangled in discovering secrets from their pasts or experiencing an emotional incident, every single detail comes across as emotively convincing and draws you even more into their complex lives. So many unknowns are in the story, and those pertaining to the history of Ray and Layla are gradually divulged with often startling answers. Ms. Draven has certainly come up with unique background for these two, and her reasons for these circumstances are extremely inventive. The Mythica series is not like anything I have ever read before, and its distinctiveness has kept me engrossed during each of the previous books, too. Ray and Layla both make a number of insightful remarks throughout the story, and the truth of these statements really touched me with their profoundness. Their sincere feelings also frequently come to the surface though they try to keep them under control, and these moments are poignant time and again. The intensity of the desire they take pleasure in when passion overrules their control is fervently sensual yet particularly caring with tender compassion. There are several secondary characters who play large parts in the story, and they contribute rewardingly whenever they are present. DARK SINS, DESERT SANDS is a creative paranormal novel packed with imaginative characters and intriguing scenarios.

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by Amelia

Review: The Vampire’s Seduction by Cynthia Cooke

8:11 pm in Harlequin Nocturne, October 2011, Reviews by Amelia

Seeing two dissimilar supernatural beings as the main couple is always compelling because this usually causes conflicts, and THE VAMPIRE’S SEDUCTION is packed with a multitude of contradictory beliefs which lead to inner clashes and even despair. Cynthia Cooke has constructed a spellbinding premise for her beings whose powers will be tested by the desire in their hearts.

When Nicholai came to New York City, he wanted to discover what had happened to others in his vampire clan as they had all disappeared. He believes witches are responsible for the vampires who have gone missing, and he has come to a bar with plans to pick out a single witch and get her to help him in retrieving his lost friends, even if he has to use seduction to achieve his goal. The one he chooses is Mari Saguna, who has known about her birthright for only a few months.

Mari had come to the bar to try out what she has been taught in a special school for witches, but meeting up with Nicholai quickly teaches her there is more to be learned as her powers of persuasion do not seem to work on him. When he keeps showing up in her life, she starts believing the connection they both feel just might be something lasting until secrets about her blood are revealed. As the battle between vampires and witches escalates, Nicholai and Mari come to understand more truths must be uncovered before either can actually be happy.

There is originality in a paranormal tale by Cynthia Cooke, and this creativity is apparent during many cleverly carried out scenes in THE VAMPIRE’S SEDUCTION. From the background heritage of the various beings featured in the story to the traits they possess to how they feel about others, Ms. Cooke brings her fresh ideas to life with much inventiveness and keeps you interested in their current lives plus whatever the future may bring. While the basic beliefs about vampires and witches may be incorporated into the storyline of THE VAMPIRE’S SEDUCTION, there are numerous aspects that come from the mind of the author and make the book more enjoyable. Nicholai is an engaging vampire, as he is appealing on a sexual level while he is also intelligent and even has concerned feelings when it comes to someone for whom he cares. As for Mari, she is just as smart and they have several discussions where their banter is sharp with quick comebacks. She is a compassionate person and her thoughtful assistance showed how she put others before herself, as some of the situations she faced put her in imminent danger. Although I liked watching this couple spar with each other, I found the scenes where passion was the focal point to be just as mesmerizing with all the lusty heat between them. Nicholai and Mari also feel devastated at times because of physical suffering or emotional anguish, and these situations are depicted with a great deal of genuineness and honest feelings. There is an additional short story included that was formerly a Nocturne Bites release, and it gives the reader another taste of the world Ms. Cooke has crafted. THE VAMPIRE’S SEDUCTION is an enthralling story filled with emotional decisions, passionate desires and riveting paranormal scenarios.иконописikoni

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by Amelia

Review: The Vampire Who Loved Me by Theresa Meyers

9:09 am in Harlequin Nocturne, June 2011, Reviews by Amelia

The Sons of Midnight series continues to tell the story of how humans finally know about vampires, and the reactions a lot of them are having to the accidental possibility of turning into what they see as a creature. Theresa Meyers once again has conceived a notable storyline for her paranormal tale, one packed with inventive ideas and distinctive characters.

Since Achilles Stefanos is chief of security for his vampire clan, he is watching Dr. Rebecca Chamberlin as she works on a vaccine which will keep mortals from becoming a being like him. While she is diligently researching in the lab one night, an incident occurs which causes her to become a test subject and she starts turning into a vampire. Beck sees her work as being even more important now as she desperately wants to reverse the effects of the experimental vaccine.

Although Achilles knows it is his responsibility to keep Beck under close observation since she is transitioning into a vampire, he finds his duty is also enjoyable as she is temptingly desirable. While she does not want to feel anything for the creature who is always nearby, denying the building passion between them is extremely difficult. When someone decides the vaccine should be used in a destructive way, Beck and Achilles will have to trust each other or countless immortal lives will be lost.

There is much imagination in a book by Theresa Meyers. In her Sons of Midnight series, there are countless ways in which these stories are different from other novels containing supernatural aspects. From the manner of transporting themselves from one location to another to how they can obtain an object, the basic details behind what they must do to achieve their goals are creative and definitely unique. It is always interesting to read about vampires and discover something not usually associated with them. How these beings came to be is one of the most remarkable facts revealed, especially when it can be used to destroy them as well. Ms. Meyers has put much thought into the background of her characters and how this plays a part in their current lives, and this leads to several very dramatic scenes. The relationship between Achilles and Beck is clearly one of opposites attracting, where the soldier and scientist frequently disagree during rather vocal discussions. Some really genuine feelings encourage these two to not only speak their minds but to also express their innermost sentiments of yearning, and these scenes are heated sensual yet tenderly caring. Much of the interaction involving Achilles and Beck is told from both points of view, and this lets the reader come to know them better while empathizing with their problems, especially those concerning their futures. There are suspenseful moments pertaining to what will eventually occur between the two conflicting groups, and Ms. Meyers builds up the anticipation as crucial decisions are made. This is a paranormal world I would like to revisit, as I want to know what happens to those characters that we have met. THE VAMPIRE WHO LOVED ME is a passionate romantic story full of originality and engaging characters.

by Amelia

Review: Ghost Stalker by Jenna Kernan

7:31 pm in Harlequin Nocturne, May 2011, Reviews by Amelia

The mystical elements featured in the second Trackers story are not only fascinating but also capture your attention with the original way in which they are depicted all through the story. Jenna Kernan cleverly interweaves Native American Lakota legends with her own imaginative thinking to create an enchanting paranormal novel.

When a severely injured man arrives at her ranch without any warning, Jessie Healy immediately realizes he is a shapeshifter who can change into an animal form. Since her obligations as a Dreamwalker are to protect humans and all Skinwalkers are known to be unpredictable, she understands it is her responsibility to end his life. However, after looking into his eyes, Jessie agrees to aid the being instead of killing him.

Nicholas Chien is attacked because The Ruler of Ghosts known as Nagi wants to use him in a scheme which would strengthen an army of evil Spirits. He then surprisingly becomes involved in the life of someone belonging to a group of individuals who have supernatural skills and has always been thought of as an enemy. Since these two have certain ideas about the other, trust between them will not be easily gained. When it becomes clear Nagi will not give up on his wicked plans, Nick and Jessie will have to look within themselves for the courage it will take to prevent him from being successful.

Jenna Kernan is a talented author who can write compelling stories in two genres. Her paranormal tales for the Nocturne line are just as captivating as her historical books, as the premises are attention-grabbing with engaging characters. The Trackers series is especially interesting with its ingenious way of blending in myths of the Lakota tribe with fictional details, and her newest book adds numerous new pieces of information to the supernatural world constructed by Ms. Kernan. Whether a situation pertains to a shapeshifter or a Dreamwalker, the moment seems as though whatever is taking place could actually be occurring somewhere without our knowledge, thus making one wonder about the possibility of these incidents happening in reality. I have always found stories concerning the myths of Native Americans to be intriguing, and Ms. Kernan has expertly made use of these legends to the fullest. Nick is a wonderful hero whose wolf shapeshifting abilities are distinctive, and I truly loved him when his inner compassionate nature was demonstrated. The tough choices Jessie had to make during so many instances let me see what a kindhearted and humane personality she possesses, and I saw her as brave, too, when her decisions affected someone else. The instantaneous connection between Nick and Jessie is shown with genuine feelings plus plenty of desire, and any intimate acts are heated yet caringly tender. While characters from the first book are featured in this story, plenty of facts are given which let the reader know exactly what has happened in case something has been forgotten or the book not yet read. The ending leaves me eager for the upcoming novel in the Trackers series, as it definitely sounds exciting. GHOST STALKER is enthralling with difficult predicaments and appealing characters.

by Amelia

Review: Fallen by Michele Hauf

5:24 pm in April 2011, Harlequin Nocturne, Reviews by Amelia

The Of Angels & Demons series only gets more interesting with each new release, and FALLEN has many inventive scenes which are superbly creative. Michele Hauf has created an amazing Beautiful Creatures world for her very exceptional couple in this novel, and their personal story will continuously keep you thoroughly entertained.

After living in Beneath for a long time, Pyxion is thrilled for the chance to prove herself plus get back her soul. The Sinistari demon needs to kill a Fallen angel who now walks the earth as a human seeking his muse, and when she comes upon one going by the name Cooper Truhart, she knows he can make her dream come true. When she comes in contact with the tempting being, Pyx is confused by her feelings for him. There is no way a demon could ever have any type of connection to an angel.

When Cooper came to earth, he had hopes of discovering his missing halo which was lost to him when he became a Fallen. If he can just locate it, then he can recover his soul and stay on earth. Unfortunately, a determined demon has his plans changing and another enemy is quickly becoming really troublesome. Now Cooper and Pyx will have to decide whether to pursue their much desired goals or choose another objective.

Michele Hauf interweaves all the right elements to produce an extraordinary paranormal tale. From the opening scene, the reader will become caught up in the fascinating details about the lives of her most unusual couple, and each new fact only serves to draw one even more into the story. Ms. Hauf certainly has an ingenious mind when it comes to dreaming up unique scenarios featuring atypical beings. Cooper and Pyx are definitely distinctive in nature and traits, and they must face incredible circumstances on several occasions. Some of these developments are rather amusing while others are downright dangerous, and each one is described with plenty of realism. Every moment of this book is depicted with much imagery, and I had no trouble visualizing one single instance. The scene which really grabbed my attention is the one where Cooper shifted into angel form, as I fully experienced his awe-inspiring change. This book contains an abundance of surprising hilarity in various forms, and many of these episodes triggered laugh out loud moments. More than a few of the comebacks between Cooper and Pyx are exceedingly comical replies, and some of their actions are also very funny. Since these two are new to the human world, their often childlike wonder makes situations become especially engaging and often witty when least expected. Their pairing is not one usually found in a story, and the author keeps everything fascinating with inspired writing. Countless events occurring in their lives provide difficult challenges, and these incidents often turn the book in a compelling direction. There is some passionate sexual tension in the story, yet any thoughts about this subject are habitually packed with clever banter. Ms. Hauf has constructed a delightful supernatural world, where one never knows what will happen next. FALLEN is magically imaginative with intriguing adventures and particularly appealing characters.

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