Disclaimer: I have so much to say about this duology. Whew! I’m glad I read it, but there are mixed feelings, especially with the second book. I feel Disclaimer: I have so much to say about this duology. Whew! I’m glad I read it, but there are mixed feelings, especially with the second book. I feel like the first book is very close to a five star, but the second book is disappointing. So let’s talk about. There are spoiler tags, but I will also warn that I have some really blunt things to say regarding the sexual content.
Book 2 made me sad because it was a such a let down from Book 1. Now Book 2 continued my state of open mouth shock. This is where all the biker stuff comes in, and I was seriously questioning my life choices. Below are some things that I either raised my eyebrows about or wanted to flip tables over:
*The bar where they meet up with the rest of Waylon’s gang has topless servers. Yeah, you heard me right. They tease one of the girls because she's small breasted. *Persy is only allowed to wear booty shorts and makes crocheted tops, and that’s what she gives Amira to wear. The whole Persy situation is just…..I want to read Hades’ books just because I want answers, but at the same time I’m scared. Waylon seems like a teddy bear next to Hades, and that's saying something. *Yes, there are a couple of murders committed onscreen. I don't know what that says about me, but they didn't bother me. It was in a dog-eat-dog environment and they weren't gruesome or gory for my tastes. *Doc/Allison is being courted by the three enforcers who call themselves Vengeance and come as a unit is a hard no for me. I won’t be reading it, and I don’t get how a woman who’s finishing medical school is going to opt for a polyamorous quad relationship with three violent bikers. *I’m assuming upstairs in their biker bar is a brothel? I wasn’t sure. Anyway, I hate sex trafficking and brothels, organized prostitution and stuff like that. I respect the dignity of all people and I don't judge sex workers, but I hate the idea that people have to choose or are forced into selling their bodies, and I don't like this being casually handled in books. *Now they didn’t call women bitches and stuff like that, but it was two three steps above that. Women are definitely treated like second class citizens in this biker society. *Waylon is like some Lord of his compound, and everything that happens needs to be approved by him. Amira isn’t allowed to have her phone, a laptop, or any money of her own? Is she a slave? It was all about Waylon's 'trust issues', like taking the autonomy of someone you care about because of trust issues is okay. Definitely not okay with me. *There’s a maid service where the girls clean houses naked and provide sexual services to the men *Then, when they “get together”, he has to (view spoiler)[Take her ass to prove to her that she belongs to him because she’s mad that she slept with her fiance even though she belonged to him. Even though he slept with a bunch of the maid girls??? I don’t like reading anal scenes anyway, and I definitely skipped it, but even the justification for why was just wrong, wrong, wrong. (hide spoiler)] *(view spoiler)[When Amira is pregnant and having bad morning sickness and refuses to rest and take care of herself, Waylon comes home and whips her butt with a belt and gives her welts as a punishment. I’m sorry, but what? I thought it was cute how he called everybody and sicked them on her, but spanking/whipping part was not it. (hide spoiler)]
So the things above left a bad taste in my mouth that tarnished the book for me. I could see that Amira worked things out where she could be happy, and I do believe Waylon loved her and wanted her to be happy. But in my mind, I was thinking how crazy this was, and how a woman would be willing to sign up for a life like this. It would have sat better with me if there was more of a collaboration and an equal partnership between them.
I will say I loved that Waylon built her dream house for her and named his town after her. But the feudal lord stuff (and the rampant sexism) didn’t work for me at all.
I’d give book two 3.5 stars.
Final thoughts: I really like Theodora Taylor's books that I've read. I think she's a good writer. I just think this kind of book isn't my taste. I like steam but I definitely have a limit when it comes to erotic content. While this book was mild in some ways, there are things in here past my comfort zone. I wish that I had found some of that in the trigger warnings I looked at.
I think this book has established for me that MC books are not my thing. I don’t like the sexual politics or the way women are treated in these environments at all. While I like an assassin/killer hero (don't judge me), I am not a hug fan of out and out criminals (especially if they participate in drug dealing/human trafficking crimes). I don't 100% know that they do either, but it's easy to assume that they are involved in the first and most certainly with the latter, since they have connections to the cartels. I just at the end of the day, I'm not that into stuff about organized crime. I have added a few dark romance books to my pile to try out, and we shall see. As for reading other MC books, I want to try to read some of Christine Feehan’s Torpedo Ink series because it’s related to the Prakenskii books. I know I will have to skip a lot of stuff in some of the books. I will read the other books in this series, except for Vengeance because I don’t do reverse harem. It’s going to take me a while to get through these for the reasons above. After that, I don't see me reading too many more of these. It would be fun to see a series where the women have their own MC and they are not beholden or under the thumb of men.
Yeah, it took me a while to compose my thoughts and write these reviews. One thing I will say is these books definitely kept me entertained....more
Disclaimer: I have so much to say about this duology. Whew! I’m glad I read it, but there are mixed feelings, especially with the second book. I feel Disclaimer: I have so much to say about this duology. Whew! I’m glad I read it, but there are mixed feelings, especially with the second book. I feel like the first book is very close to a five star, but the second book is disappointing. So let’s talk about. There are spoiler tags, but I will also warn that I have some really blunt things to say regarding the sexual content.
I am not going to lie. I was so intrigued at the idea of the hero being handcuffed to the heroine’s bed while he’s being nursed back to help. It’s the twist for me. He’s a dangerous biker. He’s known to be the baddest of the bad, and absolutely lethal. I liked the idea of Waylon being at Amira’s mercy. I’m not into BDSM. I’m not hating on others who enjoy it, mind you, but I am not into it. The furthest I go into that genre is this: handcuffing or tying someone up. I think this book definitely goes into that BDSM arena. It’s not in a way that’s over the top, even though it’s not my thing. But yes, I did love how Waylon was absolutely lethal but he was submitting to Amira’s care. I love when the hero gives power to the heroine in their relationship. It takes a special kind of man to feel confident doing that. That’s why I was so disappointed with a lot of aspects in the second book because it reversed a lot of the groundwork that was made establishing Waylon in my mind.
I will start by saying, generally, I avoid motorcycle gang (club is the PC word) books because I really dislike a lot of aspects about that world, especially how women are treated. So that’s why It took me a long time to commit to reading any of Theodora Taylor’s MC books (and I consider myself a pretty big fan of hers). Waylon really won me over in this book. I liked how despite his rough reputation, he was gentle with Amira and kind. I liked that he was willing to put himself in that situation because he wanted to spend time with her and how he wanted to help her with some trauma. I loved so much how he called her ‘Angel.’ My toxic trait is I adore heroes who are hardened killers but are like soft marshmallows for their heroine.
The love scenes were genuinely sexy to me. I loved the kissing scenes. I realize that how the writer describes kissing is a big litmus test for me. Kissing is treated as a wonderful experience on its own, not just a prelude to sex. I think Waylon’s passionate feelings for Amira and his desire to comfort her and take care of her was evident and so beautifully described in these moment. I didn’t even mind the switch when Waylon finds out things are different from what he thought. He was still passionate and caring.
I’m not the biggest fan of first person romance novels, but it turns out that I really appreciated seeing this story through Amira’s eyes. I could feel what drew Amira to Waylon from her vantage point, whereas in a 3rd person viewpoint, I might have had an even harder time liking him.
I do feel like Jonathan was such a weak, unlikable person, it was difficult to believe that Amira would choose him. In my opinion, there was nothing redeeming about him. I understand wanting your parents to be happy with you, but as a grownup, you are not under their thumb and you don’t have to use them as an excuse to force someone you’re dating to fit a mold. And the idea that he would constantly criticize Amira for what she eat and how she talked infuriated me. I honestly don’t even know why he was dating her if she was unsuitable. Did he choose her because of her insecurity? I mean, she did have some of that, but she was also her own person and it just seemed weird that he was into her. Also, I kind of felt like Jonathan would be a bigot and wouldn’t bring a black woman home to his family. But he was dating a black woman who came from a bad upbringing? Yeah, so he had red flags all over him.
As far as her devotion to Ant, that was really clear even without the future revelations. I didn’t find him all that likable. I didn’t appreciate how he was putting his sister in jeopardy the way he did. If he cared for her as much as he insisted, I feel like he would have worked harder to keep her out of that part of his life.
For me, it keeps going back to the question of who was in Amira’s corner? With that in mind, I could see why I liked Waylon so much in this book. I loved this book even when it started to go batsh*t crazy. And it certainly did towards the end. I was like what?? I do feel like there was a bit of a pacing issue, but it didn’t necessarily bother me. I just was a little confused about some things that happened.
I was hardcore questioning Amira’s decision she made (I mean, not that part, because I totally get it, but going through with her relationship with Jonathan.) She was seriously, I don’t know, brainwashing herself about her life plan. I didn’t know why she thought she needed Jonathan for her life to be a success. That advice her guidance counselor was absolutely awful, and it sucked how she internalized it.
Yeah, so the church scene had me sitting there with my mouth open. Big time. I’m not a big fan of cliffhangers, and I’m so glad I had the next book queued up and ready to go.
If you like dark vampire modern fiction with an urban setting, this is for you. After four books, it's become really apparent that Silvia Moreno-GarciIf you like dark vampire modern fiction with an urban setting, this is for you. After four books, it's become really apparent that Silvia Moreno-Garcia is a master at writing stories that immerse the readers deeply into specific times and places. In the case of this novel, it's 1990s Mexico City with a futuristic/dystopian feel. I loved how Domingo was listening to Duran Duran (my favorite band of all time). Everything in the story feels kind of mucky and dirty, and in some ways makes me think of Blade Runner for that reason, and also how it's always damp and raining. The darkness also extends to the characters. This story is chock full of antiheroes and villains. I would not classify Domingo as either. While he has grown up on the streets, he has a very good heart that has somehow not managed to be tainted by the ugliness around him and the misfortune he's faced. He's managed to keep hope in his heart despite everything.
When Atl comes into his life, everything is going to change. So Atl is a vampire but also initially gives the appearance of a damsel in distress. The thing is, Atl is a lot more dangerous than Domingo credits her with. And her enemies are in some ways even worse. Domingo is drawn to Atl, and he would do just about anything for her. Domingo's devotion is a thing of beauty. If I'm honest, I would admit I don't think Atl has really earned it. However, isn't that often the case that people often love others more than they are loved back. This was an issue for me for most of the book. However, I had to remind myself that Atl is not human. She is a vampire, and in the words of Bernadino, an ancient vampire who was friends with Atl's mom, "All they are is hunger and death," which really puts everything into perspective. Domingo has read lots of vampire stories and has absolutely romanticized them. He's in for a reckoning in his understanding.
This one's for people who love movies like, Near Dark and The Lost Boys. Stories that navigate how vampires are predators in the sea of humanity, and how humanity typically means nothing to them except food. Until there is a human who manages to establish a connection that brings all that into question. Moreno-Garcia has created her own mythology of different vampires, and has enriched this novel with so much cultural depictions of vampire subspecies and their distinctive natures. As with her other books, she has rooted her storytelling in the culture of Mexico, including Meso-American mythology. I loved that aspect and also how much time she put into world-building. This is one of those kinds of books where you don't miss that the only monsters are vampires (I often like to see different kinds of creatures in my fantasy/horror), but each vampire species is so different, they often feel like other kinds of beings all together.
Bloody, thrilling, and thoughtful in its depictions of human frailty and morality through the lens of vampires warring against others, catching humans in the crossfire, I think this would make a very good television show. While I didn't love this as much as the three others I read by Silvia, it was very good. I absolutely loved Domingo's character. While I was often conflicted about Atl, her selfishness, immaturity, peevish behavior, and poor choices, I also cared about her, and rooted for her to mature into the powerful person she was supposed to be. Bernardino's character stole the show, I do have to say. The vampires she is at war with are even worse.
Definitely check this out if you like the nasty kind of vampires (they don't have any respect for human life), but rendered in a high drama and crime fiction kind of way. It's a solid four star read. I will continue to glom this fantastic author....more
I have just been so busy that I haven't had time to write this review. I listened to this book way back in September on Playaway with my sister as we I have just been so busy that I haven't had time to write this review. I listened to this book way back in September on Playaway with my sister as we commuted. It was a good listen, but ultimately it was disappointing. What caused me to dislike this book so much?
It begins and ends ultimately with Brit's character. She's completely deluded. Her slavish devotion to the Versteig siblings has eroded all of her common sense and reasoning abilities. For some reason, it comes as an amazing surprise to her that there might be something off about Calvin. But at the same time, she is ready, willing and able to believe everything bad about Jude, although he makes every effort to protect her and Corbie. Brit spends the whole book mooning over a man who has treated her like crap the whole time. She goes back and forth on this cycle of trying to prove she's over Calvin, but going back to this set point of how much she loved Calvin. He is the center of her world, and her eccentric orbit can never stray away from him. My advice to young Brit for this entire book? Move on.
Corbie was very underdeveloped. She was more like a plot point in the present narrative, although she is more present in the flashbacks. As Corbie is part of Brit's ideation of the Versteigs, this felt off. I think the psychology of Brit's fixation on the Versteigs was deeply unhealthy and I wanted this to be explored and resolved better. The ending doesn't really do this. It just sits in your stomach like a sour lump and you can't move on until Brit deals with this deeply unhealthy mental condition. Brit herself doesn't seem to be developed outside of her fixation on her ex-boyfriend and her friend who has kept her in an abusive relationship of their own for over a decade. I would have liked to see more of Brit's inner life that is separate from the brother and sister and her own relationship with her family. You get the impression that she's close to her father and brother, but if she is, why is she so attacked to the Versteigs in such an unhealthy way?
I did like Jude and the suspense was pretty good. I feel like if Brit wasn't such a dummy, this book could have been much better. This was like a good Anne Stuart suspense novel but diluted somewhat for a younger audience, and without the incredible charisma that Anne Stuart heroes have. I hate to compare books, but when it comes to romantic suspense with villainous heroes, one can't help but look to Anne Stuart as a marker.
I can't help feeling very underwhelmed with this book. I think that it had potential that wasn't realized.
Okay, this is a five star book. I can't lie to myself about it. Loved it so much. The kind of fated romance makes me feel gooey inside. My Kryptonite Okay, this is a five star book. I can't lie to myself about it. Loved it so much. The kind of fated romance makes me feel gooey inside. My Kryptonite is a lethal and scary hero who is really soft and sweet and vulnerable inside. And the way that Farah and Dorian have loved each other their whole lives, I can't even.
Kerrigan Byrne packs so much story in this short book, with so many delicious moments that will make a romance fan beg for more. Lovely sexytimes when it was appropriate, and a delicious surprise in there. If you like tortured heroes and steadfast heroines who are independent but sweet, you need to check this out. Although the love story makes one's heart melt, there is a dark and edgy quality that is part and parcel to this story. Byrne doesn't shy away from the seedy aspects of London life, nor the ugliness of humanity that would subject children to the unspeakable. She speaks to social inequalities and the failures of the legal system in seeing justice done equally, regardless of social status. Historical romance remains one of my favorite genres because of the window it provides into the past with characters you can connect to.
Dorian might be my favorite hero of 2016. He's so very. And I loved Farah so much as well.
Dark, delicious, heartwarming and oh so satisfying. Highly recommend this book. Check out this series. Not one to miss....more
I liked this. It was an interesting look at Selina Kyle outside of Gotham and in a different setting. She's in Rome trying to find out about her parenI liked this. It was an interesting look at Selina Kyle outside of Gotham and in a different setting. She's in Rome trying to find out about her parentage. She teams up with a Mafia hitman and another odd partner in crime, and everytime she turns around, one of her Gotham City foes is attacking her. How is it all related?
I think some parts were a bit confusing. The reasons why she was being attacked by what appeared to be Batman was explained, and I was like, okay. I didn't like what happen to one character, so I think that's why I didn't give it four stars. The artwork was good and had sort of a 60s Italian film vibe to it, which I thought was fitting. I'm not sure how well this fits into the continuity. Perhaps it was just a one shot....more
I admit I found the characters too jaded for my tastes (twenty-three going on forty-three). I think that there could have been more opportunities to eI admit I found the characters too jaded for my tastes (twenty-three going on forty-three). I think that there could have been more opportunities to establish emotional connection to the characters in lieu of some of the focus on erotic sex. Readers who like New Adult themes may enjoy this more than I did. I'm not fond of the idea that very young people would act with these kinds of attitudes and destructive lifestyles.
One of my all time favorite fairy tales is The Twelve Dancing Princesses, and this is set in the 20s, so I could not resist it! It's not magical, but One of my all time favorite fairy tales is The Twelve Dancing Princesses, and this is set in the 20s, so I could not resist it! It's not magical, but that doesn't make it less enjoyable. Instead this is a story about sisterhood and women who are subjected to a father who does not know the meaning of love, much less doing the right thing by his family.
Josephine, who goes by Jo, and who is called General by her eleven younger sisters, has taken on the care of them. They are afraid and at times disdainful of her, using her as a punching bag for their resentment for their situation--virtual slaves in their father's house. Their father is a rich man who married into society. He kept his wife pregnant in the desire for a son, until she died. Now he's ashamed of having a quiver full of daughters and no son. He's ready to start marrying them off.
He is unaware that the daughters have started sneaking off at night to go dancing in the speakeasies and nightclubs that have sprung up as a result of Prohibition. The girls are carefully guarded and directed by The General, and she takes this responsibility seriously. It's not at all convenient when she falls in love, especially with eleven sisters to watch over.
The audiobook narration was absolutely the way to go with this book. The narrator was spot on. She imbues each character with life. I loved her cadence and intonation for each character. From the no-nonsense Jo, to the sarcastic Lou (2nd oldest), and even the male characters. I hated their father. What a horrible man. I felt for the sisters, especially Jo. The girls didn't realize how much she had suffered being the oldest. And how much she gave up for them.
Valentine nails the 1920s to a T. She gives the description that is needed to firmly cement the setting, and draws this reader into that atmosphere of the speakeasies and dance clubs, and the flapper culture.
I didn't think this would have a happy ending. At the risk of possibly spoiling, I will say I was happily surprised at the ending.
I have no great criticism of this novel. It just doesn't feel like a five star book. That doesn't mean it's not an awesome book. Recommended. ...more
I'm working my way through my library's graphic novel collection and availing myself of the New 52 titles. I would be remiss if I didn't check out CatI'm working my way through my library's graphic novel collection and availing myself of the New 52 titles. I would be remiss if I didn't check out Catwoman. I did start reading an earlier run (single issues) with Ed Brubaker several moons ago (still have a stack I never got around to reading). I thought, why not try this?
Catwoman isn't always my favorite. On one level, I like that she's morally ambiguous, sometimes on the good side, sometimes on the bad side. I like strong women who can fight and hold their own, but her selfishness and how it leads to others being hurt is hard to handle. I couldn't stand her in the last Nolan Batman movie. I didn't like her with Bruce/Bats, but I did like them together in this book. I can see why some ship Batwoman and Catwoman so avidly. I think they understand each other, even though they are on the opposite side of the line more than not.
I didn't like the artwork. Catwoman looks harsh and rather scary. Her features don't have the catlike beauty or appeal that I would associate with her. The colors were too washed out for my tastes as well.
I like Judd Winick's writing. I didn't find that much fault with the storytelling in this one. He shows Catwoman as a morally conflicted person who has made poor choices out of a damaged psyche. I can get that about her.
Overall, this was pretty good. The biggest issue for me was the artwork. Otherwise, I'll keep reading this title. Batman showing up drove my rating up a lot (I can't even lie). My library also has Brubaker's run, so I may grab those to read next year (which is only two months away now).
It's so good to be back in the world of the Company of Rogues. I loved catching up with some of my favorite characters, and getting introduced to DaviIt's so good to be back in the world of the Company of Rogues. I loved catching up with some of my favorite characters, and getting introduced to David and Lucy. Jo Beverley has such a distinctive voice. I appreciate that about her writing.
I pulled this one up on my Kindle because I was watching the HBO movie "Bessie" with Queen Latifah (who is the definition of awesome), and I wanted toI pulled this one up on my Kindle because I was watching the HBO movie "Bessie" with Queen Latifah (who is the definition of awesome), and I wanted to read something set at this time, and especially IR. I had downloaded is specifically because of the time setting and the storyline, and this was the perfect time to read it. I wasn't disappointed. This was a very good book.
Disclaimer: I will use the term 'colored' for black people because that is what black people were called at this time. This term is not appropriate to use anymore, but in the context of this story, it's timely.
Harmony sings the blues at the Cotton Club. Music is in her soul and it's her gift, how she pours out her anguish over the loss of her grandmother and her man. Her dreams of escaping a life bound by the restrictions of race and lack of money are given full rein when she sings. When her brother goes missing, she exploits the fact that powerful gangster Vinnie Romano seems captivated with her voice. She asks him to help her find her brother, knowing he'll have a price, and one that she's willing to pay. Set in a time of Prohibition when gang violence is near an all time high, this book delivers on the intensity.
I bought in on the chemistry between Harmony and Vinnie from their first meeting. I like that you initially don't know what Vinnie's motives are. He's a hard man and he keeps his heart buried deep. Coming over from Sicily with nothing, he's earned his status as a Boss with blood. And Vinnie definitely has an intimidating vibe. I like dangerous heroes, although I can't say I'm fond of mobsters. They aren't my cup of tea since I don't like brutality and the ruthless killing for profit and status associated with that kind of business. What hooked me in with Vinnie was his extreme appreciation for Harmony's singing and his love of blues music, a music that was strictly colored music at this time. They actually called them race records. For Vinnie to connect with such soulful music showed that he was deeper than he might have appeared. While at first, you don't get that race isn't an issue with him, you wonder that it can't be if he would connect so deeply with a culture so different from his own. Vinnie made me care about him. As Harmony sees his layers and the lion's heart he has, so did I. I appreciate loyalty and honor, and I don't tend to associate those with mobsters, but Vinnie clearly has those traits. He's a fascinating guy and I could see why Harmony loved him.
Harmony is equally layered. She's tough and independent and fiery passionate, but also sweet and demure. She's an artist and a believer deep in her soul, a dreamer, even in this world where colored people aren't allowed dreams. I loved how determined and fearless she is at the end of this book. That was a really bad and scary situation and she did something that only a lioness would do to save her man. Kudos to her for that.
I remember there is a great movie that I saw a long time ago called "Machine Gun Blues", starring Cynda Williams and Nick Cassavettes, about a colored blues singer who falls in love with an Italian mobster. It has a sad ending (sorry for the spoiler), and I always wished it had ended differently. I would like to thank Ms. Mynx for giving me a happy ending version of that seemingly doomed love affair. There is a time in this book where you aren't sure you'll get a happy ending, and I think I hardly breathed as I read the final pages of the book. The thing about Kindle books is it tells you how much time you have left in the book, and the last 20% was agony for me. But Mynx delivered.
I have a problem with erotica, and I try to avoid it. I just don't like all the 'anything goes' sex. I like to know there will be limits on what kinds of sex acts are depicted in the book. I don't mind steamy vanilla sex and plenty of it (so long as it doesn't take over the story), but I don't like the kinky stuff. A reference during the first love scene had me worried, but that stuff didn't take place on screen in the book, so I heaved a sigh of relief. While I do think this did have a bit more sex than strictly necessary, I can understand how important it was to show the passion and desperation of these two lovers, and how their love comes to the surface past their guarded armor and facades.
I won't say I'm a mafia/mobster romance fan, but I really did like this book. And since I'm a sucker for Early 20th Century romance, and I like reading about the 20s and 30s, it kind of comes with the territory. Prohibition was a very violent period in American history, and there are a lot of untold stories. I loved seeing what it was like a young colored woman and her Sicilian lover, that they did have a chance at a happy ending, even in their world of blood and strife. I learned some historical facts as I read that found very fascinating, such as which states it was legal to marry interracially during this period.
The writing was crisp and very organic and visually-stimulating. I felt like this was a cinematic read, and I would love if someone did make a movie out of this one day. I would definitely go see it! The music aspect was well-conveyed and integral to this story. The editing was pretty good, with only a few errors, mostly near the end.
I'd have to give this 4.5/5.0 stars because this was an intense, passionate and involving book that kept its hooks in me even when I was afraid to keep reading. I really cared about Harmony and Vinnie and I wanted desperately for them to get their happy ending together. I can see why Sienna Mynx is such a popular author. ...more
This is a sweet, yet sensual historical that features the love story between a Chinese man and a Negro woman in the days of the Gold Rush in CaliforniThis is a sweet, yet sensual historical that features the love story between a Chinese man and a Negro woman in the days of the Gold Rush in California. I was gleeful when my friend told me about it, since I love historical westerns, and I would love to read more with people of color. I was not disappointed.
I love the time and the detail that Ms. Cullars put into writing Chiang's viewpoint, and describing what it was like for Chinese immigrants in this time in history. Like blacks, they were horribly persecuted, treated as less than whites, given dangerous jobs for less pay, and subjected to violations of their basic rights. Despite that fact, Chiang is a man of great honor and dignity. I loved him immensely.
I thought that the courtship between Chiang and Leah was so sweet and captivating. It is nearly a love at first sight type scenario, although both take the time to examine their feelings and determine if they want to pursue a life together. Their chemistry is wonderful and it made me smile and have a warm heart as I read.
If I had any problems with this story, I would like it to be longer, and for there to be more of a physical description of Leah. Otherwise, this was just lovely. Man, I hope to read more stories about blacks and Asians in the west. That is surely my favorite historical setting, and I would like it be clear to all that the West was not just settled by whites. But don't me started on that.
I recommend this book to readers who enjoy a sweet but sexy story historical western with lovable characters, and a multicultural viewpoint that is typically left out of the history and fiction books.
I want to give this five stars, but since the last book I read was so much more profound, I will have to go with 4.5/5.0 stars, which is nothing to shake a stick at....more
Note to the author: Ms. Nelson, I am in awe. How did you know I wanted to read a book like this? Maybe we are on the same wavelength here. You see, I hNote to the author: Ms. Nelson, I am in awe. How did you know I wanted to read a book like this? Maybe we are on the same wavelength here. You see, I have a thing for Russian guys. It developed slowly over time, and this book has not helped me get over my fixation. Now, I think I will be much, much worse. But the thing is, how many books after this one will have a hero like Dmitry Medlov?
I don't care that he's seven foot tall. He didn't need to be a giant to be larger than life in my mind. It was the sheer force of his personality, the many textures to him. He is an utterly ruthless crime boss, but he is a gentle, adoring lover and friend to Royal. How did you conceive of this man? Well, you did such a great job here.
This book: It was so many things. I love a book that gives me a seven course dinner in one story. This was a beautiful love story, and an intricate crime drama. And I don't even like crime dramas! I love how it started out as a glittering fairy tale. A girl meets her prince who saves her and sweeps her off her feet. Their love is perfect and pure. And then, the pages turn, and you see the other side. You see how Dmitry is a man that is feared by many, and for good reason. I was riveted to the page. I couldn't believe how well Ms. Nelson integrated these two. Her portrayal of this Russian mafia gang was so intricate, I completely believed what I was reading.
I do have to admit, I couldn't understand how Royal didn't see what Dmitry was. But, as my sister suggested (when I was gushing about the book to her), and as it is soon revealed, she trusted Dmitry implicitly. She loved him with all the power of her innocent heart. She didn't believe he could ever hide such a thing from her. Yet, even though Dmitry kept such a massive secret from Royal, he never lost my sympathy. You see, Dmitry was who he was. He wanted to be a different man for Royal, and he was. He was the sweetest guy to her, a dream lover. He didn't lie to her or do her wrong. He just didn't tell her everything.
I'm not into all the bling and the designer clothes. There's a lot of that in this book. Dmitry pulls out all the stops. I mean, he showers Royal with all the material things her heart could desire. Reading Ms. JR Ward really helped me to be somewhat immune to designer name-dropping, and it was part of the scenery here, so it wasn't terribly off-putting. Royal had a queen's equivalent of jewels and ice, and all the fancy clothes she could want. She liked that, but what she really loved was Dmitry. He was her family, her home, her present, and her future.
This book really made me think about shades of gray. If someone told me Dmitry was a bad man, I couldn't argue with that. But, at the same time, I would attest that he is a good man. What makes a person good? What makes a person bad? It's hard to say, and we would all have different answers. It was interesting how Dmitry saw Royal as a sweet innocent, even though she told him her deepest, darkest secret, which is not so innocent. Dmitry loved Royal so much, cared for her so well, that I couldn't see him as a bad man. He protected his men and made sacrifices to see that they could have good lives. He was a good father to his son. And he had limits about what he'd do to make money. For me, that made him a better person than some men who have less shady jobs than his. It's a dicey thing to hold others in judgment. This book gave me some food for thought when it comes to that. I firmly believe in the scripture that says, "Let he who is without sin cast the first stone." And, as I read this book, I could see a lot of people making choices that could easily be judged, but I had to look at why they did what they did, and not that they did it. Because, in the end, we are all just humans. Some of us do more bad deeds than others. But, we're all human beings, with all the accompanying failings.
As for Royal and Dmitry, I could really believe in their love. Even when things started coming down around them. The scene where she confronts Dmitry was very powerful. I felt like the world was ending. I didn't want to believe that anything could come between these two lovers. My heart stopped at the thought. And things just get worse. But, Ms. Nelson doesn't let me down. The fairy tale essence of this story holds true. And here's the thing about fairy tales: the young maiden always suffers. She has to be strong and persevere to get her happy ending. She might lose a lot along the way, but her love with her handsome prince will stand the test of time. That's what I believe about Royal and Dmitry.
My heart is still stuttering as I have just read the first chapter for the next book, Dmitry’s Royal Flush: Rise of the Queen. Of course, I will have to read this sequel, holding my breath the hold time, most likely. Until then, I can only hope that the future holds much joy for this couple. I think they have earned it....more
Reread Last year on Audible: I listened to it at night before bed, so it was kind of a chaotic reread, so I don't think I can fairly review it. I thinkReread Last year on Audible: I listened to it at night before bed, so it was kind of a chaotic reread, so I don't think I can fairly review it. I think I will listen again during times when I'm alert and I can better experience it.
******* 1st Review When I picked up an urban fantasy novel by this author called Nightlife, I had no idea then how big a fan I would become of her writing. Since then, she’s been an autobuy for me, because of my love for Cal and Nik Leandros, and how Ms. Thurman managed to show the depths and the power of the relationship between siblings. With Chimera, she does it yet again. One might be encouraged to dismiss this book about a man’s quest to find his brother who was stolen from his family ten years ago a rehash, but it truly is not. Because there are so many stories of siblings to be told. No two brothers have the same relationship, and in this story, she has conveyed a completely different relationship between Stefan and Lukas/Michael-- with depths that are equally fathomless, but one that is utterly distinct from the brotherhood between Cal and Nik.
Stefan Korsak is a young man who has lived for one thing for the past ten years, to find his younger brother, and bring him home. He has literally given what was left of his soul to this quest. He has even entered the family business. Stefan’s father is a big Russian Mafiya boss, and now Stefan works for one of his dad’s ‘friends’ as a byk, a bodyguard. He doesn’t do the enforcer dirty work, much, other than having to beat people up occasionally. But he’s a lethal guy all the same. He has acquired lots of skills that will help him in his quest to find his brother. When his source for information on his brother, Saul, finds out that there was a boy in a field trip at the mall matching Stefan’s brother’s description, Stefan gets a ray of hope for the first time in ten years. With Saul’s help, he breaks his brother out of the strangely prison-like medical facility that his brother has been living. But that’s only the beginning. He has to keep himself and his brother safe from a very scary man who runs the facility, the mob faction that are on the hunt for Stefan, and convince Michael that he is his long-lost sibling.
I can easily visualize this as a movie. It has that feel, with clear images and a story that draws the eye and the focus of the reader. Stefan is damaged, fascinating; a character who inspired a lot of loyalty and devotion in this reader. In his mind, he doesn’t think much of himself. He feels that his potential for a good life is over, since he failed to protect his brother so many years ago, and has sold his soul in the family business. But he’d do just about anything to give his brother a second chance. This book reminded me very strongly of the TV show Supernatural, with the relationship between Dean and Sam. Dean is much like Stefan. He has little self-worth, and all his love is for his brother. He was raised from a very young kid to always watch out for his brother, and if he does nothing else in life, he will complete this mission. Other than that, they aren’t that much alike. But I saw that cord of recognition in Stefan, and the author builds a very different man from this foundation.
What I liked about this story was being inside Stefan’s head, and seeing what he views himself as, but knowing that he is much more than that. I totally fell for him. I loved seeing how having his brother back healed the broken parts of his soul, and gave him hope, a four letter word that was alien of his vocabulary for a long time. I liked seeing how much of a survivor he was. He’s a street-smart, clear-thinking young man, who has his own moral compass. Not purely black and white, but more focused on the greater good, which is taking care of his brother. If he has to steal a car to do that, no problem. He doesn’t want to be a killer, but if it takes that, he’ll do it. I wanted Stefan to be happy, and I hope that he will be. I hope that he will have more to his life, so much more, than he turned his back on. He certainly deserves it.
Michael’s character was also great. He was raised in this facility for one purpose, to kill. Every lesson learned focused on making him the optimal assassin, and nothing more. However, Michael found out the hard way that he didn’t have the heart for it. His days were numbered as the ‘program failures’ tended to disappear in the middle of the night. Fortunately, a man claiming to his brother (a fact he doesn’t believe) takes him away. Given the choice of going with this man or staying in the facility, it’s a no brainer. Now, Michael has to learn to be a normal human being, which is somet hing he has little experience with. Although Michael has a lethal ability, an incredibly intelligent brain, and enhanced healing abilities, he’s still a seventeen-year-old kid. He acquires a serious junkfood habit that Stefan indulges although worries enough about him to buy vitamins. He is curious about sex and girls, and he purchases a ferret. And along the way, he becomes attached to this guy who is determined to convince him that he is Michael’s long-lost sibling. The love he develops for his ‘brother’ scares him, because he could one day lose Stefan, and he has nothing in his short life that belonged to him for keeps, if at all.
I liked the view of the United States through a windshield and roadside motels. The mundane which is very fascinating when one takes the time to look at it. If you have ever taken a road trip across America (or any small part, you know what I mean). Every state and even parts of the same state has a distinct feel, but the overall flavor is “This is America.” This motif reminded me of Supernatural, as the Winchester brothers spend their lives on the road, going from hunt to hunt. In this case, Stefan and Michael are running for their lives.
Another refreshing aspect to this story was the inclusion of Stefan and Michael’s Russian heritage. Although Stefan’s Russian is the colloquial, everyday, user-friendly version, he retains a very strong sense of the culture. His dialogue is realistically seasoned with Russian terms (which is great since I am learning Russian right now), and his values reflect those of a second-generation Russian-American, with a background in the Russian mafiya thrown in for extra flavor. Miss Thurman showed the daily life of a man born into this crime life very authentically. Stefan had a father who was cold enough to order men killed at the dinner table, and his job as a Mafiya boss was the elephant in the room for Stefan growing up. All his uncles were associates in the family business. Clearly, it was difficult for him to divorce himself from that life and to yearn for something better. But Stefan would have willingly left it behind, if he could have found his brother without those resources. Because his true family is his brother, especially with Daddy Dearest gone underground to elude the Feds on his case.
This is a deeply personal story. It is one of those speculative fiction stories that throws you a loop, because it’s really about people, and the relationships we have with those we are related to by blood, and obligation. There is enough of the sci-fi element to earn its place in that genre, but moreso it’s about humanity and relationships, one in particular. I became deeply involved with this novel, and I found that I came to regard Stefan and Michael as real people. I really appreciated that about this story, and the lessons it contained. Love doesn’t give up, ever. Love sacrifices. And love recognizes what is lost. What is family? It’s not always what we believe it is. It’s a lot more than we can imagine....more
Ever watch a movie and wonder, 'What if the villain ran off with the femme fatale?' Then you might like this book. I sure did. I love dark romance. SoEver watch a movie and wonder, 'What if the villain ran off with the femme fatale?' Then you might like this book. I sure did. I love dark romance. Sometimes I ask myself why I enjoy seeing the dark side of this genre, not depravity and kinky deeds, cheating heroes, and bickering, but heroes and heroines who are more like antiheroes and villains, who find love and their happy ever after. I think it's my unassailable belief that love does conquer all. Like Fox Murder, I really want to believe.
Ava Gray has written an excellent offering for those of us with a taste for the noir. In this book, we have a heroine who lives for the next con, moving from town to town, and relieving fools of their money, feeling no remorse about it. But, at least she only takes money from those she thinks deserves it. On her tail is a hero who kills people for a living. Yes, an assassin. Like Kyra, he plys his trade on those who he feels deserves killing. Now, to like this story you have to be willing to read about people who are morally flexible, or at least, those have a different view of morality than the norm. I think that Ms. Gray brought these characters to life in such a manner that I could feel enough respect and empathy for them that their dark ways didn't offend me. I admit, I don't like the idea of stealing for a living. But, Kyra managed to be a heroine that I could like, although I didn't always agree with the choices she made. She had her own sense of honor, which endeared her to me.
I freely admit that I am intrigued by the idea of an assassin hero or heroine. Don't ask me why. It's morbid, but there is an appeal to seeing what motivates them to do what they do. Reyes is probably one of my favorite assassin heroes so far. He truly believes that he does a service to the world. The only reason he took Kyra's contract was because he was decieved into believing she was a bad person who needed killing. Fairly soon after he takes up with her as her apprentice in the con game world, he comes to realize that she's not the person he'd been led to believe she was.
Both Kyra and Reyes struck me as intensely lonely and somewhat sad characters. After Kyra's father was murdered, she had no one (other than her friend Mia), and lived a lonely life, seeking only the sexual satisfaction of one night stands as she travels. Although she's suspicious of Reyes at first, she ends up taking him into her solitary world, and falling for him.
Their first intimate encounter is all about lust, but Ms. Gray turns things around, allowing us to see a somewhat slow-building, and in some ways, innocent courtship between these two lonely people. They both start to hope that they have found someone who they can possibly love. However, Reyes knows he's on borrowed time. He has a job to perform. His reputation is built on always completing his kills. He doesn't want to kill Kyra, but he doesn't see a way around it. I found this a little disturbing that even halfway through the book, Reyes was still contemplating killing Kyra. I think that was a brave move on Ms. Gray's part. I held my breath, hoping that Reyes would realize that he couldn't hurt Kyra, because he loved her. Soon, this dangerous man turns his formidable skills to protecting the woman he has been hired to kill.
Skin Game is more suspense than action. I liked the fact that we were able to see the viewpoints of various characters: Kyra and Reyes; the fascinating Addison Foster, who is the security head for the man who wants Kyra dead; Mia, Kyra's friend; and Serrano, the man that Kyra used, humilated, and stole millions of dollars from, who will stop at nothing to see her dead to save his face. It gave a greater depth to this dark story, turning this book into noir romance for the thinking woman.
Skin Game is as gritty as it gets. It has some moments that made me wince a few times, as Kyra and Reyes have to deal with some enemies they make along the way. The love scenes are hot and earthy, and the love between Kyra and Reyes was believable and deep. I truly enjoyed reading this story. I was sucked into this dark tale with a silver lining. I wouldn't want to live the kinds of lives that Kyra and Reyes lead, but I liked the fact that they were able to find each other and hope for the future. They didn't really get the best hands in the poker game of life, but they managed to play a killer game with the ones they are dealt. I like the idea that even in the dark, there are those who do have motivations that show some degree of honor. Skin Game couldn't have been an easy book to write, but Ms. Gray did it very well. This one goes on my keeper shelf. ...more
Danielle The Book Huntress
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