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Valerie Dearborn #2
Love is Fear
Love is Fear is the highly anticipated sequel to the Number One Fantasy Bestseller, Love is Darkness. After a lot of swearing and only a little nookie, Valerie Dearborn has decided to make a change. No more lusting after Lucas, the hot, but emotionless, vampire king who can’t commit. Instead she’s going to make it work with Jack. After all, not only is he breathing, but he’s the love of her life….Isn’t he?Valerie is an Empath, with supernatural abilities that seem to do nothing more than give her the hots for Lucas. Once upon a time, Empath’s had a purpose. They were ambassadors to the Others—Fey, Witches, Werewolves and Vampires. They could settle the emotions of a Werewolf and make Vampires feel again.But that was long ago.Lucas isn’t about to let Valerie go. He needs her to help him find the Fey, last seen in the Colony of Roanoke, North Carolina, circa 1587. He still believes they are the key to restoring balance to the world and the only way to keep vampires under control. They won’t trust him, but they will trust Val.Between Jack, Lucas and Rachel, Val knows life won’t be dull. Nor will it be the normal, 2.5 kids kind of life she’s always wanted.As their enemies close in, Val must ask herself what life is really about–trust, duty or mind-blowing orgasms? And even if she finds the answer, she may not live long enough to enjoy it.Please note—this novel is not YA and has lots of sass, swearing and sex. Not necessarily in that order.
386 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 14, 2011
87 people are currently reading
1410 people want to read
About the author
Caroline Hanson
18 books660 followersCaroline Hanson grew up in California and moved to London in order to dance and go to pubs. Eventually, she matured enough to marry and imported an Englishman, returning to the United States.
After passing the bar, she had two children and now tries to parent, read, write and play tennis. She's heard rumors that other mothers clean and cook but is putting in serious effort to make sure those rumors don't reach her family.
Caroline grew up listening to Brit pop and reading about vampires. As a teenager her favorite authors were Anne Rice and Jude Deveraux. Now she loves Laurell K. Hamilton, Charlaine Harris, Patricia Briggs, Laura Kinsale, Lisa Kleypas, Loretta Chase, Nalini Singh and JR Ward-- that's the short list.
She is also the proud owner of a WWJD t-shirt, (What Would Joss do?) which she hopes is apparent in her books.
She loves to hear from fans and her second book in the Valerie Dearborn Series, Love is Fear, will be published in December 2011.
A free short story called Bewitching the Werewolf was released in September on Smashwords.
After passing the bar, she had two children and now tries to parent, read, write and play tennis. She's heard rumors that other mothers clean and cook but is putting in serious effort to make sure those rumors don't reach her family.
Caroline grew up listening to Brit pop and reading about vampires. As a teenager her favorite authors were Anne Rice and Jude Deveraux. Now she loves Laurell K. Hamilton, Charlaine Harris, Patricia Briggs, Laura Kinsale, Lisa Kleypas, Loretta Chase, Nalini Singh and JR Ward-- that's the short list.
She is also the proud owner of a WWJD t-shirt, (What Would Joss do?) which she hopes is apparent in her books.
She loves to hear from fans and her second book in the Valerie Dearborn Series, Love is Fear, will be published in December 2011.
A free short story called Bewitching the Werewolf was released in September on Smashwords.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 219 reviews
December 15, 2011
I give this book 5 out of 5 stars! (and would give it more if it was possible)
You know what? This book left me speechless! I could not think of a word to describe it accurately. So I left it a while, and came back to write this review.
I asked myself: Is it awesome? Yeah sure. Is it brilliant? Without a doubt. Is it breath-taking? Definitely! Is it captivating? Entirely. I could not stop devouring the words on the page.
The thing is, it was all of these things and more. I cannot think of enough words to describe LOVE IS FEAR.
This book is the sequel to LOVE IS DARKNESS (yes I have also reviewed and loved that one!). It is not a YA book. It isn't even entirely Adult Fiction. I also believe it is part erotica. It certainly has some beautifully written sex scenes in it. Not the most explicit, but what you conjure up in your imagination upon reading these words is mindblowing!
Upon finishing reading LOVE IS DARKNESS (Valerie Dearborn #1), I was absolutely dying to read LOVE IS FEAR. I felt so compelled by Caroline Hanson's words, I was absolutely chomping at the bit for the next installment. Well, I finally got to read it, and I can definitely say, the only bad thing about this book was the fact it had to end.
How to describe this book? I'm not sure I can do that accurately, but I will try.
I already said that is isn't YA Fiction. That's the truth of it. So I shouldn't compare it to anything YA, yet I feel one comparison is a must.
If you strip back your typical YA book to the very bones of it, you will usually discover that is is basically a love story. The meat of the story is what makes them unique. The way the author weaves their words to create their world, so that you as the reader enjoy their book for what it is. Whether the genre is Fantasy, Paranormal, Supernatural or what have you, the base is in romance.. They want you to fall in love with their characters. They put them through trials and tribulations, yet in the end, the good guy wins the heart of the heroine (as well as the reader). I mean no disrespect in this, I love a good YA book to settle into.
It's just that the same simply cannot be said for LOVE IS FEAR. If you were to strip this book back to it's bones, you would find a story made up of lust, love, loss, greed, fear, jealousy, betrayal, compulsion, and I mean these feelings as primal instincts.
Yes, there is a good guy, a bad guy, a heroine, a rival, and of course the bad guys that they all want to get away from. But at it's very heart, this book is unlike anything you have ever read before.
I actually hasten to give any details about the story itself, as I fear I would give it away. I don't want to ruin your enjoyment of it based upon my review.
I want you to go in with your eyes wide open, though you will never see what's coming. Just when you think you have it sussed, Caroline adds twists and turns that you just don't see coming. She puts Valerie, Jack, Lucas and Rachel through such trials and tribulations, testing their boundaries and pushing them to breaking point.
LOVE IS FEAR is a beautifully written, gritty, compelling story. I said in my review of LOVE IS DARKNESS that it had the makings of a bestseller, and Caroline of a best-selling author. Well if I thought that before, I am now 110% sure in my conviction.
The passion Caroline has so obviously written this story with will set your heart and soul on fire. At one point, I was not sure if I was routing for the good guy, the bad guy or both. All I know is, what I expected of the story was blown out of the water. It far surpassed my expectations of it, and let me tell you my expectations weren't limited.
I truly believe that an author like Caroline and a story such as this are set to take the literary world by storm. If it doesn't, then I guess I will be left shell-shocked and will probably reassess everyting I feel about reading. I cannot even start to do this book justice in my review, but if I can embibe even part of the passion I feel of it onto at least 1 reader, then I have done what I can.
I'm sorry if you were looking for a review with a summary of the story and saying yes I really liked this book. I feel if I tried to sum it up, I wouldn't do it without giving too much of the game away. I really, truly believe that you need to discover it for yourself.
So, go buy LOVE IS FEAR. If you haven't already done so, buy LOVE IS DARKNESS too, and settle in for a tumultuous ride. It is one hell of a roller-coaster, and I for one am desperate for the 3rd installment. If book 3 lives up to it's predecessors, it too will be the ride of a lifetime. One you never want to get off.
You know what? This book left me speechless! I could not think of a word to describe it accurately. So I left it a while, and came back to write this review.
I asked myself: Is it awesome? Yeah sure. Is it brilliant? Without a doubt. Is it breath-taking? Definitely! Is it captivating? Entirely. I could not stop devouring the words on the page.
The thing is, it was all of these things and more. I cannot think of enough words to describe LOVE IS FEAR.
This book is the sequel to LOVE IS DARKNESS (yes I have also reviewed and loved that one!). It is not a YA book. It isn't even entirely Adult Fiction. I also believe it is part erotica. It certainly has some beautifully written sex scenes in it. Not the most explicit, but what you conjure up in your imagination upon reading these words is mindblowing!
Upon finishing reading LOVE IS DARKNESS (Valerie Dearborn #1), I was absolutely dying to read LOVE IS FEAR. I felt so compelled by Caroline Hanson's words, I was absolutely chomping at the bit for the next installment. Well, I finally got to read it, and I can definitely say, the only bad thing about this book was the fact it had to end.
How to describe this book? I'm not sure I can do that accurately, but I will try.
I already said that is isn't YA Fiction. That's the truth of it. So I shouldn't compare it to anything YA, yet I feel one comparison is a must.
If you strip back your typical YA book to the very bones of it, you will usually discover that is is basically a love story. The meat of the story is what makes them unique. The way the author weaves their words to create their world, so that you as the reader enjoy their book for what it is. Whether the genre is Fantasy, Paranormal, Supernatural or what have you, the base is in romance.. They want you to fall in love with their characters. They put them through trials and tribulations, yet in the end, the good guy wins the heart of the heroine (as well as the reader). I mean no disrespect in this, I love a good YA book to settle into.
It's just that the same simply cannot be said for LOVE IS FEAR. If you were to strip this book back to it's bones, you would find a story made up of lust, love, loss, greed, fear, jealousy, betrayal, compulsion, and I mean these feelings as primal instincts.
Yes, there is a good guy, a bad guy, a heroine, a rival, and of course the bad guys that they all want to get away from. But at it's very heart, this book is unlike anything you have ever read before.
I actually hasten to give any details about the story itself, as I fear I would give it away. I don't want to ruin your enjoyment of it based upon my review.
I want you to go in with your eyes wide open, though you will never see what's coming. Just when you think you have it sussed, Caroline adds twists and turns that you just don't see coming. She puts Valerie, Jack, Lucas and Rachel through such trials and tribulations, testing their boundaries and pushing them to breaking point.
LOVE IS FEAR is a beautifully written, gritty, compelling story. I said in my review of LOVE IS DARKNESS that it had the makings of a bestseller, and Caroline of a best-selling author. Well if I thought that before, I am now 110% sure in my conviction.
The passion Caroline has so obviously written this story with will set your heart and soul on fire. At one point, I was not sure if I was routing for the good guy, the bad guy or both. All I know is, what I expected of the story was blown out of the water. It far surpassed my expectations of it, and let me tell you my expectations weren't limited.
I truly believe that an author like Caroline and a story such as this are set to take the literary world by storm. If it doesn't, then I guess I will be left shell-shocked and will probably reassess everyting I feel about reading. I cannot even start to do this book justice in my review, but if I can embibe even part of the passion I feel of it onto at least 1 reader, then I have done what I can.
I'm sorry if you were looking for a review with a summary of the story and saying yes I really liked this book. I feel if I tried to sum it up, I wouldn't do it without giving too much of the game away. I really, truly believe that you need to discover it for yourself.
So, go buy LOVE IS FEAR. If you haven't already done so, buy LOVE IS DARKNESS too, and settle in for a tumultuous ride. It is one hell of a roller-coaster, and I for one am desperate for the 3rd installment. If book 3 lives up to it's predecessors, it too will be the ride of a lifetime. One you never want to get off.
February 9, 2012
Ok so I feel conflicted to say the least..
I can't decide if this series is so good that it feels bad or so bad that it feels good...?
I mean for one thing it is called Valerie Dearborn series but she is NOT the only leading character ..and the jumping from one POV to another sometimes so suddenly and in the middle of an important scene is annoying to say the least..not to mention the writing was not that good..
In some ways it reminds me of the Sookie Stackhouse series ..Valerie is an empath and Sookie is telepathic ,Lucas is like Eric in the sense he is a bad ass vampire ,blond and gorgeous ,ruthless , uses the leading character for his own agenda yet he feels something for her..love? I am not sure ..
So it was easy to like the series since I love Sookie but this series is more dark and so depressing that I actually feel that I need to paint my room pink and buy a pony and maybe listen to The sound of music soundtrack ...just like when I was reading the (fever) series ...that was a dark time in my life :)
But seriously ...I liked the book but Valerie annoys me and I want Jack dead and Rachel too..they add nothing to the story and I hate them so much I often times skip their scenes ..
I really hope in the next book the author focuses more on Valerie and HER story than all the other characters that I don't give a s**t about ..
I can't decide if this series is so good that it feels bad or so bad that it feels good...?
I mean for one thing it is called Valerie Dearborn series but she is NOT the only leading character ..and the jumping from one POV to another sometimes so suddenly and in the middle of an important scene is annoying to say the least..not to mention the writing was not that good..
In some ways it reminds me of the Sookie Stackhouse series ..Valerie is an empath and Sookie is telepathic ,Lucas is like Eric in the sense he is a bad ass vampire ,blond and gorgeous ,ruthless , uses the leading character for his own agenda yet he feels something for her..love? I am not sure ..
So it was easy to like the series since I love Sookie but this series is more dark and so depressing that I actually feel that I need to paint my room pink and buy a pony and maybe listen to The sound of music soundtrack ...just like when I was reading the (fever) series ...that was a dark time in my life :)
But seriously ...I liked the book but Valerie annoys me and I want Jack dead and Rachel too..they add nothing to the story and I hate them so much I often times skip their scenes ..
I really hope in the next book the author focuses more on Valerie and HER story than all the other characters that I don't give a s**t about ..
November 20, 2012
MICHELLE'S REVIEW:
RATING: 5 SMOKIN' SCENE STEALING STARS!
Caroline went full throttle in this installment of Valerie Dearborn. I didn’t even write notes, my bad, as I just read with gluttonous abandon. I didn’t even stop for the many quotes I could rip from the pages. Once I started, there was no slowing down.
That is how this book made me feel. Crazy good!
I am going to tell those, who have not started this book/series, there is one scene in this book that goes on and on and on. * waggles eyebrows*
Jack and Val, can it work? Can the island of love, Hawaii, bring Val her peace with Jack?
Lucas, can he stay away from Val long enough for Jack to become more? Speaking of Juicy Lucas. Ooooo Whahhhhhh!! I absolutely love Lucas. His character will do all sorts to you .
I was quite all over the place with Jack and Lucas and Jack and Lucas. But then , there comes a time where it all fits into place.
I can't help it, I am always a sucker for the bff who watches as his competition comes into play, but then does he really want to be more to the girl? I really like Jack , but the boy was carrying a big hunk of a tree on his shoulders.
Rachel, well didn’t Miss Lesbian have me liking her, then confused by her and then ............
Cerdewellyn the King of Fey, this guy means business when it comes to saving his people. What have we all learnt from any fey book we have ever read?
They are never to be trusted, the power of glamour and once you are in the land of Fey.............
Also watch what boons you trade in.
The smexi scene in this book, was A.M.A.Z.I.N.G and powerful. These two characters were like a push me pull you, ( no pun intended) with what it was doing to them, and trying to not do, and..... get what they desired. If that makes sense? I can understand why it took Caroline many months to get the scene right. It reads like a lot of work went into it.
Rachel will keep you on your toes. Marion, the ex is in a bit of a bind ( yes, that pun was intended) and as the reader you are really seeing Rachel in a different light.......hmmmm........
Everybody is certainly out with their own agenda, and who will be able to be trusted, when it counts?
Caroline has done a magnificent job of this second instalment. You will be on the seat of your chair and her imagination and the visual of her words that will float through your brain... the picture painted......awesome!!!
This is a really freakin’ brilliant series that truly needs a publisher to grab it and show the world.
Caroline will take you on quite a trip in this instalment. When we get on Cerdewellyn’s turf.............all bets are off.
Things are not what they seem..... things are infact what they seem. You feel like you have taken a fey power trip pill, the smexi is packed with dynamite, the pace is fast so strap yourself in, and the end result of this book will surprise you.....OMG!
Cryptic. Much.
Read the series :)
Michelle
RATING: 5 SMOKIN' SCENE STEALING STARS!
Caroline went full throttle in this installment of Valerie Dearborn. I didn’t even write notes, my bad, as I just read with gluttonous abandon. I didn’t even stop for the many quotes I could rip from the pages. Once I started, there was no slowing down.
That is how this book made me feel. Crazy good!
I am going to tell those, who have not started this book/series, there is one scene in this book that goes on and on and on. * waggles eyebrows*
Jack and Val, can it work? Can the island of love, Hawaii, bring Val her peace with Jack?
Lucas, can he stay away from Val long enough for Jack to become more? Speaking of Juicy Lucas. Ooooo Whahhhhhh!! I absolutely love Lucas. His character will do all sorts to you .
I was quite all over the place with Jack and Lucas and Jack and Lucas. But then , there comes a time where it all fits into place.
I can't help it, I am always a sucker for the bff who watches as his competition comes into play, but then does he really want to be more to the girl? I really like Jack , but the boy was carrying a big hunk of a tree on his shoulders.
Rachel, well didn’t Miss Lesbian have me liking her, then confused by her and then ............
Cerdewellyn the King of Fey, this guy means business when it comes to saving his people. What have we all learnt from any fey book we have ever read?
They are never to be trusted, the power of glamour and once you are in the land of Fey.............
Also watch what boons you trade in.
The smexi scene in this book, was A.M.A.Z.I.N.G and powerful. These two characters were like a push me pull you, ( no pun intended) with what it was doing to them, and trying to not do, and..... get what they desired. If that makes sense? I can understand why it took Caroline many months to get the scene right. It reads like a lot of work went into it.
Rachel will keep you on your toes. Marion, the ex is in a bit of a bind ( yes, that pun was intended) and as the reader you are really seeing Rachel in a different light.......hmmmm........
Everybody is certainly out with their own agenda, and who will be able to be trusted, when it counts?
Caroline has done a magnificent job of this second instalment. You will be on the seat of your chair and her imagination and the visual of her words that will float through your brain... the picture painted......awesome!!!
This is a really freakin’ brilliant series that truly needs a publisher to grab it and show the world.
Caroline will take you on quite a trip in this instalment. When we get on Cerdewellyn’s turf.............all bets are off.
Things are not what they seem..... things are infact what they seem. You feel like you have taken a fey power trip pill, the smexi is packed with dynamite, the pace is fast so strap yourself in, and the end result of this book will surprise you.....OMG!
Cryptic. Much.
Read the series :)
Michelle
January 9, 2012
what. the. hell!!! i mean really!! WTH happened to book two here???? I was so totally disapointed with this book!!! Between all of the sex scenes (dont get me wrong i love a good romance novel) but good grief....this went into overkill for me. I had to force myself to even get as far as i did in this book hoping and praying that it would get better. BUT the last 25% i totally bailed on. I simply could not force myself to finish this book.....
So not worth it....
So not worth it....
November 20, 2012
DNF @ 42%
I tried, OMG did I try, but Valerie is driving me absolutely bugf*ck. If I have to be inside her whiny-ass, immature head a minute longer, I swear I'm gonna break something.
Definitely NOT the series for me.
I tried, OMG did I try, but Valerie is driving me absolutely bugf*ck. If I have to be inside her whiny-ass, immature head a minute longer, I swear I'm gonna break something.
Definitely NOT the series for me.
January 26, 2012
Love is Fear is even better than Book 1!
"He was on the ground, unmoving, bloody ropes of intestine surrounding him. He needs those, she thought stupidly and rushed to him, trying to stuff them back into his stomach."
In the latest Valerie Dearborn novel by Caroline Hanson, Love is Fear, we're finally delving into the supernatural world that we merely heard about in the first book. The playing field evens out as Lucas, Rachel, Valerie, and Jack are thrust into the land of the Fey where vampires are even more vulnerable. This is actually Lucas's plan as he desires to bring them back and restore balance because he feels that vampires have become too powerful. Of course, there's the small issue of him being responsible for their near extinction and current dormancy in the first place, so they likely won't be chummy with him upon their return. Not to mention the amount of tension that's bound to flare up among our 4 "heroes" all trying to work together without killing one another. That proves to be a difficult enough task in itself.
Book 2 is even better than the first one. Valerie starts to come into her own a bit more as an empath---the defacto mediator between supernatural creatures---and I must admit that I quite enjoyed the power play between her and Lucas, especially since it is a part of her nature. Their relationship goes from hot to scorching!
There are a lot of huge developments that make this installment a must-not-miss. Everything is turned upside down as character dynamics drastically shift and secrets are revealed. I don't know whether I should he happy that Hanson didn't waste a lot of time getting to the good stuff or upset because we didn't get more settled into the the former way of things.
Shippers, start your engines! Somebody somewhere determined that love triangles and quadrangles and polygons are a must-have for urban fantasy books and Hanson is certainly following suit, much to my personal chagrin. But I am enjoying the series so much that I will muddle through it...somehow...someway... Alls I know is that I'm Team Lucas. 9 times out of 10 I side with the vamps when it's a viable option (the exceptions being The Hollows and maybe the Cassie Palmer series). Of course, that shouldn't be very surprising when you see my username. All of her suitors (yes, it is now "all" instead of "both") have their a-hole ways, so I'll settle on the one with the most chemistry. It's only the second book after all and it's very obvious that the author as a lot more in store for Valerie Dearborn's world. I am expecting that to include a lot of evolution and character growth.
I was hoping that with a slightly higher price tag of $3.99 the author would fix the spelling, formatting and grammar errors, but they are just as rampant as they were in the first book. I guess they won't be fixed until the books are printed.
Errors aside, while we only get a taste of the new (though traditional) supernatural beings that will be thrown into the fray, it still makes for a satisfying read. Like the first one, expect plenty of action, plenty of smut (which one could argue is its own kind of action), and---most importantly---plenty of laughs with a good story somewhere in between. Along with the likes of The Hollows and Kate Daniels, this is definitely a quotable series! I have high hopes for Book 3 which I hope will be released later this year. You'll know when I know!
*Review also posted to Amazon
"He was on the ground, unmoving, bloody ropes of intestine surrounding him. He needs those, she thought stupidly and rushed to him, trying to stuff them back into his stomach."
In the latest Valerie Dearborn novel by Caroline Hanson, Love is Fear, we're finally delving into the supernatural world that we merely heard about in the first book. The playing field evens out as Lucas, Rachel, Valerie, and Jack are thrust into the land of the Fey where vampires are even more vulnerable. This is actually Lucas's plan as he desires to bring them back and restore balance because he feels that vampires have become too powerful. Of course, there's the small issue of him being responsible for their near extinction and current dormancy in the first place, so they likely won't be chummy with him upon their return. Not to mention the amount of tension that's bound to flare up among our 4 "heroes" all trying to work together without killing one another. That proves to be a difficult enough task in itself.
Book 2 is even better than the first one. Valerie starts to come into her own a bit more as an empath---the defacto mediator between supernatural creatures---and I must admit that I quite enjoyed the power play between her and Lucas, especially since it is a part of her nature. Their relationship goes from hot to scorching!
There are a lot of huge developments that make this installment a must-not-miss. Everything is turned upside down as character dynamics drastically shift and secrets are revealed. I don't know whether I should he happy that Hanson didn't waste a lot of time getting to the good stuff or upset because we didn't get more settled into the the former way of things.
Shippers, start your engines! Somebody somewhere determined that love triangles and quadrangles and polygons are a must-have for urban fantasy books and Hanson is certainly following suit, much to my personal chagrin. But I am enjoying the series so much that I will muddle through it...somehow...someway... Alls I know is that I'm Team Lucas. 9 times out of 10 I side with the vamps when it's a viable option (the exceptions being The Hollows and maybe the Cassie Palmer series). Of course, that shouldn't be very surprising when you see my username. All of her suitors (yes, it is now "all" instead of "both") have their a-hole ways, so I'll settle on the one with the most chemistry. It's only the second book after all and it's very obvious that the author as a lot more in store for Valerie Dearborn's world. I am expecting that to include a lot of evolution and character growth.
I was hoping that with a slightly higher price tag of $3.99 the author would fix the spelling, formatting and grammar errors, but they are just as rampant as they were in the first book. I guess they won't be fixed until the books are printed.
Errors aside, while we only get a taste of the new (though traditional) supernatural beings that will be thrown into the fray, it still makes for a satisfying read. Like the first one, expect plenty of action, plenty of smut (which one could argue is its own kind of action), and---most importantly---plenty of laughs with a good story somewhere in between. Along with the likes of The Hollows and Kate Daniels, this is definitely a quotable series! I have high hopes for Book 3 which I hope will be released later this year. You'll know when I know!
*Review also posted to Amazon
May 26, 2013
It took me forever to finish this book. It dragged and dragged and dragged.
Seriously, Val needs a hobby, friends, books or to get out more. Gah! Being in her head was sooooooo boring!
This whole:
I love you Jack, but you're not good enough for me because you won't accommodate to my desires.
Lucas you're se hot I can keep myself restrained when I'm with you. Sure, you're a serial cold blooded killer, but hey, the sex is amazing, so sure I really don't care.
I don't like to swear, but: It's just so effing annoying!!!
The best thing! I was finishing while watching the final of the UEFA's Champion's league, so... I'm happy I didn't feel I was wasting my time!!!
I finished this book because it will count towards my vampy book challenge. Nothing more.
I was not a happy camper when most of the book read like this:
'Oh shit another guy who doesn't talk. Is this what makes women lesbians? The desire to make a good conversation?'
Seriously? Val is so effing shallow!!!
At one point she compares her feelings for Jack like those she have when wanting a specific purse. A purse she desired, but once she had it, the zipper was too small, the straps kept falling or something like that.... Mhh having the emotional maturity of a squirrel.
Sooo yeah, not cool, not cool at all
Seriously, Val needs a hobby, friends, books or to get out more. Gah! Being in her head was sooooooo boring!
This whole:
I love you Jack, but you're not good enough for me because you won't accommodate to my desires.
Lucas you're se hot I can keep myself restrained when I'm with you. Sure, you're a serial cold blooded killer, but hey, the sex is amazing, so sure I really don't care.
I don't like to swear, but: It's just so effing annoying!!!
The best thing! I was finishing while watching the final of the UEFA's Champion's league, so... I'm happy I didn't feel I was wasting my time!!!
I finished this book because it will count towards my vampy book challenge. Nothing more.
I was not a happy camper when most of the book read like this:
'Oh shit another guy who doesn't talk. Is this what makes women lesbians? The desire to make a good conversation?'
Seriously? Val is so effing shallow!!!
At one point she compares her feelings for Jack like those she have when wanting a specific purse. A purse she desired, but once she had it, the zipper was too small, the straps kept falling or something like that.... Mhh having the emotional maturity of a squirrel.
Sooo yeah, not cool, not cool at all
April 18, 2017
DNF @ 34%. I mean, I started it. Do I get points for that?
1.5 stars.
Couldn't continue after Valerie said this to Lucas:
Seriously?
She needs to get her fucking head out of her ass. I cannot even... I'm done.
1.5 stars.
Couldn't continue after Valerie said this to Lucas:
"It's so stupid, but no one wants me for me. No one will put me first. My safety or my happiness. I've got two stupidly hot guys who want my body, but that's not enough. I couldn't even get the tiniest violin to play a pity song for me because I'm so pathetic."
Seriously?
She needs to get her fucking head out of her ass. I cannot even... I'm done.
December 16, 2011
So I just finished the book. I have conflicting emotions about it. I like everything - the story, the characters, the writing, but I was a bit sadened by the turn the plot took.
One thing in this book that I strangely like and dislike at the same time is the lack of black and white zone - everything is gray. What I mean is that none of the characters are either good or bad, they all have a little bit of both in them. In general it is a good thing in a book, it makes the characters more real and complex and I probably wouldn't even want it any other way, but there is a part of me that wished for a bit clearer distinction for at least the main characters. I guess it would make it easier for me to like or dislike them. As it is I felt I was on a roller-coaster most of the time with my feelings ranging from "Did he just really say that? What a jerk!" to "Wow, he truly is a wonderful man". But, hey, that's what makes this book so great :-)
In my review of the first book I mentioned that this was one of the rare books where I am undecided on which manner should the love triangle get resolved. I think by the end of this book I'm firmly on Lucas' side. I would like to see stronger feelings and romance in the next book. I know that the whole feelings issue is the part of the plot in respect to Lucas, but even with Val I felt that most of the time she was driven by lust than any other genuine feelings.
Overall, this is a wonderful book and I would highly recommend it to anybody who's interested in paranormal literature. At this point all I wish for is for the next book to come out soon. I'm not sure if Caroline ever announced how many books there will be in this series. Even though I will be very sad for the story to end I still can't wait for a happily-ever-ending (assuming there will be one. Oh, please, let there be one and preferably with Lucas!)
One thing in this book that I strangely like and dislike at the same time is the lack of black and white zone - everything is gray. What I mean is that none of the characters are either good or bad, they all have a little bit of both in them. In general it is a good thing in a book, it makes the characters more real and complex and I probably wouldn't even want it any other way, but there is a part of me that wished for a bit clearer distinction for at least the main characters. I guess it would make it easier for me to like or dislike them. As it is I felt I was on a roller-coaster most of the time with my feelings ranging from "Did he just really say that? What a jerk!" to "Wow, he truly is a wonderful man". But, hey, that's what makes this book so great :-)
In my review of the first book I mentioned that this was one of the rare books where I am undecided on which manner should the love triangle get resolved. I think by the end of this book I'm firmly on Lucas' side. I would like to see stronger feelings and romance in the next book. I know that the whole feelings issue is the part of the plot in respect to Lucas, but even with Val I felt that most of the time she was driven by lust than any other genuine feelings.
Overall, this is a wonderful book and I would highly recommend it to anybody who's interested in paranormal literature. At this point all I wish for is for the next book to come out soon. I'm not sure if Caroline ever announced how many books there will be in this series. Even though I will be very sad for the story to end I still can't wait for a happily-ever-ending (assuming there will be one. Oh, please, let there be one and preferably with Lucas!)
August 12, 2013
¿POR QUÉ CAROLINE, POR QUÉ? Y lo que más se me viene a la mente decir es: MIERDA, MIERDA, MIERDA
Ahora quiero despotricar contra los personajes y ESE final ¬¬
¿Por qué Jack? ¿Tan importante es la venganza? Ere un maldito hdp. Rachel, ojalá que mueras muuuuy lentamente, no me importa si a manos de Val o de Lucas, pero muerete maldita perra!!! ¿Si matan a Rachel, morirá Jack? Val, metiste la pata a lo grande, chica. Lucas, Dios mío, ¡que no te maten los Lobos!!!! Cer, ojalá la Reina hubiera quemado tu negro y sucio corazón, maldito. Val, eres tan malditamente inocente, ¡yo le hubiera creído siempre a Lucas aunque me dijera que el cielo es púrpura y llueve brillantina!
Caroline te odio, y sí, es porque me hiciste sufrir con ese maldito final. Quiero decir varias cosas más pero serían insultos y spoilers grandes!!!!
¡¡¡¿¿¿Por qué???!!!
T_T A llorar desconsoladamente, y decidir si leo el siguiente para sacarme las dudas y la angustia o esperar porque probablemente alguien muera y no quiero saber quién. Decisiones....
Ahora quiero despotricar contra los personajes y ESE final ¬¬
¿Por qué Jack? ¿Tan importante es la venganza? Ere un maldito hdp. Rachel, ojalá que mueras muuuuy lentamente, no me importa si a manos de Val o de Lucas, pero muerete maldita perra!!! ¿Si matan a Rachel, morirá Jack? Val, metiste la pata a lo grande, chica. Lucas, Dios mío, ¡que no te maten los Lobos!!!! Cer, ojalá la Reina hubiera quemado tu negro y sucio corazón, maldito. Val, eres tan malditamente inocente, ¡yo le hubiera creído siempre a Lucas aunque me dijera que el cielo es púrpura y llueve brillantina!
Caroline te odio, y sí, es porque me hiciste sufrir con ese maldito final. Quiero decir varias cosas más pero serían insultos y spoilers grandes!!!!
¡¡¡¿¿¿Por qué???!!!
T_T A llorar desconsoladamente, y decidir si leo el siguiente para sacarme las dudas y la angustia o esperar porque probablemente alguien muera y no quiero saber quién. Decisiones....
May 13, 2015
This is quiet the interesting series. The book picks up right where we left off. Lots going on, lots more with Lucas but also more with Rachel and Jack. It's interesting to see Jacks pov, but to see how he really feels. Valerie and Jack run away to Hawaii to pretend they can live a normal life, ha ha ha yea. Fat chance right. I don't like Jack, I think he's rude, and he thinks Valerie should be a certain way but isn't. And that's not love. That an idea of it. You can make someone be who they are not. Anyways eventually she will go back to Lucas. This is quiet the interesting story dealing with Vampires, Fey, and some others. Definitely want to read some more.
January 28, 2012
Val, Val, Val!!!! What have you gotten yourself into? I must say that I absolutely LOVED this sequel and not just because I was anxiously anticipating it to be released since finishing the first one, Love is Darkness!!! Valerie Dearborn and me really would get along just great if she existed and let me tell ya, I would totally smack her around this time after the mess she's gotten herself into this time!!! Sometimes when we are so close to a situation we fail to see what is RIGHT in front of us, so now that I am looking back at it all I can see how everything wound up so screwed up, but living in the moment, which Caroline Hanson makes so flippin easy when this edge of your seat book gets starts up, I was totally blindsided by the end! I mean JACK!!!!! I was not surprised as to that now that I think of it because anyone who really stops to think about what fuels Jack as a person would realize what fuels him, which really made it sooooo flippin easy for Rachel to see!!! And LUCAS!!!! I can't help but love him, I want him and Val together so bad!! Even after she was able to tap into her Empath abilities and see some things she never knew because he is so cryptic, she took a lot out of context and left no room for the here and now, which ket's face it ladies, we always do!!!!
I cannot go into much more without giving anything else awaybut let me say that anyone who is a fan of the Valerie Dearborn stories needs to read this amazing sequel. Valerie is just a quirky as ever and her sexual endeavors are steamier and steamier!!! We finally get to see a little bit of action for all of you Val and Jack fans, but remember I am bias so Val and Lucas lighting up the pages takes the cake for me everytime. I just don't think Val and Jack are the ones for each other, but this book dives into so many aspects of so many different Val relationships that I found myself constantly changing my mind about certain things, read it and find out what I mean!! Even though I love to hate Rachel, she gets a major role in this one and let me say she does not disappoint!!! The ending....WOW!!!!!! STOP READING MY REVIEW AND GET THIS BOOK!!!! WORTH IT!!!
I cannot go into much more without giving anything else awaybut let me say that anyone who is a fan of the Valerie Dearborn stories needs to read this amazing sequel. Valerie is just a quirky as ever and her sexual endeavors are steamier and steamier!!! We finally get to see a little bit of action for all of you Val and Jack fans, but remember I am bias so Val and Lucas lighting up the pages takes the cake for me everytime. I just don't think Val and Jack are the ones for each other, but this book dives into so many aspects of so many different Val relationships that I found myself constantly changing my mind about certain things, read it and find out what I mean!! Even though I love to hate Rachel, she gets a major role in this one and let me say she does not disappoint!!! The ending....WOW!!!!!! STOP READING MY REVIEW AND GET THIS BOOK!!!! WORTH IT!!!
July 23, 2013
My spoilers here are totally vague and minor.
I really liked the introductory book to this series. It totally hooked me and I had to know what happened next. Book 2, not so much.
This is a dark series. There are no puppies or sunshine. It's super cloudy during the day. Seriously. I wasn't looking for puppies or sunshine here, but wow did book 2 get angsty. There are some good parts to it, no doubt, but damn. Poor Val. It's basically a progression from one unhappy drama to another.
I don't think books should have "To Be Continued" cliffhanger style endings. It's a copout and not very nice to readers who find a series early considering how much time there often is between publishings of one book and the next. This book, was literally a cliffhanger ending. I mean it! There's a cliff and then it ends!
I still like the characters. They're really interesting even if they're kinda depressing and f'ed up. The plot is still interesting and I wanted to see how everything ended, so I bought book 3.
I really liked the introductory book to this series. It totally hooked me and I had to know what happened next. Book 2, not so much.
This is a dark series. There are no puppies or sunshine. It's super cloudy during the day. Seriously. I wasn't looking for puppies or sunshine here, but wow did book 2 get angsty. There are some good parts to it, no doubt, but damn. Poor Val. It's basically a progression from one unhappy drama to another.
I don't think books should have "To Be Continued" cliffhanger style endings. It's a copout and not very nice to readers who find a series early considering how much time there often is between publishings of one book and the next. This book, was literally a cliffhanger ending. I mean it! There's a cliff and then it ends!
I still like the characters. They're really interesting even if they're kinda depressing and f'ed up. The plot is still interesting and I wanted to see how everything ended, so I bought book 3.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 11, 2012
I don't really know how I feel about this book. In the first book, I was on the fence between Jack and Lucas. Then in this book and how this progresses I just felt really unsettled and upset almost the whole time. By the end, I was hoping Val would just die, because everyone else was just fucking up her life and Jack shouldn't have been brought back... Rachel should have been dead long before that... Lucas was a heartless piece of shit... and Val was so indecisive and hopeless I just felt that it was only right that she said "no" to Cer. But jesus that was just horrible. I'm genuinely upset that I read it because it left me so unsettled and confused and a little upset.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 12, 2015
4.5 stars
Brilliant, I can't wait to get started on the next one :)
Brilliant, I can't wait to get started on the next one :)
April 3, 2017
For all you peeps that have been anxiously waiting for this review, well without further ado here is my review (I fancy myself a Dr. Seuss prodigy).
So to my loyal fans, you may have noticed I gave this a five star for the first book, but now shock horror this is 4 stars. Like with most stories I read its all exciting watching the sexual chemistry before the two protagonists get together - to then you squeal in excitement and create their slightly sick/adorable couple name. But let me tell you this gets boring real quick. I don't know why I am waffling about this because Valerie spent most of her time pining over two men. She definitely tried before she buyed - sampled the goods - and finally horizontal tango with those two "lucky' fellows. She started to annoy me in this book, thankgod for Lucas or else this review would have changed tune. She's whiney, demanding and expected two guys to love her (she's sounds like a real keeper). I must also hand it to Miss/Mrs Hanson a round of applause for the sex smut I read of my boy Lucas (I see him now every night in my dreams). Overall I liked the action scenes, would have liked more knowledge of otherworldy creatures besides the Fey - cause BAM enters a werewolf (total blindside). Now for ending way to rip the carpet underneath me Caroline (I call mercy). Looking forward to reading the next book so Ciao for now.
So to my loyal fans, you may have noticed I gave this a five star for the first book, but now shock horror this is 4 stars. Like with most stories I read its all exciting watching the sexual chemistry before the two protagonists get together - to then you squeal in excitement and create their slightly sick/adorable couple name. But let me tell you this gets boring real quick. I don't know why I am waffling about this because Valerie spent most of her time pining over two men. She definitely tried before she buyed - sampled the goods - and finally horizontal tango with those two "lucky' fellows. She started to annoy me in this book, thankgod for Lucas or else this review would have changed tune. She's whiney, demanding and expected two guys to love her (she's sounds like a real keeper). I must also hand it to Miss/Mrs Hanson a round of applause for the sex smut I read of my boy Lucas (I see him now every night in my dreams). Overall I liked the action scenes, would have liked more knowledge of otherworldy creatures besides the Fey - cause BAM enters a werewolf (total blindside). Now for ending way to rip the carpet underneath me Caroline (I call mercy). Looking forward to reading the next book so Ciao for now.
July 1, 2012
I loved, loved, loved this book. Valerie can't make up her mind if she wants the hot, steamy Vampire King Lucas or the hot, strong vampire hunter Jack. She knows Lucas keeps getting her into all this crap with the vampires and at the ball he dragged her too Nate got killed and they barely got out a live. But Lucas makes her come like no one else and just looking at him gets her hot. Now she even dreams of him taking her blood and how crazy is that when she was raised to be a hunter and to fear everything they are. Lucas tells her not only is she an Empath but there are others fey, werewolves, and witches. That he want to find them and restore them so that the balance will be right in the world again. He doesn't tell her he is the one who destroyed them all even all the Empath.
Recap from end of last book:
Valerie has managed to keep Jack from finding out about Lucas and her relationship, but it all changes with Nates death. Valerie feels as if Lucas didn't keep his promise about protecting her father, but he didn't know they were going to show up at the ball. After he healed her and himself and they had some major sex she awakes in her apartment. She gets a call from Jack that Nate isn't going to make it long and she tries to get to them in Rome as fast as she can to say good bye. She gets there to late he has already died and Jack is devastated. She goes on up and sees her father and decides she needs to end things with Lucas and make Jack commit to a relationship with her even if it isn't perfect. She gets a call at the hosptial that Jack accepts and wants to know who it is, but she want tell him and basically hangs up on Lucas and says I am headed to the hotel. Lucas has one the Challenge for vampire king and Marion is in a coffin and out of the way.
When Lucas takes Val back to her hotel room after the challenge she is so glad he is a live and that Marion is in a coffin. She is kissing him and griding on him and realizes they aren't a lone of course Lucas knew that. He is gone before she can say anything when she turns around Jack tears into her. What the fuck are you doing with Lucas? So she has to tell him everything she has been keeping from him. The fact that he gives her the files, that she was at the ball with Lucas, that she is an Empath, and that she is fucking him.
But now that Nate is gone she would give up the crazy vampire king and make it work with Jack. She had to convince him they could have a life and great life together. She had loved him since she was 12 years old and he made her come that night with just his touch after their drunken night of Monopoly. She knew he wanted her to she just had to make him give in and if it meant getting her away from Lucas he would go a long with it. So after her shower and gettig out of the bloody clothes form the challenge she told him what she wanted and he agreed to go.
Tentions where high she was with Jack but all she could think of was Lucas and how she missed him. Val was determined her and Jack was gonna work. As soon as they hit the hotel she would make love and it was going great. He had her right where she wanted to be until he wantede his condem and just why did he need that. She had only been with one person and she was his first too. She dropped the subject and convinced him she was fine with it and they finished what they started. When she went to sleep she dreamed of Lucas and sex with him and knew he wanted her back. He said she would be back and she was always his it was just a matter of time. Things got worse her and Jack tried to have a good time and she almost drowned and when she came around on the boat and was looking straight at Jack she called out for Lucas. Jack went off on her again at the hotel and just can't make since why she wants him. Rachel shows up and makes things worse. Of course Jacks basically calls Val a whore and she leaves him in Hawaii and goes home to California. She's not home long and calls Lucas. Jack is getting drunk in Hawaii with Rachel rubbing it in about Val already being back in Lucas bed. Of course Val had to convince him she was done with Jack that it just wasn't working out.
Lucas takes her straight to London to his bed and makes her scream is name over and over till she forgets all about Jack. Some amazing sex make between them through this book. Jack is just left out in the cold. Lucas sure knows what to do to turn Val on.
Her search for the wolves and the fey start and as she goes to look she thinks it will be just her and Lucas and maybe Rachel but who the hell does she bring Jack.
They all are in for it when they get stuck in land of the fey. Who do you trust? Lucas wants Vals blood so bad he can't see straight and Jack just wants Lucas dead. Rachel is drawn to Jack. The Fey King takes Val and it all changes. Lucas gets attakced by werewolves and Jack tries to finish him off but Lucas puts him in the way and he gets ripped apart. Lucas says hes too far gone but Rachel says she can save him but fails to tell Val until its too late that he will be a wererwolve if he survies being bond to someone. Lucas says it has to be him and Rachel tells her he is lying and tricks her into keeping him busy to set everything up to bond him with Val. Val gives him her blood to find out the truth from Lucas and she gets more information that she wanted. He is knocked out cold from emotion over load from her blood. When Jack wakes up Rachel shoves Val out of the room. Tells her Jack is hers that they will bond. Lucas can't help he is still out could, how could I trust that bitch. Val calls Cer the fey king to help her get in the room, but Jack doesn't chose Val he choses Rachel. Takes her blood willingly and then takes her to bed and Lucas is still out and now she owes Cer a favor in return. What is he gonna want......
Recap from end of last book:
Valerie has managed to keep Jack from finding out about Lucas and her relationship, but it all changes with Nates death. Valerie feels as if Lucas didn't keep his promise about protecting her father, but he didn't know they were going to show up at the ball. After he healed her and himself and they had some major sex she awakes in her apartment. She gets a call from Jack that Nate isn't going to make it long and she tries to get to them in Rome as fast as she can to say good bye. She gets there to late he has already died and Jack is devastated. She goes on up and sees her father and decides she needs to end things with Lucas and make Jack commit to a relationship with her even if it isn't perfect. She gets a call at the hosptial that Jack accepts and wants to know who it is, but she want tell him and basically hangs up on Lucas and says I am headed to the hotel. Lucas has one the Challenge for vampire king and Marion is in a coffin and out of the way.
When Lucas takes Val back to her hotel room after the challenge she is so glad he is a live and that Marion is in a coffin. She is kissing him and griding on him and realizes they aren't a lone of course Lucas knew that. He is gone before she can say anything when she turns around Jack tears into her. What the fuck are you doing with Lucas? So she has to tell him everything she has been keeping from him. The fact that he gives her the files, that she was at the ball with Lucas, that she is an Empath, and that she is fucking him.
But now that Nate is gone she would give up the crazy vampire king and make it work with Jack. She had to convince him they could have a life and great life together. She had loved him since she was 12 years old and he made her come that night with just his touch after their drunken night of Monopoly. She knew he wanted her to she just had to make him give in and if it meant getting her away from Lucas he would go a long with it. So after her shower and gettig out of the bloody clothes form the challenge she told him what she wanted and he agreed to go.
Tentions where high she was with Jack but all she could think of was Lucas and how she missed him. Val was determined her and Jack was gonna work. As soon as they hit the hotel she would make love and it was going great. He had her right where she wanted to be until he wantede his condem and just why did he need that. She had only been with one person and she was his first too. She dropped the subject and convinced him she was fine with it and they finished what they started. When she went to sleep she dreamed of Lucas and sex with him and knew he wanted her back. He said she would be back and she was always his it was just a matter of time. Things got worse her and Jack tried to have a good time and she almost drowned and when she came around on the boat and was looking straight at Jack she called out for Lucas. Jack went off on her again at the hotel and just can't make since why she wants him. Rachel shows up and makes things worse. Of course Jacks basically calls Val a whore and she leaves him in Hawaii and goes home to California. She's not home long and calls Lucas. Jack is getting drunk in Hawaii with Rachel rubbing it in about Val already being back in Lucas bed. Of course Val had to convince him she was done with Jack that it just wasn't working out.
Lucas takes her straight to London to his bed and makes her scream is name over and over till she forgets all about Jack. Some amazing sex make between them through this book. Jack is just left out in the cold. Lucas sure knows what to do to turn Val on.
Her search for the wolves and the fey start and as she goes to look she thinks it will be just her and Lucas and maybe Rachel but who the hell does she bring Jack.
They all are in for it when they get stuck in land of the fey. Who do you trust? Lucas wants Vals blood so bad he can't see straight and Jack just wants Lucas dead. Rachel is drawn to Jack. The Fey King takes Val and it all changes. Lucas gets attakced by werewolves and Jack tries to finish him off but Lucas puts him in the way and he gets ripped apart. Lucas says hes too far gone but Rachel says she can save him but fails to tell Val until its too late that he will be a wererwolve if he survies being bond to someone. Lucas says it has to be him and Rachel tells her he is lying and tricks her into keeping him busy to set everything up to bond him with Val. Val gives him her blood to find out the truth from Lucas and she gets more information that she wanted. He is knocked out cold from emotion over load from her blood. When Jack wakes up Rachel shoves Val out of the room. Tells her Jack is hers that they will bond. Lucas can't help he is still out could, how could I trust that bitch. Val calls Cer the fey king to help her get in the room, but Jack doesn't chose Val he choses Rachel. Takes her blood willingly and then takes her to bed and Lucas is still out and now she owes Cer a favor in return. What is he gonna want......
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 5, 2017
yo sé que son 3 libros pero juró que en mi mente se me hace como si fuera solo 1 . es que todo lo lei muy rapido.
me gusta muchisimo. no puedes confiar en nadie. por eso me gusta esos libros. todos son posibles , son probables y amables.
me gusta muchisimo. no puedes confiar en nadie. por eso me gusta esos libros. todos son posibles , son probables y amables.
May 29, 2024
What. The. Actual. Fuck.
Cons:
Jack
Rachel
More cons?
Jack and RACHEL
Cons:
Jack
Rachel
More cons?
Jack and RACHEL
October 28, 2022
Mmmm. 3 estrellas justitas
November 16, 2012
Vampires, Witches & Werewolves........ oh my!! And who could forget the Fey, the things that Vampires fear?!? Or Empaths?? This book is chock full of the Supernatural aka "Others"
In Love is Fear we start off with a brief glimpse back in time where we meet Cerdewellyn King of the Fey & find out the fate of the Others. Where they disappeared to & why.
And than it picks up right where we left off in Love is Darkness, with Val in quite the predicament.
From here on out this book does not slow down or take a break at all. Lots of action, wise-cracks, jealousy, rage, violence & drama. It's almost exhausting. Val's life gets flipped upside down as she has to learn how to survive as an Empath. She doesn't know her powers, how to use or control them. Her blood-bond to Lucas makes life surprisingly enjoyable & yet frustratingly ever more complicated. She needs to figure out where her relationship with Jack goes from here, what does she really feel for Lucas & weather or not she really wants to continue on with his quest for the Others. We see further into Jacks head, to the root of who he is & the disturbing reality of what he has become will shock, anger & hurt you. With Marion in a silver-chain wrapped coffin at some undisclosed location, we get to spend some quality time with her consort Rachel. Violence & pain is second nature to her, something she needs to survive on a fundamental level & the person that makes her will make you cringe. Flash-backs thru out will give you the groundwork to who exactly Cerdewellyn is & what he is like. All I can say is.... OH MY!!
As our fabulous four begin their journey to Roanoke to find the Fey and the Others, it doesn't take long to realize that everyone has their own hidden agendas & motivations.
-Why does Lucas REALLY want to find the Fey & where does Val fit into it? What are his plans for her??
-Val knows she will never have the "normal" life she always craved so where does that leave her? How can she fall for two completely different men with one thing in common (their complete lack of any emotion other than anger & lust)? Common sense tells her neither is good for her and will only end in death & heartbreak, so why can't she walk away??
-What is Rachel hiding? Why has she become so obsessed with Jack & how deep does it go??
-Jack has been hunting & killing Vampires for as long as he can remember, revenge is all he knows. So why does he keep coming back to Rachel, why hasn't he killed her or really want to & why does he feel drawn to her even though he hates & despises everything she is?? What does he do now that revenge is out of his grasp??
There is so much deception & half-truths in here, you dont know who or what to believe. No one trusts anyone, snap-judgements & bad decisions are flying all over the place. It leaves your head spinning!! Heartbreaking truths come to light while more questions are raised & the ending will leave you in a Tizzy. A cliffhanger would be putting it mildly. It will make you scream, throw your Kindle across the room & bang your head off the wall!! Fantastic, nail-biting, crazy-sexy-hott read!! Bloody-good time!! Well I'm off to read Love is Mortal, FINALLY!!!!! =) xx
In Love is Fear we start off with a brief glimpse back in time where we meet Cerdewellyn King of the Fey & find out the fate of the Others. Where they disappeared to & why.
And than it picks up right where we left off in Love is Darkness, with Val in quite the predicament.
From here on out this book does not slow down or take a break at all. Lots of action, wise-cracks, jealousy, rage, violence & drama. It's almost exhausting. Val's life gets flipped upside down as she has to learn how to survive as an Empath. She doesn't know her powers, how to use or control them. Her blood-bond to Lucas makes life surprisingly enjoyable & yet frustratingly ever more complicated. She needs to figure out where her relationship with Jack goes from here, what does she really feel for Lucas & weather or not she really wants to continue on with his quest for the Others. We see further into Jacks head, to the root of who he is & the disturbing reality of what he has become will shock, anger & hurt you. With Marion in a silver-chain wrapped coffin at some undisclosed location, we get to spend some quality time with her consort Rachel. Violence & pain is second nature to her, something she needs to survive on a fundamental level & the person that makes her will make you cringe. Flash-backs thru out will give you the groundwork to who exactly Cerdewellyn is & what he is like. All I can say is.... OH MY!!
As our fabulous four begin their journey to Roanoke to find the Fey and the Others, it doesn't take long to realize that everyone has their own hidden agendas & motivations.
-Why does Lucas REALLY want to find the Fey & where does Val fit into it? What are his plans for her??
-Val knows she will never have the "normal" life she always craved so where does that leave her? How can she fall for two completely different men with one thing in common (their complete lack of any emotion other than anger & lust)? Common sense tells her neither is good for her and will only end in death & heartbreak, so why can't she walk away??
-What is Rachel hiding? Why has she become so obsessed with Jack & how deep does it go??
-Jack has been hunting & killing Vampires for as long as he can remember, revenge is all he knows. So why does he keep coming back to Rachel, why hasn't he killed her or really want to & why does he feel drawn to her even though he hates & despises everything she is?? What does he do now that revenge is out of his grasp??
There is so much deception & half-truths in here, you dont know who or what to believe. No one trusts anyone, snap-judgements & bad decisions are flying all over the place. It leaves your head spinning!! Heartbreaking truths come to light while more questions are raised & the ending will leave you in a Tizzy. A cliffhanger would be putting it mildly. It will make you scream, throw your Kindle across the room & bang your head off the wall!! Fantastic, nail-biting, crazy-sexy-hott read!! Bloody-good time!! Well I'm off to read Love is Mortal, FINALLY!!!!! =) xx
February 2, 2012
Wowza...I don't even know where to begin with this series...My thoughts are all over the shop. All I know for certain after reaching the final page is that I loathe cliff hangers (particularly when I google like crazy to find the authors blog & see she hasn't even written the 3rd book. Arghhhhhh) and also, that I adore this series. It is going down as one of my top 5!
Ok, where to start? Do you want me to write what the book is about? No, just read the damn book. Its everything you are hoping for plus more. This book has so many twists and turns you can not possibly anticipate what is going to happen next. It isn't like all the other predictable pnr or urban fantasy novels which have the same base (don't get me wrong, I love those too!), this book was just really out of the box for me & kept me guessing the whole story. Kudos to you Ms Hanson. The steamy sex scenes just added to the story for me, just added a little extra sparkle :D
The book started straight off from where the first finished, with silly Val heading off to Hawaii with Jack. Whos Jack? He doesn't even exist in my world, my world is all about Lucas...ahhh Lucas. I just didn't get her relationship with Jack. I never even felt an inkling that Jack & Val were meant to be together. Sure, I get that Val lusted over him, but to me it wasn't enough. It was so 13 year old, not as an adult, it gets so much more complex as an adult, I think it was more hero worship. Don't even get me started on Val. Geez, she said some stupid stuff, thought some stupid stuff and worst of all did stupid stuff. Who would listen to the king of fey, seriously? Hasn't she ever read a paranormal or urban fantasty book before? And Rachel. What the? I had no idea what so ever to think of her, each chapter my opinion changed. What a strange character, it was as if my mind just couldn't reconcile all the different images she projected. Its as if she is 3 or 4 people in my mind. Very weird.
Lucas, I wanted a bit of honesty from him and I think if he had given to me, I mean Val, things would have gone very differently. I only hope that Lucas can redeem himself and show Val he is the man that she wants him to be. Who am I kidding, I don't even know whats happening to Val right now or where she is. I hate that. I want to know that Lucas will save her again & explain everything. Speaking of Lucas, after reading 2 books, I still don't really know what his motives are, how he thinks or what his intentions are, I only know I need to know!
This book is made of lust, love, jelousy, betrayal, vampires, wolves, fey, witches & a little half empath. So much to love. I can not wait to find out what is going to happen next...If you haven't read this series, pick up book 1 - Love is Darkness!
Ok, where to start? Do you want me to write what the book is about? No, just read the damn book. Its everything you are hoping for plus more. This book has so many twists and turns you can not possibly anticipate what is going to happen next. It isn't like all the other predictable pnr or urban fantasy novels which have the same base (don't get me wrong, I love those too!), this book was just really out of the box for me & kept me guessing the whole story. Kudos to you Ms Hanson. The steamy sex scenes just added to the story for me, just added a little extra sparkle :D
The book started straight off from where the first finished, with silly Val heading off to Hawaii with Jack. Whos Jack? He doesn't even exist in my world, my world is all about Lucas...ahhh Lucas. I just didn't get her relationship with Jack. I never even felt an inkling that Jack & Val were meant to be together. Sure, I get that Val lusted over him, but to me it wasn't enough. It was so 13 year old, not as an adult, it gets so much more complex as an adult, I think it was more hero worship. Don't even get me started on Val. Geez, she said some stupid stuff, thought some stupid stuff and worst of all did stupid stuff. Who would listen to the king of fey, seriously? Hasn't she ever read a paranormal or urban fantasty book before? And Rachel. What the? I had no idea what so ever to think of her, each chapter my opinion changed. What a strange character, it was as if my mind just couldn't reconcile all the different images she projected. Its as if she is 3 or 4 people in my mind. Very weird.
Lucas, I wanted a bit of honesty from him and I think if he had given to me, I mean Val, things would have gone very differently. I only hope that Lucas can redeem himself and show Val he is the man that she wants him to be. Who am I kidding, I don't even know whats happening to Val right now or where she is. I hate that. I want to know that Lucas will save her again & explain everything. Speaking of Lucas, after reading 2 books, I still don't really know what his motives are, how he thinks or what his intentions are, I only know I need to know!
This book is made of lust, love, jelousy, betrayal, vampires, wolves, fey, witches & a little half empath. So much to love. I can not wait to find out what is going to happen next...If you haven't read this series, pick up book 1 - Love is Darkness!
January 26, 2012
I LOVED the first book in this series. The story was great, the characters were interesting, and the ending was epic. I liked this entry, but I didn't love it (really more of a 3.5 star rating).Also, this is mildly SPOILERISH. Like a few other reviewers, I think my main issue is with Valerie. I don't get her motivations for her actions...I understand her misgivings, her trust issues, even her nostalgic feelings. None of that really explains her actions. They did read as organic for me, very few things she did were done with any type of actually reflection..I just didn't connect with her as much this time around. Jack, I like that he had more depth, but I'm not crazy about the direction he is headed in & not for obvious reasons (I didn't feel like he & Val were ever really MEANT for each other). Despite the misgivings of the heart, what really upset me was the concept of family these people have (meaning the things that go on between Val & Jack, aside from the romantic aspect don't match what they are saying, even in monologue about how they feel for each other as family). And Lucas, poor Lucas. Damned if you do, damned if you don't I guess. I'll also admit to be vehemently team Lucas (I'm usually on the vampire side of things-at least for the romantic lead.) This brings us to the new player in town, Cer-King of the Fey. I really like the history of the Others in this Universe, so I was glad to get to meet him & see his side but why Val (at first) would trust as much as she did is beyond me. Everyone knows fairies are not to be trusted! I enjoyed the ending, which was very similar to the first book in how the reader will feel about it & if this goes beyond a trilogy that might get annoying..But for now I am eagerly awaiting the next installment. If you like the 1st one read this. Not nearly as good as the first as it is the second installment it is just a continuation of the story, sort of a filler episode where some necessary narrative things have to happen to get us to the pay-off. The story telling is dynamic, I have no doubts the next book will fulfilling.
December 31, 2011
Valerie has always wanted a normal, human life, but thanks to the vampires, her hopes were taken away when she was a child, and despite her efforts, they continue to pull her into their world and the dangers she is trying to avoid. which is difficult as she has been trained to be a vampire hunter. The sight of blood makes her faint, and she definately doesn't like being the target for any pain!
Even worse, Val carries a truck load of emotional baggage and that is where her problems really start.
Well, Val STILL hasn't sorted herself out emotionally. She's coming across as a possessive, manipulative and very immature teenager. I love the plot in these books by Ms Hanson - they could move at quite a pace if they didn't get bogged down by Miss "PMT" Val and her inability to think above the waistline....
I was beginning to like Lucas and Rachel above Val and Jack, possibly because they are so straight forward!
I'm wondering if King of the Fey will join Val's male harem in the next book?? oh no, even more pouting for Val (along with other activities).
But Caroline Hanson does know how to keep the reader hooked! I'll grit my teeth and put up with Val's contrariness, just to find out what happens to Lucas!
Even worse, Val carries a truck load of emotional baggage and that is where her problems really start.
Well, Val STILL hasn't sorted herself out emotionally. She's coming across as a possessive, manipulative and very immature teenager. I love the plot in these books by Ms Hanson - they could move at quite a pace if they didn't get bogged down by Miss "PMT" Val and her inability to think above the waistline....
I was beginning to like Lucas and Rachel above Val and Jack, possibly because they are so straight forward!
I'm wondering if King of the Fey will join Val's male harem in the next book?? oh no, even more pouting for Val (along with other activities).
But Caroline Hanson does know how to keep the reader hooked! I'll grit my teeth and put up with Val's contrariness, just to find out what happens to Lucas!
January 1, 2012
Valerie is an empath. Her kind use to be the mediator between the Others (vamps, weres, witches and the fae). Lucas, the vampire king, destroyed all the Others centuries ago. Now, he wants to bring the Others back with Valerie's help.
I liked this book a lot more than the first. Valerie makes a choice between Jack and Lucas in the beginning but happiness does not last long. It actually gets very complicated. These characters, including Rachel, are very complex. What is so great is that the author shows different POVs from each character but just when you think you understand their intentions, things get all twisted and you're wondering WTF happened! These characters make you love to hate them and hate to love them. We also finally learn more about the Others that the first book lacked. The fae background was very interesting. When we get glimpses into the fae realm, I was on the edge of my seat, flipping pages and anticipating what would happen next. There were many surprises and also unanswered questions. I can't wait for the next book and I definitely recommend this to other UF lovers!
I liked this book a lot more than the first. Valerie makes a choice between Jack and Lucas in the beginning but happiness does not last long. It actually gets very complicated. These characters, including Rachel, are very complex. What is so great is that the author shows different POVs from each character but just when you think you understand their intentions, things get all twisted and you're wondering WTF happened! These characters make you love to hate them and hate to love them. We also finally learn more about the Others that the first book lacked. The fae background was very interesting. When we get glimpses into the fae realm, I was on the edge of my seat, flipping pages and anticipating what would happen next. There were many surprises and also unanswered questions. I can't wait for the next book and I definitely recommend this to other UF lovers!
August 5, 2012
**This is a review of the trilogy as a whole.**
Forget Twilight. This series is one of the best hidden treasures amidst a genre of brooding passive-aggressive vampires. In this densely carnal, twisted take on fey, vampire, and otherworld magic, the heroine Valerie shines beneath the crushing weight of her love for two heroes. Jack, her childhood friend turned vampire hunter, is committed to keeping things platonically frustrating. Lucas, the 1600 year old vampire king, is complicated by his cold abstention of emotion. Each book in this series is infused with a deliberate pace that proves instrumental in establishing and perpetuating what I love most about this story: the dark tone and fantastical atmosphere. From book 1 to book 3, it is dreary, heartfelt, vengeful, and imaginative, without any tacked-on erotica or desperate cliches. The world building is masterful, the writing equally so. CH tortures you before handing over Valerie's hard-earned forbidden love, and while the third book concludes with a HEA epilogue, intriguing questions remain. A promise of another book, separate from the trilogy.
Forget Twilight. This series is one of the best hidden treasures amidst a genre of brooding passive-aggressive vampires. In this densely carnal, twisted take on fey, vampire, and otherworld magic, the heroine Valerie shines beneath the crushing weight of her love for two heroes. Jack, her childhood friend turned vampire hunter, is committed to keeping things platonically frustrating. Lucas, the 1600 year old vampire king, is complicated by his cold abstention of emotion. Each book in this series is infused with a deliberate pace that proves instrumental in establishing and perpetuating what I love most about this story: the dark tone and fantastical atmosphere. From book 1 to book 3, it is dreary, heartfelt, vengeful, and imaginative, without any tacked-on erotica or desperate cliches. The world building is masterful, the writing equally so. CH tortures you before handing over Valerie's hard-earned forbidden love, and while the third book concludes with a HEA epilogue, intriguing questions remain. A promise of another book, separate from the trilogy.
December 27, 2011
Wow, this book contains one of the hottest sex scenes I have ever read. EVER. And I have read a lot of smutty stuff. Amazing. Where can I find a Lucas? The thing that bugged me the most about Valerie was all of her whining about "love" - her definition of love couldn't be accomplished by Lucas, but could it be accomplished by anyone? Isn't it different for everyone? How can she tell him what he can't and cannot feel?
I really started to dislike Jack, and wasn't surprised where he ended up. It fit perfectly. I wasn't even sad about it. I didn't like the cliffhanger ending, I don't care about the fey/Cer, needs more Lucas (only Lucas - haha!). I think he can be redeemed, I don't think he was as manipulative as Val thinks, or maybe he was at the beginning and then something changed.. I think he will come after Val and redeem himself. I will be waiting for the next installment. To devour.
I really started to dislike Jack, and wasn't surprised where he ended up. It fit perfectly. I wasn't even sad about it. I didn't like the cliffhanger ending, I don't care about the fey/Cer, needs more Lucas (only Lucas - haha!). I think he can be redeemed, I don't think he was as manipulative as Val thinks, or maybe he was at the beginning and then something changed.. I think he will come after Val and redeem himself. I will be waiting for the next installment. To devour.
December 5, 2012
Damn this! I'm going to be childish and pout about Val, I sure hate her guts right now. I feel bad for Jack but I'm happy that because of what happened to him Val got a very rude awakening. As you can tell, I am far from being emphatic with Valerie even if I understand where her reasoning missteps came from, I still think she's a ho and I was beyond gleeful with the ending because she had it coming! Though I'm not a happy camper as far as our heroine is concerned overall I love LOVE IS FEAR, only good writing and plotting can elicit such strong emotions from readers don't you think? CHanson did a great job pulling and twisting the threads tighter and I can't help but get emotionally invested in these books. I read books 1 & 2 back to back so that's saying a lot.
Full tantrum at Talk Supe
Full tantrum at Talk Supe
December 26, 2011
That Jack and Rachel thing came like a freight train. Wasn't expecting that huge change though. Now Val has no one but a Fey king and has just been thrown off a cliff towards some power and knowledge she doesn't want.
I bet Lucas won't be too happy once he wakes up. Jack and Rachel will be. I wonder if they'll try to kill him and then go off on their rescue mission to save Rachel's niece from the witches. Will Jack realize he abandoned Valerie. She so needs to let him go now. He chose the vamp.
Now Val will be working for Cerdewellyn. She sure gets used a lot. What's going to happen next?
I bet Lucas won't be too happy once he wakes up. Jack and Rachel will be. I wonder if they'll try to kill him and then go off on their rescue mission to save Rachel's niece from the witches. Will Jack realize he abandoned Valerie. She so needs to let him go now. He chose the vamp.
Now Val will be working for Cerdewellyn. She sure gets used a lot. What's going to happen next?
January 3, 2012
Whoa! I loved the first one and the same goes for this one. A new character is introduced in this book that is very mysterious, powerful and hot. This authors ending are abrupt so prepare yourself for that.Was anybody here a fan of Melrose Place? Her endings kinda make me feel like I did when that chick pulled off her wig and there was that hug nasty scar wrapping around her head and you're all like "WHAAAT?" and then the screen goes dark... But I totally tuned in the next season and I will totally buy the next book in this series as soon as it comes out. The world is interesting, Valerie is a good character and the sex scenes are OMG UH-MAAAZING. "Whoa." *fans self*
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