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Sin Hunters #3
The Lost
The New York Times bestselling author begins her paranormal series with an “utterly unique” shapeshifter romance (Maggie Shayne, bestselling author of Killing Me Softly ).
Adam Bruno is no ordinary millionaire. The heir to an ancient race possessing a dark, powerful magic, he can shapeshift and create energy. His gifts make him a living weapon and have forced him to live in seclusion. But now an inhuman force hunts down Adam—just when he finds someone who makes him feel more human than he ever imagined possible . . .
Home from combat in Iraq, Bobbie Carerra wants only peace, yet soon joins Adam in a terrifying battle against paranormal enemies who hide in plain sight. She’s drawn to his strength of mind and body; he’s attracted to her courage and intoxicating energy. Their scorching passion can either transport them to the heights of ecstasy or—if Adam's powers rage out of control—destroy them. But when an invisible brotherhood tightens its nets and someone Adam trusts betrays him, only a heartrending decision can save them.
“ A fascinating tale of surprising discoveries, intense passions and unique supernatural abilities.”— Single Titles
“Caridad Pineiro establishes her new otherworld inside an action-packed story line.”—Harriet Klausner
“Wonderfully exciting and powerful.”— Romance Reviews Magazine
“Piñeiro’s new series will excite readers, new and old . . . The Lost is an excellent beginning to a new series that will have readers counting the days until the second Sin Hunters book is released.”— RT Book Reviews
“Caridad Piñeiro actually seems to breathe life into each of her characters! Stellar!”— Huntress Reviews
Adam Bruno is no ordinary millionaire. The heir to an ancient race possessing a dark, powerful magic, he can shapeshift and create energy. His gifts make him a living weapon and have forced him to live in seclusion. But now an inhuman force hunts down Adam—just when he finds someone who makes him feel more human than he ever imagined possible . . .
Home from combat in Iraq, Bobbie Carerra wants only peace, yet soon joins Adam in a terrifying battle against paranormal enemies who hide in plain sight. She’s drawn to his strength of mind and body; he’s attracted to her courage and intoxicating energy. Their scorching passion can either transport them to the heights of ecstasy or—if Adam's powers rage out of control—destroy them. But when an invisible brotherhood tightens its nets and someone Adam trusts betrays him, only a heartrending decision can save them.
“ A fascinating tale of surprising discoveries, intense passions and unique supernatural abilities.”— Single Titles
“Caridad Pineiro establishes her new otherworld inside an action-packed story line.”—Harriet Klausner
“Wonderfully exciting and powerful.”— Romance Reviews Magazine
“Piñeiro’s new series will excite readers, new and old . . . The Lost is an excellent beginning to a new series that will have readers counting the days until the second Sin Hunters book is released.”— RT Book Reviews
“Caridad Piñeiro actually seems to breathe life into each of her characters! Stellar!”— Huntress Reviews
341 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 1, 2011
12 people are currently reading
830 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 73 reviews
June 13, 2011
The Lost is a solid start to Caridad Pineiro’s Sin Hunters series. The book focuses on a race of beings with special powers. These beings can shapeshift, teleport, move very fast, and absorb energy. The Hunters are divided into two factions: The Light Hunters and the Shadow Hunters. Many years ago, the Shadow Hunters were exposed to the smallpox virus. They require energy transfers to ward off the disease.
Adam Bruno has always had special talents. At 26 years of age, he is the owner of a successful business SolTerra. He seems to have an affinity for electronics, especially computers. Adam is also beginning to exhibit some other abilities. It’s these abilities that attract the attention of some people and an attempt is made to kidnap Adam in SolTerra’s parking lot. The kidnapping attempt is thwarted by Bobbie Carrera, sister to one of Adam’s interns. Bobbie is a war vet and has returned home because of her injuries. She suffers from PTSD and is horribly scarred from an IED attack.
There seems to be an instant attraction between Adam and Bobbie. Adam sees Bobbie’s aura and is fascinated by her. Bobbie is attracted to Adam’s good looks. I love how their relationship developed throughout the book. They work together to find out who wanted to kidnap Adam and the romance builds slowly. I enjoyed the love scenes – how their auras mix together was beautiful.
The Hunter lore was fascinating. Their absorption of energy kind of reminded me of a type of psychic vampire. They did not feed on the blood of their victims, but on their energy. I liked how the author tied in the Hunter race to the ancient civilizations.
The chase and fight sequences were well done. I was on the edge of my seat during some of these scenes. Bobbie is a fierce fighter and her military training was extremely useful.
I would have liked to have learned more about the Shadow Hunters, especially Christopher. I understand that the next book The Claimed will have his story. I’m looking forward to reading that one.
*ARC provided free of charge from Netgalley
July 31, 2011
This was an excellent romance story and the paranormal aspects really held me captive. I truly loved that the heroine was a war veteran and she gets a excellent HEA. If you’re one for danger, betrayal, adventure and romance this maybe a book for you.
I could see the romance connection between Adam and Bonnie from the start. Both loners in life because of issues they had. One is a little different and doesn’t feel safe around other women. The other one is not in the best of shape after a bombing in Iraq and with all of her scars she is felling not so hot now days, but who can blame her. So, when these two connect they fall for each other rather instantly. Adam treated Bonnie with the out most respect knowing what happened to her in Iraq. I did at times feel sorrier for Adam in some ways. He lost his parents and his step-dad is rather not such a good dad. You have to read to find out how one so called dad can start the whole ordeal.
The paranormal aspect between shadow hunters and light hunters is interesting I wish it would have gotten a little deeper, but what’s there is easy to understand. I can see this continuing for the next book.
Recommend to any paranormal romance lover.
I could see the romance connection between Adam and Bonnie from the start. Both loners in life because of issues they had. One is a little different and doesn’t feel safe around other women. The other one is not in the best of shape after a bombing in Iraq and with all of her scars she is felling not so hot now days, but who can blame her. So, when these two connect they fall for each other rather instantly. Adam treated Bonnie with the out most respect knowing what happened to her in Iraq. I did at times feel sorrier for Adam in some ways. He lost his parents and his step-dad is rather not such a good dad. You have to read to find out how one so called dad can start the whole ordeal.
The paranormal aspect between shadow hunters and light hunters is interesting I wish it would have gotten a little deeper, but what’s there is easy to understand. I can see this continuing for the next book.
Recommend to any paranormal romance lover.
July 27, 2011
Adam Bruno is no ordinary man. Unfortunately, he doesn't know exactly what he is. As a child, some traumatic event robbed him of his memories. The only family he has is Salvatore, the adopted father who raised him. But even Salvatore is wary of his powers. Adam manipulates energy; he can siphon it from other living things; he can direct it outward; he can even shapeshift. But there is a growing disquiet within him. Something is missing and he feels a void that he doesn't know how to fill.
We learn early on that Salvatore is planning to betray his adopted son. He cares for Adam, but he has big plans for his son's gifts. Salvatore has made contact with Alexander, a man who has similar powers to Adam. Both men, for their own reasons, want Adam to mate with a woman of his own kind in order to create a new generation of power.
While all these machinations are going on, Bobbie enters Adam's life with the force of a hurricane. She is an Iraq war vet, who is recovering from serious injuries. But she still helps thwart a kidnapping attempt on Adam when she sees it happening. There is instant chemistry between these two. And while Bobbie has never believed herself to be anything other than human, Adam sees more within her.
Both Adam and Bobbie are terrified of opening themselves up to anyone else. Adam is afraid of his powers and the damage they can do. Bobbie needs to hide all of her scars, both inside and out. Yet, they forge a fragile relationship... one that grows as the book progresses.
It took me a little while to invest in the story. Several characters are introduced in a very short time and there is extensive world-building surrounding Adam's people. And honestly, I struggled at times to keep everyone straight. But despite that, Caridad Pineiro created two main characters that were very sympathic and I found myself rooting for their happy ending. It's always a peeve of mine when a couple throws out the "L"-word after only a few days together --and unfortunately that was the case here. However, I did enjoy the love scenes and the way they transcend traditional sex. Overall... I liked it, but I didn't love it. 3 1/2 stars.
*ARC Provided by NetGalley
We learn early on that Salvatore is planning to betray his adopted son. He cares for Adam, but he has big plans for his son's gifts. Salvatore has made contact with Alexander, a man who has similar powers to Adam. Both men, for their own reasons, want Adam to mate with a woman of his own kind in order to create a new generation of power.
While all these machinations are going on, Bobbie enters Adam's life with the force of a hurricane. She is an Iraq war vet, who is recovering from serious injuries. But she still helps thwart a kidnapping attempt on Adam when she sees it happening. There is instant chemistry between these two. And while Bobbie has never believed herself to be anything other than human, Adam sees more within her.
Both Adam and Bobbie are terrified of opening themselves up to anyone else. Adam is afraid of his powers and the damage they can do. Bobbie needs to hide all of her scars, both inside and out. Yet, they forge a fragile relationship... one that grows as the book progresses.
It took me a little while to invest in the story. Several characters are introduced in a very short time and there is extensive world-building surrounding Adam's people. And honestly, I struggled at times to keep everyone straight. But despite that, Caridad Pineiro created two main characters that were very sympathic and I found myself rooting for their happy ending. It's always a peeve of mine when a couple throws out the "L"-word after only a few days together --and unfortunately that was the case here. However, I did enjoy the love scenes and the way they transcend traditional sex. Overall... I liked it, but I didn't love it. 3 1/2 stars.
*ARC Provided by NetGalley
October 3, 2011
Creative and Passionately Written! Absolutely Beautiful!
What a beautifully told story and a great start to a new series. Caridad Pineiro has created a new refreshing paranormal existence of a new species called the Light Hunters and the Shadow Hunters that feeds from the Sun and Earths own energy and yields the power to shape shift into any creature whether it be human or animal, draw the energy from any living thing or force, and or heal any living thing. With their fight between each other to protect their own species and secrets from the humans, the story is full of action that is absolutely memorizing.
The story was captivating from the first page as the characters developed and came alive visually upon the pages. The emotional bonds and erotic scenes between Adam (Light Hunter) and Bobbie (Marine / Hybrid) were heartwarming and breathtakingly written – totally HOT. The author did a tremendous job at capturing the true emotions and PTSD actions of a wounded soldier that barely escaped life from a previous war. There were scenes between Adam and Bobby that had me almost in tears emotionally.
Both characters were strong and I loved the serious attitude mode Bobbie had of “Once a soldier always a soldier”. As a 100% disabled veteran myself I totally related to Bobby and I can definitely say a veterans training never leaves you. I fell in love with Adam’s personality and actions as I thought it made him sexier than his hot descriptive body.
The plot stayed interesting throughout as it built to the ending climax that left me wanting more of the series. I was glad Adam and Bobby got their HEA and look forward to many questions being answered as to what will happen to them now that Adam knows the truth of his real family heritage and now has his new role to play within his race? Is Bobby with child? What will the Shadow Hunters next move be? What will become of Adams parents? Ok so I am already JONESING for the next book. I highly recommend this series to all paranormal readers out there.
Excellent Read!
What a beautifully told story and a great start to a new series. Caridad Pineiro has created a new refreshing paranormal existence of a new species called the Light Hunters and the Shadow Hunters that feeds from the Sun and Earths own energy and yields the power to shape shift into any creature whether it be human or animal, draw the energy from any living thing or force, and or heal any living thing. With their fight between each other to protect their own species and secrets from the humans, the story is full of action that is absolutely memorizing.
The story was captivating from the first page as the characters developed and came alive visually upon the pages. The emotional bonds and erotic scenes between Adam (Light Hunter) and Bobbie (Marine / Hybrid) were heartwarming and breathtakingly written – totally HOT. The author did a tremendous job at capturing the true emotions and PTSD actions of a wounded soldier that barely escaped life from a previous war. There were scenes between Adam and Bobby that had me almost in tears emotionally.
Both characters were strong and I loved the serious attitude mode Bobbie had of “Once a soldier always a soldier”. As a 100% disabled veteran myself I totally related to Bobby and I can definitely say a veterans training never leaves you. I fell in love with Adam’s personality and actions as I thought it made him sexier than his hot descriptive body.
The plot stayed interesting throughout as it built to the ending climax that left me wanting more of the series. I was glad Adam and Bobby got their HEA and look forward to many questions being answered as to what will happen to them now that Adam knows the truth of his real family heritage and now has his new role to play within his race? Is Bobby with child? What will the Shadow Hunters next move be? What will become of Adams parents? Ok so I am already JONESING for the next book. I highly recommend this series to all paranormal readers out there.
Excellent Read!
June 24, 2011
B+ Solid writing, interesting concept, hot lovin', interesting people.
Stay Tuned, or stalk the blog
http://badassbookreviews.com/2011/06/...
Grade: B+
The Lost, by Caridad Pineiro, is a very interesting read about a species of humans who live amongst us, but require energy to survive and thrive.
Our Heroine, Bobbie, is a War Veteran with PTSD, Scars and a big heart. I really liked her, and I liked the way she was portrayed and written. She was a nice compliment to Adam.
Adam is a Rich, young, genius (for all intents and purpose) He had a rough childhood, lost his parents when he was 5 years old, and was adopted. He has vague memories about traumatic events that he witnessed, and has no idea what or who he is. He is on his own, struggling to figure out himself.
I liked the premise, but do wish it was explored a bit further, I had to extrapolate a lot. But it was visually cool.
Sometimes characters were introduced, then not seen again, then brought back leaving me confused who was who. Who was good, who was bad, etc. The third story arc sort of threw me a little, towards the end, and seemingly came out of left field. I suspect this sets the next book up.
Overall, a cool concept, easy to read writing style, and interesting world building. I enjoyed Caridad’s writing voice, and will be reading more, and look forward to the next book in the series.
Stay Tuned, or stalk the blog
http://badassbookreviews.com/2011/06/...
Grade: B+
The Lost, by Caridad Pineiro, is a very interesting read about a species of humans who live amongst us, but require energy to survive and thrive.
Our Heroine, Bobbie, is a War Veteran with PTSD, Scars and a big heart. I really liked her, and I liked the way she was portrayed and written. She was a nice compliment to Adam.
Adam is a Rich, young, genius (for all intents and purpose) He had a rough childhood, lost his parents when he was 5 years old, and was adopted. He has vague memories about traumatic events that he witnessed, and has no idea what or who he is. He is on his own, struggling to figure out himself.
I liked the premise, but do wish it was explored a bit further, I had to extrapolate a lot. But it was visually cool.
Sometimes characters were introduced, then not seen again, then brought back leaving me confused who was who. Who was good, who was bad, etc. The third story arc sort of threw me a little, towards the end, and seemingly came out of left field. I suspect this sets the next book up.
Overall, a cool concept, easy to read writing style, and interesting world building. I enjoyed Caridad’s writing voice, and will be reading more, and look forward to the next book in the series.
August 17, 2011
Even though he was a handsome, single and wealthy business owner in the prime of his life, because of his uniqueness, with the exception of his adoptive father, Adam Bruno was very much alone. His first and only childhood memories are of fear, violence, and being pulled from his hiding place by CIA agent, Salvatore Bruno. It was shortly after, that Adam discovered his unique ability to harvest the life force energy from living things and assume their form. His power was growing and Adam was becoming restless and fearful of losing control. When a failed kidnapping attempt brings him in contact with the beautiful ex-Marine, Bobbie Carrera, he is both cautious and intrigued. Her energy is unlike any other he's encountered, yet hauntingly familiar. After barely escaping with her life from a bomb blast in Iraq, Bobbie is trying to adjust to her crippling injuries, but Adam's touched has erased the pain. The two are reluctantly drawn to each other, but there are forces that are determined to keep them apart. It soon becomes clear, that no one is who they seem.
Full review at http://www.ragesexandteddybears.blogs...
Full review at http://www.ragesexandteddybears.blogs...
September 8, 2011
First off look at that cover! Wow beautiful! Now this is suppose to be book three and then maybe another series perhaps a spin off? On CP page on here it shows it both ways. Anyway I think they go together since this seems to be a theme with the siblings in each book. Loved Adam and Bobbie. Bobbie is recovering from a major injury when she meets Adam. Adam has a secret that he wants to keep hidden. But yeah that doesn't happen. There is a lot going on in this book and I cant really say to much without giving something away. UGH! But one thing that bothered me was when Adam F-ed up and did not apologizes. That made kinda irritated me. Yes he assumed wrong but there was no sorry or in fact no I believe you not him kinda thing. It was just like oh ok I missed you lets get it on. lol
Lets just say there is some paranormal stuff and some great writing skills going on here. It felt like this book had way more sex and more descriptive scenes verses the other two books. For me that worked. The ending left me scratching me head wondering WTH? is going to happen.... So the next book which isn't listed yet is called "The Claimed". Whoot!!! But who its about I have no clue. lol
Lets just say there is some paranormal stuff and some great writing skills going on here. It felt like this book had way more sex and more descriptive scenes verses the other two books. For me that worked. The ending left me scratching me head wondering WTH? is going to happen.... So the next book which isn't listed yet is called "The Claimed". Whoot!!! But who its about I have no clue. lol
August 2, 2011
The concept was neat - a race of people who can collect energy from people, the sun, etc. and use it for things like healing or as a weapon. And I liked the two main characters, Adam and Bobbie. I especially liked what Adam did with his life, having to grow up without anyone to explain his powers to him. William, the baddies' son, was interesting too, in a mysterious sort of way. Is he a good guy or a bad guy (I am leaning towards good)? I am interested to see where this series is heading.
My biggest problem with the book was Salvatore, the man who ends up raising Adam. I know Pineiro wanted to make his character complex and not completely unsympathetic, but I found his actions just confusing.
Also I was confused with one plot point involving Bobbie's family and stolen DNA. I do not know if I just missed the explanation or if it wasn't completely explained.
Overall a unique start to a new series.
ARC provided by Netgalley.
**Edited to add - I looked more into this author and it looks like Pineiro wrote the Sin series, which features Bobbie's siblings. So the DNA is explained, just not in this book.
My biggest problem with the book was Salvatore, the man who ends up raising Adam. I know Pineiro wanted to make his character complex and not completely unsympathetic, but I found his actions just confusing.
Also I was confused with one plot point involving Bobbie's family and stolen DNA. I do not know if I just missed the explanation or if it wasn't completely explained.
Overall a unique start to a new series.
ARC provided by Netgalley.
**Edited to add - I looked more into this author and it looks like Pineiro wrote the Sin series, which features Bobbie's siblings. So the DNA is explained, just not in this book.
want-to-read-but-not-that-badly
October 6, 2020I'm not paying $7 for a 10 year old ebook, but I'll read it if I stumble across it.
August 20, 2011
4 1/2 stars
Wow, all I can say I is I am so happy Caridad Piniero has decided to continue this paranormal/science oriented series. I just love them! Her first two offerings were Sins of the Flesh and Stronger Than Sin.
All of the backdrop take place in the beach areas of the New Jersey Shore and surround the members of the Carrera Family. First we had Mick Carrera, a strong handsome police officer and his now HEA Caterina Shaw. During the first book he needed assistance with Caterina and what had been injected into her bloodstream. Thankfully, his sister, Dr. Liliana Carrera, was able to help.
Dr Carrera was the star in the second book Stronger Than Sin. She was brought in to take care of football great Jesse Bradford, who was also found to be with a disorder that came from what was injected into his blood. Both of these were not quite paranormal, more scientific, but were great stories.
In the Prologue of Lost we are in the mind of a young child in the midst of shouting and fear. He is saved by a man, who brings him to a safe place. He has no recollection of who he is, or what his name is. Now we are brought 20 years later, where we meet Selina and Kellen. We are not sure what they represent, although they are still searching for their lost son.
Lost has switched gears a mite with Roberta (Bobbie) Carrera, who had been terribly injured, just home from Iraq. We meet her waiting for her brother who works for Adam Bruno and their meeting is magnetic for them both. The new path our author takes us on, is less scientific and closer to paranormal, but the results are the same….What a Book!!!
I felt so sad for the child in the prologue and then even worse after we discovered that it was Adam. His loneliness is an assault to your senses. How could a child have no feelings or human touch through his growing up? His father worked for the government, and Adam was alone too much. Adam knew he was different, and wasn’t sure what his powers were, or what they meant to him. He grew into a tall handsome young man who used his mind to grow a successful company.
Bobbie Carrera came home from the military, a marine who blamed herself for missing something, as her unit was hit and killed. She was almost mortally wounded because of the blast. Literally sewn together like a rag doll, going to therapy, walking with a cane she is waiting for her brother in the parking lot of Bruno Corp, This is the moment Bobbie and Adam’s lives clash.
This story is harsh, thrilling, sexy and smart. I found Adams father cruel and inhuman, trying to sell his son in some way to a plan called Genesis. I say cruel and inhuman as to how and why any parent would do this to their child??? He does consider himself Adams father. We learn of The Light Hunters and the Shadow Hunters, a different species who live amongst us, and what they are and why. Bobbie and Adam become a factor to be reckoned with; we as well as they follow this mystery of his past and their attraction.
I think Ms Pineiro has found her groove. This series is excellent, the characters are fully developed, the concept of story is highly original. The story is mesmerizing and the sensual relationship is believable as well. Highly recommended.
Review By Gloria Lakritz
Senior Reviewer and Review Chair for the Paranormal Romance Guild
Wow, all I can say I is I am so happy Caridad Piniero has decided to continue this paranormal/science oriented series. I just love them! Her first two offerings were Sins of the Flesh and Stronger Than Sin.
All of the backdrop take place in the beach areas of the New Jersey Shore and surround the members of the Carrera Family. First we had Mick Carrera, a strong handsome police officer and his now HEA Caterina Shaw. During the first book he needed assistance with Caterina and what had been injected into her bloodstream. Thankfully, his sister, Dr. Liliana Carrera, was able to help.
Dr Carrera was the star in the second book Stronger Than Sin. She was brought in to take care of football great Jesse Bradford, who was also found to be with a disorder that came from what was injected into his blood. Both of these were not quite paranormal, more scientific, but were great stories.
In the Prologue of Lost we are in the mind of a young child in the midst of shouting and fear. He is saved by a man, who brings him to a safe place. He has no recollection of who he is, or what his name is. Now we are brought 20 years later, where we meet Selina and Kellen. We are not sure what they represent, although they are still searching for their lost son.
Lost has switched gears a mite with Roberta (Bobbie) Carrera, who had been terribly injured, just home from Iraq. We meet her waiting for her brother who works for Adam Bruno and their meeting is magnetic for them both. The new path our author takes us on, is less scientific and closer to paranormal, but the results are the same….What a Book!!!
I felt so sad for the child in the prologue and then even worse after we discovered that it was Adam. His loneliness is an assault to your senses. How could a child have no feelings or human touch through his growing up? His father worked for the government, and Adam was alone too much. Adam knew he was different, and wasn’t sure what his powers were, or what they meant to him. He grew into a tall handsome young man who used his mind to grow a successful company.
Bobbie Carrera came home from the military, a marine who blamed herself for missing something, as her unit was hit and killed. She was almost mortally wounded because of the blast. Literally sewn together like a rag doll, going to therapy, walking with a cane she is waiting for her brother in the parking lot of Bruno Corp, This is the moment Bobbie and Adam’s lives clash.
This story is harsh, thrilling, sexy and smart. I found Adams father cruel and inhuman, trying to sell his son in some way to a plan called Genesis. I say cruel and inhuman as to how and why any parent would do this to their child??? He does consider himself Adams father. We learn of The Light Hunters and the Shadow Hunters, a different species who live amongst us, and what they are and why. Bobbie and Adam become a factor to be reckoned with; we as well as they follow this mystery of his past and their attraction.
I think Ms Pineiro has found her groove. This series is excellent, the characters are fully developed, the concept of story is highly original. The story is mesmerizing and the sensual relationship is believable as well. Highly recommended.
Review By Gloria Lakritz
Senior Reviewer and Review Chair for the Paranormal Romance Guild
October 2, 2011
This is another book that falls into the why did I wait so long to read it category. I know the answer this time though. I knew that The Lost was connected to another series even though it is the first book in its own series. I was scared to read it, scared I would have missed something in the other books, something that would have left me confused while read this book. That didn’t happen. This is the first (but not last) book that I’ve from this author. The Lost is a perfect place to dive into Pineiro’s writing.
I loved the uniqueness of the paranormal beings in this world. Pineiro has written a very interesting being’s existence. It’s an existence where an ancient race of people feed off of natural energies. They take power for sustenance (food too) and they can share it with their kith, they can heal with it, these energies can be used to shape shift and form incredible connections with others like them. I loved this idea. This world of Light Hunters and Shadow Hunters, and Anaru’s and Quinchus was absolutely fascinating and refreshingly different.
Adam has grown up knowing he is very different from others. He can do things with energy that no one he knows of can do. Being adopted he can’t look to his father for the answers to these questions. I liked that Adam was researching his abilities while trying to use them for advancements for his company. He is the owner of an alternative energy company. The fact that he is trying to better the worlds resources just makes him even more of an incredible guy.
Bobbie was an amazing heroine. She has recently returned from Iraq. She’s not physically the same woman that left with the Marines. She’s been injured in battle. Bobbie is still a warrior at heart. While waiting for her little brother to get off of work she sees this man being attacked in what looks like an attempted kidnapping. She reacts as any warrior would, she fights back to help the innocent. The moment Adam touches Bobbie she realizes he’s different. The tingly zing of his touch leaves her scarred arm feeling less afflicted by its wound. Adam can tell by Bobbie’s aura that she is also different.
Adam and Bobbie have a remarkable and immediate connection. They both realize that there is something amazingly different about the other. The differences that they share pave the way for an intense bond. They complemented each other well. Adam is playful and kind while Bobbie caring and tough and stands for what she feels is right and just. The changes that Adam is experiencing due to his race allow for a believably fast paced romance. The sexual connection with Bobbie and Adam is explosively hot. These two make such a great pair to read about.
I am still confused about Adam’s biological parents reasoning in their methods for approaching him. I can completely understand wanting to reunite with you son that has been missing from your life for 20 years. They just went about it in all the wrongs ways, repeatedly. I had a few issues with Adam’s adoptive father as well. All in all though my few dislikes flow with the story and make for an exciting page turner of a book. After all stories have to have drama and happenings to kick up the anxiety.
I loved the uniqueness of the paranormal beings in this world. Pineiro has written a very interesting being’s existence. It’s an existence where an ancient race of people feed off of natural energies. They take power for sustenance (food too) and they can share it with their kith, they can heal with it, these energies can be used to shape shift and form incredible connections with others like them. I loved this idea. This world of Light Hunters and Shadow Hunters, and Anaru’s and Quinchus was absolutely fascinating and refreshingly different.
Adam has grown up knowing he is very different from others. He can do things with energy that no one he knows of can do. Being adopted he can’t look to his father for the answers to these questions. I liked that Adam was researching his abilities while trying to use them for advancements for his company. He is the owner of an alternative energy company. The fact that he is trying to better the worlds resources just makes him even more of an incredible guy.
Bobbie was an amazing heroine. She has recently returned from Iraq. She’s not physically the same woman that left with the Marines. She’s been injured in battle. Bobbie is still a warrior at heart. While waiting for her little brother to get off of work she sees this man being attacked in what looks like an attempted kidnapping. She reacts as any warrior would, she fights back to help the innocent. The moment Adam touches Bobbie she realizes he’s different. The tingly zing of his touch leaves her scarred arm feeling less afflicted by its wound. Adam can tell by Bobbie’s aura that she is also different.
Adam and Bobbie have a remarkable and immediate connection. They both realize that there is something amazingly different about the other. The differences that they share pave the way for an intense bond. They complemented each other well. Adam is playful and kind while Bobbie caring and tough and stands for what she feels is right and just. The changes that Adam is experiencing due to his race allow for a believably fast paced romance. The sexual connection with Bobbie and Adam is explosively hot. These two make such a great pair to read about.
I am still confused about Adam’s biological parents reasoning in their methods for approaching him. I can completely understand wanting to reunite with you son that has been missing from your life for 20 years. They just went about it in all the wrongs ways, repeatedly. I had a few issues with Adam’s adoptive father as well. All in all though my few dislikes flow with the story and make for an exciting page turner of a book. After all stories have to have drama and happenings to kick up the anxiety.
June 1, 2012
I feel bad giving this book only three stars because I did really enjoy it. But I have been reading some really incredible books recently and this story just didn't impress me as much as I wanted it to.
The plot to this book was like nothing I have ever read before and although it was confusing as hell at times, I could eventually distinguish who was who.
Adam was a great hero. I don't know how to explain him really other than he was just 'nice'.
I know that that isn't a bad thing, but he wasn't too funny or too charming or too sexy... do you catch my drift? He was just nice. And to be honest I expect a lot more from a hero.
I loved Bobbie's character and the obsticles she has overcome.
She was so strong and still completely capable of looking after herself.
Again, I did have a small problem though. I didn't understand how she just let everything slide without asking more questions, I thought she was smarter than that. For me it was like Oh my god Adam just teleported us! But I don't care about that, let's just continue and have sex.' I would have been like 'Hang on a second buddy, what the hell just happened?'. Every time I expected her to question things, she would just forget about it because the why and how would be revealed later. What? That just didn't make sense to me.
I did however still like their romance. Which contained a few sweet moments like this...
"You love me back, right? I mean in the movies, the hero says 'I love you' and then she says-"
"I love you, Kikin. That's your real name, by the way. Kikin Chakotay."
He really was adorable sometimes, and I loved his vulnerability.
There was also a great cast of bad guys who seem to talk the reigns in the next book. From the glimpse we get of The Claimed, it seems that Cristopher will be stepping up his game in search of Adam/Kikin and his energy.
Like I said, even though I had a few problems with this book I will still be buying the next one to follow the story :)
The plot to this book was like nothing I have ever read before and although it was confusing as hell at times, I could eventually distinguish who was who.
Adam was a great hero. I don't know how to explain him really other than he was just 'nice'.
I know that that isn't a bad thing, but he wasn't too funny or too charming or too sexy... do you catch my drift? He was just nice. And to be honest I expect a lot more from a hero.
I loved Bobbie's character and the obsticles she has overcome.
She was so strong and still completely capable of looking after herself.
Again, I did have a small problem though. I didn't understand how she just let everything slide without asking more questions, I thought she was smarter than that. For me it was like Oh my god Adam just teleported us! But I don't care about that, let's just continue and have sex.' I would have been like 'Hang on a second buddy, what the hell just happened?'. Every time I expected her to question things, she would just forget about it because the why and how would be revealed later. What? That just didn't make sense to me.
I did however still like their romance. Which contained a few sweet moments like this...
"You love me back, right? I mean in the movies, the hero says 'I love you' and then she says-"
"I love you, Kikin. That's your real name, by the way. Kikin Chakotay."
He really was adorable sometimes, and I loved his vulnerability.
There was also a great cast of bad guys who seem to talk the reigns in the next book. From the glimpse we get of The Claimed, it seems that Cristopher will be stepping up his game in search of Adam/Kikin and his energy.
Like I said, even though I had a few problems with this book I will still be buying the next one to follow the story :)
August 10, 2011
This is the first book in a new series by Caridad Piñeiro called the Sin Hunters. It starts with Adam who has no real memory of what happened to him. He was about 4 when he was found and adopted by Salvatore Bruno. He finds he has strange powers that no one around him have so he has been trained to hide them.
The story skips to Adam in his 20's still trying to figure out who he is and what his powers hold. Now, he is a self-made millionaire who still feels very lonely and contained. He spies Bobbie Carerra waiting for her brother after her physical therapy session (she was injured in Iraq) and their auras capture each others attention. They are attracted to one another immediately. However, Adam is attacked in the parking lot and Bobbie comes to his defense. Strange things happen, but Bobbie doesn't back down and Adam just got a taste of others with his kind of power. Questions from this incident bring the two back together.
The mystery of Adam also includes a lot of missed connections and misdirection that almost overwhelmed the story. I was relieved when that didn't happen. I really enjoyed the character of Bobbie. She is scarred heavily and was not that vision of perfection that we often encounter in PNR books. I also loved that she did not back down in a fight and was willing to sacrifice her happiness when it was the right thing to do. I did not connect to Adam as well, but I still really liked him until.... (yea, like I would reveal anything too telling... *evil laugh*) Let me just say he did come around and I enjoyed his character again.
I give this book 4 stars. I think it is a good first book for this series and I really do want to see what happens next.
The story skips to Adam in his 20's still trying to figure out who he is and what his powers hold. Now, he is a self-made millionaire who still feels very lonely and contained. He spies Bobbie Carerra waiting for her brother after her physical therapy session (she was injured in Iraq) and their auras capture each others attention. They are attracted to one another immediately. However, Adam is attacked in the parking lot and Bobbie comes to his defense. Strange things happen, but Bobbie doesn't back down and Adam just got a taste of others with his kind of power. Questions from this incident bring the two back together.
The mystery of Adam also includes a lot of missed connections and misdirection that almost overwhelmed the story. I was relieved when that didn't happen. I really enjoyed the character of Bobbie. She is scarred heavily and was not that vision of perfection that we often encounter in PNR books. I also loved that she did not back down in a fight and was willing to sacrifice her happiness when it was the right thing to do. I did not connect to Adam as well, but I still really liked him until.... (yea, like I would reveal anything too telling... *evil laugh*) Let me just say he did come around and I enjoyed his character again.
I give this book 4 stars. I think it is a good first book for this series and I really do want to see what happens next.
October 17, 2011
Originally posted at Hesperia Loves Books
In a paranormal romance world filled to capacity with werewolves, vampires, demons, ghouls, zombies, angels…well you get the idea it is nice to find a refreshingly new twist to the paranormal world, the Light Hunters. This race obtains energy through the environment as well as any object that contains energy of any kind. They then use that power to sustain their race, heal their sick and sometimes even to take life away. I really enjoyed being introduced to this world and I’m eager to learn more as the series continues.
Adam & Bobbie were very believable characters and the path that I got to walk with them through their story was very emotional, real, steamy hot & it kept me on the edge of my seat! I loved them both and really liked that the war hero was female. I don’t think that avenue is explored enough, at least out of the books that I’ve read. While the characters were great, the story did slow down somewhat, at least for me, during the middle. However, by the end, the action resumed and the book ended great with an AMAZING set-up for the next book.
This is my first Caridad Piñeiro book, but after reading, I can most definitely say that I’ll be reading more, especially of her Sin & Sin Hunter series’.
So if you’re looking for a great PNR book but are tired of the same ‘ol, same ‘ol – make sure to grab this series, you won’t be disappointed!
In a paranormal romance world filled to capacity with werewolves, vampires, demons, ghouls, zombies, angels…well you get the idea it is nice to find a refreshingly new twist to the paranormal world, the Light Hunters. This race obtains energy through the environment as well as any object that contains energy of any kind. They then use that power to sustain their race, heal their sick and sometimes even to take life away. I really enjoyed being introduced to this world and I’m eager to learn more as the series continues.
Adam & Bobbie were very believable characters and the path that I got to walk with them through their story was very emotional, real, steamy hot & it kept me on the edge of my seat! I loved them both and really liked that the war hero was female. I don’t think that avenue is explored enough, at least out of the books that I’ve read. While the characters were great, the story did slow down somewhat, at least for me, during the middle. However, by the end, the action resumed and the book ended great with an AMAZING set-up for the next book.
This is my first Caridad Piñeiro book, but after reading, I can most definitely say that I’ll be reading more, especially of her Sin & Sin Hunter series’.
So if you’re looking for a great PNR book but are tired of the same ‘ol, same ‘ol – make sure to grab this series, you won’t be disappointed!
July 23, 2025
Reclusive due to powerful abilities he can't control, the hero is lonely and buries himself in his work and research. The heroine is a crippled veteran from Iraq, lonely and guilt-ridden after the death of her fellow soldiers. They meet in a parking lot one day and as the hero is attacked by two man who intend to kidnap him, the heroine intervenes and suffers sever pain because of it. However, where the hero touched her damaged arm, she notices less pain and better mobility. She hunts him done the next day and they instantly are drawn to each other. The chemistry between the characters was crazy and it's entirely believable to have them jump into bed together right off the bat. They don't fight their attraction and the only thing that hold them back in their own insecurities. The hero is terrified of hurting her, though she can absorb a lot of power which makes her the perfect mate. The heroine is self conscious of her scars and I think she's go gun ho to help him solve the mystery of his powers and enemies because she secretly longs for usefulness again. Although she's haunted by nightmares and what she saw at war, she uses her combat experience to help him out. The have sex multiple times throughout the story but it's not an erotic romance. Instead, the love scenes are special and showcase the feelings they have for each other.
March 27, 2012
I'm going to be honest: this just didn't work for me.
The worldbuilding was complex, almost too much so, but with not enough information to get a good grasp on it. For example, there are two factions in this book, but Pineiro doesn't really explain the difference between them very well. We just know that one faction is "bad" and one is "good" and it's rather ambiguous as to which one is which.
I also didn't connect with the romance. Adam and Bobbie literally go from making eye contact across a parking lot one day, to practically pawing each other the next day. It felt forced and to be frank, UNATTRACTIVE. Bobbie is a moderately disabled Iraq veteran yet she is more capable than the "powerful" Adam. I know Adam is supposed to be a ticking timebomb of power, but I found myself wondering why Bobbie would ever be attracted to him in the first place.
After reading 150 pages, I started to wonder when the meat of the story was going to explode onto the scene, only to realize that even if it happened on the very next page - I just didn't care anymore. Skimming the rest of the book validated my feelings.
The worldbuilding was complex, almost too much so, but with not enough information to get a good grasp on it. For example, there are two factions in this book, but Pineiro doesn't really explain the difference between them very well. We just know that one faction is "bad" and one is "good" and it's rather ambiguous as to which one is which.
I also didn't connect with the romance. Adam and Bobbie literally go from making eye contact across a parking lot one day, to practically pawing each other the next day. It felt forced and to be frank, UNATTRACTIVE. Bobbie is a moderately disabled Iraq veteran yet she is more capable than the "powerful" Adam. I know Adam is supposed to be a ticking timebomb of power, but I found myself wondering why Bobbie would ever be attracted to him in the first place.
After reading 150 pages, I started to wonder when the meat of the story was going to explode onto the scene, only to realize that even if it happened on the very next page - I just didn't care anymore. Skimming the rest of the book validated my feelings.
August 6, 2011
3.75 Stars
I love paranormal romance and The Lost felt like a breath of fresh air to me.
There are thousands of vampire books, probably equally as many about werewolves and now stories of angels are starting to flourish – but The Lost is completely different from them all. The supernatural abilities of the hunky hero (Adam) are unique and I enjoyed learning about what kick ass things he and his people could do.
He was a whole heap of yummy and had a list of loveable traits:
Sexy as sin? Check
Rich and successful? Check
Manly and enjoyably possessive? Check
A heart the size of Australia? Check
He was a perfect mix for me and he was equally matched with his heroine Bobbie. She was tough, smart, capable, determined but also damaged in a way only Adam could fix. They made a perfect pair and I enjoyed reading about the love that quickly grew between them. As well as being a perfect pair emotionally, they also had a ‘zing’ factor in steaming up the sheets. The sex scenes were classy yet hot, in a - “I’m sweet, but I can still ride you like a demon” sort of way.
I am very excited to have finished my first Caridad Pineiro novel and look forward to reading many more.
I love paranormal romance and The Lost felt like a breath of fresh air to me.
There are thousands of vampire books, probably equally as many about werewolves and now stories of angels are starting to flourish – but The Lost is completely different from them all. The supernatural abilities of the hunky hero (Adam) are unique and I enjoyed learning about what kick ass things he and his people could do.
He was a whole heap of yummy and had a list of loveable traits:
Sexy as sin? Check
Rich and successful? Check
Manly and enjoyably possessive? Check
A heart the size of Australia? Check
He was a perfect mix for me and he was equally matched with his heroine Bobbie. She was tough, smart, capable, determined but also damaged in a way only Adam could fix. They made a perfect pair and I enjoyed reading about the love that quickly grew between them. As well as being a perfect pair emotionally, they also had a ‘zing’ factor in steaming up the sheets. The sex scenes were classy yet hot, in a - “I’m sweet, but I can still ride you like a demon” sort of way.
I am very excited to have finished my first Caridad Pineiro novel and look forward to reading many more.
August 9, 2016
I loved this book! Finally something different!!! I love shifters but they start to get old after reading countless books with basically the same outline. This book was thankfully much different than any other shifter book I've ever read. The whole light hunter thing confused me in the beginning, I can't tell you why it just did. Maybe because I was confusing the light hunters with the shadow hunters, it took me a while to remember who was who but now that I've got it I can't wait to read the next book.
Adam and Bobby were great characters, both very strong willed and courageous people. It's always refreshing to read about two strong characters because they're hard to come by. Bobby and Adam were definitely a match made in heaven too. They just fit! From the moment they lock eyes I was rooting for them to get together and stay together. lol
I would recommend this book to pretty much anyone who like PNR. Trust me on this, it's worth the time to read it. I promise!!! I give this book 5 Stars!!!
Adam and Bobby were great characters, both very strong willed and courageous people. It's always refreshing to read about two strong characters because they're hard to come by. Bobby and Adam were definitely a match made in heaven too. They just fit! From the moment they lock eyes I was rooting for them to get together and stay together. lol
I would recommend this book to pretty much anyone who like PNR. Trust me on this, it's worth the time to read it. I promise!!! I give this book 5 Stars!!!
March 17, 2012
Adam knows he is not human, he can channel energy take it into himself and do extraordinary things. On the day he meets Bobbie, an ex marine someone tries to kidnap him. Bobbie and Adam are attracted to each other at first sight though they both carry many scars, in Bobbie's case physical as well as mental. They need to find out where Adam's power comes from before the many people working against them are successful.
This wasn't a great read and only left you with more questions then it answered. I realise it is the first in a series and presumably those questions would be answered as the series progresses, however the plot didn't gel for me. I don't know that I would bother picking up anything else in the series. Two and a half stars from me.
This wasn't a great read and only left you with more questions then it answered. I realise it is the first in a series and presumably those questions would be answered as the series progresses, however the plot didn't gel for me. I don't know that I would bother picking up anything else in the series. Two and a half stars from me.
July 9, 2011
I have been trying to think of what to say about this book for a couple weeks now. The paranormal aspect of this book was interesting. I enjoyed the idea of Adam's abilities--shapeshifting and creating energy. The lore of the hunters was intriguing.
Yet, I have to say this book was a little disappointing to me. I was very excited to read it but it did not deliver the story I hoped. The characters did not come to life for me in a way that I could really connect to them. Further, I found many of the scenes between Bobbie and Adam to be eye-rolling-ly cheesy. Still, I liked the overall story.
Yet, I have to say this book was a little disappointing to me. I was very excited to read it but it did not deliver the story I hoped. The characters did not come to life for me in a way that I could really connect to them. Further, I found many of the scenes between Bobbie and Adam to be eye-rolling-ly cheesy. Still, I liked the overall story.
August 27, 2011
Electrifying Flair! Desirous! Sizzling!
The Lost by Caridad Piñeiro is written with great élan. This fresh new series is a rush of unique material, teeming with dynamism. The Lost will snare you with its magnetism, zinging you from page to page.
Characters materialize before you with each word, their stories and sorrows incredibly tangible.
Adam has everything in the right place and then some. Bobbie and Adam's connection amps up this story to a whole new level. Piñeiro's ability to spin the paranormal just keeps on getting better. I'm truly excited about this new series!
The Lost by Caridad Piñeiro is written with great élan. This fresh new series is a rush of unique material, teeming with dynamism. The Lost will snare you with its magnetism, zinging you from page to page.
Characters materialize before you with each word, their stories and sorrows incredibly tangible.
Adam has everything in the right place and then some. Bobbie and Adam's connection amps up this story to a whole new level. Piñeiro's ability to spin the paranormal just keeps on getting better. I'm truly excited about this new series!
March 25, 2012
Could not get into this story. I was disappointed with it. :(
August 1, 2011
~* 3.5 Stars *~
Definitely Unique and Original
He doesn't know his name, though the man who raised him, the man he considers his father, calls him Adam Bruno. He doesn't know what he is, though he's seen and tested several of his own supernatural abilities, including shape changing and harnessing electricity. He doesn't know where he came from, not since waking up in a small room as a child of five or six, battered, bruised, with no memory of his family, his people, his race.
And he has no idea at all that he is lost.
Adam's abilities and the danger they possess have always kept him isolated, but his genius mind and head for business has brought him success at an early age. Now a millionaire with his own company, his life seems to be running smoothly, until the energy inside him starts to grow alongside a gaping maw of loneliness snapping at his soul. Dealing with it the only way he knows how, by tamping it down and pushing it back, he feels like his vaunted control is starting to slip. Then, as he leaves work one day, an apparent kidnapping attempt takes him by surprise, and only his abilities...and the surprise help of a beautiful if damaged woman...save him from two men who seem to be just like him.
Bobbie Carerra felt drawn to the stranger as soon as she saw him leave the building in which her brother is interning. As a highly decorated, if horribly wounded, U.S. Marine, when she saw him get jumped in broad daylight, she didn't think, just swung her injury-riddled body into action and, using her cane, helped the stranger fight off the two thugs intent on getting him into their van. Once he was safe, the thugs gone, he touched her, and nothing would be the same for Bobbie ever again.
They're drawn together by a force they can't explain, but with a connection neither can deny comes a danger that neither, regardless of race or ability, may be able to escape. Adam is lost. But being found may be the greatest threat of all.
It's a rare treat to come across a book as original in concept as this one in a very well-worn paranormal romance subgenre. This is my first read of a Caridad Piñeiro book, so I'm unfamiliar with the series that this one has been spun from, but that didn't pose much of a problem in the book, and I was pretty darn interested in the world and characters that Piñeiro had created.
I was thrilled with the first half of the book. I loved the ideas presented, and Adam and Bobbie were great characters. I can't think of a female lead in recent books I've liked more than Bobbie. Her wounded war veteran backstory was creative, intense, and believable, and she proved herself time and again as a steely-spined warrior with dedication, intelligence, and passion. I loved her. Adam was good too, but he was a slightly more traditional the lead male in a PNR, equal parts alpha male, and vulnerable boy, despite...or maybe because of his completely unique abilities.
The evolution of their romance was my favorite part of the book, because unlike most in the genre, it directly addressed some of those annoying and oft-used conveniences in plot devices like the instant, undeniable, and primal attraction, the speedy growth of a relationship, the amped up sex drives, etc. The ways in which these issues were addressed, and subsequent concerns resolved, struck me as thoughtful and creative, and ultimately lent an air of believability to it all.
The second half of the book was where I started to have problems. I think the book started to drag for me when there was no real plot progression in the non-romantic plot arc until about three quarters of the way into the book. Answers were long in coming for Adam and the reader both, and I found the actions of his parents to be utterly perplexing in connection to their search for him. Add to that, several things about both the Light and Shadow Hunters didn't make a lot of logical sense to me, conceptually, including their origins and the war between them. Some of the behavior of the Light's guard seemed to countermand the direct orders from Adam's parents, and their lying about it made me question who were the good guys and who were the bad, especially when Salvatore's long term goals came into play.
Actually, Savatore's character was a bone of contention to me throughout the book, and the intent of his Genesis project left me feeling befuddled. He was a CIA agent, not a scientist or a geneticist. Even if there was some significant setup for his character or that plot thread in Piñeiro's previous series, neither were well defined in this book and served no purpose beyond further muddying up a plot that was already bordering on convoluted. His scenes were awkward and uncomfortable, his actions and dialogue stilted, and his motivations murky. Even the conflict he stirred between Adam and Bobbie felt contrived and overdone, and the fallout of it seemed a poorly orchestrated plot device.
I have to admit, parts of this book left me feeling a little lost. Had it not been for several points in its favor, I wouldn't have liked it at all. I can't deny, though, that the originality of the story concept and the unique mythology presented, combined with a very strong, thoroughly likable female lead and one of the better-written romance threads (prior to the formulaic conflict) that I've read lately were all very strong pluses.
I'm interested to see what comes next for the series. There seems to be a lot of gray area to play with. I wasn't convinced by the events in this book that the Shadow Hunters are the irredeemable bad guys. Obviously there is a struggle to survive and the subsequent war, but just about everyone but Adam and Bobbie seemed to fall somewhere between being morally ambiguous and pretty heavily corrupted. Only one of them seemed truly evil. In that regard, Piñeiro has created a very complex, dark world with real conflict and difficult choices. I applaud her that and hope for a more streamlined plot to help further that world and delineate her intentions for the series - and maybe an explanation for the series name would be nice, too.
Disclosure: An ARC of this book was provided to me by Forever via NetGalley. The rating, review, and all included thoughts and comments are my own.
~*~*~*~
Reviewed for One Good Book Deserves Another.
Definitely Unique and Original
He doesn't know his name, though the man who raised him, the man he considers his father, calls him Adam Bruno. He doesn't know what he is, though he's seen and tested several of his own supernatural abilities, including shape changing and harnessing electricity. He doesn't know where he came from, not since waking up in a small room as a child of five or six, battered, bruised, with no memory of his family, his people, his race.
And he has no idea at all that he is lost.
Adam's abilities and the danger they possess have always kept him isolated, but his genius mind and head for business has brought him success at an early age. Now a millionaire with his own company, his life seems to be running smoothly, until the energy inside him starts to grow alongside a gaping maw of loneliness snapping at his soul. Dealing with it the only way he knows how, by tamping it down and pushing it back, he feels like his vaunted control is starting to slip. Then, as he leaves work one day, an apparent kidnapping attempt takes him by surprise, and only his abilities...and the surprise help of a beautiful if damaged woman...save him from two men who seem to be just like him.
Bobbie Carerra felt drawn to the stranger as soon as she saw him leave the building in which her brother is interning. As a highly decorated, if horribly wounded, U.S. Marine, when she saw him get jumped in broad daylight, she didn't think, just swung her injury-riddled body into action and, using her cane, helped the stranger fight off the two thugs intent on getting him into their van. Once he was safe, the thugs gone, he touched her, and nothing would be the same for Bobbie ever again.
They're drawn together by a force they can't explain, but with a connection neither can deny comes a danger that neither, regardless of race or ability, may be able to escape. Adam is lost. But being found may be the greatest threat of all.
It's a rare treat to come across a book as original in concept as this one in a very well-worn paranormal romance subgenre. This is my first read of a Caridad Piñeiro book, so I'm unfamiliar with the series that this one has been spun from, but that didn't pose much of a problem in the book, and I was pretty darn interested in the world and characters that Piñeiro had created.
I was thrilled with the first half of the book. I loved the ideas presented, and Adam and Bobbie were great characters. I can't think of a female lead in recent books I've liked more than Bobbie. Her wounded war veteran backstory was creative, intense, and believable, and she proved herself time and again as a steely-spined warrior with dedication, intelligence, and passion. I loved her. Adam was good too, but he was a slightly more traditional the lead male in a PNR, equal parts alpha male, and vulnerable boy, despite...or maybe because of his completely unique abilities.
The evolution of their romance was my favorite part of the book, because unlike most in the genre, it directly addressed some of those annoying and oft-used conveniences in plot devices like the instant, undeniable, and primal attraction, the speedy growth of a relationship, the amped up sex drives, etc. The ways in which these issues were addressed, and subsequent concerns resolved, struck me as thoughtful and creative, and ultimately lent an air of believability to it all.
The second half of the book was where I started to have problems. I think the book started to drag for me when there was no real plot progression in the non-romantic plot arc until about three quarters of the way into the book. Answers were long in coming for Adam and the reader both, and I found the actions of his parents to be utterly perplexing in connection to their search for him. Add to that, several things about both the Light and Shadow Hunters didn't make a lot of logical sense to me, conceptually, including their origins and the war between them. Some of the behavior of the Light's guard seemed to countermand the direct orders from Adam's parents, and their lying about it made me question who were the good guys and who were the bad, especially when Salvatore's long term goals came into play.
Actually, Savatore's character was a bone of contention to me throughout the book, and the intent of his Genesis project left me feeling befuddled. He was a CIA agent, not a scientist or a geneticist. Even if there was some significant setup for his character or that plot thread in Piñeiro's previous series, neither were well defined in this book and served no purpose beyond further muddying up a plot that was already bordering on convoluted. His scenes were awkward and uncomfortable, his actions and dialogue stilted, and his motivations murky. Even the conflict he stirred between Adam and Bobbie felt contrived and overdone, and the fallout of it seemed a poorly orchestrated plot device.
I have to admit, parts of this book left me feeling a little lost. Had it not been for several points in its favor, I wouldn't have liked it at all. I can't deny, though, that the originality of the story concept and the unique mythology presented, combined with a very strong, thoroughly likable female lead and one of the better-written romance threads (prior to the formulaic conflict) that I've read lately were all very strong pluses.
I'm interested to see what comes next for the series. There seems to be a lot of gray area to play with. I wasn't convinced by the events in this book that the Shadow Hunters are the irredeemable bad guys. Obviously there is a struggle to survive and the subsequent war, but just about everyone but Adam and Bobbie seemed to fall somewhere between being morally ambiguous and pretty heavily corrupted. Only one of them seemed truly evil. In that regard, Piñeiro has created a very complex, dark world with real conflict and difficult choices. I applaud her that and hope for a more streamlined plot to help further that world and delineate her intentions for the series - and maybe an explanation for the series name would be nice, too.
Disclosure: An ARC of this book was provided to me by Forever via NetGalley. The rating, review, and all included thoughts and comments are my own.
~*~*~*~
Reviewed for One Good Book Deserves Another.
August 3, 2017
Oh, this was the third in a series? It worked fine as a stand alone book, and I have never read anything from the author previously.
October 31, 2011
Unique aspects are scattered throughout the pages of The Lost; From the characters to the plot line, I can't help but feel that this was a great start to a new paranormal romance series.
The first unique element is the story setting: the Jersey Shore, New Jersey. I have to say that this is the first book I've stumbled upon that uses that location as its primary setting.
The next unique element is the premise of the paranormal aspects. Descended from an ancient, rare, and dying race are two paranormal factions: The Light Hunters and the Shadow Hunters, named respectively for good vs. evil. Energy is what they need to survive, even if that means taking it from the living. Without assimilating energy, an old ancient plague, barely being held at bay, slowly starts to take over their bodies, which pushes some of the "darker" hunters to up the ante at just how far they are willing to go to survive.
Hero, Adam Bruno, is a highly intelligent, billionaire who's created a company that focuses on harnessing energy. And while he knows he needs and can harness this energy; And while he knows he can take the shape of other beings, Adam is *Lost*. At the age of six, he awoke in a strange place and in the same vicinity as a man that was not his father. But he doesn't remember who -- or what -- his parents, home, or himself were. The CIA agent that found Adam takes him in and treats him as his own son. But his "father" has an agenda all his own, and Adam knows nothing about the fact that he's part of it.
When Adam meets heroine, Roberta "Bobbie" Carrera, he's immediately drawn to her, a feeling he has never had with anyone else. Essentially, Adam has kept himself alone, but on a deeper level wanting to have someone he could be close to. Bobbie may just be that person.
The heroine Bobbie ... wow! This is the first heroine I've read that I've fully enjoyed and allowed myself to get as engrossed in as I would the hero. She's an intelligent, strong, Iraq war veteran. When she's thrust into a paranormal world with a whole new set of obstacles and conflicts, she battles her own desires to put "war" behind her, not quite ready to deal with all that she's been part of in the military. Yet, her attraction to Adam overrides that internal conflict, and she vows never to leave Adam behind. Bobbie's vulnerability stems from her physical ailments, something of which Adam could care less about. Caridad did an excellent job at creating and developing her. Bobbie seemed like a very realistic character.
The chemistry between Bobbie and Adam is great. There's a connection between the two of them that neither understands, but after a time is willing to just allow themselves to trust in it and go with it -- but that's not without a few bumps along the way. When they do come together sexually, not only is it sexy, but there's a lot of emotional aspects that goes along with it, which make the scenes more subtly real.
There's a couple of external conflicts that keep the plot moving -- despite a few momentary slow parts -- Adam goes through a period of not knowing who to trust because clearly someone is betraying him, and at the same time the Shadow Hunters are continuously upping the ante -- now convinced that Adam may be the key to their survival and setting their sites on "using" him.
There are a lot of character introductions in this first book, and ends with more than a couple of loose ends and unanswered questions -- clearly setting up the story arc for subsequent stories. However, with all the introduction of secondary characters, there were only a couple that I'm interested in reading their stories. Some of the secondary characters I did not like -- and they were not all villains.
It was also after the fact that I found out that this is a spin-off series. Not once did I feel like I was missing anything from the previous introduction of Bobbie in a different series. I have a feeling that will not be the case for readers starting in the follow up book to the Sin Hunters series because like I said, there were a lot of loose ends at the end of this story.
This was the first Caridad Pineiro book that I read and it will not be the last! I enjoyed the ease of the writing style, the character development, and in this book in particular, thoroughly enjoyed the unique paranormal aspects. I would recommend this book to any PNR lover looking for unique aspects. I'm looking forward to the next story in this series: The Claimed.
The first unique element is the story setting: the Jersey Shore, New Jersey. I have to say that this is the first book I've stumbled upon that uses that location as its primary setting.
The next unique element is the premise of the paranormal aspects. Descended from an ancient, rare, and dying race are two paranormal factions: The Light Hunters and the Shadow Hunters, named respectively for good vs. evil. Energy is what they need to survive, even if that means taking it from the living. Without assimilating energy, an old ancient plague, barely being held at bay, slowly starts to take over their bodies, which pushes some of the "darker" hunters to up the ante at just how far they are willing to go to survive.
Hero, Adam Bruno, is a highly intelligent, billionaire who's created a company that focuses on harnessing energy. And while he knows he needs and can harness this energy; And while he knows he can take the shape of other beings, Adam is *Lost*. At the age of six, he awoke in a strange place and in the same vicinity as a man that was not his father. But he doesn't remember who -- or what -- his parents, home, or himself were. The CIA agent that found Adam takes him in and treats him as his own son. But his "father" has an agenda all his own, and Adam knows nothing about the fact that he's part of it.
When Adam meets heroine, Roberta "Bobbie" Carrera, he's immediately drawn to her, a feeling he has never had with anyone else. Essentially, Adam has kept himself alone, but on a deeper level wanting to have someone he could be close to. Bobbie may just be that person.
The heroine Bobbie ... wow! This is the first heroine I've read that I've fully enjoyed and allowed myself to get as engrossed in as I would the hero. She's an intelligent, strong, Iraq war veteran. When she's thrust into a paranormal world with a whole new set of obstacles and conflicts, she battles her own desires to put "war" behind her, not quite ready to deal with all that she's been part of in the military. Yet, her attraction to Adam overrides that internal conflict, and she vows never to leave Adam behind. Bobbie's vulnerability stems from her physical ailments, something of which Adam could care less about. Caridad did an excellent job at creating and developing her. Bobbie seemed like a very realistic character.
The chemistry between Bobbie and Adam is great. There's a connection between the two of them that neither understands, but after a time is willing to just allow themselves to trust in it and go with it -- but that's not without a few bumps along the way. When they do come together sexually, not only is it sexy, but there's a lot of emotional aspects that goes along with it, which make the scenes more subtly real.
There's a couple of external conflicts that keep the plot moving -- despite a few momentary slow parts -- Adam goes through a period of not knowing who to trust because clearly someone is betraying him, and at the same time the Shadow Hunters are continuously upping the ante -- now convinced that Adam may be the key to their survival and setting their sites on "using" him.
There are a lot of character introductions in this first book, and ends with more than a couple of loose ends and unanswered questions -- clearly setting up the story arc for subsequent stories. However, with all the introduction of secondary characters, there were only a couple that I'm interested in reading their stories. Some of the secondary characters I did not like -- and they were not all villains.
It was also after the fact that I found out that this is a spin-off series. Not once did I feel like I was missing anything from the previous introduction of Bobbie in a different series. I have a feeling that will not be the case for readers starting in the follow up book to the Sin Hunters series because like I said, there were a lot of loose ends at the end of this story.
This was the first Caridad Pineiro book that I read and it will not be the last! I enjoyed the ease of the writing style, the character development, and in this book in particular, thoroughly enjoyed the unique paranormal aspects. I would recommend this book to any PNR lover looking for unique aspects. I'm looking forward to the next story in this series: The Claimed.
August 16, 2011
The Lost, Sin Hunters series, Book #1
Author: Caridad Pineiro
Synopsis: Adam Bruno is no ordinary millionaire. The heir to an ancient race possessing a dark, powerful magic, he can shapeshift and create energy. His gifts make him a living weapon and have forced him to live in seclusion. But now an inhuman force hunts down Adam-just when he finds someone who makes him feel more human than he ever imagined possible . . .
Home from combat in Iraq, Bobbie Carerra wants only peace, yet soon joins Adam in a terrifying battle against paranormal enemies who hide in plain sight. She's drawn to his strength of mind and body; he's attracted to her courage and intoxicating energy. Their scorching passion can either transport them to the heights of ecstasy or-if Adam's powers rage out of control-destroy them. But when an invisible brotherhood tightens its nets and someone Adam trusts betrays him, only a heartrending decision can save them.
Our Review [By LITERAL ADDICTION’s Pack Alpha-Michelle L Olson]:
Since readers look to reviews to steer them in a direction, I’m going to give it to you straight and from the heart. I’m a big Caridad Pineiro fan! I devoured her entire Calling series in I think 3 sittings, but I was very apprehensive about this book. Every time I picked it up and read the synopsis I’d give myself a little mental ‘Eh, I don’t know…’ and set it back down, only to pick it up again the minute I was ready for a new book. I’m a paranormal junkie, and there seemed to be enough of that outlined in the blurb, so I was having troubles pinning down exactly what my problem was. Finally I took a deep breath and just jumped in. Know what? I finished it in 2 sittings and that was only because I had to go to work and put it down.
Adam was just a boy when his adoptive father found him in the dessert with no memory and lots of questions. 20 years later, Adam finds himself a millionaire running a cutting edge technology company, yet he still has no answers, and in fact, has a lot more questions regarding who and what he is, where he came from, the extent of his gifts, etc. Adam hopes that by continuing to do research and development for his company, he may uncover some truths about himself as well.
Bobbie is a veteran newly home from the war and healing both physically and emotionally. When Bobbie and Adam’s paths cross in the midst of a kidnapping attempt, Bobbie’s ‘forever a soldier’ mentality kicks in and she can’t stop herself from jumping to help, though she had no idea just what she was getting herself into.
Now a team by circumstance, Adam and Bobbie must figure out what is going on, how to stay 1 step ahead, and how to deal with the undeniable and world altering attraction between them.
On the outskirts, you have the 2 groups who are after Adam for 1 reason or another—The Light Hunters, those who gather energy peacefully and naturally from nature and things around them, and the Shadows, a faction of Light Hunters that evolved into something much less peaceful over time, and steal rather than borrow energies.
What you ultimately end up with is an emotional roller-coaster full of excitement, regret, love, passion, uncertainty, betrayal, retribution, and so much more!
The book was incredibly written; very vivid imagery, even with things as intangible as intent, strong well developed characters with clearly defined purpose and background, and a love affair that while fast, was truly believable.
From a series standpoint, this first book was a greatly laid foundation for the next installments. Though readers who dislike cliff-hangers will be shouting profanities and throwing things as they turn the last page, the meat of the story was wrapped up nicely and those questions that both the characters and the reader needed answers to from page 1 are brought to light.
All in all, LITERAL ADDICTION Paranormal Book Club gives The Lost 4 1/2 Skulls, and would recommend it to Urban Fantasy, Paranormal Romance and even some Sci-Fi readers.
Author: Caridad Pineiro
Synopsis: Adam Bruno is no ordinary millionaire. The heir to an ancient race possessing a dark, powerful magic, he can shapeshift and create energy. His gifts make him a living weapon and have forced him to live in seclusion. But now an inhuman force hunts down Adam-just when he finds someone who makes him feel more human than he ever imagined possible . . .
Home from combat in Iraq, Bobbie Carerra wants only peace, yet soon joins Adam in a terrifying battle against paranormal enemies who hide in plain sight. She's drawn to his strength of mind and body; he's attracted to her courage and intoxicating energy. Their scorching passion can either transport them to the heights of ecstasy or-if Adam's powers rage out of control-destroy them. But when an invisible brotherhood tightens its nets and someone Adam trusts betrays him, only a heartrending decision can save them.
Our Review [By LITERAL ADDICTION’s Pack Alpha-Michelle L Olson]:
Since readers look to reviews to steer them in a direction, I’m going to give it to you straight and from the heart. I’m a big Caridad Pineiro fan! I devoured her entire Calling series in I think 3 sittings, but I was very apprehensive about this book. Every time I picked it up and read the synopsis I’d give myself a little mental ‘Eh, I don’t know…’ and set it back down, only to pick it up again the minute I was ready for a new book. I’m a paranormal junkie, and there seemed to be enough of that outlined in the blurb, so I was having troubles pinning down exactly what my problem was. Finally I took a deep breath and just jumped in. Know what? I finished it in 2 sittings and that was only because I had to go to work and put it down.
Adam was just a boy when his adoptive father found him in the dessert with no memory and lots of questions. 20 years later, Adam finds himself a millionaire running a cutting edge technology company, yet he still has no answers, and in fact, has a lot more questions regarding who and what he is, where he came from, the extent of his gifts, etc. Adam hopes that by continuing to do research and development for his company, he may uncover some truths about himself as well.
Bobbie is a veteran newly home from the war and healing both physically and emotionally. When Bobbie and Adam’s paths cross in the midst of a kidnapping attempt, Bobbie’s ‘forever a soldier’ mentality kicks in and she can’t stop herself from jumping to help, though she had no idea just what she was getting herself into.
Now a team by circumstance, Adam and Bobbie must figure out what is going on, how to stay 1 step ahead, and how to deal with the undeniable and world altering attraction between them.
On the outskirts, you have the 2 groups who are after Adam for 1 reason or another—The Light Hunters, those who gather energy peacefully and naturally from nature and things around them, and the Shadows, a faction of Light Hunters that evolved into something much less peaceful over time, and steal rather than borrow energies.
What you ultimately end up with is an emotional roller-coaster full of excitement, regret, love, passion, uncertainty, betrayal, retribution, and so much more!
The book was incredibly written; very vivid imagery, even with things as intangible as intent, strong well developed characters with clearly defined purpose and background, and a love affair that while fast, was truly believable.
From a series standpoint, this first book was a greatly laid foundation for the next installments. Though readers who dislike cliff-hangers will be shouting profanities and throwing things as they turn the last page, the meat of the story was wrapped up nicely and those questions that both the characters and the reader needed answers to from page 1 are brought to light.
All in all, LITERAL ADDICTION Paranormal Book Club gives The Lost 4 1/2 Skulls, and would recommend it to Urban Fantasy, Paranormal Romance and even some Sci-Fi readers.
August 30, 2012
As it’s the first book in the series, the ‘world setup’ had to occur with plenty of information to try to soak up. However, you’re not bombarded with all the information at once as the author has strategically calculated the release of information throughout the book and has made it part of the story as both the Hero and Heroine learn who they truly are and how they fit into this new world.
Let’s begin with our Heroine as the author deserves a round of applause for creating such a strong, independent, and likable character! Bobbie is a decorated war hero who was injured in the line of duty and not only has suffered through the loss of her team, but the loss of part of herself. In her eyes, she will no longer be normal and her dream of a white picket fence with a husband and kids will not be occurring. However, she doesn’t wallow in self-pity. She has her moment of breaking down, when the stress of it all and the reality that her initial dreams as she saw them will not be coming true hit her, but then that moment passes and she takes a deep breath and moves forward with her life. She accepts her new life and knows life is short! It was awesome to read this book and not have to roll my eyes at a whiny, weak minded heroine. THANK YOU Caridad!! With this being said, she’s still 100% woman, who can kick the bad guys ass!! Bobbie has been through a lot, but like a strong woman, she will not allow situations or circumstances to dictate her life!
Our Hero, Adam, well let’s see:
Gorgeous = check
Has Money = check
Smart = check
Mysterious = check
Flaws = check
With Adam, we have the classic hero; however he and his story are far from the traditional paranormal romance genre. Without providing spoilers, Adam doesn’t remember his past. He knows something tragic occurred to him and his family when he was around 5 or 6 years old, but has no idea what that is or who he is. Hiss adopted father has been his one constant and someone who has been there for him regardless of the fact that he isn’t ‘normal’. This is where I said that Caridad strategically places what we learn throughout the book; we learn as the characters do. Adam struggles to understand who or what he is and has dedicated his entire life to trying to figure that out.
Though we usually fall for our heroes, even though they are usually conceited, smartasses, semi-untamable, Adam isn’t like that at all. He is smart, extremely business savvy which has lead him to be a millionaire, and he is pretty down to earth. Yes, he secludes himself and is mysterious, but it isn’t because he believes people will only like him for his money, but rather his concern is that he will hurt them with his powers. No worries, he definitely has the Alpha quality, but chooses to use it when necessary.
The story line of the “Light Hunters” and the “Shadow Hunters” has the classic concept of good vs. bad but the story itself is intriguing! An ancient civilization which spawned a new breed of humans that now live among us in secret and must feed off of energy in order to survive. The continued struggle for that energy source, the need for the clans to remain a secret to humans and the war between light and dark drive the story forward.
I really enjoyed the new twist to a genre that can be saturated with extremely similar concepts and ideas. Looking forward to seeing the story and characters evolve in the next installment of the series “The Claimed”.
Note: For this and other book reviews, please visit Reading Between the Wines Book Club
Let’s begin with our Heroine as the author deserves a round of applause for creating such a strong, independent, and likable character! Bobbie is a decorated war hero who was injured in the line of duty and not only has suffered through the loss of her team, but the loss of part of herself. In her eyes, she will no longer be normal and her dream of a white picket fence with a husband and kids will not be occurring. However, she doesn’t wallow in self-pity. She has her moment of breaking down, when the stress of it all and the reality that her initial dreams as she saw them will not be coming true hit her, but then that moment passes and she takes a deep breath and moves forward with her life. She accepts her new life and knows life is short! It was awesome to read this book and not have to roll my eyes at a whiny, weak minded heroine. THANK YOU Caridad!! With this being said, she’s still 100% woman, who can kick the bad guys ass!! Bobbie has been through a lot, but like a strong woman, she will not allow situations or circumstances to dictate her life!
Our Hero, Adam, well let’s see:
Gorgeous = check
Has Money = check
Smart = check
Mysterious = check
Flaws = check
With Adam, we have the classic hero; however he and his story are far from the traditional paranormal romance genre. Without providing spoilers, Adam doesn’t remember his past. He knows something tragic occurred to him and his family when he was around 5 or 6 years old, but has no idea what that is or who he is. Hiss adopted father has been his one constant and someone who has been there for him regardless of the fact that he isn’t ‘normal’. This is where I said that Caridad strategically places what we learn throughout the book; we learn as the characters do. Adam struggles to understand who or what he is and has dedicated his entire life to trying to figure that out.
Though we usually fall for our heroes, even though they are usually conceited, smartasses, semi-untamable, Adam isn’t like that at all. He is smart, extremely business savvy which has lead him to be a millionaire, and he is pretty down to earth. Yes, he secludes himself and is mysterious, but it isn’t because he believes people will only like him for his money, but rather his concern is that he will hurt them with his powers. No worries, he definitely has the Alpha quality, but chooses to use it when necessary.
The story line of the “Light Hunters” and the “Shadow Hunters” has the classic concept of good vs. bad but the story itself is intriguing! An ancient civilization which spawned a new breed of humans that now live among us in secret and must feed off of energy in order to survive. The continued struggle for that energy source, the need for the clans to remain a secret to humans and the war between light and dark drive the story forward.
I really enjoyed the new twist to a genre that can be saturated with extremely similar concepts and ideas. Looking forward to seeing the story and characters evolve in the next installment of the series “The Claimed”.
Note: For this and other book reviews, please visit Reading Between the Wines Book Club
August 22, 2011
(I have not read the first two books in this series - but this novel can stand alone)
Adam Salvatore is different; his earliest memory is of waking up ill in his adopted father’s home and shifting into the family dog’s form. He doesn’t know exactly what powers he possesses, and he doesn’t know how he got them. He’s determined to discover the limit of his powers, testing them in secret in his basement and not telling his father.
Bobbie Carerra is a veteran Marine, wounded in combat in Iraq. She just wants the peace that comes from being with her family and to try to forget the day her entire unit was blown up. She spends her days in physical rehabilitation and trying to put her life back together.
While waiting for her brother to get off work, Bobbie sees Adam attacked by two men. Without thinking, her training kicks in and she wades into the fray. Afterwards, when Bobbie and Adam touch, sparks fly, literally, and nothing will be the same. Now Bobbie and Adam must try to figure out Adam’s power, discover who is after him, and deal with their electrical attraction to each other.
Ms. Piñeiro has given us a fast paced, sizzling tale of non-stop action and heated passion. Adam is a self-made millionaire, easy on the eyes, vulnerable and strong at the same time. He is determined to figure out exactly who and what he is, he isn’t sure how to harness his powers and fears harming others so keeps to himself. I liked him as soon as I met him as a scared child, and fell a little in love with him as a grown man. Bobbie is a beautiful, kick ass Marine, she fears she will not fit into this new world of hers, wounded not only in body but soul as well. I have to say, I liked her as soon as I met her as well, she was in pain and determined not to give in to it.
The combination of Bobbie and Adam was a sight to see; they played off each other’s strengths and supported each other’s weaknesses well. Adam’s father Salvatore Bruno is a CIA agent and we get the feeling right from the beginning that all is not as it seems with him. I waffled back and forth on how I felt about him, alternately liking him and hating him. The mystery of Adam’s powers slowly unfolds for us, along the way we learn more about his birth family and their mortal enemies.
I enjoyed the way Ms. Piñeiro slowly gave us bits and pieces of each characters story and built the suspense little by little until the crashing end. The bad guys are truly bad guys, yet even they have some mystery about them and I found myself actually feeling sorry for them at times.
While at its core, this is your typical paranormal romance with good guy and good girl falling in love and fighting the bad guys, there is a good mystery going on as well. I have to admit, I did have some problems following exactly what Adam’s powers were and would have been more comfortable had I had a little more back story on the shadows and hunters. I’m still not sure who and what they are. Here’s hoping we get some more back-story in the sequel.
This is a quick read; I devoured it in one sitting, not putting it down until I was finished. There is some violence, not too graphic but it is there. There are some sensual, smoldering sex scenes, all tastefully written. I recommend to anyone who enjoys their paranormal romance mixed with a touch of science and a small mystery thrown in. Pick up this book and immerse yourself in the world of the sin hunters.
Member of the Paranormal Romance Guild Review Team
Adam Salvatore is different; his earliest memory is of waking up ill in his adopted father’s home and shifting into the family dog’s form. He doesn’t know exactly what powers he possesses, and he doesn’t know how he got them. He’s determined to discover the limit of his powers, testing them in secret in his basement and not telling his father.
Bobbie Carerra is a veteran Marine, wounded in combat in Iraq. She just wants the peace that comes from being with her family and to try to forget the day her entire unit was blown up. She spends her days in physical rehabilitation and trying to put her life back together.
While waiting for her brother to get off work, Bobbie sees Adam attacked by two men. Without thinking, her training kicks in and she wades into the fray. Afterwards, when Bobbie and Adam touch, sparks fly, literally, and nothing will be the same. Now Bobbie and Adam must try to figure out Adam’s power, discover who is after him, and deal with their electrical attraction to each other.
Ms. Piñeiro has given us a fast paced, sizzling tale of non-stop action and heated passion. Adam is a self-made millionaire, easy on the eyes, vulnerable and strong at the same time. He is determined to figure out exactly who and what he is, he isn’t sure how to harness his powers and fears harming others so keeps to himself. I liked him as soon as I met him as a scared child, and fell a little in love with him as a grown man. Bobbie is a beautiful, kick ass Marine, she fears she will not fit into this new world of hers, wounded not only in body but soul as well. I have to say, I liked her as soon as I met her as well, she was in pain and determined not to give in to it.
The combination of Bobbie and Adam was a sight to see; they played off each other’s strengths and supported each other’s weaknesses well. Adam’s father Salvatore Bruno is a CIA agent and we get the feeling right from the beginning that all is not as it seems with him. I waffled back and forth on how I felt about him, alternately liking him and hating him. The mystery of Adam’s powers slowly unfolds for us, along the way we learn more about his birth family and their mortal enemies.
I enjoyed the way Ms. Piñeiro slowly gave us bits and pieces of each characters story and built the suspense little by little until the crashing end. The bad guys are truly bad guys, yet even they have some mystery about them and I found myself actually feeling sorry for them at times.
While at its core, this is your typical paranormal romance with good guy and good girl falling in love and fighting the bad guys, there is a good mystery going on as well. I have to admit, I did have some problems following exactly what Adam’s powers were and would have been more comfortable had I had a little more back story on the shadows and hunters. I’m still not sure who and what they are. Here’s hoping we get some more back-story in the sequel.
This is a quick read; I devoured it in one sitting, not putting it down until I was finished. There is some violence, not too graphic but it is there. There are some sensual, smoldering sex scenes, all tastefully written. I recommend to anyone who enjoys their paranormal romance mixed with a touch of science and a small mystery thrown in. Pick up this book and immerse yourself in the world of the sin hunters.
Member of the Paranormal Romance Guild Review Team
December 29, 2011
I recently read a novella by this author and enjoyed her writing style. I have also seen this book all over the blogging world and since I enjoyed the novella I wanted to give this book a shot too. It had a new mythology I had never heard of before and I was curious to learn more about it. So I downloaded it to my kindle and began to read.
The first thing I want to address with this book is the introduction into the new mythology. It is not all unloaded on you all at once, which I appreciated. Adam has no idea about he came into his powers, so as the reader we get to try and figure it out alongside him. While I did enjoy not getting lost in world building, I did wish we could have learned a little more about what exactly these hunters were about and how Adam and Bobbie now fit into it. For much of the book we are just learning as we go with Adam, which was great. But as the climax of the book approached I did want a little more information than I was given. I am sure Caridad is saving some of that for us in future books, so I look forward to them and learning more about this new race.
The romance between Adam and Bobbie was very sweet and developed naturally. Both Adam and Bobbie had emotional scars which lead them to guard their hearts carefully, but when they were together, they took time to explore their connection and helped each other heal. They learned to open up and believe in one another and all the possibilities their relationship could bring them. I adored watching this bond develop into something very tender. Both characters had an amazing ability to strive to overcome their hardships and that is what made them so endearing and perfect for one another.
The ending is the only part of the book I wanted more from. Three are so many unresolved issues and things up in the air, I literally turned the page back and forth a couple of times to make sure it was really over. I know that at the end of a paranormal romance there are usually questions that I still want answers too, but this time it was Adam and Bobbie that I had questions about. The main couple’s issues are usually over at the end of their book and that was what I was expecting. I left not really sure where exactly they stood and what was going to happen next with all the new information they had obtained, but then again that might have been Caridad’s intention. Leave them always wanting more right? Well, that is exactly what she did here. I am hoping that Caridad will let us back into their lives in the next book so we can see where they stand and what has happened to them since we last saw them. This is not really a negative for the book; it is just an avenue I hope Caridad will continue to explore in future books. Plus, the next book is about Christopher, who was a bad guy in this book. So I am sure his life will overlap with Bobbie and Adam and I cannot wait to see what happens when their lives intersect!
Overall, I was enchanted by this book. I felt a real emotional connection with the characters and that is always one of the key elements I look for when reading. I am eager to see what Caridad will bring us in the future and putting together more pieces of the Hunters puzzle. I recommend this book to any lover of paranormal romance searching for an interesting new mythology and a hot romance that will keep your glued to the pages.
The first thing I want to address with this book is the introduction into the new mythology. It is not all unloaded on you all at once, which I appreciated. Adam has no idea about he came into his powers, so as the reader we get to try and figure it out alongside him. While I did enjoy not getting lost in world building, I did wish we could have learned a little more about what exactly these hunters were about and how Adam and Bobbie now fit into it. For much of the book we are just learning as we go with Adam, which was great. But as the climax of the book approached I did want a little more information than I was given. I am sure Caridad is saving some of that for us in future books, so I look forward to them and learning more about this new race.
The romance between Adam and Bobbie was very sweet and developed naturally. Both Adam and Bobbie had emotional scars which lead them to guard their hearts carefully, but when they were together, they took time to explore their connection and helped each other heal. They learned to open up and believe in one another and all the possibilities their relationship could bring them. I adored watching this bond develop into something very tender. Both characters had an amazing ability to strive to overcome their hardships and that is what made them so endearing and perfect for one another.
The ending is the only part of the book I wanted more from. Three are so many unresolved issues and things up in the air, I literally turned the page back and forth a couple of times to make sure it was really over. I know that at the end of a paranormal romance there are usually questions that I still want answers too, but this time it was Adam and Bobbie that I had questions about. The main couple’s issues are usually over at the end of their book and that was what I was expecting. I left not really sure where exactly they stood and what was going to happen next with all the new information they had obtained, but then again that might have been Caridad’s intention. Leave them always wanting more right? Well, that is exactly what she did here. I am hoping that Caridad will let us back into their lives in the next book so we can see where they stand and what has happened to them since we last saw them. This is not really a negative for the book; it is just an avenue I hope Caridad will continue to explore in future books. Plus, the next book is about Christopher, who was a bad guy in this book. So I am sure his life will overlap with Bobbie and Adam and I cannot wait to see what happens when their lives intersect!
Overall, I was enchanted by this book. I felt a real emotional connection with the characters and that is always one of the key elements I look for when reading. I am eager to see what Caridad will bring us in the future and putting together more pieces of the Hunters puzzle. I recommend this book to any lover of paranormal romance searching for an interesting new mythology and a hot romance that will keep your glued to the pages.
October 24, 2011
Adam Bruno is a solitary man. For as long as he can remember, he's had special "gifts". These gifts, the ability to shapeshift and create/absorb energy are mysteries to him but all consuming to his life as he tries to understand exactly what it is he can do and how he can control it. He's even built his company, SolTerra, to find alternative energy sources and subsequently help him in controlling his gift. What Adam doesn't know is he is the key to 2 ancient races continuing on and his adoptive father's project to create a super warrior. He soon finds himself in the middle of that fight, when a group attempts to abduct him from the parking lot at his office.
Bobbie Carerra reacts when she sees the man jumped in the parking lot of her brother's employer. While her body is still trying to recover from the injuries she sustained while serving as a Marine in Iraq, her training, however, tells her to come to the man's aide. While they manage to thwart the kidnapping attempt, something more dangerous happens between Bobbie and Adam as they try to understand the sexual attraction they feel for each other and the feeling of being 'complete' whenever they are near each other.
In addition to the growing relationship between Adam and Bobbie, we have the intrigue between the Light and Dark Hunters. The leaders of the Light Hunters are searching for son, who has been missing for twenty years. They know he was taken by Salvatore Bruno and suspect that Adam Bruno is their missing son, yet they haven't been able to bring him back. The Dark Hunters are trying to obtain Adam as well, since his power would help restore the health to those within the Dark Hunters. If that weren't enough, Salvatore wants to use Adams's DNA to create a super soldier as part of his genesis project. He's hoping that by turning Adam over to the Dark Hunters and having his mate with one of their women, he'll get the results he needs.
This was a story that had you wondering what was going on. How did Adam have this powers? Why do they seem to be out of control when he's with Bobbie? Does Bobbie have special powers? What is up with Salvatore...did he save him or steal him? Can we trust any of the Light or Dark Hunters?
These were all the questions that rattled around in my head as I read the book. Most of those questions distracted me from actually understanding what I was reading at that minute because I was too busy being a chapter or two ahead with my questions. Once I mentally slapped myself and told myself to relax, I was able to truly enjoy what was unfolding.
Adam and Bobbie made this book for me. For a man who has had such a solitary life, it was heartwarming to see if open up, almost immediately, to Bobbie. While he did question (half heartedly in my opinion) his draw to Bobbie, he never fought it. He felt her as his missing piece and sought her out. Bobbie was a little more reluctant and did try (however short lived it was) to put some distance between them, but she too felt the same for Adam and let nature take it's course. In the end, Bobbie and Adam realized the only thing that was important in their world was each other and their family.
The next installment should be interesting, as there were many items left unanswered in this one.
Bobbie Carerra reacts when she sees the man jumped in the parking lot of her brother's employer. While her body is still trying to recover from the injuries she sustained while serving as a Marine in Iraq, her training, however, tells her to come to the man's aide. While they manage to thwart the kidnapping attempt, something more dangerous happens between Bobbie and Adam as they try to understand the sexual attraction they feel for each other and the feeling of being 'complete' whenever they are near each other.
In addition to the growing relationship between Adam and Bobbie, we have the intrigue between the Light and Dark Hunters. The leaders of the Light Hunters are searching for son, who has been missing for twenty years. They know he was taken by Salvatore Bruno and suspect that Adam Bruno is their missing son, yet they haven't been able to bring him back. The Dark Hunters are trying to obtain Adam as well, since his power would help restore the health to those within the Dark Hunters. If that weren't enough, Salvatore wants to use Adams's DNA to create a super soldier as part of his genesis project. He's hoping that by turning Adam over to the Dark Hunters and having his mate with one of their women, he'll get the results he needs.
This was a story that had you wondering what was going on. How did Adam have this powers? Why do they seem to be out of control when he's with Bobbie? Does Bobbie have special powers? What is up with Salvatore...did he save him or steal him? Can we trust any of the Light or Dark Hunters?
These were all the questions that rattled around in my head as I read the book. Most of those questions distracted me from actually understanding what I was reading at that minute because I was too busy being a chapter or two ahead with my questions. Once I mentally slapped myself and told myself to relax, I was able to truly enjoy what was unfolding.
Adam and Bobbie made this book for me. For a man who has had such a solitary life, it was heartwarming to see if open up, almost immediately, to Bobbie. While he did question (half heartedly in my opinion) his draw to Bobbie, he never fought it. He felt her as his missing piece and sought her out. Bobbie was a little more reluctant and did try (however short lived it was) to put some distance between them, but she too felt the same for Adam and let nature take it's course. In the end, Bobbie and Adam realized the only thing that was important in their world was each other and their family.
The next installment should be interesting, as there were many items left unanswered in this one.
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