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Hidden #1
Hidden Talents
Werewolf cop Adam swears to protect and serve all the supernatural creatures in Resurrection, but he also watches out for unsuspecting human Talents who wander in from Outside. Telekinetic Ari is just such a wanderer. She’s tracking a crime boss who wants to exploit her gift for his own evil ends—a mission that puts her on a collision course with the hottest cop in the RPD. Adam wants the crime boss too, but mostly he wants Ari. She’s the mate he’s yearned for all his life. Problem is getting a former street kid into bed with the Law could be his toughest case to date. “Hidden Talents is the perfect package of supes, romance, mystery and HEA!” —paperbackdolls.com
211 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 25, 2011
30 people are currently reading
1359 people want to read
About the author
Emma Holly
93 books1,268 followersI'm a USA Today bestselling author who LOVES the hot stuff, both to read and to write. My favorite obsessions are all things coffee, almost everything on HGTV, and dreaming up new stories.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 119 reviews
June 30, 2011
Emma Holly is the undisputed queen of female erotica with a great story behind it. Hidden Talents is another notch on her belt of tremendously sexy reads. Once again she has created a unique and fascinating world with wonderfully intriguing characters who take their sexual escapades to the Nth level.
Thrown out of her home as a teen by stringently religious parents, Ari found her own family on the streets. Now as an adult, Henry Blackwater, aka the Eunuch, is threatening that family. Ari has come to Resurrection, NY to hunt down the Eunuch, and end his reign of terror. Adam Santini was born and raised in Resurrection,a hidden metropolis of paranormal citizens,and as a police officer he takes upholding the laws of Resurrection very seriously. When Adam gets a call about unauthorized magic, he and his team respond to find Ari torturing on of Henry Blackman's known associates. Adam has been trying to get concrete evidence on the Eunuch for awhile, so sticking close to Ari is a neccessity.....and a pleasure.
That this is a wonderfully sexy, entertaining story should be no surprise to those Holly fans out there. For the unfortunate who haven't had the pleasure yet. This is the place to start. Emma Holly pulls out all the stops in this book. Humor, romance, poignantly emotion moments, and characters that will become part of your literary favorites.
Thrown out of her home as a teen by stringently religious parents, Ari found her own family on the streets. Now as an adult, Henry Blackwater, aka the Eunuch, is threatening that family. Ari has come to Resurrection, NY to hunt down the Eunuch, and end his reign of terror. Adam Santini was born and raised in Resurrection,a hidden metropolis of paranormal citizens,and as a police officer he takes upholding the laws of Resurrection very seriously. When Adam gets a call about unauthorized magic, he and his team respond to find Ari torturing on of Henry Blackman's known associates. Adam has been trying to get concrete evidence on the Eunuch for awhile, so sticking close to Ari is a neccessity.....and a pleasure.
That this is a wonderfully sexy, entertaining story should be no surprise to those Holly fans out there. For the unfortunate who haven't had the pleasure yet. This is the place to start. Emma Holly pulls out all the stops in this book. Humor, romance, poignantly emotion moments, and characters that will become part of your literary favorites.
February 12, 2012
Allromance 12 days of Christmas free download.
3.0 stars...OK read
I guess this type of book is not for me. I checked through my notes and noticed that I wrote "a lot of bodily fluids are exchanged."
I did enjoy the supernatural elements, especially the author's take on gargoyles.
3.0 stars...OK read
I guess this type of book is not for me. I checked through my notes and noticed that I wrote "a lot of bodily fluids are exchanged."
I did enjoy the supernatural elements, especially the author's take on gargoyles.
August 27, 2013
Fun, sexy, and just a bit trashy just what I was in the mood for. Love reading a het romance where the female lead isn't a complete pushover.
January 16, 2012
*fans self* I'm going to go on record as saying that this book is hot enough that you might not want to read it in public. There's a distinct possibility that it made *me* blush a time or two. And that's saying a lot because I read sexy shifter books every chance I get. *fans self again*
First off, I have a definite love for that whole "mine" thing that shifters do. I just adore it. So when Adam catches Ari's scent and goes all growly, I might have swooned a bit. And then they get physical and... *swoons some more*. Seriously, there's an undeniable hotness factor here. She's twitchy, he's determined. They have sparks. Lots and lots of sparks.
Naturally, there's danger and mayhem and more danger that they have to work around before finding their happily ever after. Ari is in a situation with her former boss. Adam is a werewolf cop determined to keep his city safe. They team up. They kick some booty. They get to have more sweaty sex. I approve of all of those things.
Now, I'm going to freely admit that I picked this book up on a day when I wanted something sexy and a little dark and this book delivered that. I'd love to read more about Adam's team and see if they find their chosen ones in the future. In the meantime... delicious shifter sex. I approve.
-Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal
First off, I have a definite love for that whole "mine" thing that shifters do. I just adore it. So when Adam catches Ari's scent and goes all growly, I might have swooned a bit. And then they get physical and... *swoons some more*. Seriously, there's an undeniable hotness factor here. She's twitchy, he's determined. They have sparks. Lots and lots of sparks.
Naturally, there's danger and mayhem and more danger that they have to work around before finding their happily ever after. Ari is in a situation with her former boss. Adam is a werewolf cop determined to keep his city safe. They team up. They kick some booty. They get to have more sweaty sex. I approve of all of those things.
Now, I'm going to freely admit that I picked this book up on a day when I wanted something sexy and a little dark and this book delivered that. I'd love to read more about Adam's team and see if they find their chosen ones in the future. In the meantime... delicious shifter sex. I approve.
-Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal
March 22, 2015
It's been a while since I've read an Emmy Holly book so I'd forgotten that she can write really hot and erotic M/F scenes. I've never understood the attraction between really tall guys and really short girls so I didn't quite buy Adam being that attracted to Ari, but that's just me. Adam also didn't come across as 39 to Ari's twenty-something.
Somewhere along the line I lost interest. There was a lot of sex scenes (not full intercourse) in the beginning and although hot, it took away from the story that when the story really started I lost interest. I skipped a huge chunk of the book to get to "the good stuff."
Grant, the Gargoyle, was my favorite character. There are some MMMF stories in the series and one MM so I might read those but I'm not excited about continuing this series.
Somewhere along the line I lost interest. There was a lot of sex scenes (not full intercourse) in the beginning and although hot, it took away from the story that when the story really started I lost interest. I skipped a huge chunk of the book to get to "the good stuff."
Grant, the Gargoyle, was my favorite character. There are some MMMF stories in the series and one MM so I might read those but I'm not excited about continuing this series.
January 3, 2012
Scorching hot with great characters. I loved the RPD and hope to see the yummy wolves again. Especially Nate. I liked how Resurrection is a kitchen sink of the supernatural with weres, fae, vampires, elves and even a unicorn.
The romance between Adam and Ari was standard but well done. Ari was a heroine I could root for. Gutsy without the TSTL and just enough angst. Adam made a nice alpha. Possessive without being ridiculously over the top. He loved Ari but didn't forget about his cop responsibilities.
I hope she revisits Resurrection again. Grant is too cute and I'm curious as to what happens with the Fae Lord and the vampire/elf singer.
The romance between Adam and Ari was standard but well done. Ari was a heroine I could root for. Gutsy without the TSTL and just enough angst. Adam made a nice alpha. Possessive without being ridiculously over the top. He loved Ari but didn't forget about his cop responsibilities.
I hope she revisits Resurrection again. Grant is too cute and I'm curious as to what happens with the Fae Lord and the vampire/elf singer.
February 2, 2012
2.5 stars
The concept is better than the execution, but I enjoyed the premise. Oddly enough, the raw mix of immature yet jaded in the portrayal of the heroine worked. Her prosaic and optimistic character was intriguing. Sure the book is not perfect; it could use editing, but is enjoyable.
The concept is better than the execution, but I enjoyed the premise. Oddly enough, the raw mix of immature yet jaded in the portrayal of the heroine worked. Her prosaic and optimistic character was intriguing. Sure the book is not perfect; it could use editing, but is enjoyable.
February 20, 2012
Hidden Talents is a Joyfully Recommended Read
Ari is a woman on a mission and that mission is to make sure her ex-boss can no longer hurt her friends. Ari is a telekinetic who ended up working for Henry Blackwater, aka Eunuch, in order to get herself and her friends off the streets. Not needing to do the type of work Henry wanted anymore, Ari quit and refused to go back to work for Henry. His response was to hurt those she loves and Ari is not having it.
Adam Santini is a lieutenant over his team of detectives. Sounds ordinary until you consider that Adam and his team are all Werewolves and they live and work in a town called Resurrection. Resurrection is a New York town that was created by Fae and one that only certain people can even find. Powers are stronger in Resurrection so there are strict rules on the use of power. While unusual, it’s not unheard of for visitors to trip into Resurrection without realizing just how different it is.
Ari went to Resurrection on purpose to find Henry, but she had no idea that it was any different from any other town on New York. When she met Adam and his team while committing a crime, Ari comes to realize not only how special the town is, but also how special Adam is. The passion rises fast and hot between Adam and Ari. Since they both want to find Henry, Adam is convinced to pair up with Ari for the ultimate sting. Danger and death come much too close as the sting comes to an end. When it’s all over, can Adam convince Ari to risk believing in their love or will he lose her to the ‘normal’ world?
Crime brings two very unlikely people together in a red-hot passion that will never burn out. Ari and Adam come together in Hidden Talents in such a way nothing will defeat their passion. I knew right away that Ari would risk it all to protect the ones she loved – even when it’s a new love with Adam. Adam is an alpha so protection is more than instinctive to him. I loved watching as Ari and Adam not only discovered their love, but also fought through the doubts that tried to come between them. The suspense and danger were a perfect counter to the eroticism of their passion and when you toss in the ribbons of humor that was throughout, I fell in love with not only Air and Adam’s story but also with Resurrection itself. Hidden Talents is red-hot passion, deadly danger and humor all swirled together in a way that made it hard to put it down. To say its Joyfully Recommended only tells you just a bit of all I loved about this story. I just can’t tell you everything I loved because you just have to read it for yourself. I really hope that we are gifted with another look into the special world of Resurrection before long.
Reviewed by Jo
For Joyfully Reviewed
Ari is a woman on a mission and that mission is to make sure her ex-boss can no longer hurt her friends. Ari is a telekinetic who ended up working for Henry Blackwater, aka Eunuch, in order to get herself and her friends off the streets. Not needing to do the type of work Henry wanted anymore, Ari quit and refused to go back to work for Henry. His response was to hurt those she loves and Ari is not having it.
Adam Santini is a lieutenant over his team of detectives. Sounds ordinary until you consider that Adam and his team are all Werewolves and they live and work in a town called Resurrection. Resurrection is a New York town that was created by Fae and one that only certain people can even find. Powers are stronger in Resurrection so there are strict rules on the use of power. While unusual, it’s not unheard of for visitors to trip into Resurrection without realizing just how different it is.
Ari went to Resurrection on purpose to find Henry, but she had no idea that it was any different from any other town on New York. When she met Adam and his team while committing a crime, Ari comes to realize not only how special the town is, but also how special Adam is. The passion rises fast and hot between Adam and Ari. Since they both want to find Henry, Adam is convinced to pair up with Ari for the ultimate sting. Danger and death come much too close as the sting comes to an end. When it’s all over, can Adam convince Ari to risk believing in their love or will he lose her to the ‘normal’ world?
Crime brings two very unlikely people together in a red-hot passion that will never burn out. Ari and Adam come together in Hidden Talents in such a way nothing will defeat their passion. I knew right away that Ari would risk it all to protect the ones she loved – even when it’s a new love with Adam. Adam is an alpha so protection is more than instinctive to him. I loved watching as Ari and Adam not only discovered their love, but also fought through the doubts that tried to come between them. The suspense and danger were a perfect counter to the eroticism of their passion and when you toss in the ribbons of humor that was throughout, I fell in love with not only Air and Adam’s story but also with Resurrection itself. Hidden Talents is red-hot passion, deadly danger and humor all swirled together in a way that made it hard to put it down. To say its Joyfully Recommended only tells you just a bit of all I loved about this story. I just can’t tell you everything I loved because you just have to read it for yourself. I really hope that we are gifted with another look into the special world of Resurrection before long.
Reviewed by Jo
For Joyfully Reviewed
February 16, 2012
This baby had it all! Resurrection, NY is a wild ride for the imagination. The city exist in a pocket of space hidden by the fae and provides a place for supernatural beings to live side-by-side in peace and tranquility. Of course, every city still needs law and order to keep everybody honest, enter our hero -- Adam Santini. He is the werewolf pack leader and the head of the police. Adam is an honest wolf just trying to keep his city's version of lawful behavior. He goes out on a call about the unlawful use of unregistered magic. What he finds is a very determined heroine named Ari who is torturing a snitch to find out the location of the Eunuch.
The Eunuch, as it turns out, is a thug involved in all manner of nasty little mafia-type money earning. It just so happens that the Eunuch was Ari's employer in the 'regular' world but betrayed her by stealing away one of her close friends. If you haven't guessed, yes the Eunuch was the bad guy and he had a snappy response to everything. I hated to see him come face-to-face with his due.
For Ari, the path to the truth of it all had many twist, turns, and more laughs than I can count. The love story between Ari and Adam was passionate and felt natural. They made a great couple. Ms. Holly seemed to have fun building the relationship and it showed. The Eunuch was another creation of Ms. Holly I am destined to remember for a long time. I can find no fault with this story at all. I would have gone straight to Book 2 but it's about a bi-sexual seal shifter, I am not feeling that at all. I am sure Ms. Holly makes it work but...yuck. LoL.
The Eunuch, as it turns out, is a thug involved in all manner of nasty little mafia-type money earning. It just so happens that the Eunuch was Ari's employer in the 'regular' world but betrayed her by stealing away one of her close friends. If you haven't guessed, yes the Eunuch was the bad guy and he had a snappy response to everything. I hated to see him come face-to-face with his due.
For Ari, the path to the truth of it all had many twist, turns, and more laughs than I can count. The love story between Ari and Adam was passionate and felt natural. They made a great couple. Ms. Holly seemed to have fun building the relationship and it showed. The Eunuch was another creation of Ms. Holly I am destined to remember for a long time. I can find no fault with this story at all. I would have gone straight to Book 2 but it's about a bi-sexual seal shifter, I am not feeling that at all. I am sure Ms. Holly makes it work but...yuck. LoL.
August 11, 2011
Emma Holly has created a wonderful new world with Hidden Talents. Werewolves, gargoyles, elves, fae, vampires, demons and talents abound in this humorous and hot paranormal romance with a dash of fantasy. Holly's characters are vibrant and sexy.
Ari has been on her own for nine years, ever since she was kicked out at seventeen for having supernatural talents. Forced to work for a drug kingpin in exchange for keeping her friends safe, Ari has had enough and has come to the city of Resurrection to make sure he can't hurt her friends any more. She has trust and self worth issues and her friends mean the world to her. When she meets Adam, she has no idea her world is about to turn upside down.
Adam, alpha werewolf and head of the special unit of werewolf cops, is called out investigate a "magic without license" disturbance. What he finds rocks him to the core. Little Ari is roughing up a thug who is not only twice her size but half fae as well. He can't keep his eyes off her and much to his chagrin, he gets hard. He takes her home instead of to the station where he and his team learn she is after one of the most wanted criminals in town they've never been able to pin anything on.
The chemistry between Adam and Ari is off the charts and the sex is seriously hot in typical Holly style.
I thoroughly enjoyed this story and think fans of paranormal romance, urban fantasy and sexy werewolves will too. I hope Emma Holly decides to turn this into a series.
Ari has been on her own for nine years, ever since she was kicked out at seventeen for having supernatural talents. Forced to work for a drug kingpin in exchange for keeping her friends safe, Ari has had enough and has come to the city of Resurrection to make sure he can't hurt her friends any more. She has trust and self worth issues and her friends mean the world to her. When she meets Adam, she has no idea her world is about to turn upside down.
Adam, alpha werewolf and head of the special unit of werewolf cops, is called out investigate a "magic without license" disturbance. What he finds rocks him to the core. Little Ari is roughing up a thug who is not only twice her size but half fae as well. He can't keep his eyes off her and much to his chagrin, he gets hard. He takes her home instead of to the station where he and his team learn she is after one of the most wanted criminals in town they've never been able to pin anything on.
The chemistry between Adam and Ari is off the charts and the sex is seriously hot in typical Holly style.
I thoroughly enjoyed this story and think fans of paranormal romance, urban fantasy and sexy werewolves will too. I hope Emma Holly decides to turn this into a series.
May 27, 2013
Another PNR... I have stayed away from PNR lately. I think I got burned out. But this was a really good introduction to a series. An interesting new world. Resurrection, New York, is a magical place, and Ari has come there to try to make The Eunuch leave her and her friends alone. The Eunuch collects people who can do magic in the normal world, drains them, and then more or less disposes of them. He wants Ari to work for him, but Ari isn't interested, so the Eunuch puts pressure on her by getting her fired and messing with her friends.
When she gets to Resurrection, her powers are much stronger than they are elsewhere, which attracts the attention of the local police, particularly Adam, the local alpha as well as a police lieutenant. They quickly realize this attraction they have isn't quite normal, and they indulge as much as they can without getting Ari pregnant (were sperm is particularly potent). And in the meantime, they work together to figure out how to bring Henry the Eunuch down. And they fall in love.
It was a sweet, sexy story. I'd be interested in reading more in the series. Most of the dudes Adam works with appear to be single, so it seems like there could be many stories left to tell.
When she gets to Resurrection, her powers are much stronger than they are elsewhere, which attracts the attention of the local police, particularly Adam, the local alpha as well as a police lieutenant. They quickly realize this attraction they have isn't quite normal, and they indulge as much as they can without getting Ari pregnant (were sperm is particularly potent). And in the meantime, they work together to figure out how to bring Henry the Eunuch down. And they fall in love.
It was a sweet, sexy story. I'd be interested in reading more in the series. Most of the dudes Adam works with appear to be single, so it seems like there could be many stories left to tell.
July 21, 2011
Can I have 6 stars? I always love Emma, but this book was awesome! As usual Hot and Sexy, but really good story also.
This is a new world for Emma, Revolution NY, A pocket of Fae created magic that houses paranormals. A mostly werewolf police force, Magic that has to be licensed, Gargoyles, Demons, sorcerers oh my! I do so hope this will be the start of a new series, because the secondary characters were wonderful and they are telling me they need stories too! Rick, Grant, and all the guys need to find their HEAs!
This story is about, Adam, Alpha werewolf and police lieutenant, Who teams up with Ari, a telekenetic human who has just found out Revolution exists. She comes to Revolution to confront the bad guy, the eunich, who had hurt her friends because he is trying to control her. She plans to kill him, not knowing that she can't preform magic in Revolution without a license! "Hot cop" Adam and his team find her right off, torturing a minion for information on the eunich and instead of arresting her they team up to trap the bad guy!
Wonderful suspense, great love story and a made me cry ending!
This is a new world for Emma, Revolution NY, A pocket of Fae created magic that houses paranormals. A mostly werewolf police force, Magic that has to be licensed, Gargoyles, Demons, sorcerers oh my! I do so hope this will be the start of a new series, because the secondary characters were wonderful and they are telling me they need stories too! Rick, Grant, and all the guys need to find their HEAs!
This story is about, Adam, Alpha werewolf and police lieutenant, Who teams up with Ari, a telekenetic human who has just found out Revolution exists. She comes to Revolution to confront the bad guy, the eunich, who had hurt her friends because he is trying to control her. She plans to kill him, not knowing that she can't preform magic in Revolution without a license! "Hot cop" Adam and his team find her right off, torturing a minion for information on the eunich and instead of arresting her they team up to trap the bad guy!
Wonderful suspense, great love story and a made me cry ending!
August 10, 2012
Hidden Talents is the first in the Hidden Series by Emma Holly, where we meet our Heroine, Ari. She feels, and knows that with her special 'gifts' that she is different from other people and some people avoid her making her feel left out and unwanted. She is being used by a very evil man and decides to hide away from him and his evil ways.
Enter our Hero, Adam. Adam is a Lieutenant on the Police force and is also a very Hot, hunky Alpha of his were pack.
I enjoyed this story, which was a different twist on the typical paranormal stories that are out there. Adam & Ari have some steamy action together and it doesn't take Adam long to realize he is very taken with Ari. However, it takes Ari longer to see that what she has with Adam is something special and exactly what she has been looking for.
January 28, 2015
I don't have much to say here. I found this in my library. I know I bought it a while ago, but I had it marked as unread. So, I gave it a try. As I read, parts of it seemed familiar. Things like the roommate with the broken hands and Grant the gargoyle. The overall story didn't spark a memory, but I'm pretty sure I read this previously.
So, Adam really didn't seem like an alpha werewolf. And Ari was just okay. This in-between world was kind of odd. I don't know. It just wasn't memorable for me.
So, Adam really didn't seem like an alpha werewolf. And Ari was just okay. This in-between world was kind of odd. I don't know. It just wasn't memorable for me.
August 23, 2012
Second read and I liked it just as much. I liked it better than most of the other Emma Holly books that I've read -- they are very well done and extremely erotic, but this book is somehow lighter and more fun to read with great world-building and likable characters. It would have been a five star read if not for Ari's giant pile of woe-is-me and making Adam chase her to New York.
October 14, 2012
Another great interesting and different paranormal world. I love this community that was created and look forward to reading other books taking palce here.
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If you liked this book you may enjoy the following groups:
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If you liked this book you may enjoy the following groups:
Erotic Enchants Group
Menage Readers Group
April 30, 2013
Emma Holly's books always revs me up and this was no exception.
Loved Adam. Such a hot, alpha, werewolfy type guy.
Loved Ari. Independent, desperate to be loved.
Can't wait to start the next in the series...
P/S: Sex scenes were H-O-T!
Loved Adam. Such a hot, alpha, werewolfy type guy.
Loved Ari. Independent, desperate to be loved.
Can't wait to start the next in the series...
P/S: Sex scenes were H-O-T!
October 28, 2017
Emma Holly writes erotica, and she's very good at it, but she's also a good writer generally - good at storytelling. This book would have been better as a paranormal romance. The erotica detracted from the story for me. I was interested in the story more than the steamy scenes, and eventually gave up reading it because the story was dragging too much.
April 28, 2018
Poorly edited, and with a rushed timeline. Originally I had high hopes for this book, but it's closer to porn than a recommendable story. It does have its moments though, with ok characters and a few good, and even funny, scenes.
Though it uses the same ISBN, my version has a different cover image...
Though it uses the same ISBN, my version has a different cover image...
July 22, 2021
Super well written sex scenes. But I honestly thought the wondercock had to be an in joke from the writer to her friends because whaaaaat? Not as smooth as some of her other books, but still quite enjoyable ~_^
quit-reading
November 6, 2024I quit reading this book at chap 5 because it was basically written around sex instead of a book including sex. It SOUNDED like there was a plot, but mostly it was just excuses and scenes so that sex could be had. Just isn't my thing.
January 15, 2020
Hot sexy scenes, interesting world building. The characters were ok, but there wasn’t a big connection. The whole Magical Condemns for werewolves? Hilarious😁
Read
July 16, 2022Re-read 07/15/2022
December 19, 2017
First in the Hidden erotic paranormal romance series revolving around the hardly seen town of Resurrection in upstate New York, technically. The couple focus is on Ari and Adam.
My Take
Oh, this was too sweet and too much fun! There's a nice fairy tale quality in this story and I'm hoping I can find the next in the series, Hidden Depths . Holly grabs us in with Tony's upset over his beignets and West's torture and you won't get out until you finish. It's a quick read. A good thing as you won't want to put it down.
I love the characters Holly has created. They're close and loyal—-almost Norman Rockwell-like! The fact that they're all supernatural is neither here nor there. Holly brings in the testosterone-laden werewolves as cops with all the usual banter and blends it with a strong sense of family and protectiveness. I also love how Holly plays with Tony's recent reveal that he's gay. His fellow cops love teasing him and his brother about it. There is such a lovely acceptance here.
There are rules for entering Resurrection and anyone disobeying those rules is quickly tossed back. The RPD's primary purpose is to ensure that Good doesn't get swallowed up by Evil.
Too funny...I love Holly's description of Resurrection from Ari's viewpoint---gnomes, freshly caught, No Flaring signs, pointy ears. Oh girl, you are not in Kansas anymore! There are bits like home. Sorta. There's the Elfnet phone system, Star Brew coffee, Chinatown… It's a town based on 1800s New York and an experiment in coexistence.
Oh, now just a minute, I can't believe Grygir is that stupid to just show up like this! He must have some idea of what the Eunuch is like?!
The Story
Ari is a pureheart and ideal for what the Eunuch needs. It's a treacherous trail he lays enticing Ari into following for vengeance. It's Ari's torture of West that brings her to Adam's attention. All of his attention.
In spite of the rules that they should turn Ari over to Magical Mentoring, Adam's alpha power pushes to hold onto her. Yeah, yeah, that's right. She's trying to find the Eunuch and they need to find out what she knows. Yeah, that'll work. In the meantime, Ari and Adam are both feeling the attraction and not averse to exploring it.
Getting back to law enforcement, it seems that the Eunuch picks up pets, people with a Talent, in New York City and they've been disappearing. It's not good, unregistered Talent in Resurrection. They have got to figure out what the Eunuch is doing. If they can pull him in on something…
Unfortunately, Ari is the bait and Adam refuses to allow her anywhere near the Eunuch without protection. His protection. Not only will they need the Mayor's blessing but the Gargoyle Council's as well. A permission they receive but at a price.
There are still more prices to pay on this undercover operation. Prices which are much too high for Ari to pay.
The Characters
Ari used to work as a hostess, barely eking out survival in New York City with the help of Maxwell, a house painter by day and an artist by night, and Sarah Thompson who plays guitar, busking in the subway.
Adam Santini heads up the werewolf detective unit with his cousin Rick as the beta with a huge appetite. Other detectives include Tony Lupone, another cousin who has recently come out, Nate Rivera is another cousin, Carmine is the only married cousin, and Dana is the dispatcher, but not related. Mr. and Mrs. Lupone make themselves to home in Adam's apartment right along with their grandson, Ethan; his parents are Maria and Johnny.
Gargoyles are almost unseen sentinels, the self-appointed National Guard, capable of assessing the magic level of anyone. Grant is set as Ari and Adam's guardian gargoyle on this mission.
Mariska Andoor is an elf-vampire and a hot, smokin' chanteuse much loved by Lord Grygir, a fae lord. And one of the Eunuch's enemies.
Henry Blackwater is the Eunuch, a bad guy who sells, enslaves, and deals. Some of his minions include Darius, a demon, and Francis and Vito are two of the Talents. Donnie West is an almost null with a handful of outstanding warrants. Too bad for him that Ari caught him.
The Cover and Title
The cover of night with the New York City skyline in the background is all blues and oranges with a gleaming closeup of Ari's abs and the lower swell of her breasts as Adam raises her T-shirt.
The title is too true for it's one that the Eunuch is good at, spotting Hidden Talents.
My Take
Oh, this was too sweet and too much fun! There's a nice fairy tale quality in this story and I'm hoping I can find the next in the series, Hidden Depths . Holly grabs us in with Tony's upset over his beignets and West's torture and you won't get out until you finish. It's a quick read. A good thing as you won't want to put it down.
I love the characters Holly has created. They're close and loyal—-almost Norman Rockwell-like! The fact that they're all supernatural is neither here nor there. Holly brings in the testosterone-laden werewolves as cops with all the usual banter and blends it with a strong sense of family and protectiveness. I also love how Holly plays with Tony's recent reveal that he's gay. His fellow cops love teasing him and his brother about it. There is such a lovely acceptance here.
There are rules for entering Resurrection and anyone disobeying those rules is quickly tossed back. The RPD's primary purpose is to ensure that Good doesn't get swallowed up by Evil.
Too funny...I love Holly's description of Resurrection from Ari's viewpoint---gnomes, freshly caught, No Flaring signs, pointy ears. Oh girl, you are not in Kansas anymore! There are bits like home. Sorta. There's the Elfnet phone system, Star Brew coffee, Chinatown… It's a town based on 1800s New York and an experiment in coexistence.
Oh, now just a minute, I can't believe Grygir is that stupid to just show up like this! He must have some idea of what the Eunuch is like?!
The Story
Ari is a pureheart and ideal for what the Eunuch needs. It's a treacherous trail he lays enticing Ari into following for vengeance. It's Ari's torture of West that brings her to Adam's attention. All of his attention.
In spite of the rules that they should turn Ari over to Magical Mentoring, Adam's alpha power pushes to hold onto her. Yeah, yeah, that's right. She's trying to find the Eunuch and they need to find out what she knows. Yeah, that'll work. In the meantime, Ari and Adam are both feeling the attraction and not averse to exploring it.
Getting back to law enforcement, it seems that the Eunuch picks up pets, people with a Talent, in New York City and they've been disappearing. It's not good, unregistered Talent in Resurrection. They have got to figure out what the Eunuch is doing. If they can pull him in on something…
Unfortunately, Ari is the bait and Adam refuses to allow her anywhere near the Eunuch without protection. His protection. Not only will they need the Mayor's blessing but the Gargoyle Council's as well. A permission they receive but at a price.
There are still more prices to pay on this undercover operation. Prices which are much too high for Ari to pay.
The Characters
Ari used to work as a hostess, barely eking out survival in New York City with the help of Maxwell, a house painter by day and an artist by night, and Sarah Thompson who plays guitar, busking in the subway.
Adam Santini heads up the werewolf detective unit with his cousin Rick as the beta with a huge appetite. Other detectives include Tony Lupone, another cousin who has recently come out, Nate Rivera is another cousin, Carmine is the only married cousin, and Dana is the dispatcher, but not related. Mr. and Mrs. Lupone make themselves to home in Adam's apartment right along with their grandson, Ethan; his parents are Maria and Johnny.
Gargoyles are almost unseen sentinels, the self-appointed National Guard, capable of assessing the magic level of anyone. Grant is set as Ari and Adam's guardian gargoyle on this mission.
Mariska Andoor is an elf-vampire and a hot, smokin' chanteuse much loved by Lord Grygir, a fae lord. And one of the Eunuch's enemies.
Henry Blackwater is the Eunuch, a bad guy who sells, enslaves, and deals. Some of his minions include Darius, a demon, and Francis and Vito are two of the Talents. Donnie West is an almost null with a handful of outstanding warrants. Too bad for him that Ari caught him.
The Cover and Title
The cover of night with the New York City skyline in the background is all blues and oranges with a gleaming closeup of Ari's abs and the lower swell of her breasts as Adam raises her T-shirt.
The title is too true for it's one that the Eunuch is good at, spotting Hidden Talents.
February 20, 2016
"Hidden Talents" by Emma Holly, (Queen of Paranormal Romances) began with a mystery. Ari was bad news with a capital B, and she was gunning for the Eunuch. The story right away tells/shows us Ari's goal: to punish the man who hurt one of her friends, and may or may not have done something to another friend who is currently missing. Ari is tired of looking over her shoulder, and wants to use her gift to vanquish the villain. We, as readers are along for the ride, because we want to know how this 26 year-old young woman from Kansas is going to accomplish such a feat.
In chapter two, we meet the leading man/werewolf, Adam Santini, a cop. He is a born leader who keeps the other men in line, and believes that you lead by example. Santini's goal was to arrest Ari for using magic without a license, but it quickly changed to protect his mate at all costs. Their romance was sometimes amusing, other times explosive, and also frustrating (for me as well as the couple). Adam's libido was way past explosive every time he was near Ari. Apparently werewolves are very potent even with birth control, and because he wanted children/pups, it was guaranteed that he would impregnate Ari. Therefore, Ms. Holly introduced something that I have not read from other authors, magical condoms :).
I like this novella because it is well-written and captivating. Also I'm big into supernatural: werewolves, telekinesis, magic, vampires, gargoyles, and of course HEA. This book came fully loaded with those aforementioned supes as well as the fae.
What I disliked about this novella, was that due to its length, the villains were vanquished too easily, or at least in my humble opinion. I also wished that Grant the Gargoyle had a much larger role. :) Hopefully he will reappear in book two. Fingers crossed!
Since there are only two things I disliked, and so many more captivating things I liked and enjoyed, I highly recommend this novella to all romance book lovers! You may also download it for free (if it's still being offered) from Kindle. Happy reading!
In chapter two, we meet the leading man/werewolf, Adam Santini, a cop. He is a born leader who keeps the other men in line, and believes that you lead by example. Santini's goal was to arrest Ari for using magic without a license, but it quickly changed to protect his mate at all costs. Their romance was sometimes amusing, other times explosive, and also frustrating (for me as well as the couple). Adam's libido was way past explosive every time he was near Ari. Apparently werewolves are very potent even with birth control, and because he wanted children/pups, it was guaranteed that he would impregnate Ari. Therefore, Ms. Holly introduced something that I have not read from other authors, magical condoms :).
I like this novella because it is well-written and captivating. Also I'm big into supernatural: werewolves, telekinesis, magic, vampires, gargoyles, and of course HEA. This book came fully loaded with those aforementioned supes as well as the fae.
What I disliked about this novella, was that due to its length, the villains were vanquished too easily, or at least in my humble opinion. I also wished that Grant the Gargoyle had a much larger role. :) Hopefully he will reappear in book two. Fingers crossed!
Since there are only two things I disliked, and so many more captivating things I liked and enjoyed, I highly recommend this novella to all romance book lovers! You may also download it for free (if it's still being offered) from Kindle. Happy reading!
February 13, 2012
This book should have been a first in a series of the supes of Ressurection. There are some great characters that are lurking, waiting for their voice too. So I hope there is more in store for team Resurrection.
Adam, what a sexy alpha werewolf. I liked his character a lot - sensitive, strong, brave, honest as the day is long, big cock. What's not to like here? Adam is with the Resurrection Police Department, as are his cousins, that patrol and keep the peace in their quirky pocket of NY. He recognises his mate in Ari pretty quickly, I don't have a problem with insta-connection, especially for paranormals. He would like pups and he loves the whole tightknit, family connection.
Ari is a human but with magical powers, (she's a level 5 Talent, powerful stuff apparently). Apart from the very beginning though she doesn't use it. For quite a while she was just a little two dimensional for me. Although she's an independent, colourful, strong young woman, I just couldn't feel her character fully. Near the end, when Max first heard and then Ari also heard a dog howl and she went to the park looking for/hoping it was Adam, that's when Ari got better for me (hey, better late than never).
There was some very solid world building in this book. Secondary characters were all interesting. As per usual the sex is great, white hot in parts, but the need for condoms in a paranormal read throws me off. Yes, I know there were reasons outlined in the book and, yes, it was responsible. However, the inner pervert in me gets huffy, ba.
Emma Holly knows how to tell a story. Her writing is tight, witty, erotic, with great use of (unpretentious) vocabulary. If you are looking for good romantica/erotica then Emma Holly is one of the very best in the business. If, on top of that, you're looking for a sexy paranormal with weres, gargoyles, fae, unicorns and more, then I'd say Hidden Talents might just be your go.
Adam, what a sexy alpha werewolf. I liked his character a lot - sensitive, strong, brave, honest as the day is long, big cock. What's not to like here? Adam is with the Resurrection Police Department, as are his cousins, that patrol and keep the peace in their quirky pocket of NY. He recognises his mate in Ari pretty quickly, I don't have a problem with insta-connection, especially for paranormals. He would like pups and he loves the whole tightknit, family connection.
Ari is a human but with magical powers, (she's a level 5 Talent, powerful stuff apparently). Apart from the very beginning though she doesn't use it. For quite a while she was just a little two dimensional for me. Although she's an independent, colourful, strong young woman, I just couldn't feel her character fully. Near the end, when Max first heard and then Ari also heard a dog howl and she went to the park looking for/hoping it was Adam, that's when Ari got better for me (hey, better late than never).
There was some very solid world building in this book. Secondary characters were all interesting. As per usual the sex is great, white hot in parts, but the need for condoms in a paranormal read throws me off. Yes, I know there were reasons outlined in the book and, yes, it was responsible. However, the inner pervert in me gets huffy, ba.
Emma Holly knows how to tell a story. Her writing is tight, witty, erotic, with great use of (unpretentious) vocabulary. If you are looking for good romantica/erotica then Emma Holly is one of the very best in the business. If, on top of that, you're looking for a sexy paranormal with weres, gargoyles, fae, unicorns and more, then I'd say Hidden Talents might just be your go.
August 11, 2011
See my review on http://www.paperbackdolls.com
http://paperbackdolls.com/?p=6437
Hidden Talents is the perfect package of Supes, romance, mystery and HEA!
When Ari tracks her gangland boss, Henry Blackwater aka The Eunuch, to Resurrection, NY, the last thing she expects to find is true love let alone werewolves, fairies, talking gargoyles, elves, vampires and sorcerers. Adam Santini is a police detective for the Resurrection PD who also happens to be a werewolf Alpha in charge of protecting the city from magic drug dealers and other miscreants. Adam & Ari join forces to take down The Eunuch and solve the mystery of disappearing Talents (beings born with magical powers). But will Adam & Ari give into the growing attraction between them and finally give love a chance?
Emma Holly is one of my favorite authors and Hidden Talents reaffirms this! Holly manages to create characters that are personable, intelligent, flawed & sexy. Her heroines are always smart & full of quirks while her heroes are insanely romantic.
The sex scenes are incredibly hot but never seem awkward or contrived. In fact, her use of language is so skillful I often stop to think of how fully involved I’ve become in the story. I want to be friends with these characters! Have coffee with them!
The other great aspect of Holly’s writing is the plot development. Holly spends as much time crafting the perfect mystery into this story as she does into making the sex scenes and relationship building believable. Few authors in the Erotica genre are as successful in this aspect and this trend leads to the Erotica bashing as works that are PWP (Pornos Without Plot).
Buy this book today, pour yourself a glass of wine, sit down in your favorite reading nook and dig into a fun and sexy ride!
http://paperbackdolls.com/?p=6437
Hidden Talents is the perfect package of Supes, romance, mystery and HEA!
When Ari tracks her gangland boss, Henry Blackwater aka The Eunuch, to Resurrection, NY, the last thing she expects to find is true love let alone werewolves, fairies, talking gargoyles, elves, vampires and sorcerers. Adam Santini is a police detective for the Resurrection PD who also happens to be a werewolf Alpha in charge of protecting the city from magic drug dealers and other miscreants. Adam & Ari join forces to take down The Eunuch and solve the mystery of disappearing Talents (beings born with magical powers). But will Adam & Ari give into the growing attraction between them and finally give love a chance?
Emma Holly is one of my favorite authors and Hidden Talents reaffirms this! Holly manages to create characters that are personable, intelligent, flawed & sexy. Her heroines are always smart & full of quirks while her heroes are insanely romantic.
The sex scenes are incredibly hot but never seem awkward or contrived. In fact, her use of language is so skillful I often stop to think of how fully involved I’ve become in the story. I want to be friends with these characters! Have coffee with them!
The other great aspect of Holly’s writing is the plot development. Holly spends as much time crafting the perfect mystery into this story as she does into making the sex scenes and relationship building believable. Few authors in the Erotica genre are as successful in this aspect and this trend leads to the Erotica bashing as works that are PWP (Pornos Without Plot).
Buy this book today, pour yourself a glass of wine, sit down in your favorite reading nook and dig into a fun and sexy ride!
August 12, 2012
3-3.5 stars
I'm a big Emma Holly fan, and I read "Hidden Depths" and it's mini-sequel story before reading this one. I wasn't so sure about werewolves and the whole "bubble" of the hidden city thing. But, again, I love Emma Holly, so I took a chance.
Admittedly, I found myself a bit more on the disbelief side, probably because Ari and the supernatural Resurrection, NY both straddle the normal and paranormal worlds. And Ari is supposed to be a novice, mostly unaware of her powers and how to use them; that's what draws Adam's and his pack's attention - her use of powers. But for all of that, Ari seems to do alright with her powers...
I love the characters and species of Resurrection, especially the gargoyles and especially especially Grygir. Which is great, because, overall, this story is rather predictable. Who doesn't know who the Eunuch is early on? Who doesn't have an idea that Adam and Ari are going to end up together - and that's not exactly a spoiler, folks.
So the twists and turns in the story come more from the creative, fantastical imagination of Ms. Holly than from the story, itself. There are lots of great personalities amongst the pack, and the dynamics of that pack are quite interesting... I happen to know that Nate has his own story, "Hidden Crimes", which is my next read.
The thing is, I have a hard time buying the bond between Ari and Adam. Don't know why, because they're both great characters, but somehow, they just don't fit together. They might have hot sex and all, but... I'm still not convinced.
So for the predictability of the story and because I didn't buy a relationship beyond hot sex between Adam and Ari (certainly not a life bond), I have to rate this story lower than I normally would.
I'm a big Emma Holly fan, and I read "Hidden Depths" and it's mini-sequel story before reading this one. I wasn't so sure about werewolves and the whole "bubble" of the hidden city thing. But, again, I love Emma Holly, so I took a chance.
Admittedly, I found myself a bit more on the disbelief side, probably because Ari and the supernatural Resurrection, NY both straddle the normal and paranormal worlds. And Ari is supposed to be a novice, mostly unaware of her powers and how to use them; that's what draws Adam's and his pack's attention - her use of powers. But for all of that, Ari seems to do alright with her powers...
I love the characters and species of Resurrection, especially the gargoyles and especially especially Grygir. Which is great, because, overall, this story is rather predictable. Who doesn't know who the Eunuch is early on? Who doesn't have an idea that Adam and Ari are going to end up together - and that's not exactly a spoiler, folks.
So the twists and turns in the story come more from the creative, fantastical imagination of Ms. Holly than from the story, itself. There are lots of great personalities amongst the pack, and the dynamics of that pack are quite interesting... I happen to know that Nate has his own story, "Hidden Crimes", which is my next read.
The thing is, I have a hard time buying the bond between Ari and Adam. Don't know why, because they're both great characters, but somehow, they just don't fit together. They might have hot sex and all, but... I'm still not convinced.
So for the predictability of the story and because I didn't buy a relationship beyond hot sex between Adam and Ari (certainly not a life bond), I have to rate this story lower than I normally would.
May 16, 2012
Hidden Talents is set in a town called Resurrection, NY that is for all those that are paranormal in some shape of form and even some humans whom have an element of a mystical gift also known as a talent.
Adam is the Alpha werewolf and a Lieutenant in RPD. His world gets turned upside down when a human with more of a magical element than desired is caught infiltrating Resurrection and demanding to see the Eunuch. He too has an interest in the Eunuch and is also intrigued to find out if he has finally met the one person he never thought existed? His one true mate.
Ari wants to save her best friends, Maxwell and Sarah and will do anything to help them. The Eunuch wants her and she is prepared to give herself up to him to save them. That was the plan until she finds herself amongst the werewolves of Resurrection and falls for the sexy Alpha who may prevent her from accomplishing what she set out to do.
This was a quick average read that is set in a good place to meet all the weird and wonderful species of the paranormal world but the story just didn't grab me. It was evident that Adam and Ari have strong feelings for each and there was chemistry but I wasn't really feeling it and I wasn't really left with a huge compassion for wanting to continue the series. The story didn't seem to flow, there was a bit of jumping around that was possibly because Ms Holly was trying to cram a lot into the book with a small amount of pages. It's a shame really because there was potential but it was just lacking something that other paranormal stories have in abundance.
Adam is the Alpha werewolf and a Lieutenant in RPD. His world gets turned upside down when a human with more of a magical element than desired is caught infiltrating Resurrection and demanding to see the Eunuch. He too has an interest in the Eunuch and is also intrigued to find out if he has finally met the one person he never thought existed? His one true mate.
Ari wants to save her best friends, Maxwell and Sarah and will do anything to help them. The Eunuch wants her and she is prepared to give herself up to him to save them. That was the plan until she finds herself amongst the werewolves of Resurrection and falls for the sexy Alpha who may prevent her from accomplishing what she set out to do.
This was a quick average read that is set in a good place to meet all the weird and wonderful species of the paranormal world but the story just didn't grab me. It was evident that Adam and Ari have strong feelings for each and there was chemistry but I wasn't really feeling it and I wasn't really left with a huge compassion for wanting to continue the series. The story didn't seem to flow, there was a bit of jumping around that was possibly because Ms Holly was trying to cram a lot into the book with a small amount of pages. It's a shame really because there was potential but it was just lacking something that other paranormal stories have in abundance.
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