Review: How the Marquess Was Won by Julie Anne Long

Title: How the Marquess Was Won
Author: Julie Anne Long
Graded: A+

This story was my first by this author and I am absolutely charmed! The dialogue between the H/h simply sizzles and burns. It seduces the reader with witty banter, tongue-in-cheek innuendo and soul-baring emotion, set in a time when language was used as a weapon as well as cloak.

I haven't been in the mood for a historical for a little while now, but this book has rekindled my interest in them by celebrating everything I love about the good ones... the way language is used with such meaning, and so many meanings. The way strong women were forged in the fires of social limitations, expectations and hypocrisies. The way the fashion is described in tactile detail and the nuances of good breeding. Plus I've always enjoyed the contrast in the historical heroine's lady-in-the-ballroom, harlot-in-the-bedroom characterisation. ;-)

Another thing I appreciated about this book is that the only time I felt that I didn't have the whole story were the snippets regarding Olivia and Lyonn. Otherwise, all the characters were explained well and I'm not suffering from any spoilers due to this being a #6 in the series and me having just jumped in. I'm usually loathe to read books out of order, but this has been very well done as an almost stand-alone.

Quite simply: fanbloodytastic!

Review: Pride Mates by Jennifer Ashley

Title: Pride Mates
Author: Jennifer Ashley
Graded: C+


B rating for the world building, C rating for the romance/ character interaction = C+ for this book.

I think this is the first shifter book I've read where the world has them as the underdogs, not super-humans with special powers; they are segregated and discriminated against by the human world, in a way that to me seems reminiscent of the African-American communities of the 1950's and 60's. This premise, as awful as it is, made a strange sort of sense to me in this scenario, because most humans fear and attempt to control/ belittle that which they do not understand. Worse, the shifters are collared to try to restrain their violent animal instincts. The introduction to this world is an original one in the paranormal / shifter sub-genre, and certainly piqued my interest to continue with the series.

The writing is good, the story well-paced and the plot is weaved expertly around the mystery of Brian's innocence, and the pride politics that are uncovered. I liked Kim's character from the first, her passion for her client and her beleif in him... her willingness to do what it takes and fight the law on his behalf shows her strength, and appeals to the reader. Liam also is a likeable hero, protective and affectionate, easy-going but strong. Perfect hero material.

There were certain details that tied in well with the shifters' animal instincts, but for all of that, I felt there was something a little two dimensional about the main characters' interaction. The author has gone to a lot of trouble with the world-building, but then seems to take the easy way for the H/h relationship. It all happens very quickly, and the ending seemed a little too convenient to me.

I'm hopeful for more from the next book.

Review: Slammed by Colleen Hoover

Title: Slammed
Author: Colleen Hoover
Graded: B


I'm not usually a big fan of Young Adult fiction, but I'll read those books that have been highly recommended by friends. Such was the case here.

I found Laiken to be a typical late-teenager, though having just come out of tragic circumstances after the death of her father. The star in this story was Will, the sensitive, responsible guy next door with a penchant for poetry. The drama and conflict of "I want you but I can't have you, come closer, NO, stay away!!" was very well done, though it did remind me a little of the angst in Twilight, which was a bit of a turn-off. The poetry won me over completely.
I did get qwuite frustrated by Laiken, by her tendency to stick her head in the sand and try to hide from her problems or shift the blame. I kept hoping to see more growth in her than I felt the reader got. Nevertheless, as soon as I finished this book, I started it's sequel, Point of Retreat. Surely the mark of a good story, that keeps you going back for more!