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Soulfire #2
Touch If You Dare
He's just about the hottest warrior she's ever seen...
Reina Fleming really appreciates a man who's on a mission-especially when he's a badass warrior doing his best to impress her. And Jarvis is charmed by the way Reina's magic touch can soothe his dark side.
But when Jarvis's attention puts her job, her home, and her family in danger, Reina has to decide whether love is worth the price...
Enter the nonstop, action-packed world of Stephanie Rowe's love stories-you'll never think of the manly arts in the same way again.
416 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 28, 2011
15 people are currently reading
681 people want to read
About the author
Stephanie Rowe
112 books1,536 followersHailed as a "paranormal star!" by J.R. Ward, Stephanie Rowe is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of more than forty-five novels. She is the 2018 RITA® winner for Best Paranormal Romance, as well as a five-time nominee for this prestigious award. For more on Stephanie and her books, visit her at www.stephaneierowe.com, or on facebook at https://www.facebook.com/StephanieRow....
A life-long reader, she began crafting stories at age ten, but didn't realize it was her dream until she was an adult.
Once the light dawned, she immediately left behind "work" as the world defines it and went to "work" as she defines it, which means getting up every morning with a smile in her heart so she can spend the day doing that which makes her spirit sing.
Stephanie believes in learning to listen to your heart in order to figure out what your dreams are, and then opening yourself to the inspiration that will direct you there. She believes we all deserve the right to enjoy life, and for the ride to be as easy as we want it to be, and that we all should accept nothing less than making our dreams come true.
Stephanie lives in New England, and spends every day doing her best to fill it with people, observations and activities that uplift her soul, which include writing, tennis, dancing, friends, and her amazing family.
A life-long reader, she began crafting stories at age ten, but didn't realize it was her dream until she was an adult.
Once the light dawned, she immediately left behind "work" as the world defines it and went to "work" as she defines it, which means getting up every morning with a smile in her heart so she can spend the day doing that which makes her spirit sing.
Stephanie believes in learning to listen to your heart in order to figure out what your dreams are, and then opening yourself to the inspiration that will direct you there. She believes we all deserve the right to enjoy life, and for the ride to be as easy as we want it to be, and that we all should accept nothing less than making our dreams come true.
Stephanie lives in New England, and spends every day doing her best to fill it with people, observations and activities that uplift her soul, which include writing, tennis, dancing, friends, and her amazing family.
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March 3, 2012
Another Bizarre...Brilliant?...Rowe Romp
He is the Guardian of Hate, and after a century and a half of torture at the hands of the wickedest of witches, one with a jones-on for bleeding, bruising, and breaking her victims into getting in touch with their feminine side, Jarvis Swain is so chock full of the stuff he's about ready to blow. He and his fellow escaped warriors have been working on freeing the rest of their brethren from the Den of Womanly Pursuits (a truly terrifying place). He's so dangerously close to critical mass, though, that touching anyone fills them with a wild rage and infects them with psychotic behavior. If he doesn't find his brother, the Guardian of Love, and get him to draw out the overflowing hate soon, Jarvis is going to explode - literally - and unleash the hate inside him on the whole of humanity.
And yes, that would be a Very Bad Thing.
All Reina Fleming wants to do is prevent her sister from dying like every other member of her family has since they were attacked by a nasty creature years ago. To do that, she's got to get Death to promote her so she can make sure her sister's soul isn't harvested. Death wants her to prove herself before promoting her, though, and frankly, his demand couldn't come at a worse time. Not only is she having trouble with her death dust mojo, but the soul she's got to harvest for him is so far out of her league on the deadly scale that just barely surviving the attempt is the absolute best-case scenario. She needs help. A strong, kick-ass warrior sure would be handy to have around right about now.
Fortunately, Reina already knows just such a warrior, and she could do a lot worse than the delicious, if a bit edgy, Jarvis. It's more than just his yummy factor that makes it a good thing that his hate doesn't affect her. Her touch seems to calm him a little, pulls him back from the killing edge just enough to keep him from losing it all completely. That works in both their favors, actually, and the deal they strike because of it is the definition of mutually beneficial. He helps her harvest one of the most notorious assassins to ever live, she helps him stave off the big boom until they find his brother. It's simple really. Easy-peasy. Everything should go like clockwork. No worries.
Yeah. Right.
~*~
After reading Rowe's series debut, Kiss at Your Own Risk, I wasn't convinced this series was going to be for me. I thought I needed this second book to really decide. Well, I've read the second book and I liked it more than its predecessor, but I'm still not sure how I feel about the series. I still can't figure out if it's bizarrely brilliant or just bizarre, and I just don't know if it's a good fit for my reading preferences.
And yet...
I enjoyed Jarvis and Reina as the romantic leads far more than I did Blaine and Trinity, for sure. I don't read a lot of lighter-themed paranormal romance or urban fantasy, so it's hard for me to figure out how to classify some aspects of the read, but for me, both characters seemed more fleshed out and their relationship made more sense to me than that of the first book. Not to mention, their chemistry blazed off the pages. Hot, hot, hot! I liked them quite a lot as a couple, and I thought they were even more interesting as individuals.
The world still isn't the most well-defined I've ever read. Not even close. Nagging contradictions, like how the warriors are so adept at...well...everything...when the perception of their captivity is one of cyclical torture and healing for more torture, are still bugging me and causing a problem for me with the story. The plot, though, was significantly more comprehensive to me than that in the first book and the various motivations of several different factions, as well as their actions, made more sense within the parameters of the established world. I have no idea if that's indicative of a more cohesively written novel or if I'm just getting used to the weirdness that is this wild world of Rowe's, but either way, it made for a better read.
I'm sort of enjoying the very nebulous and shifting line defining the "bad guys." There just isn't a whole lot of black and white in this world, and villains...well...they're not exactly villainous - and yet they so are. They tend to have motivations and do things for some touchy-feely, chasing-their-joy or finding-the-love sort of reason. The actions they take and the things they do in that chasing or finding, though...well...can you say a hundred and fifty years of heinous torture, children? I knew you could.
Yeah, it may be a beautiful day in the neighborhood, but the batshit crazy neighbors will whip you bloody to impress on you the significance of clean, peaceful living. To a one, so far, the "bad guys" seem to be all about doing the wrong things for the right reasons. It's just...those wrong things are fairly horrible and risk the world turning into a cesspool of misery and agony. But hey, their hearts are in the right place. Mostly.
There were a couple of issues I had with the narrative that were more concrete than others. In a couple of scenes, secondary or ancillary characters unknown to the main character on whom the third person limited POV is focused show up and are referred to by name without being introduced. For example, in one scene a young vampire races into the room Jarvis is in and demands his help with something. The vampire is described in appearance, but it's clear from the narrative that Jarvis doesn't know him.
Prior to that, no reference had been made to Sylvan's name and Jarvis didn't know him. That's a little disconcerting when you've never met a character before. Had another vampire referred to him by name, or he'd said who he was first, that's one thing, but given the narration at that point, it would have been more appropriate to identify him in non-specific terms instead of his name.
A couple of other technical errors, errors that should have been caught in the editing process, were also an issue - one that surprised me given that this a mainstream publication.
So, two books in and I'm still not completely convinced about this tongue-in-cheek, wacko, utterly freaky, completely original and unique series. I guess I'm going to have to give the third book a try. Maybe that'll help further clarify things. Of course, I said that about this book, too, didn't I? And I liked this book, more than I was expecting and more than I did its predecessor. I'm can't help but wonder what Rowe's got up her sleeve next. This series is oddly compelling that way.
Quotables:
~*~*~*~
Reviewed for One Good Book Deserves Another.
He is the Guardian of Hate, and after a century and a half of torture at the hands of the wickedest of witches, one with a jones-on for bleeding, bruising, and breaking her victims into getting in touch with their feminine side, Jarvis Swain is so chock full of the stuff he's about ready to blow. He and his fellow escaped warriors have been working on freeing the rest of their brethren from the Den of Womanly Pursuits (a truly terrifying place). He's so dangerously close to critical mass, though, that touching anyone fills them with a wild rage and infects them with psychotic behavior. If he doesn't find his brother, the Guardian of Love, and get him to draw out the overflowing hate soon, Jarvis is going to explode - literally - and unleash the hate inside him on the whole of humanity.
And yes, that would be a Very Bad Thing.
All Reina Fleming wants to do is prevent her sister from dying like every other member of her family has since they were attacked by a nasty creature years ago. To do that, she's got to get Death to promote her so she can make sure her sister's soul isn't harvested. Death wants her to prove herself before promoting her, though, and frankly, his demand couldn't come at a worse time. Not only is she having trouble with her death dust mojo, but the soul she's got to harvest for him is so far out of her league on the deadly scale that just barely surviving the attempt is the absolute best-case scenario. She needs help. A strong, kick-ass warrior sure would be handy to have around right about now.
Fortunately, Reina already knows just such a warrior, and she could do a lot worse than the delicious, if a bit edgy, Jarvis. It's more than just his yummy factor that makes it a good thing that his hate doesn't affect her. Her touch seems to calm him a little, pulls him back from the killing edge just enough to keep him from losing it all completely. That works in both their favors, actually, and the deal they strike because of it is the definition of mutually beneficial. He helps her harvest one of the most notorious assassins to ever live, she helps him stave off the big boom until they find his brother. It's simple really. Easy-peasy. Everything should go like clockwork. No worries.
Yeah. Right.
~*~
After reading Rowe's series debut, Kiss at Your Own Risk, I wasn't convinced this series was going to be for me. I thought I needed this second book to really decide. Well, I've read the second book and I liked it more than its predecessor, but I'm still not sure how I feel about the series. I still can't figure out if it's bizarrely brilliant or just bizarre, and I just don't know if it's a good fit for my reading preferences.
And yet...
I enjoyed Jarvis and Reina as the romantic leads far more than I did Blaine and Trinity, for sure. I don't read a lot of lighter-themed paranormal romance or urban fantasy, so it's hard for me to figure out how to classify some aspects of the read, but for me, both characters seemed more fleshed out and their relationship made more sense to me than that of the first book. Not to mention, their chemistry blazed off the pages. Hot, hot, hot! I liked them quite a lot as a couple, and I thought they were even more interesting as individuals.
The world still isn't the most well-defined I've ever read. Not even close. Nagging contradictions, like how the warriors are so adept at...well...everything...when the perception of their captivity is one of cyclical torture and healing for more torture, are still bugging me and causing a problem for me with the story. The plot, though, was significantly more comprehensive to me than that in the first book and the various motivations of several different factions, as well as their actions, made more sense within the parameters of the established world. I have no idea if that's indicative of a more cohesively written novel or if I'm just getting used to the weirdness that is this wild world of Rowe's, but either way, it made for a better read.
I'm sort of enjoying the very nebulous and shifting line defining the "bad guys." There just isn't a whole lot of black and white in this world, and villains...well...they're not exactly villainous - and yet they so are. They tend to have motivations and do things for some touchy-feely, chasing-their-joy or finding-the-love sort of reason. The actions they take and the things they do in that chasing or finding, though...well...can you say a hundred and fifty years of heinous torture, children? I knew you could.
Yeah, it may be a beautiful day in the neighborhood, but the batshit crazy neighbors will whip you bloody to impress on you the significance of clean, peaceful living. To a one, so far, the "bad guys" seem to be all about doing the wrong things for the right reasons. It's just...those wrong things are fairly horrible and risk the world turning into a cesspool of misery and agony. But hey, their hearts are in the right place. Mostly.
There were a couple of issues I had with the narrative that were more concrete than others. In a couple of scenes, secondary or ancillary characters unknown to the main character on whom the third person limited POV is focused show up and are referred to by name without being introduced. For example, in one scene a young vampire races into the room Jarvis is in and demands his help with something. The vampire is described in appearance, but it's clear from the narrative that Jarvis doesn't know him.
"Shit, kid. I wish I could help you, but now's not the time. Come find me in a year—"
"A year? He'll be dead!" Sylvan grabbed Jarvis's wrist before Jarvis realized he was going to make a move.
Prior to that, no reference had been made to Sylvan's name and Jarvis didn't know him. That's a little disconcerting when you've never met a character before. Had another vampire referred to him by name, or he'd said who he was first, that's one thing, but given the narration at that point, it would have been more appropriate to identify him in non-specific terms instead of his name.
A couple of other technical errors, errors that should have been caught in the editing process, were also an issue - one that surprised me given that this a mainstream publication.
So, two books in and I'm still not completely convinced about this tongue-in-cheek, wacko, utterly freaky, completely original and unique series. I guess I'm going to have to give the third book a try. Maybe that'll help further clarify things. Of course, I said that about this book, too, didn't I? And I liked this book, more than I was expecting and more than I did its predecessor. I'm can't help but wonder what Rowe's got up her sleeve next. This series is oddly compelling that way.
Quotables:
Sometimes rescuing a bunch of almost-dead warriors from black magicked pit vipers was just the kind of thing a man needed to help him forget the fact that he could not, for the life of him, figure out how to knit.
"It's not easy to bring a friend from a place of love and empathy into a pit of utter despair and misery, but I do my best."
"Tapping into your artistic side is critical for a man to be sufficiently badass and violent."
~*~*~*~
Reviewed for One Good Book Deserves Another.
June 5, 2011
Book 2 of the Soulfire Series continues with Jarvis and Reina. Stephanie Rowe has an amazing talent with her writing. A paranormal romance rock star. Her writing style is one to compliment.
I love Stephanie's writing. This series is packed full of humor and steamy scenes that just keep you wanting to read further. I love her character's. Her warriors are everything that every woman looks for. Dangerous,heroic,selfless and full of love and understanding. I am a huge fan of Ms. Rowe's.
I couldn't help but fall deeply for Jarvis and Reina. Two unlikely lover's who have to battle their worst demon's in order to save those they love. The character's are hilarious. This story will have you laughing. Stephanie writes about love very well. Men need women more than they like to believe they do and Stephanie brings that across with her writing.
Jarvis doesn't think he needs Reina for anything more but to save his brother but the more they work together the more he finds everything he has been looking for with this woman. Reina wants nothing more than to save her sister from her inevitable death. Jarvis scares her but she needs his help. The more they work together the more Reina finds herself caring more for this man on a deeper level then she wants to admit. She cannot afford to give her heart out again. She has lost to many loved ones. But she is starting to believe that she can make an exception for Jarvis.
An action-pact hilariously written story that had me loving every minute. A paranormal series that you won't want to miss. If you love Jeanine Frost and JR Ward you are going to love Stephanie Rowe!
I love Stephanie's writing. This series is packed full of humor and steamy scenes that just keep you wanting to read further. I love her character's. Her warriors are everything that every woman looks for. Dangerous,heroic,selfless and full of love and understanding. I am a huge fan of Ms. Rowe's.
I couldn't help but fall deeply for Jarvis and Reina. Two unlikely lover's who have to battle their worst demon's in order to save those they love. The character's are hilarious. This story will have you laughing. Stephanie writes about love very well. Men need women more than they like to believe they do and Stephanie brings that across with her writing.
Jarvis doesn't think he needs Reina for anything more but to save his brother but the more they work together the more he finds everything he has been looking for with this woman. Reina wants nothing more than to save her sister from her inevitable death. Jarvis scares her but she needs his help. The more they work together the more Reina finds herself caring more for this man on a deeper level then she wants to admit. She cannot afford to give her heart out again. She has lost to many loved ones. But she is starting to believe that she can make an exception for Jarvis.
An action-pact hilariously written story that had me loving every minute. A paranormal series that you won't want to miss. If you love Jeanine Frost and JR Ward you are going to love Stephanie Rowe!
September 4, 2015
Got this from the library. They didn't have the first book but I didn't feel that I missed much from not reading the first one.
This book had so many elements to it that it was a struggle at times to follow along. once I got the hang of it, though, it sped by. It was really a fantastic read! I just love a hair stylist who is all alpha male!
This book had so many elements to it that it was a struggle at times to follow along. once I got the hang of it, though, it sped by. It was really a fantastic read! I just love a hair stylist who is all alpha male!
August 18, 2016
My Review:
The Plot:
Touch Jarvis Swain if you dare. Not only does the giant warrior come part and parcel with one hell of a massive sword that's a seamless extension of his own body, but the man is the Guardian of Hate. Oozing the putrid black slime of all the word's hatred, Jarvis is an infection that'll taint any fool foolish enough to touch his skin. And while all of this dark mojo lends Jarvis one badass reputation, the poor guy has an expiration date that he's managed by sheer force of will to extend by a hundred years. Jarvis isn't ready to explode and yes that's his end game, to explode. With determination to survive not only for survival's sake but to watch the backs of this fellow warriors, Jarvis isn't ready to go down without one last fight to save the world. With mere days separating him from his super nova finale, Jarvis needs to find his brother Cameron, the Guardian of Love, in order to stabilize the Earth from the aftereffects of his demise. There's one tinsy little problem: his brother has been hired to reap by Death in some convoluted bid for world peace.
Reaping souls would be a whole lot easier if Reina Fleming actually had some minuscule desire to kill. Instead, the girl is pure heart but reaping her first soul is the final step towards being promoted to Reaper status and the powers she desperately needs to save her doomed sister. After a nasty Deedub with a sweet fetish bit and tainted her mother and eight sisters, Reina has been forced to watch each and every one of them die. Now, with only one sister left - and she's showing the deadly signs of her impending demise - Reina is determined not to fail her like all the rest. Desperate to achieve the killing edge, Reina agrees to help Jarvis Swain - a warrior with no qualms about killing - retrieve his brother from Death and in return, he'll help her save her sister. There's one tinsy little problem: Reina has sworn to never give her heart to another doomed soul; she just can't take any more loss. With Jarvis scheduled to explode, Reina tries to hold back her heart from falling in love but the warrior is making that endeavor impossible. Honestly, what girl wouldn't fall for a guy willing to kill for her?
For one hundred and fifty years, Jarvis hasn't been able to lay a finger on a single being for fear of tainting them with his hate. Sex, therefore, isn't much of a pleasurable task for no sooner does he get his rocks off before the woman is screaming mad with hatred. Being the Guardian of Hate is an absolute sucker punch on Jarvis's love life. But by some miracle, Jarvis's black touch doesn't infect Reina. In fact, touching her and her reciprocating that touch seems to hold his impending implosion at bay. He's still scheduled to die of course but she gives him a few precious moments more of time. But no matter the hunger Jarvis feels for Reina's touch, he can't ever feel deserving of it. He's hate and she's heart. How in the world can they ever make it work? They can't, at least that's Jarvis's thought and his constant self flagellation isn't making him feel any better.
Reina knows that beneath Jarvis's badass exterior is a man in possession of a heart for she feels and sees his love in all his endeavors. He's a born protector, a man that would lay his life down in a minute not only for her but for his friends and even for his conceited brother. But no matter her arguments that run contrary to Jarvis's own belittling view of himself, her protests that he's a good and kind soul fall upon stubbornly deaf ears. Jarvis is a man that sees the world in black and white with him being the inky black. For Jarvis, hate isn't some monster lurking beneath his skin, Jarvis is hate, he is the monster and the sooner Reina understands that, the better. But he does soon appreciate Reina's determination to convince him otherwise. Having a female fight for him to see the good within himself is a previously unknown concept, one that has him falling head over heels for his little grim reaper. But this Happily Forever After is doomed. With so many out of control happenings, Reina and Jarvis are in for the ultimate fight, one that will test their very souls.
The Heroine:
Incredibly brave and utterly selfless, Reina Fleming takes care of those she deems as hers. Having failed her mother and seven of her sisters, Reina is determined to save the last of her family. There's just the pesky little problem of having to reap her first soul. Simple fact is that she can't do it and she can't do it because she can't stop herself from hopelessly loving others. Reina's heart has become a huge liability.
If there's one person out there that can help Reina become a cold-hearted murderer, it's Jarvis Swain. He's the meanest; most menacing warrior Reina has ever encountered so is it weird that he makes her heart flutter with desire? Maybe, but Reina's willing to be at Jarvis's mercy if it helps save her sister. Funnily enough, Reina feels no fear in the face of Jarvis's hate. While it's likely sensible to be afraid, Reina can't muster that specific emotion. Lust however, well she's feeling that in abundance. The thing is, Reina can sense a deep loyalty beneath Jarvis's frightening exterior. He can't be hate straight through to his soul. He just can't! If only the man didn't have to explode...
The Hero:
Jarvis Swain knows what he is: he's hate. Period. It's not as simple as a monster lurking beneath his skin like Reina believes. But God does it feel good to have her proclaim otherwise. Prior to Reina, females in general were bad news in Jarvis's opinion, having been tortured by them and all for well over a hundred years. Nothing like an insane bitch of a black magic wielding witch to turn you off to the female sex. But there's something so pure and genuine about Reina that's stirring up all of Jarvis's protective and possessive instincts.
Blinded from seeing his true self by the hate that consumes him, Jarvis, like Reina, is utterly selfless and would quickly sacrifice himself if meant that those he's deemed as his are safe. He's natural protector, one that has been protecting since the day he condemned himself to the life long servitude of an evil witch so that his brother, the Guardian of Love, could be safe. He's a good, worthy warrior. Too bad he's a ticking time bomb...
My Final Thoughts:
Superseding its predecessor in both plot and characterization, TOUCH IF YOU DARE is an entertaining and endearing paranormal thrill ride. Achieving a much needed harmony between both the action and the romance, Stephanie Rowe has made a fan out of me with this latest and greatest installment in her Soulfire Series. Here's to second chances!
Jarvis is very much a hero but one that definitely feels undeserving of the title. But let's look at the facts. One, he's a man that literally carries the fate of the world within him as the Guardian of Hate and he values his responsibility. Two, he sacrifices his ever weakening grip on Hate when any one of his band of warriors needs his powerful energy to heal or kill respectively. Three, he's constantly on guard and maintains distance so as not to inadvertently taint those he cares about and strangers alike. And finally, he's willing to do whatever is necessary to help Reina save her sister. I mean this is a man that selflessly gives to those around him without a thought to what he's forsaking in his soul to do so. This, my friends, is a hero.
Reina is the perfect pairing for Jarvis. She's the light to his darkness. Selfless in her own right, Reina gives her heart to everyone, human, immortal, or animal. Within Jarvis, Reina sees him for all the good that he his and she's convinced that he can overcome his battle with Hate by recognizing that very goodness within himself. It's this love, this unwavering ability to believe in people, to believe in hope that makes Jarvis admire Reina and ultimately to love her as well. She's a fun heroine and woman that readers can root for.
TOUCH IF YOU DARE embodies its share of action but the action flows very nicely with the romance, unlike its predecessor. Nothing overwhelms Jarvis and Reina. This is their show. Perhaps Rowe was able to focus more on the romance with TIYD because KISS AT YOUR OWN RISK (book 1) covered so much ground with regards to the world building. Also, I really enjoyed that there were reasons and evidence to substantiate the powers Jarvis and Reina wield. Things were explained to a much higher degree and that lent a more believable feel to the world and its characters.
A rompin' good thrill ride that any paranormal romance lover can appreciate, TOUCH IF YOU DARE is good fun. And I'll definitely be grabbing book three upon its release with every expectation that it'll prove to be even better.
The Plot:
Touch Jarvis Swain if you dare. Not only does the giant warrior come part and parcel with one hell of a massive sword that's a seamless extension of his own body, but the man is the Guardian of Hate. Oozing the putrid black slime of all the word's hatred, Jarvis is an infection that'll taint any fool foolish enough to touch his skin. And while all of this dark mojo lends Jarvis one badass reputation, the poor guy has an expiration date that he's managed by sheer force of will to extend by a hundred years. Jarvis isn't ready to explode and yes that's his end game, to explode. With determination to survive not only for survival's sake but to watch the backs of this fellow warriors, Jarvis isn't ready to go down without one last fight to save the world. With mere days separating him from his super nova finale, Jarvis needs to find his brother Cameron, the Guardian of Love, in order to stabilize the Earth from the aftereffects of his demise. There's one tinsy little problem: his brother has been hired to reap by Death in some convoluted bid for world peace.
Reaping souls would be a whole lot easier if Reina Fleming actually had some minuscule desire to kill. Instead, the girl is pure heart but reaping her first soul is the final step towards being promoted to Reaper status and the powers she desperately needs to save her doomed sister. After a nasty Deedub with a sweet fetish bit and tainted her mother and eight sisters, Reina has been forced to watch each and every one of them die. Now, with only one sister left - and she's showing the deadly signs of her impending demise - Reina is determined not to fail her like all the rest. Desperate to achieve the killing edge, Reina agrees to help Jarvis Swain - a warrior with no qualms about killing - retrieve his brother from Death and in return, he'll help her save her sister. There's one tinsy little problem: Reina has sworn to never give her heart to another doomed soul; she just can't take any more loss. With Jarvis scheduled to explode, Reina tries to hold back her heart from falling in love but the warrior is making that endeavor impossible. Honestly, what girl wouldn't fall for a guy willing to kill for her?
For one hundred and fifty years, Jarvis hasn't been able to lay a finger on a single being for fear of tainting them with his hate. Sex, therefore, isn't much of a pleasurable task for no sooner does he get his rocks off before the woman is screaming mad with hatred. Being the Guardian of Hate is an absolute sucker punch on Jarvis's love life. But by some miracle, Jarvis's black touch doesn't infect Reina. In fact, touching her and her reciprocating that touch seems to hold his impending implosion at bay. He's still scheduled to die of course but she gives him a few precious moments more of time. But no matter the hunger Jarvis feels for Reina's touch, he can't ever feel deserving of it. He's hate and she's heart. How in the world can they ever make it work? They can't, at least that's Jarvis's thought and his constant self flagellation isn't making him feel any better.
Reina knows that beneath Jarvis's badass exterior is a man in possession of a heart for she feels and sees his love in all his endeavors. He's a born protector, a man that would lay his life down in a minute not only for her but for his friends and even for his conceited brother. But no matter her arguments that run contrary to Jarvis's own belittling view of himself, her protests that he's a good and kind soul fall upon stubbornly deaf ears. Jarvis is a man that sees the world in black and white with him being the inky black. For Jarvis, hate isn't some monster lurking beneath his skin, Jarvis is hate, he is the monster and the sooner Reina understands that, the better. But he does soon appreciate Reina's determination to convince him otherwise. Having a female fight for him to see the good within himself is a previously unknown concept, one that has him falling head over heels for his little grim reaper. But this Happily Forever After is doomed. With so many out of control happenings, Reina and Jarvis are in for the ultimate fight, one that will test their very souls.
The Heroine:
Incredibly brave and utterly selfless, Reina Fleming takes care of those she deems as hers. Having failed her mother and seven of her sisters, Reina is determined to save the last of her family. There's just the pesky little problem of having to reap her first soul. Simple fact is that she can't do it and she can't do it because she can't stop herself from hopelessly loving others. Reina's heart has become a huge liability.
If there's one person out there that can help Reina become a cold-hearted murderer, it's Jarvis Swain. He's the meanest; most menacing warrior Reina has ever encountered so is it weird that he makes her heart flutter with desire? Maybe, but Reina's willing to be at Jarvis's mercy if it helps save her sister. Funnily enough, Reina feels no fear in the face of Jarvis's hate. While it's likely sensible to be afraid, Reina can't muster that specific emotion. Lust however, well she's feeling that in abundance. The thing is, Reina can sense a deep loyalty beneath Jarvis's frightening exterior. He can't be hate straight through to his soul. He just can't! If only the man didn't have to explode...
The Hero:
Jarvis Swain knows what he is: he's hate. Period. It's not as simple as a monster lurking beneath his skin like Reina believes. But God does it feel good to have her proclaim otherwise. Prior to Reina, females in general were bad news in Jarvis's opinion, having been tortured by them and all for well over a hundred years. Nothing like an insane bitch of a black magic wielding witch to turn you off to the female sex. But there's something so pure and genuine about Reina that's stirring up all of Jarvis's protective and possessive instincts.
Blinded from seeing his true self by the hate that consumes him, Jarvis, like Reina, is utterly selfless and would quickly sacrifice himself if meant that those he's deemed as his are safe. He's natural protector, one that has been protecting since the day he condemned himself to the life long servitude of an evil witch so that his brother, the Guardian of Love, could be safe. He's a good, worthy warrior. Too bad he's a ticking time bomb...
My Final Thoughts:
Superseding its predecessor in both plot and characterization, TOUCH IF YOU DARE is an entertaining and endearing paranormal thrill ride. Achieving a much needed harmony between both the action and the romance, Stephanie Rowe has made a fan out of me with this latest and greatest installment in her Soulfire Series. Here's to second chances!
Jarvis is very much a hero but one that definitely feels undeserving of the title. But let's look at the facts. One, he's a man that literally carries the fate of the world within him as the Guardian of Hate and he values his responsibility. Two, he sacrifices his ever weakening grip on Hate when any one of his band of warriors needs his powerful energy to heal or kill respectively. Three, he's constantly on guard and maintains distance so as not to inadvertently taint those he cares about and strangers alike. And finally, he's willing to do whatever is necessary to help Reina save her sister. I mean this is a man that selflessly gives to those around him without a thought to what he's forsaking in his soul to do so. This, my friends, is a hero.
Reina is the perfect pairing for Jarvis. She's the light to his darkness. Selfless in her own right, Reina gives her heart to everyone, human, immortal, or animal. Within Jarvis, Reina sees him for all the good that he his and she's convinced that he can overcome his battle with Hate by recognizing that very goodness within himself. It's this love, this unwavering ability to believe in people, to believe in hope that makes Jarvis admire Reina and ultimately to love her as well. She's a fun heroine and woman that readers can root for.
TOUCH IF YOU DARE embodies its share of action but the action flows very nicely with the romance, unlike its predecessor. Nothing overwhelms Jarvis and Reina. This is their show. Perhaps Rowe was able to focus more on the romance with TIYD because KISS AT YOUR OWN RISK (book 1) covered so much ground with regards to the world building. Also, I really enjoyed that there were reasons and evidence to substantiate the powers Jarvis and Reina wield. Things were explained to a much higher degree and that lent a more believable feel to the world and its characters.
A rompin' good thrill ride that any paranormal romance lover can appreciate, TOUCH IF YOU DARE is good fun. And I'll definitely be grabbing book three upon its release with every expectation that it'll prove to be even better.
August 3, 2017
Quircky Fun read, funny story and characters!! Really enjoying this different series!!
December 1, 2017
The first book starts out ruff and disjointed, however it smooths out and gets better. This installment was so much better! Loved the hero and heroine. looking forward to the next book. A good read!
April 8, 2019
Okay, okay. I think my heart stopped in my chest when Jarvis died. And about a million other times in this amazing, plot-twisting-like-hell book! Incredible writing, incredible characters! Loved it!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 6, 2017
Just awful.
June 23, 2017
Second in the Soulfire paranormal-romance series set in Boston. The couple focus is on Reina and Jarvis.
My Take
Lordy, Rowe cracks me up! I do love how she drags in all the "classes" the boys had to endure with that witch poking fun at "woman power", but then she twists it right back on us as Jarvis starts to think maybe those classes had some use after all. These bad-ass warriors: Nigel with his drawing when he needs to cool his jets, Jarvis with his obsession about knitting but preferences for hair styling, and Blaine with his cross stitch…!
It does make me roll on the floor when one of those bad-asses comes out with:
Rowe is also setting us up for future stories for Death and his need for true love, and Nigel and Natalie's coming together. *snicker* I can't wait!
The Story
Death is such a jerk as he keeps setting Reina up to fail. He has set her one last chance to graduate to being a full Reaper and it's a doozy. Too many ways to fail and she can only save her remaining sister if she passes before 11:01 pm Friday. And survives her partnership with Lord Hate. An immortal both drawn to her and distrusting her as a woman and in her conflict as to who should be saved first — Cameron or her sister.
The Characters
Reina is the lead heroine and a grim reaper, and she is having a spate of trouble with her reaping. Her best friend is Trinity, and together they intend to save Natalie, Reina's last surviving family member, from the curse of her deedub bite.
Jarvis is the Guardian of Hate, Lord Hate. Whatever he touches turns to violence, hate, death. After his experiences in Angelique's Den, he wants nothing to do with women. He'd prefer to have a relationship like Alexander Blaine Underhill III, a warrior with a love for cross stitch, has with Trinity (see Kiss at Your Own Risk ), but it's just not for him. Nigel Aquarian, another of the escaped warriors from the Den of Womanly Pursuits, relaxes with his sketch pad — at some very interesting moments.
Cameron is Jarvis' brother and his opposite, the Guardian of Love, only he's so depressed and proves more than susceptible to the theory of peace on earth through death.
The Den of Womanly Pursuits is…
…intended to teach men the proper way to appreciate women…eeek!! It was started up by Angelique after she took a nasty twist in life when Napoleon dumped her.
Death, a.k.a., Prentiss, is the Hugh Hefner of the immortal world with a castle full of nubile beauties, the HoneyPots, whose only purpose is to serve him…in any way. So imagine his surprise when he discovers his new pastry chef, Anna Gusman, is engaged. Horrors!
Napoleon is Angelique's runaway husband [she and Napoleon are Prentiss' grandparents] and a black magic witch who has developed a new appreciation for his neglected wife while Ambrose has kidnapped her; both are assassins and rivals.
Godfather is the nickname for the man who kills women via orgasm.
The Cover and Title
It's a pretty cover with its smoky gradation from greeny turquoise to pale gray with the focus on the well-muscled torso gripping the sword and sheath behind his back. I liked the dragon tattoo on his left forearm as well. Very sinuous.
The title says it all as Lord Hate is terrified of spreading what he represents, so Touch If You Dare.
My Take
Lordy, Rowe cracks me up! I do love how she drags in all the "classes" the boys had to endure with that witch poking fun at "woman power", but then she twists it right back on us as Jarvis starts to think maybe those classes had some use after all. These bad-ass warriors: Nigel with his drawing when he needs to cool his jets, Jarvis with his obsession about knitting but preferences for hair styling, and Blaine with his cross stitch…!
It does make me roll on the floor when one of those bad-asses comes out with:
"What I was actually going to say that although you have a right to get your ass kicked if you so choose, it's up to your sister to decide if she's ready to die."and then
"'I'm not trying to be helpful. I'm just observing.Your sister is an intriguing juxtaposition of assorted emotions. She's conflicted, and it shows on her face.'…He pulled out his sketch pad and pen. 'Hold that expression. It's a fascinating look into the anguish that love can cause.'"Touch If You Dare has a parallel plot with Reina obsessed with saving her sister Natalie while Jarvis is intent on reconnecting with his brother the Guardian of Love. From there it just gets complex. Don't worry about it; just go with the flow, even if Rowe does go on and on a bit with her main characters' soul searching. I also think Rowe got a bit tired with her story as the ending is a bit unsatisfactory; she glosses over the details. That, or it was so complex I just got lost in it! I did enjoy the surprise Reina put together for Jarvis…too sweet.
Rowe is also setting us up for future stories for Death and his need for true love, and Nigel and Natalie's coming together. *snicker* I can't wait!
The Story
Death is such a jerk as he keeps setting Reina up to fail. He has set her one last chance to graduate to being a full Reaper and it's a doozy. Too many ways to fail and she can only save her remaining sister if she passes before 11:01 pm Friday. And survives her partnership with Lord Hate. An immortal both drawn to her and distrusting her as a woman and in her conflict as to who should be saved first — Cameron or her sister.
The Characters
Reina is the lead heroine and a grim reaper, and she is having a spate of trouble with her reaping. Her best friend is Trinity, and together they intend to save Natalie, Reina's last surviving family member, from the curse of her deedub bite.
Jarvis is the Guardian of Hate, Lord Hate. Whatever he touches turns to violence, hate, death. After his experiences in Angelique's Den, he wants nothing to do with women. He'd prefer to have a relationship like Alexander Blaine Underhill III, a warrior with a love for cross stitch, has with Trinity (see Kiss at Your Own Risk ), but it's just not for him. Nigel Aquarian, another of the escaped warriors from the Den of Womanly Pursuits, relaxes with his sketch pad — at some very interesting moments.
Cameron is Jarvis' brother and his opposite, the Guardian of Love, only he's so depressed and proves more than susceptible to the theory of peace on earth through death.
The Den of Womanly Pursuits is…
…intended to teach men the proper way to appreciate women…eeek!! It was started up by Angelique after she took a nasty twist in life when Napoleon dumped her.
Death, a.k.a., Prentiss, is the Hugh Hefner of the immortal world with a castle full of nubile beauties, the HoneyPots, whose only purpose is to serve him…in any way. So imagine his surprise when he discovers his new pastry chef, Anna Gusman, is engaged. Horrors!
Napoleon is Angelique's runaway husband [she and Napoleon are Prentiss' grandparents] and a black magic witch who has developed a new appreciation for his neglected wife while Ambrose has kidnapped her; both are assassins and rivals.
Godfather is the nickname for the man who kills women via orgasm.
The Cover and Title
It's a pretty cover with its smoky gradation from greeny turquoise to pale gray with the focus on the well-muscled torso gripping the sword and sheath behind his back. I liked the dragon tattoo on his left forearm as well. Very sinuous.
The title says it all as Lord Hate is terrified of spreading what he represents, so Touch If You Dare.
February 3, 2024
Lots of good humor, sexy characters, and a nearly impossible mission with high stakes.
August 23, 2012
After 150 years, Jarvis has finally managed to escape the Den where he and his friends have suffered unspeakable horrors. His time there has left him emotionally scarred and untrusting of all women. The keeper of Hate, Jarvis is on borrowed time. As Hate consumes him, he must find locate his brother, the keeper of Love before he explodes, unleashing his gift on an unsuspecting world.
Reina works for the one and only Death. After losing every member of her family except one sister who is due to suffer the same fate at any moment. Her only hope of saving her sister is to get a promotion and to do that, she has an assignment to kill. The only problem is that Reina is a lover not a killer, but she will do what must be done if it means saving the person she loves. She just needs a little help from a certain woman hating warrior.
There was so much going on in this story, from Napoleon, Death's grandfather seeking to find his wife who has been kidnapped, to Death who is seeking to pull off the ultimate money making scheme in the history of reaping. Reina's mission to save her sister, Jarvis's mission to find his brother and save the world, his brother's journey to find a new purpose in life. We met the king of orgasms, and the ultimate assassin who has lost his own passion for the kill. Each was interesting in their own right, but I think they were deserving of their own story. Instead, they detracted from the main story line and Jarvis and Reina's journey to save the people they loved while finding their love for each other.
A perfect example of this would be Death. He is a huge womanizer and egotist, but he is also the most likeable, interesting and complex character. More than anything, I would have liked to learn more about him and what makes him tick. I hope there will be a book in the future that focuses on him. Overall, characters like this overshadowed the main characters, in my opinion.
When I first started reading this series, I loved the humor, and this one offered more of the same. However, as I said before, there was a lot going on. I had to juggle a lot of information, names, and places and sometimes it was difficult to keep everything straight. I love that the men each have their own unique coping mechanism, and for Jarvis that was hair. That alone lends a lightness to the story and at times created intimacy.
The execution was decent, the plot was solid and enjoyable. I really liked the struggle each character went through to reach their destiny. What I hated was the ridiculous amount of errors. This is a traditionally published novel? I would have thought indie considering the enormous amount of missing, added, and misspelled words that riddled each and every page from beginning to end. It was shocking really. With the way it stands, I would be surprised if this even went through the editing process at all. For me, it was distracting, sometimes even confusing and it interfered with the reading process significantly.
Aside from all that, this really is a decent book and a worthwhile read. The author clearly put a lot of thought into it and I can appreciate that. For all the problems, I will still pick up the next book in the series and recommend it to those who like a good paranormal romance with likeable, if not loveable characters and intricate plot lines. The humor alone makes me want to come back for more.
Reina works for the one and only Death. After losing every member of her family except one sister who is due to suffer the same fate at any moment. Her only hope of saving her sister is to get a promotion and to do that, she has an assignment to kill. The only problem is that Reina is a lover not a killer, but she will do what must be done if it means saving the person she loves. She just needs a little help from a certain woman hating warrior.
There was so much going on in this story, from Napoleon, Death's grandfather seeking to find his wife who has been kidnapped, to Death who is seeking to pull off the ultimate money making scheme in the history of reaping. Reina's mission to save her sister, Jarvis's mission to find his brother and save the world, his brother's journey to find a new purpose in life. We met the king of orgasms, and the ultimate assassin who has lost his own passion for the kill. Each was interesting in their own right, but I think they were deserving of their own story. Instead, they detracted from the main story line and Jarvis and Reina's journey to save the people they loved while finding their love for each other.
A perfect example of this would be Death. He is a huge womanizer and egotist, but he is also the most likeable, interesting and complex character. More than anything, I would have liked to learn more about him and what makes him tick. I hope there will be a book in the future that focuses on him. Overall, characters like this overshadowed the main characters, in my opinion.
When I first started reading this series, I loved the humor, and this one offered more of the same. However, as I said before, there was a lot going on. I had to juggle a lot of information, names, and places and sometimes it was difficult to keep everything straight. I love that the men each have their own unique coping mechanism, and for Jarvis that was hair. That alone lends a lightness to the story and at times created intimacy.
The execution was decent, the plot was solid and enjoyable. I really liked the struggle each character went through to reach their destiny. What I hated was the ridiculous amount of errors. This is a traditionally published novel? I would have thought indie considering the enormous amount of missing, added, and misspelled words that riddled each and every page from beginning to end. It was shocking really. With the way it stands, I would be surprised if this even went through the editing process at all. For me, it was distracting, sometimes even confusing and it interfered with the reading process significantly.
Aside from all that, this really is a decent book and a worthwhile read. The author clearly put a lot of thought into it and I can appreciate that. For all the problems, I will still pick up the next book in the series and recommend it to those who like a good paranormal romance with likeable, if not loveable characters and intricate plot lines. The humor alone makes me want to come back for more.
June 29, 2011
Jarvis has finally escaped the clutches of an evil witch after 150 years of torture to find he doesn't have much time left. He must locate his brother before the hate inside him seeps out and destroys the world. In order to do this Jarvis will need to partner with Reina, who also has a major sibling dilemma, in order to deceive Death. When everything is one the line, Jarvis will either succumb to his fate or fight it with everything he has in order to save the woman who's touch fights back the darkness inside him.
Jarvis has spent over a century being repeatedly tortured and humiliated while being held against his will at the Den of Womanly Pursuits. Angelica, the witch who kidnapped him as a child and operated the Den, and her female underlings used cruel techniques (from poisoning and painful experiments to making the men take up hobbies like painting and knitting) to make men into what she believed was the perfect gentlemen. Because of this Jarvis doesn't have the most flattering opinion about women and at first plans to use Reina in any way that will help him get to his brother. As you can guess the more time Jarvis spends with Reina, the more he sees how loving she is and the unbreakable devotion to her sister.
Their relationship is predictable from the start so I never really got invested into it and I found their individual characters to be more interesting than them as a pair. Jarvis harbors hate inside him that sets him apart from his fellow warriors and if it gets out it will be very deadly. As dire as his situation is, he still worries about his injured friends and helping a young vampire who is dying of a broken heart. He's loyal and true to his word. Also, he's great with hair. How many alphas can you say that about? Reina isn't quite as intriguing but the lengths she's will to go through to help her sister and Jarvis are just a few things that make her a very sweet character.
There are a lot of side characters in this book and while they did have a part in Reina and Jarvis' journey to find, and in Reina's case, help their siblings there were just too many. Each had their own problems they were bringing into the story and it kept taking the focus away from Reina and Jarvis. Humorous paranormal romance is probably one of my favorite types of books to read but there can be too much of a good thing. On every page, in every scene, it felt as if the author was trying to get a laugh and it had me actually wishing something tragic would happen so there was a change in the story.
Touch if you Dare had a decent story and a few good characters. I wouldn't say I hated the book but I definitely didn't love it. You could correctly guess what will happen next in Jarvis and Reina's relationship and there were more supporting characters than needed. One did stand out though. I really liked everything about Death. He's arrogant and a womanizer but he has a weakness for love. His character was a constant surprise and he was the highlight of this book. It's hard to say any one who loves PNR will enjoy this book but I think fans of the first installment will find this to their liking.
-Stephanie
Jarvis has spent over a century being repeatedly tortured and humiliated while being held against his will at the Den of Womanly Pursuits. Angelica, the witch who kidnapped him as a child and operated the Den, and her female underlings used cruel techniques (from poisoning and painful experiments to making the men take up hobbies like painting and knitting) to make men into what she believed was the perfect gentlemen. Because of this Jarvis doesn't have the most flattering opinion about women and at first plans to use Reina in any way that will help him get to his brother. As you can guess the more time Jarvis spends with Reina, the more he sees how loving she is and the unbreakable devotion to her sister.
Their relationship is predictable from the start so I never really got invested into it and I found their individual characters to be more interesting than them as a pair. Jarvis harbors hate inside him that sets him apart from his fellow warriors and if it gets out it will be very deadly. As dire as his situation is, he still worries about his injured friends and helping a young vampire who is dying of a broken heart. He's loyal and true to his word. Also, he's great with hair. How many alphas can you say that about? Reina isn't quite as intriguing but the lengths she's will to go through to help her sister and Jarvis are just a few things that make her a very sweet character.
There are a lot of side characters in this book and while they did have a part in Reina and Jarvis' journey to find, and in Reina's case, help their siblings there were just too many. Each had their own problems they were bringing into the story and it kept taking the focus away from Reina and Jarvis. Humorous paranormal romance is probably one of my favorite types of books to read but there can be too much of a good thing. On every page, in every scene, it felt as if the author was trying to get a laugh and it had me actually wishing something tragic would happen so there was a change in the story.
Touch if you Dare had a decent story and a few good characters. I wouldn't say I hated the book but I definitely didn't love it. You could correctly guess what will happen next in Jarvis and Reina's relationship and there were more supporting characters than needed. One did stand out though. I really liked everything about Death. He's arrogant and a womanizer but he has a weakness for love. His character was a constant surprise and he was the highlight of this book. It's hard to say any one who loves PNR will enjoy this book but I think fans of the first installment will find this to their liking.
-Stephanie
July 12, 2011
My thoughts:
This is one hard book to describe because so much is going on and it's crazy in a good way. But first, yes this is book two but it can be read as a stand alone novel too.
Where to start now. Jarvis has been tortured for decades by one crazy woman who wanted men to be in touch with their feelings; she just used a bit too much torture and was just way too insane to get it right. He and his buddies are now free and he sure feels that he can never go near a woman again. Not to mention that he is the Guardian of hate and spreads hate wherever he goes. He is as manly as they get (since he must make up for all those lessons in colour appreciation and knitting.). Sure at times he is a bit too much but who can blame the poor guy.
Reina the heroine is working for Death harvesting souls. But she also has family trouble as all the women in her family are now dead after being bitten by one nasty creature. This makes them feel more powerful and free during their last days (one climbed Mount Everest and fell down). Now she wants to protect the only sister she has left. Jarvis will help her as he also needs help getting his brother back. And of course sparks fly since she was attracted to him from the moment she saw him and he can't help feeling things he never thought he would feel.
Honestly the books just have to be read to be understood. There is so much going on, so many beings out there. Like the Beedubs who killed her family because they are Sweets (make the best chocolate), The Godfather who is so good that women die when they orgasm. And of course Death, I love him, he is a total ass and playboy but you got to love him. And here we see that there is something more to him. I can't wait for him to fall in love with a girl and love only her (oh please please give me that book!). And many more. The characters in this book are just the best.
The style is kind of snarky, ironic, sarcastic humour, dark. What I am trying to say it is not haha funny, but funny and incredibly amusing none the less.
Conclusion:
How to wrap this up then...The book is amusing, rich in its world and there is passion and romance that threatens to explode off the pages. it is just one of those books you have to read to fully understand what it is all about.
rating:
nice
This is one hard book to describe because so much is going on and it's crazy in a good way. But first, yes this is book two but it can be read as a stand alone novel too.
Where to start now. Jarvis has been tortured for decades by one crazy woman who wanted men to be in touch with their feelings; she just used a bit too much torture and was just way too insane to get it right. He and his buddies are now free and he sure feels that he can never go near a woman again. Not to mention that he is the Guardian of hate and spreads hate wherever he goes. He is as manly as they get (since he must make up for all those lessons in colour appreciation and knitting.). Sure at times he is a bit too much but who can blame the poor guy.
Reina the heroine is working for Death harvesting souls. But she also has family trouble as all the women in her family are now dead after being bitten by one nasty creature. This makes them feel more powerful and free during their last days (one climbed Mount Everest and fell down). Now she wants to protect the only sister she has left. Jarvis will help her as he also needs help getting his brother back. And of course sparks fly since she was attracted to him from the moment she saw him and he can't help feeling things he never thought he would feel.
Honestly the books just have to be read to be understood. There is so much going on, so many beings out there. Like the Beedubs who killed her family because they are Sweets (make the best chocolate), The Godfather who is so good that women die when they orgasm. And of course Death, I love him, he is a total ass and playboy but you got to love him. And here we see that there is something more to him. I can't wait for him to fall in love with a girl and love only her (oh please please give me that book!). And many more. The characters in this book are just the best.
The style is kind of snarky, ironic, sarcastic humour, dark. What I am trying to say it is not haha funny, but funny and incredibly amusing none the less.
Conclusion:
How to wrap this up then...The book is amusing, rich in its world and there is passion and romance that threatens to explode off the pages. it is just one of those books you have to read to fully understand what it is all about.
rating:
nice
June 18, 2017
I think I may have had some kind of epiphany where this series is concerned. The first one I found to be a very strange cocktail of elements. It had all the ingredients of a really innovative new series with new types of supernatural warriors and a really unique world- but then when I started reading it, it was written like some kind of comedy farce that was bordering on ridiculous. And I just totally didn't get it. Now, having read book two, I think the problem lay with me trying to take it way too seriously. I mean, it has warriors that do cross stitching or knitting whenever they are feeling overwhelmed at their memories of abuse and torture. Abuse and torture aimed solely at making them better (in the witch-bitch torturer's view), more sensitive men. At what point did I think I was supposed to take this stuff seriously? I mean, they literally, in the middle of a fight, will whip out some charcoal and a notepad and start doing some sketching, just to ease the tension.....
Doh!
This time, however, going into it knowing what to expect, I found I enjoyed it a whole lot more. I read a tag-line somewhere describing it as "A Paranormal Romance Adventure Comedy". Going in armed with that knowledge made the experience entirely different.
Naturally, it's still not going to be everybody's cup of tea. Some people will probably not appreciate the humour even when expecting it, because it is a little on the silly side. But what it most definitely is, is ENTERTAINING. I thoroughly enjoyed reading both books.
It's a bit like, have you ever watched Dancing with the Stars? You know when there's the couple that maybe aren't the best dancers, and they lack any kind of technical skill, but their wacky routine is still the one you enjoy most on the night because it was simply the most entertaining? Even if they are mad as a box of frogs? Well, these books are kind of like that. Make sense?
I can't in all honesty give this one more than three stars even though I found the quality of the writing had improved significantly over the first one. The first book drove me slightly nuts with all the brackets (that's, brackets!) and the Hello? Sarcasm much? thing. This was much better in that area...but not enough so to make it a four star book.
I am, bizarrely enough, really looking forward to the next one- Hold Me If You Can, out early January.
Doh!
This time, however, going into it knowing what to expect, I found I enjoyed it a whole lot more. I read a tag-line somewhere describing it as "A Paranormal Romance Adventure Comedy". Going in armed with that knowledge made the experience entirely different.
Naturally, it's still not going to be everybody's cup of tea. Some people will probably not appreciate the humour even when expecting it, because it is a little on the silly side. But what it most definitely is, is ENTERTAINING. I thoroughly enjoyed reading both books.
It's a bit like, have you ever watched Dancing with the Stars? You know when there's the couple that maybe aren't the best dancers, and they lack any kind of technical skill, but their wacky routine is still the one you enjoy most on the night because it was simply the most entertaining? Even if they are mad as a box of frogs? Well, these books are kind of like that. Make sense?
I can't in all honesty give this one more than three stars even though I found the quality of the writing had improved significantly over the first one. The first book drove me slightly nuts with all the brackets (that's, brackets!) and the Hello? Sarcasm much? thing. This was much better in that area...but not enough so to make it a four star book.
I am, bizarrely enough, really looking forward to the next one- Hold Me If You Can, out early January.
July 9, 2011
He's just about the hottest warrior she's ever seen...
Reina Fleming really appreciates a man who's on a mission-especially when he's a badass warrior doing his best to impress her. And Jarvis is charmed by the way Reina's magic touch can soothe his dark side.
But when Jarvis's attention puts her job, her home, and her family in danger, Reina has to decide whether love is worth the price...
She’s working hard on trying to be a reaper for death. He’s trying to stay alive and not explode from the hate and anger he carries around in him. Ideal couple, don’t you think?
Ms. Rowe enjoys using her imagination and has created a story of magic, love, hate, and death that is total fantasy and great fun to read. She creates strong characters who care more about other people than they do themselves. She gives all them psychological hang ups of some kind that they must work through. And you just keep reading happily along to see where her story takes you next and what odd thing they must overcome next.
You have vampires who don’t attack people anymore with women who will stake them because they wish to be bitten. You have a Godfather of love who makes any woman around swoon in ecstasy. A real strange assassin who uses pink Ninja stars to take people out. And there is a whole lot more going on in this story. It’s busy, it flows well, the two main characters are falling love with each other but are too busy to consummate it, and you’ll keep flipping those pages to see how it ends.
This is fantasy at its best, the plot holds together well and Ms. Rowe has some surprises for you. I didn’t anticipate the ending. Of course, I didn’t anticipate a lot of what happened in this book, but I sure did enjoy reading it!
You’ll find yourself rooting for some characters and hoping others fail; the story line grabs you and makes you care about those you’re reading about. It’s also a good romance story. If you like a fun fantasy story with a touch of Abbott and Costello and with lots of action and odd situations salted with a touch of love, you’ll love this story.
Originally published on Long and Short Reviews
June 10, 2011
Touch If You Dare is the second book in the Soulfire series by Stephanie Rowe and a Paranormal Romance from Sourcebooks Casablanca.
Book Blurb:
He’s just about ready to explode...
Jarvis Swain is fast turning into a hate machine, and if that happens, the whole world is doomed. Unless he can get Death’s sexy assistant Reina Fleming to help him...
She’s in desperate need of a badass warrior on a mission...
When Death presents Reina with a dreadful ultimatum, Reina knows she needs to call in someone ruthless, powerful, and confident...
Jarvis Swain is the warrior Reina needs at her back, and she’s got the magic touch that ameliorates his dark side. But the two of them together are one heck of a volatile combination...
My thoughts:
Reina Fleming has spent her entire life watching the people she loves the most die from a curse placed upon them when she was a young girl. The only member of her family to escape the curse, Reina has made it her mission to find a way to break the curse before she loses her last sister.
And time is running out.
Jarvis Swain has been the Guardian of Hate for one hundred and fifty years. That is a really long time, considering most Guardians die after only fifty years on the job. But things are getting dicey, and Jarvis has begun leaking hate to those around him.
No problem. He just needs to find his brother, the Guardian of Love. Once he finds his brother - the Love should balance out the Hate. Well, that’s the plan, anyway.
There is a problem though. Death has taken Love - and Jarvis has no way to find him..unless he can get Reina to help him. That works for Reina, because she needs a little help herself.
Now the two just need to work together to accomplish their separate goals. Right? Right.
Touch If You Dare is a fun, quick read. I like the humor and the players and I’m looking forward to the next installment - Hold Me IF You Can - coming in 2012.
I give Touch Me If You Dare 3 out of 5 stars.
Product Details
Mass Market Paperback: 416 pages
Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca (7-1-11)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1402241968
ISBN-13: 978-1402241963
Book Blurb:
He’s just about ready to explode...
Jarvis Swain is fast turning into a hate machine, and if that happens, the whole world is doomed. Unless he can get Death’s sexy assistant Reina Fleming to help him...
She’s in desperate need of a badass warrior on a mission...
When Death presents Reina with a dreadful ultimatum, Reina knows she needs to call in someone ruthless, powerful, and confident...
Jarvis Swain is the warrior Reina needs at her back, and she’s got the magic touch that ameliorates his dark side. But the two of them together are one heck of a volatile combination...
My thoughts:
Reina Fleming has spent her entire life watching the people she loves the most die from a curse placed upon them when she was a young girl. The only member of her family to escape the curse, Reina has made it her mission to find a way to break the curse before she loses her last sister.
And time is running out.
Jarvis Swain has been the Guardian of Hate for one hundred and fifty years. That is a really long time, considering most Guardians die after only fifty years on the job. But things are getting dicey, and Jarvis has begun leaking hate to those around him.
No problem. He just needs to find his brother, the Guardian of Love. Once he finds his brother - the Love should balance out the Hate. Well, that’s the plan, anyway.
There is a problem though. Death has taken Love - and Jarvis has no way to find him..unless he can get Reina to help him. That works for Reina, because she needs a little help herself.
Now the two just need to work together to accomplish their separate goals. Right? Right.
Touch If You Dare is a fun, quick read. I like the humor and the players and I’m looking forward to the next installment - Hold Me IF You Can - coming in 2012.
I give Touch Me If You Dare 3 out of 5 stars.
Product Details
Mass Market Paperback: 416 pages
Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca (7-1-11)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1402241968
ISBN-13: 978-1402241963
July 19, 2011
RATING:4.5)TOUCH IF YOU DARE by Stephaine Rowe is an exciting paranormal romance.It is Book 2 the "Soulfire Series",but can be read as a stand alone. See "Kiss at Your Own Risk". It is fast paced,action paced from the first page to the last. It has demons,vampires,a secret society,Death,the Guardian of Hate,Guardian of Love, Satan,demons,nearly immortal warriors, vampires,adventure,comedy,romance,sweet sensuality,and kick butt women. Jarvis Swain,sexy,dangerous,is the Guardian of Hate,immortal warrior, who has survived 150 years of tortureby women, by channeling his emotions into not only an aversion to the opposite sex by into destructive emotions not could destroy not only him but the world as we know it. Reina Fleming,is beautiful,Death's sexy assistant,a kick butt warrior,has a magic touch,trying to save her sister from a horrible death and just as Jarvis needs her,she needs Jarvis. Together they kick butt,find love,save the world and Jarvis learns that he can feel something other than an aversion to the opposite sex. While Jarvis' brother is the Guardian of Love,he also wishes for Death,so Death offers him a bargain he can't refuse,or so he thinks.Reina and Jarvis is on a time schedule before everything is destroyed including Jarvis. Who just might explode.While this is a paranormal story with dark tendencies it is also hilarious at times.Who knew Death,and demons could have a funny side. With an adventure full of comedy,love,some romance,a few kick butt females and dangerous,sexy males how could any reader go wrong with "Touch If You Dare".A must read for any and all paranormal readers who enjoy a trip through comedy demon style.This book was received for the purpose of review from the publisher.Details can be found at Sourcebooks Casablanca,an imprint of Sourcebooks,Inc. and My Book Addiction Reviews.
August 14, 2011
This is the second book in the Soulfire series by Stephanie Rowe. Jarvis, Guardian of Hate, is trying to say the world from himself. Hate is building up in him and too much can cause him to explode. literally. If that happens all the hate that he has held onto will be leaked out into the world. With the help of his friends, Nigel and Blaine, they try to find his brother Cameron, Guardian of Love. Cameron is the only one who can contain hate if his brother dies and place it in another host.
Along the way we meet Renia, Grim Reaper, and her friend Trinity, Blaine's girlfriend. Renia is trying to save her sister's soul. Her sister Natalie was bitten by a deebub and is due to die soon. If she can place Natalie's soul in another body when she dies, her sister can "live" on.
When Renia meets Jarvis and the guys things become complicating., They realize that Jarvis is the only person not affected by Renia's Grim Reaper powers. And that Renia is the only person to touch him and not become consumed by hate. In all this can love conquer all? Will Renia touch if she dares? I'm not spoiling that for you.
One of the best things about this book for me was the comedic parts to it. Paranormal Romances can get too dark at times and the comedy in this books brings you out of that with a laugh or two. I love Jarvis' obsession with knitting. It's funny how a guy the size of a wrestler wants to knit. I liked the story. It reminded me of Gena Showalter's Lords of the Underworld with a touch of Shannon K. Butcher's Sentinel series. Even though I never read the first book and just started with the second, I didn't feel confused or behind. Mrs Rowe did a great job of catching you up from book one. So I would give this book 3 1/2 out of 5.
Along the way we meet Renia, Grim Reaper, and her friend Trinity, Blaine's girlfriend. Renia is trying to save her sister's soul. Her sister Natalie was bitten by a deebub and is due to die soon. If she can place Natalie's soul in another body when she dies, her sister can "live" on.
When Renia meets Jarvis and the guys things become complicating., They realize that Jarvis is the only person not affected by Renia's Grim Reaper powers. And that Renia is the only person to touch him and not become consumed by hate. In all this can love conquer all? Will Renia touch if she dares? I'm not spoiling that for you.
One of the best things about this book for me was the comedic parts to it. Paranormal Romances can get too dark at times and the comedy in this books brings you out of that with a laugh or two. I love Jarvis' obsession with knitting. It's funny how a guy the size of a wrestler wants to knit. I liked the story. It reminded me of Gena Showalter's Lords of the Underworld with a touch of Shannon K. Butcher's Sentinel series. Even though I never read the first book and just started with the second, I didn't feel confused or behind. Mrs Rowe did a great job of catching you up from book one. So I would give this book 3 1/2 out of 5.
June 27, 2011
http://www.loveromancepassion.com/rev...
Do you love the self loathing tortured alpha-male warrior that finds his salvation, as well as his soft ooey-gooey center, in a strong, loyal woman? Then what are you waiting for, go read this book! If you need more convincing then read on…
Rowe has a unique voice I found entertaining and refreshing. What I loved most, was her fast paced witty dialogue. It was a virtual snark fest . If I had been in the room with the characters, I would have whip lash trying to keep up with everyone . It was an amazingly fun read. All the characters are well developed and original. The main theme of the story is that fine line between love and hate we all walk.
There are more immortal tortured alpha-males than you can shake a stick at in this story, but it focuses on Jarvis Swain (swoon), one of many warriors, that spent over 100 years as a prisoner of sadistic women. It would be safe to say, he has issues. Jarvis doesn’t think he deserves happiness or love. He is the Guardian of Hate after all. He is the ultimate pessimist.
Reina works for Death (and what a wonderfully obnoxious character he is!) and has to kiss his butt so she can be promoted to a full Reaper. She is a kind and gentle person, who feels the need to help everyone find the happiness she can’t seem to find for herself. Jarvis and Reina end up having to use each other to achieve their own goals and you can guess how *that goes!
I can’t wait to read how all the other deliciously tortured males, including Death, find their HEAs.
Do you love the self loathing tortured alpha-male warrior that finds his salvation, as well as his soft ooey-gooey center, in a strong, loyal woman? Then what are you waiting for, go read this book! If you need more convincing then read on…
Rowe has a unique voice I found entertaining and refreshing. What I loved most, was her fast paced witty dialogue. It was a virtual snark fest . If I had been in the room with the characters, I would have whip lash trying to keep up with everyone . It was an amazingly fun read. All the characters are well developed and original. The main theme of the story is that fine line between love and hate we all walk.
There are more immortal tortured alpha-males than you can shake a stick at in this story, but it focuses on Jarvis Swain (swoon), one of many warriors, that spent over 100 years as a prisoner of sadistic women. It would be safe to say, he has issues. Jarvis doesn’t think he deserves happiness or love. He is the Guardian of Hate after all. He is the ultimate pessimist.
Reina works for Death (and what a wonderfully obnoxious character he is!) and has to kiss his butt so she can be promoted to a full Reaper. She is a kind and gentle person, who feels the need to help everyone find the happiness she can’t seem to find for herself. Jarvis and Reina end up having to use each other to achieve their own goals and you can guess how *that goes!
I can’t wait to read how all the other deliciously tortured males, including Death, find their HEAs.
September 11, 2011
Reina Fleming really appreciates a man who's on a mission-especially when he's a badass warrior doing his best to impress her. And Jarvis is charmed by the way Reina's magic touch can soothe his dark side. But when Jarvis's attention puts her job, her home, and her family in danger, Reina has to decide whether love is worth the price...
Enter the nonstop, action-packed world of Stephanie Rowe's love stories-you'll never think of the manly arts in the same way again.
Favourite Quotes:
“These snakes must be female.” He whacked it aside with his sword. “No male would fang a man’s balls with a neurotoxin. Necrosis of the testicles is just not done between guys.”
After reading Kiss at Your Own Risk I was super excited to read Touch if You Dare, I found it to be not as funny as the first book but to still be as enjoyable and interesting with some great characters and an interesting storyline. I enjoyed the way Reina and Jervis didn’t plan for their lives to intertwine even though they were both attracted to each other in the first book yet it was meant to be, fate in a way that their paths kept crossing and that Reina needed someone like Jarvis and Jarvis needed someone of Reina’s ability to help get to his brother who has been taken by Death. I found Touch if You Dare to be another interesting and funny addition to the series and I’m excited for Hold Me if You Can coming out in January which is Nigel’s story with Reina’s sister Natalie who was a big part of Touch if You Dare.
Enter the nonstop, action-packed world of Stephanie Rowe's love stories-you'll never think of the manly arts in the same way again.
Favourite Quotes:
“These snakes must be female.” He whacked it aside with his sword. “No male would fang a man’s balls with a neurotoxin. Necrosis of the testicles is just not done between guys.”
After reading Kiss at Your Own Risk I was super excited to read Touch if You Dare, I found it to be not as funny as the first book but to still be as enjoyable and interesting with some great characters and an interesting storyline. I enjoyed the way Reina and Jervis didn’t plan for their lives to intertwine even though they were both attracted to each other in the first book yet it was meant to be, fate in a way that their paths kept crossing and that Reina needed someone like Jarvis and Jarvis needed someone of Reina’s ability to help get to his brother who has been taken by Death. I found Touch if You Dare to be another interesting and funny addition to the series and I’m excited for Hold Me if You Can coming out in January which is Nigel’s story with Reina’s sister Natalie who was a big part of Touch if You Dare.
August 1, 2011
If you have read Stephanie Rowe's previous Soulfire book, Kiss At Your Own Risk, you know that the humor is so over the border of absurd that you just have to roll with it and be ready for one laugh after another thrown in with your romance. I really enjoyed Reina in the previous book so it was nice to see her have her own story. Her character was funny and sweet but I was hoping for a little more kick butt coming from someone aspiring to be one of Death's reapers. Granted we find out the true reason behind her career aspirations and they aren't as morbid as expected but still she was pretty weak and too much of a damsel in distress for my tastes. I liked Jarvis but he took the whole pity party for me that I'm hate and my death will doom the world and no one could ever love me too far. That was the main reason I did not rate this story higher.
What I did love about this book were the supporting characters. We got to see more of Death and get a deeper look into his softer side. Who knew he was such a sucker for Cupid and true love. The banter between the assassin, Augustus, and the other characters including Death's grandfather and Reina's sister cracked me up. And how can I not mention the Godfather who apparently kills women with orgasms. Come on, how could you not want to see more of him and get the background on him?
Overall, did not live up to the first book in the series but is still fun to read if you need one of those books that are so over the top that you have to laugh.
What I did love about this book were the supporting characters. We got to see more of Death and get a deeper look into his softer side. Who knew he was such a sucker for Cupid and true love. The banter between the assassin, Augustus, and the other characters including Death's grandfather and Reina's sister cracked me up. And how can I not mention the Godfather who apparently kills women with orgasms. Come on, how could you not want to see more of him and get the background on him?
Overall, did not live up to the first book in the series but is still fun to read if you need one of those books that are so over the top that you have to laugh.
March 16, 2015
Stephanie Rowe's Soulfire series is a quirky, paranormal romance. Her fierce warriors are guardians who relieve stress and maintain control by knitting, cross-stitching, painting and creating beautiful updos among other things. In Touch if You Dare, Jarvis (Guardian of Hate) and three of his fellow warriors are finally free of Angelica's Den of Womanly Pursuits after 150 years of incarceration. Jarvis is happy to release some of his bottled Hate to ruin the hell where he and his friend have been kept for so long. Plus, by doing so he's better able to keep Hate from killing him. The only other thing that can save him from Hate is his brother, Cameron, the Guardian of Love ... or so he thinks.
Reina Fleming, with the help of her friend Trinity (met in Kiss at Your Own Risk), is hoping she can achieve the task given to her by Death, earn a promotion to Reaper and save her last living sister from dying. She's lost everyone else and she'll do anything to save Natalie.
If you enjoy series like Eve Langlais' Welcome to Hell and Princess of Hell, you should enjoy Rowe's Soulfire. They each provide a wacky romp through familiar paranormal worlds with odd yet comical characterizations.
(✮✮✮½ stars)
Reina Fleming, with the help of her friend Trinity (met in Kiss at Your Own Risk), is hoping she can achieve the task given to her by Death, earn a promotion to Reaper and save her last living sister from dying. She's lost everyone else and she'll do anything to save Natalie.
If you enjoy series like Eve Langlais' Welcome to Hell and Princess of Hell, you should enjoy Rowe's Soulfire. They each provide a wacky romp through familiar paranormal worlds with odd yet comical characterizations.
(✮✮✮½ stars)
July 9, 2011
I have really enjoyed Stephanie Rowe’s humorous paranormal novels, specifically the Immortal Sexy series so I had high hopes for her Soulfire Series. Unfortunately starting with the second book in the series, Touch if You Dare, left me more confused than laughing. I’m sure there were a lot details and background explained in the first book in the series but starting with the second I was really lacking in my understanding. I didn’t understand the setting, were we in a modern day city or a someplace of the author’s creation. I didn’t understand how the other characters fit in to the setting, are immortals known throughout the world or are they trying to hide their existence. And unfortunately there really wasn’t a recap of book one to help me understand better. After a while I was able to accept things as they are and enjoy as much as I could, but the lack of understanding really hurt my overall enjoyment. There was action right from the beginning and it kept the story rolling the entire time. There were some very funny points and some very funny and unique characters. This was a good start for me but I’ll have to go back to the beginning of the series if I want to enjoy this series to its fullest.
December 31, 2011
Isn’t there a song about when love and hate collide? If those two pure emotions were to collide it might look a lot like Jarvis exploding.
Rowe’s second book in the series brings together Lord Hate and the reaper Reina. Jarvis is another tortured soul that has survived Angelica’s prison. As a man doomed to die he is surprised by Reina’s ability to bring him peace. The relationship that grows between these two is touching and frustrating at the same time, why can’t you just slap some sense into them sometimes?
The secondary characters that are involved in Jarvis and Reina’s journey are some of the best. You get to know Nigel a little more (hopefully he will get his own book), along with Death (you really get to see a new side of him!), and even the original Grimm Reaper. Angelica is still incarcerated but Napoleon is still searching for her relentlessly, if they get a happily ever after it will definitely be a love hate kind of feeling.
Rowe pulls the strings and events line up just perfectly. A fun enjoyable read that has you becoming more attached to the characters with each page.
Rowe’s second book in the series brings together Lord Hate and the reaper Reina. Jarvis is another tortured soul that has survived Angelica’s prison. As a man doomed to die he is surprised by Reina’s ability to bring him peace. The relationship that grows between these two is touching and frustrating at the same time, why can’t you just slap some sense into them sometimes?
The secondary characters that are involved in Jarvis and Reina’s journey are some of the best. You get to know Nigel a little more (hopefully he will get his own book), along with Death (you really get to see a new side of him!), and even the original Grimm Reaper. Angelica is still incarcerated but Napoleon is still searching for her relentlessly, if they get a happily ever after it will definitely be a love hate kind of feeling.
Rowe pulls the strings and events line up just perfectly. A fun enjoyable read that has you becoming more attached to the characters with each page.
June 24, 2012
If you like fluffy silly PNR, grab this book. If you prefer meatier or darker story, think about it.
I'm a fan of Terry Pratchett, so humour is not a problem. At all. I love the way he writes and highlights our shortcomings. But what he writes about is never really something to laugh at. Here there's simply a forced fluffiness, a freak child of Kitty Kat and a Lord of the Underworld.
If you want a funny romance, go for books like Touched by an Alien. I can't say I loved it, but I read and found nice the first in the series. In it you won't find tragedy and personal dramas. Here you'll find them amid the laughing stock. They are not touched with lightness, but stuck in the middle. And you can't take them seriously nor root for the characters.
I haven't' read the first book, so nothing made much sense. You can overlook this, but I couldn't overlook the void. At 50% this book and I parted way. In a friendly manner. Like two strangers forced on a conversation with nothing in common to talk about. Except the weather. Yeah.
I'm a fan of Terry Pratchett, so humour is not a problem. At all. I love the way he writes and highlights our shortcomings. But what he writes about is never really something to laugh at. Here there's simply a forced fluffiness, a freak child of Kitty Kat and a Lord of the Underworld.
If you want a funny romance, go for books like Touched by an Alien. I can't say I loved it, but I read and found nice the first in the series. In it you won't find tragedy and personal dramas. Here you'll find them amid the laughing stock. They are not touched with lightness, but stuck in the middle. And you can't take them seriously nor root for the characters.
I haven't' read the first book, so nothing made much sense. You can overlook this, but I couldn't overlook the void. At 50% this book and I parted way. In a friendly manner. Like two strangers forced on a conversation with nothing in common to talk about. Except the weather. Yeah.
July 22, 2011
Stephanie Rowe is a new-to-me author who has acquired her newest fan. I will definitely be looking for more books from her in the very near future. I already have the first book in this Soulfire series ordered: Kiss At Your Own Risk. This is very much a stand-alone story although the background info really made me want to run out and get the first book immediately.
Touch If You Dare was a fast-paced, fun read for me. I jumped right into it and didn't put it down until I'd finished every last tantalizing word. I really enjoyed the characters, especially those of Jarvis and Reina. The author is quite adept at making the reader like these people, even if they have some very rough edges. I must admit that Nigel is another of the men that I would like to see have his own story. He needs some love too.
The humor-infused plot moved along quickly and had some very interesting twists and turns. It was a very sexy and steamy read that had quite a lot going for it.
Touch If You Dare was a fast-paced, fun read for me. I jumped right into it and didn't put it down until I'd finished every last tantalizing word. I really enjoyed the characters, especially those of Jarvis and Reina. The author is quite adept at making the reader like these people, even if they have some very rough edges. I must admit that Nigel is another of the men that I would like to see have his own story. He needs some love too.
The humor-infused plot moved along quickly and had some very interesting twists and turns. It was a very sexy and steamy read that had quite a lot going for it.
August 26, 2016
There were too many characters with too much going on to try and concentrate on Reina and Jarvis. Like the first book, the forced funny made me roll my eyes.
Death was fun. His part in the story is what kept me going. I want his jewelry collection. Maybe not the penis ring, but I'd like a look through the rest of it.
For me, this book was so over the top that at first I was thankful I was finally finished with it. After taking a reading break and watching World Cup for a few hours, I'm remembering some of what I read and it's not all that bad.
Basically, I didn't appreciate this book or the humor of it all. I like Rowe's books, just not this one. There's only one more book left to read and the cover is blue.
Death was fun. His part in the story is what kept me going. I want his jewelry collection. Maybe not the penis ring, but I'd like a look through the rest of it.
For me, this book was so over the top that at first I was thankful I was finally finished with it. After taking a reading break and watching World Cup for a few hours, I'm remembering some of what I read and it's not all that bad.
Basically, I didn't appreciate this book or the humor of it all. I like Rowe's books, just not this one. There's only one more book left to read and the cover is blue.
August 23, 2011
This was a good read overall. I just couldn't get into the main characters very well. I did enjoy the secondary characters though. It had some funny humor in it that had me laughing, like the keeper of love =) It had different versions of the grim reaper and death himself. I always pictured them dark and ruthless but Stephanie I thought had them on the light and humorous side. This book had rave reviews from some well known authors so if you like paranormal you probably should give it a read. It just wasn't one of my favorites.
December 2, 2014
Well, at least it was a more cohesive book. Still, there were continuity errors.
And then there was that whole farcical almost-boss-fight 2/3 in thereupon it was determined apparently that well, they weren't close enough to the end to wrap things up yet so nothing really happened except a lot of drama for no real reason.
Of course the boss fight at the end was even more farcical so...
The mc weren't exactly wondrous either - the h had moments of sheer obliviousness, and the H was convinced that he was irredeemable.
I dunno...
And then there was that whole farcical almost-boss-fight 2/3 in thereupon it was determined apparently that well, they weren't close enough to the end to wrap things up yet so nothing really happened except a lot of drama for no real reason.
Of course the boss fight at the end was even more farcical so...
The mc weren't exactly wondrous either - the h had moments of sheer obliviousness, and the H was convinced that he was irredeemable.
I dunno...
September 26, 2011
Touch if You Dare is one of those light-hearted paranormal romances, with a slightly dark undertone, that will leave you longing for the next book. Stephanie Rowe writes with a wit reminiscent of bestselling author J.R. Ward, and an imagination that author's envy.
Read more at Suite101: Paranormal Romance Review – Touch if You Dare | Suite101.com http://jessicahastings.suite101.com/p...
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