Friday Mini Reviews #20: Darynda Jones, Patricia A. Knight & Tracey Sinclair
Hers to Command by Patricia A. Knight (Verdantia #1)
bought
Synopsis from Goodreads
For some, existence without their mate might seem like the end of their world...
...for the members of Verdantia’s Tetriarch, it would be.
Conte Camliel Aristos deTano, Ari, has long spurned the marriage forced upon him. His contractual bride, Princess Fleur Constante, the beautiful future queen though young and inexperienced, is willing to risk everything, including her own sanity, to save her planet.
The inhabitants of the sentient planet, Verdantia, are poised on the precipice of extinction following a brutal invasion by an off-world, nomadic horde. Verdantia’s capital, Sylvan Mintoth, must have its failing energy shield restored, or the planet is doomed. The Elders know the shield can draw energy from only one thing ~ a very arduous and grueling coupling of two specific people who were pre-chosen by the planet Herself and promised by prearranged marriage contract.
Verdantia draws strength from the duo, but the sentient planet whispers to Ari that a third is necessary ~ Ari’s aide de camp, Visconte Doral deLorion, an angelically handsome, skilled assassin who silently surrendered his heart to Ari long ago.
The trio struggles to make this surprising partnership harmonious, pushing through pride, scars of past abuse, fears of inexperience and distrust. To save Verdantia, they must overcome their individual weaknesses and realize their full potential. Only the Tetriarch and their combined synergy, can harness Verdantia’s immense power to shield its citizens from invasion.
...for the members of Verdantia’s Tetriarch, it would be.
Conte Camliel Aristos deTano, Ari, has long spurned the marriage forced upon him. His contractual bride, Princess Fleur Constante, the beautiful future queen though young and inexperienced, is willing to risk everything, including her own sanity, to save her planet.
The inhabitants of the sentient planet, Verdantia, are poised on the precipice of extinction following a brutal invasion by an off-world, nomadic horde. Verdantia’s capital, Sylvan Mintoth, must have its failing energy shield restored, or the planet is doomed. The Elders know the shield can draw energy from only one thing ~ a very arduous and grueling coupling of two specific people who were pre-chosen by the planet Herself and promised by prearranged marriage contract.
Verdantia draws strength from the duo, but the sentient planet whispers to Ari that a third is necessary ~ Ari’s aide de camp, Visconte Doral deLorion, an angelically handsome, skilled assassin who silently surrendered his heart to Ari long ago.
The trio struggles to make this surprising partnership harmonious, pushing through pride, scars of past abuse, fears of inexperience and distrust. To save Verdantia, they must overcome their individual weaknesses and realize their full potential. Only the Tetriarch and their combined synergy, can harness Verdantia’s immense power to shield its citizens from invasion.
7/10
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It actually wasn't a bad sci-fi erotic romance. The problem for me was that it started with a lot of potential for greatness, which was surprising and made me hope that it will become a really interesting sci-fi story. However, as it goes with erotica, the plot usually moves the bedroom settings from one bed to another, and this was what I ended reading. A pity, as for once I was more interested in a world development which looked like a really cool one. Otherwise it's a sweet story.
* * *
Неплохой такой вышел научно-фантастический эротический роман, ребята. Моя проблема в том, что книга началась очень интересно, с хорошим потенциалом, но постепенно всё сошло на нет. А в результате получилось, что ни хорошей эротики, ни интересных персонажей или постороения мира не вышло. Однако всё-равно было мило.
Fourth Grave Beneath My feet by Darynda Jones (Charley Davidson #4)
bought
Synopsis from Goodreads
Welcome to the world of grim reaper extraordinaire, Charley Davidson. Try as she might, there's no avoiding her destiny.
Sometimes being the grim reaper really is, well, "grim." And since Charley's last case went so awry, she has taken a couple of months off to wallow in the wonders of self-pity. But when a woman shows up on her doorstep convinced someone is trying to kill her, Charley has to force herself to rise above . . . or at least get dressed. It becomes clear something is amiss when everyone the woman knows swears she's insane. But the more they refute the woman's story, the more Charley believes it.
In the meantime, the sexy, sultry son of Satan, Reyes Farrow, is out of prison and out of Charley's life, as per her wishes and several perfectly timed death threats. But his absence has put a serious crimp in her sex life. While there are other things to consider, like the fact that the city of Albuquerque has been taken hostage by an arsonist, Charley is having a difficult time staying away. Especially when it looks like Reyes may be involved.
Just when life was returning to normal, Charley is thrust back into the world of crime, punishment, and the devil in blue jeans in this hilarious fourth installment in the "New York Times "bestselling series from Darynda Jones. .
8/10
* * *
Aww, not my favorite book of the series, I have to admit, peeps. It felt like it was a necessary link between major events instead. And I can understand why. Charley needed time to get over the traumatic events in book #3. Still Donovan and the Bandits were my highlights of this read. *grinning* Recommended.
* * *
Не лучшая книга серии, по-моему. Мне показалось, что это была книга между книгами в приготовлении к большим изменениям сюжетной линии. К тому же, Чарли было необходимо время, чтобы оправиться от травм, полученных в предыдущей книге, как физических, так и моральных. Лучшей её частью, по моему мнению, были Донован и его Бандиты. *смеясь* Рекомендую.
Ecopy thanks to the author
Synopsis from Goodreads
It’s August in Edinburgh, and the world’s biggest arts festival has once again brought thousands of visitors to this historic city as actors, comedians and musicians from all over the globe come to showcase their talents for an international audience. But this summer, something is using the chaos of the Fringe to hide a far worse crime than bad theatre, and the hunter Cain must team up with new friends and old enemies to stop a bloodthirsty killer who is targeting the visiting performers. This year, there are more things to worry about at the Fringe than just getting a bad review…
A Vampire in Edinburgh is a Dark Dates short story (Cassandra Bick Chronicles).
Amazon kindle US/UK
8.5/10
* * *
Cassandra Bick Chronicles is a very amusing and talented urban fantasy series based in UK. One of its best part is its humor as it does not take itself seriously. Of course, Cain, a weary angel, disgusted with humanity and Laclos, an unabashed vampire prone to exhibitionism are one of the best partners in crime I've seen so far in UF. Reading about their adventures is always a pleasure, and this book was not an exception. Light, bloodthirsty, fun! Recommended.
* * *
Как обычно со всем, что строчит Трэйси, эта короткая история из её серии Хроники Кассандры Бик, оказалась милым, кровожадным весельем. Одна из лучших черт её книг - это их юмор, так как они не воспринимают себя всерьёз. Вот в этот раз, о сотрудничестве усталого от челевеческого рода, озлобленного ангела Каина и склонного к эксбиционизму чертовски привлекательного вампира Лаклоса в расследовании убийств в Эдинбурге читать было одним удовольствием. Да и подколы над Сверхъестественным оказались не лишними. :) Читайте.
