Friday Mini Reviews #16: Sierra Dean, Sherry Thomas and Susan Illene

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Autumn by Sierra Dean (Dog Days #1)

 bought

 

Synopsis from Goodreads

Cooper Reynolds's life is going to the dogs... literally. As if being a high school senior in a small Texas town wasn't hard enough, Cooper has bigger things to worry about than who he'll take to prom and whether or not the Poisonfoot Padres will win homecoming. He has less than a year before his eighteenth birthday, when a curse placed on his family will doom him to live in coyote form forever. The last thing he needs to complicate his already messed-up life is a girl, but fate has other plans in mind for him when it brings Eloise "Lou" Whittaker to Poisonfoot. She's grouchy, sarcastic and has no love for her new Texas home, but she might be exactly the right person to help Cooper break the curse. The clock is ticking, and Cooper will have to decide if he's willing to let Lou in on his dirty little secret before it's too late.

 Amazon kindle US($0.99)/UK(£0.77)

8.5/10

 A quick, easy and very enjoyable read which reminded me of A Brightest Kind of Darkness series by P. T. Michelle. I was curious to see Sierra Dean get away from her usual genre of urban fantasy and try this one, but this is one of paranormal YA books done right. Nice, simple with no overblown drama and sensible main heroine. I'm very much looking forward to the next book, Winter, which comes out in December 2013.

 * * *

Классный, простенький паранормальный подростковый фикшн без особых соплей и с хорошими главными героями. Сьерра Дин мне нравится теперь не только в городском фэнтези, но и в этом жанре. Напоминает серию П.Т.Мишель и написано на солидную четвёрку. Продолжение выходит в декабре, будем читать.

The Luckiest Lady in London by Sherry Thomas

bought

 

Synopsis from Goodreads

Felix Rivendale, the Marquess of Wrenworth, is The Ideal Gentleman, a man all men want to be and all women want to possess. Felix himself almost believes this golden image. But underneath is a damaged soul soothed only by public adulation.

Louisa Cantwell needs to marry well to support her sisters. She does not, however, want Lord Wrenworth—though he seems inexplicably interested in her. She mistrusts his outward perfection and the praise he garners everywhere he goes.But when he is the only man to propose at the end of the London season, she reluctantly accepts.

Louisa does not understand her husband's mysterious purposes, but she cannot deny the pleasure her body takes in his touch. Nor can she deny the pull this magnetic man exerts upon her. But does she dare to fall in love with a man so full of dark secrets, anyone of which could devastate her, if she were to get any closer?

Amazon  US/UK | Amazon kindle US/UK | The Book Depository US/UK | Fishpond

 8.5/10

 

Gorgeous writing, strong characterisation, charismatic, loveable main heroes, - this is pretty much a trademark for Sherry Thomas. Both Louisa and Felix wear masks, and it takes one skillful pretender to see another. Ironic, sensual, unexpected, this book reminds me of the latest gem by Courtney Milan. However, a slightly disappointing ending made me take a point off my rating.

* * *

Как обычно у Шерри Томас, - написано совершенно шикарно, хотя оценку я занизила из-за неудачной концовки. Оба главных героя скрывают от высшего света свою сущность и носят маски, и как раз их схожесть позволяет им увидеть друг друга такими как они есть. Харизматично, замечательные диалоги и смелые решения, совершенно без клише. Читала с огромным удовольствием. Напоминает последнюю книгу Куртни Милан.

 

Chained by Darkness by Susan Illene (The Sensor #2.5)

review request

 

Synopsis from Goodreads

The longer a man lives, the greater the chance his actions will cost him in the future. When that man is an immortal nephilim, the misdeeds can really pile up. Lucas has paid for the crimes of his past for centuries, resisting any close relationship that might make his life even more difficult. Until Melena. Only she could begin to melt the ice shielding his heart, but then he was captured by his greatest enemies—angels.

Now imprisoned in Purgatory, he’s awaiting trial for his latest crime and knows the verdict will not be in his favor. Lucas is resigned to the fact his life might be over, but fears without his protection Melena may not survive for long. She’s got her own enemies back in Alaska and her mortality makes her easy prey. Whatever happens to him, he must find a way to keep her safe. No matter the cost.

Amazon kindle US($1.99)/UK(£1.27)

8/10

 As a really intriguing insight into Lucas's mind, this is a very good novella. Before I read it I was moaning about another shirtless hero on the cover of urban fantasy book, but this cover suits Lucas and this story to a tee. It was pretty great, especially the ending with Melena, which made me really look forward to the next book. Also, loved Sons of Anarchy mention. *thumbs up*

* * *

Хаха, у Люкаса есть конечно свои прикольные моменты. Он со своим сарказмом и упоминанием современных сериалов типа Сынов Анархии меня насмешил и порадовал. Он мне всё-таки напоминает своим характером Эдварда из серии про Аниту Блэйк Лорел Гамильтон. Такой жизнерадостный, упрямый и симпатичный социопат. Интересно, и теперь мне очень  хочется прочитать следующую книгу серии.