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Para-Ops #3
Chosen by Sin
Paperback is available at Amazon.
The longest life isn’t always the happiest one…
For now, werebeast Dex Hunt serves on the Para-Ops team, but his true purpose is to kill the werewolf leader he blames for his mother’s death. Biding his time, Dex keeps his emotional distance from his team members and anyone else he might care for, including a mysterious vampire he met in L.A.
As a doctor, vampire Jesmina Martin has dedicated her immortal life to healing others. As a scientific researcher, she’s trying to prolong life spans, in particular those of her adoptive dragon-shifter family and the werewolf who saved her as a child. Her greatest hope lies with Dex, a werebeast she believes can gift immortality to others.
Only Dex knows nothing about his gift or the fact Jesmina wants to harness it. After a passionate night together neither expects to see the other again. Weeks later, they are reunited in France and forced to acknowledge a fragile miracle—a new life struggling to survive. At the same time, they must stop a group of rebel shape-shifters hoping to unleash every demon in hell. But before Dex and Jesmina can save their child or the world, they must relinquish their secrets, face their fears, and open themselves to love.
The longest life isn’t always the happiest one…
For now, werebeast Dex Hunt serves on the Para-Ops team, but his true purpose is to kill the werewolf leader he blames for his mother’s death. Biding his time, Dex keeps his emotional distance from his team members and anyone else he might care for, including a mysterious vampire he met in L.A.
As a doctor, vampire Jesmina Martin has dedicated her immortal life to healing others. As a scientific researcher, she’s trying to prolong life spans, in particular those of her adoptive dragon-shifter family and the werewolf who saved her as a child. Her greatest hope lies with Dex, a werebeast she believes can gift immortality to others.
Only Dex knows nothing about his gift or the fact Jesmina wants to harness it. After a passionate night together neither expects to see the other again. Weeks later, they are reunited in France and forced to acknowledge a fragile miracle—a new life struggling to survive. At the same time, they must stop a group of rebel shape-shifters hoping to unleash every demon in hell. But before Dex and Jesmina can save their child or the world, they must relinquish their secrets, face their fears, and open themselves to love.
254 pages, Paperback
First published December 18, 2011
25 people are currently reading
774 people want to read
About the author
Virna DePaul
127 books988 followersA former prosecutor, Virna DePaul writes "heat, heart, & HEA" for Harlequin and Random House. She is also a bestselling Indie author, with Bedding The Wrong Brother being a top 100 contemporary romance on Amazon with over 150 5* reviews. www.virnadepaul.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews
January 22, 2012
LOVED! LOVED! LOVED this story!
There was a point where I wanted to keep reading, but was afraid to finish the story (yep I was that into it).
Dex and Jes's story was like an amazing roller-coaster ride.
Dex is now on my list of favorite Alpha's.
In this book in particular the Author stays true to Dex's character. He is still just as loyal, stubborn, and aggressive. These are not always good characters traits to have, but the reader comes to understand where He's coming from and why He reacts to situations the way He does.
Once again Ms. DePaul's writing, characters, and story line are brilliant!
I'm SOO happy I found this series, and look forward to the next installment... I hope I don't have to wait too long!
There was a point where I wanted to keep reading, but was afraid to finish the story (yep I was that into it).
Dex and Jes's story was like an amazing roller-coaster ride.
Dex is now on my list of favorite Alpha's.
In this book in particular the Author stays true to Dex's character. He is still just as loyal, stubborn, and aggressive. These are not always good characters traits to have, but the reader comes to understand where He's coming from and why He reacts to situations the way He does.
Once again Ms. DePaul's writing, characters, and story line are brilliant!
I'm SOO happy I found this series, and look forward to the next installment... I hope I don't have to wait too long!
January 9, 2012
Review posted: Happily Ever After - Reads
Blog Rating: 3.5/5
They’d both lost love early, but at least Jes had been loved by others. Had Dex? Had he ever had the chance? Had he ever let someone truly love him?
It struck her then, how desperately she wanted him to be loved. How desperately she wanted to be the one to love him.
When we last left off with Dex, he was “helping” Lucy out by coming up with an arrangement to help her get through her feline heat cycles. They’re still having sex, but neither ones heart is in it. However, one look at Jes and Dex is lost. Not head over heels, but instant attraction is there and he has to have her. Jes wants Dex too but for very different reasons.
Jesmina is searching for immortality. Not for herself, she already has that as a vampire, but the man who saved her and the people who raised her are dying. The were who saved her, Bodin, is at the end of his life. Years ago, he delivered a young Jes to the Draci, dragon shifters, to raise as their own. This small community of shifters accepted her immediately and she them, but the Draci life span is a mere thirty years. Jes has seen loved ones and friends die over and over and she’s experimenting in any way she can to try to find not only a cure to save Bodin, but the key to immortality. She longs to be a mother, but as a vampire, she’s suffered numerous miscarriages and was told by fellow physicians that she’ll never be able to have children. That is until one night with Dex results in a pregnancy that Jes is desperate for.
Dex suffered abuse as a child when he too was sent away by Bodin, only he wasn’t taken in by a loving family. The orphanage he grew up in was filled with torture, abuse and neglect and he vowed revenge on Bodin for putting him in that situation. It was his driving reason for joining the Para-Ops teams, having his one request fulfilled, Bodin’s death. But he can’t get his one night with Jes out of his mind and once he finds out that not only is she pregnant, but she needs him to be close to her and the baby for her entire pregnancy, all 1 month of it, he’s torn. He’s the tough alpha that doesn’t love, doesn’t form attachments and never, ever wanted kids. All he has for childhood memories is everything bad that happened to him and the other boys in the orphanage and the thought of him being a father…it’s something he never wanted to be faced with. But with Jes, and a little clarification from Cy – Jes’s Draci brother for all intents and purposes – he finds himself starting to hope that a future he never thought possible might be a reality.
Ah…but the lies! Jes keeps some pretty big lies and deceptions from Dex through much of the book and while vampires just can’t outright lie, she’s able to word some of her answers just right. But the truth of what she’s doing and how she involved Dex in her quest to figure out how to give people immortality slowly comes out and she and Dex have a rough road ahead of them as they try to figure everything out.
On top of all this, Mahone and the Para-Ops team are in the story, but very much in the background. There’s fighting between the weres, demons that need to be stopped and a lot of things that seem to be happening behind the scenes that we only get snippets of. Knox and Felicia, Lucy and Cy, and Zeph are all dealing with their own problems and while we just get hints of things that are happening and what’s maybe to come, their stories are only touched on and much is left unanswered.
This wasn’t just about sex and physical pleasure or about using his knowledge to press where he needed for as long as he needed to get his partner to climax. Instead, it was about exploring every inch of something warm and beautiful and precious until he knew it even better than his own body. Just for the sheer joy it brought him
Joy. Contentment. Belonging. They weren’t words he’d ever thought in conjunction with himself, but every time he was with Jes, they somehow managed to sneak into his subconscious.
There was some nice action and fighting, but for me, what drove the story was the relationship between Dex and Jes. They both had such sad childhoods in very different ways and together they were able to find a connection that they hadn’t been able to have with another person, ever. Their relationship was a little back and forth, they’d just find some peace together and something else would shake that up, it felt like one extreme or the other through much of the story. But high drama means hot, sexy make up scenes and in a way, everything Dex feels with Jes is really the first time he’s had to deal with these feelings – especially love. He wants to love and wants to feel love in return and seeing him and Jes both find that with each other was very satisfying.
Dex is a part of an ancient prophecy that involves the gift of granting immortality and I’m already curious to know how (or who) will benefit from that little gift. Cy, one of a few new characters we meet in CHOSEN BY SIN, is a Draci with a thirty year life span. I want him happy. That’s all. He and Lucy seem to have some friction happening at the end, but we the readers have no idea why…yet. Perhaps in the next book we’ll get that story.
I enjoyed seeing Dex, a rough around the edges kind of guy, and Jes, struggle but ultimately find happiness and a family in way neither one ever expected to possible. But I’m left with so many more questions about the series: what’s going on with Knox and Felicia? How much longer can Zeph stomach his undercover mission? Will Lucy and Cy find happiness together, or just continue to shoot daggers at one another? What’s the future of the Para-Ops team looking like with members leaving and no one being replaced yet? So many questions and I’m looking forward to seeing where Verna DePaul takes us next.
Blog Rating: 3.5/5
They’d both lost love early, but at least Jes had been loved by others. Had Dex? Had he ever had the chance? Had he ever let someone truly love him?
It struck her then, how desperately she wanted him to be loved. How desperately she wanted to be the one to love him.
When we last left off with Dex, he was “helping” Lucy out by coming up with an arrangement to help her get through her feline heat cycles. They’re still having sex, but neither ones heart is in it. However, one look at Jes and Dex is lost. Not head over heels, but instant attraction is there and he has to have her. Jes wants Dex too but for very different reasons.
Jesmina is searching for immortality. Not for herself, she already has that as a vampire, but the man who saved her and the people who raised her are dying. The were who saved her, Bodin, is at the end of his life. Years ago, he delivered a young Jes to the Draci, dragon shifters, to raise as their own. This small community of shifters accepted her immediately and she them, but the Draci life span is a mere thirty years. Jes has seen loved ones and friends die over and over and she’s experimenting in any way she can to try to find not only a cure to save Bodin, but the key to immortality. She longs to be a mother, but as a vampire, she’s suffered numerous miscarriages and was told by fellow physicians that she’ll never be able to have children. That is until one night with Dex results in a pregnancy that Jes is desperate for.
Dex suffered abuse as a child when he too was sent away by Bodin, only he wasn’t taken in by a loving family. The orphanage he grew up in was filled with torture, abuse and neglect and he vowed revenge on Bodin for putting him in that situation. It was his driving reason for joining the Para-Ops teams, having his one request fulfilled, Bodin’s death. But he can’t get his one night with Jes out of his mind and once he finds out that not only is she pregnant, but she needs him to be close to her and the baby for her entire pregnancy, all 1 month of it, he’s torn. He’s the tough alpha that doesn’t love, doesn’t form attachments and never, ever wanted kids. All he has for childhood memories is everything bad that happened to him and the other boys in the orphanage and the thought of him being a father…it’s something he never wanted to be faced with. But with Jes, and a little clarification from Cy – Jes’s Draci brother for all intents and purposes – he finds himself starting to hope that a future he never thought possible might be a reality.
Ah…but the lies! Jes keeps some pretty big lies and deceptions from Dex through much of the book and while vampires just can’t outright lie, she’s able to word some of her answers just right. But the truth of what she’s doing and how she involved Dex in her quest to figure out how to give people immortality slowly comes out and she and Dex have a rough road ahead of them as they try to figure everything out.
On top of all this, Mahone and the Para-Ops team are in the story, but very much in the background. There’s fighting between the weres, demons that need to be stopped and a lot of things that seem to be happening behind the scenes that we only get snippets of. Knox and Felicia, Lucy and Cy, and Zeph are all dealing with their own problems and while we just get hints of things that are happening and what’s maybe to come, their stories are only touched on and much is left unanswered.
This wasn’t just about sex and physical pleasure or about using his knowledge to press where he needed for as long as he needed to get his partner to climax. Instead, it was about exploring every inch of something warm and beautiful and precious until he knew it even better than his own body. Just for the sheer joy it brought him
Joy. Contentment. Belonging. They weren’t words he’d ever thought in conjunction with himself, but every time he was with Jes, they somehow managed to sneak into his subconscious.
There was some nice action and fighting, but for me, what drove the story was the relationship between Dex and Jes. They both had such sad childhoods in very different ways and together they were able to find a connection that they hadn’t been able to have with another person, ever. Their relationship was a little back and forth, they’d just find some peace together and something else would shake that up, it felt like one extreme or the other through much of the story. But high drama means hot, sexy make up scenes and in a way, everything Dex feels with Jes is really the first time he’s had to deal with these feelings – especially love. He wants to love and wants to feel love in return and seeing him and Jes both find that with each other was very satisfying.
Dex is a part of an ancient prophecy that involves the gift of granting immortality and I’m already curious to know how (or who) will benefit from that little gift. Cy, one of a few new characters we meet in CHOSEN BY SIN, is a Draci with a thirty year life span. I want him happy. That’s all. He and Lucy seem to have some friction happening at the end, but we the readers have no idea why…yet. Perhaps in the next book we’ll get that story.
I enjoyed seeing Dex, a rough around the edges kind of guy, and Jes, struggle but ultimately find happiness and a family in way neither one ever expected to possible. But I’m left with so many more questions about the series: what’s going on with Knox and Felicia? How much longer can Zeph stomach his undercover mission? Will Lucy and Cy find happiness together, or just continue to shoot daggers at one another? What’s the future of the Para-Ops team looking like with members leaving and no one being replaced yet? So many questions and I’m looking forward to seeing where Verna DePaul takes us next.
January 11, 2012
Review originally posted at Ramblings From This Chick
Wow! It's 6:30 AM and I stayed up all night to finish this book and it was so worth it. Oh my goodness was this story good. Full of so much love and pain. I definitely think that this is by far the best in the series. Dex was just so much more than what I was expecting. Yes, he's tortured and full of pain, but he's also a wise-ass that cares about the ones closest to him, even if he won't admit it to himself. There was just so much pain and resentment issues that he had to deal with from issues stemming from his past that you just want to give him a hug and somehow try and make it all better.
Dex was born half vampire, half werewolf but has the dominate traits of a were. Because he was born a half-breed he's never been able to find acceptance with anyone. He was cast out of his pack when he was a child by his grandfather and sent to live in an orphanage, then a few years later Dex's mother died. Dex has always resented his grandfather and blamed him for the death of his mother. When Dex joined the Para-Ops team, his stipulation was that he would be able to seek out his grandfathers whereabouts and kill him.
When Dex and Jesmina meet, they are both instantly attracted to one another. I mean serious sparkage. After a few close encounters they finally end up having a very steamy one nightstand. After which both go their separate ways. Dex goes back to working for the Para-Ops team, and Jes goes back to her home in France. Neither thinks they will see the other again, or so they thought.
When Jes gets back home she discovers that even though she thought that she was sterile that she is pregnant with Dex's baby. She is beyond happy to be pregnant but she knows she will probably end up loosing the baby. She's been pregnant many times before and was told that she could never have a baby. She always ends up having a miscarriage. She'll do anything to protect the baby inside of her. So when she realizes that Dex is in France, she sends for him. His presence in the country as already made a difference for her baby, as if it can sense Dex and his presence.
Dex has been sent to France to work on a mission when he encounters Jes again. Immediately they both pick up right where they left off, in bed. Dex still can't get over how attracted he is to Jes. There is just something about her that pulls him in and he's never felt this kind of connection to anyone before. When Jes informs him of her pregnancy Dex flips out. He never wanted to be a father, never wanted to subject his child to the abuse he endured because he's a half-breed. But now it's too late, Jes is pregnant and there is nothing he can do about it. He could never leave her knowing that he was the cause of her loosing the baby, so he decides to stick around for awhile. In doing so, he starts to realize that he may be able to let these two in. That maybe he is capable of loving someone else.
I cannot get over how much I loved this book. I loved the pairing of Jes and Dex. Dex is such a alpha male, but there is so much more to him. He really is one of the most caring and loving characters in this series, it just takes him awhile to get there and he might not even want to admit it himself. I loved being able to see the growth of his character as the chapters went on. There were a few times, especially towards the end that I found myself tearing up. Especially when he was in bed with Jes. I really loved these two together and I hope that we get to see more of them as the series progresses. These two had such chemistry together that it felt as if it jumped off the page.
I found that Jes was such a perfect fit for Dex. She is strong, smart, independent and completely in love with Dex and isn't afraid to let him know. I loved this about this book. Once someone felt something for another they let them know. Not only does Jes care about Dex, but she cares about her Draci family. Jes like Dex, has had a very hard life. She has had to watch the ones she's loved die over and over. I don't even know how she has the strength to keep going. I love that she's a fighter and I love that she is willing to fight for Dex.
I can honestly go on and on about why I love this book so much and how it's so good. Seriously people, this book is amazing and you definitely need to read it. In my opinion the best in the series. I can't wait to read the next installment in this series. It just keeps getting better and better.
**ARC copy provided by Author**
Wow! It's 6:30 AM and I stayed up all night to finish this book and it was so worth it. Oh my goodness was this story good. Full of so much love and pain. I definitely think that this is by far the best in the series. Dex was just so much more than what I was expecting. Yes, he's tortured and full of pain, but he's also a wise-ass that cares about the ones closest to him, even if he won't admit it to himself. There was just so much pain and resentment issues that he had to deal with from issues stemming from his past that you just want to give him a hug and somehow try and make it all better.
Dex was born half vampire, half werewolf but has the dominate traits of a were. Because he was born a half-breed he's never been able to find acceptance with anyone. He was cast out of his pack when he was a child by his grandfather and sent to live in an orphanage, then a few years later Dex's mother died. Dex has always resented his grandfather and blamed him for the death of his mother. When Dex joined the Para-Ops team, his stipulation was that he would be able to seek out his grandfathers whereabouts and kill him.
When Dex and Jesmina meet, they are both instantly attracted to one another. I mean serious sparkage. After a few close encounters they finally end up having a very steamy one nightstand. After which both go their separate ways. Dex goes back to working for the Para-Ops team, and Jes goes back to her home in France. Neither thinks they will see the other again, or so they thought.
When Jes gets back home she discovers that even though she thought that she was sterile that she is pregnant with Dex's baby. She is beyond happy to be pregnant but she knows she will probably end up loosing the baby. She's been pregnant many times before and was told that she could never have a baby. She always ends up having a miscarriage. She'll do anything to protect the baby inside of her. So when she realizes that Dex is in France, she sends for him. His presence in the country as already made a difference for her baby, as if it can sense Dex and his presence.
Dex has been sent to France to work on a mission when he encounters Jes again. Immediately they both pick up right where they left off, in bed. Dex still can't get over how attracted he is to Jes. There is just something about her that pulls him in and he's never felt this kind of connection to anyone before. When Jes informs him of her pregnancy Dex flips out. He never wanted to be a father, never wanted to subject his child to the abuse he endured because he's a half-breed. But now it's too late, Jes is pregnant and there is nothing he can do about it. He could never leave her knowing that he was the cause of her loosing the baby, so he decides to stick around for awhile. In doing so, he starts to realize that he may be able to let these two in. That maybe he is capable of loving someone else.
I cannot get over how much I loved this book. I loved the pairing of Jes and Dex. Dex is such a alpha male, but there is so much more to him. He really is one of the most caring and loving characters in this series, it just takes him awhile to get there and he might not even want to admit it himself. I loved being able to see the growth of his character as the chapters went on. There were a few times, especially towards the end that I found myself tearing up. Especially when he was in bed with Jes. I really loved these two together and I hope that we get to see more of them as the series progresses. These two had such chemistry together that it felt as if it jumped off the page.
I found that Jes was such a perfect fit for Dex. She is strong, smart, independent and completely in love with Dex and isn't afraid to let him know. I loved this about this book. Once someone felt something for another they let them know. Not only does Jes care about Dex, but she cares about her Draci family. Jes like Dex, has had a very hard life. She has had to watch the ones she's loved die over and over. I don't even know how she has the strength to keep going. I love that she's a fighter and I love that she is willing to fight for Dex.
I can honestly go on and on about why I love this book so much and how it's so good. Seriously people, this book is amazing and you definitely need to read it. In my opinion the best in the series. I can't wait to read the next installment in this series. It just keeps getting better and better.
**ARC copy provided by Author**
January 22, 2012
Rated: 4.5 at Novel Reflections
This third addition to the Para-Ops series did not disappoint one bit, in my expectations for the continuation of the series, as well as for the characters!
Werebeast Dex has been the hero with the story that I've been highly anticipating since he was first introduced back in book one. Broken, troubled, flawed, utterly alpha, sexy, emotionally distant and vulnerable; he's everything I enjoy in a hero who just needs some lovin', and Virna did a fantastic job at showing the different sides of his character. Dex's character undergoes a lot of growth in this story, and a moment at the end of the book really touched me emotionally. I can't tell you what it is though without spoiling it.
His heroine is vampire Jesmina, a doctor hell bent on finding a cure for the dying species she calls family: The Draci, who adopted her as a young child. In all her years of research, she's knows that the answer has to lie in Dex's blood. The problem is, she's not the only one causing "problems" for Dex. For a group of rogue shifters are on the cusp of unleashing demons on the world in order to to take a stand against their own oppression and prejudice.
While the members of the Para-Ops team are all finding their love interests and HEA's along the way, DePaul is still going strong with introducing new characters and even new paranormal species. In CHOSEN BY SIN, readers are gifted with the appearance of the Draci race. A race of dragon shifters on the brink of extinction; with their exceptionally short life spans and their inability to successfully keep the race growing.
Another fun aspect to this installment was the change in setting. DePaul whisks us from Washington D.C. to Los Angles, and settling the majority of the story in France.
I'm always captivated by DePaul's strength of, and ability to sustain, such interesting and real-life paralleled themes throughout the course of this series. In this third installment, the paranormal species and human race still harbor fear, prejudice, and apprehension of one another – following the second Civil War between humans and Otherborn – which continues to allow for some great conflict outside of the personal conflicts of the characters. Add in some new species and hot, intense passion, and you've got one helluva paranormal romance for adult readers.
Having followed this series from the beginning, I think I can safely state that DePaul ups the stakes with new paranormal species introductions, a little more sexiness than in previous books, some new twist and turns with characters that I was definitely not expecting, and even gives us a little edgier feel to the overall dynamics. DePaul continues to deliver sexy, paranormal romance with great characters and even more powerful theme and plot lines in the Para-Ops series. As a reader, you can't help but compare real life trials, obstacles and political dynamics to the themes presented and unraveled in the series -- all brought to life in the context of paranormal romance.
I'm already chomping-at-the-bit for the fourth book!! This series is addicting and never fails to present something "new" in each installment. Once you start, I'm sure you'll have trouble stopping. I know I did!! :)
This third addition to the Para-Ops series did not disappoint one bit, in my expectations for the continuation of the series, as well as for the characters!
Werebeast Dex has been the hero with the story that I've been highly anticipating since he was first introduced back in book one. Broken, troubled, flawed, utterly alpha, sexy, emotionally distant and vulnerable; he's everything I enjoy in a hero who just needs some lovin', and Virna did a fantastic job at showing the different sides of his character. Dex's character undergoes a lot of growth in this story, and a moment at the end of the book really touched me emotionally. I can't tell you what it is though without spoiling it.
His heroine is vampire Jesmina, a doctor hell bent on finding a cure for the dying species she calls family: The Draci, who adopted her as a young child. In all her years of research, she's knows that the answer has to lie in Dex's blood. The problem is, she's not the only one causing "problems" for Dex. For a group of rogue shifters are on the cusp of unleashing demons on the world in order to to take a stand against their own oppression and prejudice.
While the members of the Para-Ops team are all finding their love interests and HEA's along the way, DePaul is still going strong with introducing new characters and even new paranormal species. In CHOSEN BY SIN, readers are gifted with the appearance of the Draci race. A race of dragon shifters on the brink of extinction; with their exceptionally short life spans and their inability to successfully keep the race growing.
Another fun aspect to this installment was the change in setting. DePaul whisks us from Washington D.C. to Los Angles, and settling the majority of the story in France.
I'm always captivated by DePaul's strength of, and ability to sustain, such interesting and real-life paralleled themes throughout the course of this series. In this third installment, the paranormal species and human race still harbor fear, prejudice, and apprehension of one another – following the second Civil War between humans and Otherborn – which continues to allow for some great conflict outside of the personal conflicts of the characters. Add in some new species and hot, intense passion, and you've got one helluva paranormal romance for adult readers.
Having followed this series from the beginning, I think I can safely state that DePaul ups the stakes with new paranormal species introductions, a little more sexiness than in previous books, some new twist and turns with characters that I was definitely not expecting, and even gives us a little edgier feel to the overall dynamics. DePaul continues to deliver sexy, paranormal romance with great characters and even more powerful theme and plot lines in the Para-Ops series. As a reader, you can't help but compare real life trials, obstacles and political dynamics to the themes presented and unraveled in the series -- all brought to life in the context of paranormal romance.
I'm already chomping-at-the-bit for the fourth book!! This series is addicting and never fails to present something "new" in each installment. Once you start, I'm sure you'll have trouble stopping. I know I did!! :)
February 20, 2015
I like Virna DePaul's Para-Ops series more with each book that I read, so I am so happy to have stumbled on Chosen By Sin completely by accident. Since it's not main stream pubbed like her previous two book Chosen By Blood and Chosen by Desire which were Berkely releases, I only clued into to it by seeing Chosen By Sin mentioned in Goodreads member's status update.
Where the previous book was really a team effort, the team has split up this time around with only short glimpses - or mentions - of the past pairs, which is actually okay since wolf shifter Dex and his heroine vampire Jes have fairly significant back stories and their pasts really do color their interactions with each other. Where Dex is 'abandoned' by his family, and suffers abuse in the situation in which he was placed and Jes' parents were murdered, and even though she seems luckier since she was sent to live with the dragon shifting Draci where she grew up loved, how tragic to be an immortal fostered by a race whose lifespan is thirty years tops and to loose everyone she comes to love over and over again.
I liked Dex in the previous books even though he stood apart from the team and never let on that they mattered to him. But here Dex really surprised me (and I think he surprised himself as well) this big bad lone wolf is a protector/nurturer at the bottom of his damaged heart. His heroine Jes, who Dex views initially as an adversary due to her actions in the previous book, despite her at times dubious choices was appealing as well.
I am normally not one for getting into the smex too quickly and generally like some relationship development first, but somehow the chemistry between Dex and Jes was so combustible on their first couple brief encounters that I had no issue with them succumbing to their attraction the second that they got alone together and then taking a step back and making them work through their issues.
Other things that I liked: I really liked the Scottish Dragon shifter guy Cy, the Draci and I liked his initial attitude of making the most of the time that he has in his destined to be short life. My only nits: the demon background story wasn't super well developed and the significance aspect of Dex being this wolf of destiny was left a bit hanging - I can sort of guess where this might come into play as things move forward with the series but I think there should have been at least a nod to that with Dex questioning the fact that he suffered so much for a prophecy that seemed to have misfired. There was one thing that stopped me dead in my tracks in the heat of the story – but which made total sense thinking on it afterward since the awful knee jerk reaction really did fit Dex's character, even if it was hard for me in the moment of the story.
So bottom line? I really ended up liking this latest Para-Ops entry and had to email DePaul to find out whether there would be more. DePaul's answer that she's planning on writing book 4 when her contracted commitments allow and that we will likely see Lucy or Zeph's story as another self published offering. I can hardly wait, because Lucy and Zeph >need< their stories told and I'd love to see more of Cy too, he deserves a happily-how-ever-long-he-has and I would like to see more dragonshiftery-ness.
Where the previous book was really a team effort, the team has split up this time around with only short glimpses - or mentions - of the past pairs, which is actually okay since wolf shifter Dex and his heroine vampire Jes have fairly significant back stories and their pasts really do color their interactions with each other. Where Dex is 'abandoned' by his family, and suffers abuse in the situation in which he was placed and Jes' parents were murdered, and even though she seems luckier since she was sent to live with the dragon shifting Draci where she grew up loved, how tragic to be an immortal fostered by a race whose lifespan is thirty years tops and to loose everyone she comes to love over and over again.
I liked Dex in the previous books even though he stood apart from the team and never let on that they mattered to him. But here Dex really surprised me (and I think he surprised himself as well) this big bad lone wolf is a protector/nurturer at the bottom of his damaged heart. His heroine Jes, who Dex views initially as an adversary due to her actions in the previous book, despite her at times dubious choices was appealing as well.
I am normally not one for getting into the smex too quickly and generally like some relationship development first, but somehow the chemistry between Dex and Jes was so combustible on their first couple brief encounters that I had no issue with them succumbing to their attraction the second that they got alone together and then taking a step back and making them work through their issues.
Other things that I liked: I really liked the Scottish Dragon shifter guy Cy, the Draci and I liked his initial attitude of making the most of the time that he has in his destined to be short life. My only nits: the demon background story wasn't super well developed and the significance aspect of Dex being this wolf of destiny was left a bit hanging - I can sort of guess where this might come into play as things move forward with the series but I think there should have been at least a nod to that with Dex questioning the fact that he suffered so much for a prophecy that seemed to have misfired. There was one thing that stopped me dead in my tracks in the heat of the story – but which made total sense thinking on it afterward since the awful knee jerk reaction really did fit Dex's character, even if it was hard for me in the moment of the story.
So bottom line? I really ended up liking this latest Para-Ops entry and had to email DePaul to find out whether there would be more. DePaul's answer that she's planning on writing book 4 when her contracted commitments allow and that we will likely see Lucy or Zeph's story as another self published offering. I can hardly wait, because Lucy and Zeph >need< their stories told and I'd love to see more of Cy too, he deserves a happily-how-ever-long-he-has and I would like to see more dragonshiftery-ness.
Read
November 27, 2025Dex is a the emotionally wounded member of an elite special “para-ops”team, he is also a ½ breed shifter/vampire. He has conquered his torments and tormentors of the past and has taken a position on the team with the goal exact his revenge on his grandfather, Bodin...the person he blames for all his hardships. Dex is also the child of prophecy, supposing to hold the ability to create immortality in others.
Jesmina (Jes) is a natural born vampire. Orphaned at an early age, she was saved by the very man that Dex hates, his grandfather. Raised by the Draci, dragon shifters, Jess has known lots of loss. Draci only live about 30 years while Jes is immortal. Watching her adopted family die every few decades has taken its toll. Jess is searching for a way to expand life, even if it means putting her happiness aside. In the end, she decides her only recourse is in the prophecy and Dex to help her save her family.
When Dex and Jes come together, there is insta-lust which quickly turns into so much more. Secrets, over the top reactions and extremely BAD choices threaten their tentative happiness. The characters both have troubled pasts but unless they can pull beyond their emotional issues the loss will be catastrophic.
The sexual interaction was highly erotic and happens often.
The main premise of the story was intriguing, rogue shifters opening and releasing the spirits from hell but I had major issues with the characters erratic decisions and actions. I really liked Cy, I kinda liked Jes, but pretty much hated Dex. There are many readers who really appreciated and enjoyed this story so if you're a Para-Ops fan you should check this story out. Although I've really enjoyed many of Virna DePaul's hot and spicy, imaginative and action packed stories, Chosen by Sin was not for me.
I received this copy of Chosen by Sin from Season Publishing in exchange for a honest review.
Jesmina (Jes) is a natural born vampire. Orphaned at an early age, she was saved by the very man that Dex hates, his grandfather. Raised by the Draci, dragon shifters, Jess has known lots of loss. Draci only live about 30 years while Jes is immortal. Watching her adopted family die every few decades has taken its toll. Jess is searching for a way to expand life, even if it means putting her happiness aside. In the end, she decides her only recourse is in the prophecy and Dex to help her save her family.
When Dex and Jes come together, there is insta-lust which quickly turns into so much more. Secrets, over the top reactions and extremely BAD choices threaten their tentative happiness. The characters both have troubled pasts but unless they can pull beyond their emotional issues the loss will be catastrophic.
The sexual interaction was highly erotic and happens often.
The main premise of the story was intriguing, rogue shifters opening and releasing the spirits from hell but I had major issues with the characters erratic decisions and actions. I really liked Cy, I kinda liked Jes, but pretty much hated Dex. There are many readers who really appreciated and enjoyed this story so if you're a Para-Ops fan you should check this story out. Although I've really enjoyed many of Virna DePaul's hot and spicy, imaginative and action packed stories, Chosen by Sin was not for me.
I received this copy of Chosen by Sin from Season Publishing in exchange for a honest review.
April 6, 2012
4.25 STARS
Dex is a character that caught my eye from the beginning of this series, His smart ass comments and rough exterior drew me in instantly and I couldn't help but be attracted to him. Of course I've always been drawn to the emotionally damaged bad boy with the gooey middle LOL! Anyways, I couldn't wait to read his book. I wanted to know if I was right about him. I'm pleased to say that I was! Virna DePaul did not disappoint with him or this book!
Dex Hunt may be the quintessential bad boy but he's a good soul. I LOVED how he was there for Lucy in her "time of need". Sure it's not like he didn't gain anything from their agreement but that wasn't why he helped her. He did it because she was his friend. I found it excellent that Virna wrote their "key" scene in such a detached manner.
We learned in earlier books that as a werebeast Dex was looked down upon - even more so than the other Otherborn. In Chosen by Sin we also learn that he is ignorant of the fact that he was at the center of an age old prophesy. It was said that he could gift immortality. Could it be true? Jesmina would stop at nothing to find out.
When we first met in Jesmina in Chosen by Fate I thought she'd be a cool addition to the team. Her knowledge about Otherborn was something that would benefit them greatly. I quickly changed my mind though. After reading Chosen By Blood I had all these notions of vampiric honor. I soon realized that though Jes carried herself with honor she was very fond of bending the rules in her favor. I hated that she so easily justified her actions. Her behavior got really bad IMO in Chosen by Sin and I'm glad that she got called out on it. The fact that DePaul managed to do it in such a way that it impacted no only Jesmina but also Dex and their relationship, and in such a smooth way, absolutely floors me.
Chosen by Sin is chock full of good things. It's got unwavering devotion, lots of action, betrayal and good old fashioned sexual intensity. This is one book that you will not want to miss!
Some wayward thoughts...
~ Chosen by Sin brought the prejudice storyline back into the forefront of things (it had kinda gotten a little lost in Chosen by Fate IMO). That subject matter is something that I truly admire about these books. The only way to beat the bigotry that's out there is to keep people aware of it. Even if it's talked about in fictitious terms.
~ I miss the team dynamic. I want them all together again even if I get the reason why they're fractured. Something has to happen there.
~ Will Lucy ever find someone? Is she still thinking that there's no one out there for her? What about her feelings on sterilization?
~ Does our goddess have a thing for Mahone?
Dex is a character that caught my eye from the beginning of this series, His smart ass comments and rough exterior drew me in instantly and I couldn't help but be attracted to him. Of course I've always been drawn to the emotionally damaged bad boy with the gooey middle LOL! Anyways, I couldn't wait to read his book. I wanted to know if I was right about him. I'm pleased to say that I was! Virna DePaul did not disappoint with him or this book!
Dex Hunt may be the quintessential bad boy but he's a good soul. I LOVED how he was there for Lucy in her "time of need". Sure it's not like he didn't gain anything from their agreement but that wasn't why he helped her. He did it because she was his friend. I found it excellent that Virna wrote their "key" scene in such a detached manner.
We learned in earlier books that as a werebeast Dex was looked down upon - even more so than the other Otherborn. In Chosen by Sin we also learn that he is ignorant of the fact that he was at the center of an age old prophesy. It was said that he could gift immortality. Could it be true? Jesmina would stop at nothing to find out.
When we first met in Jesmina in Chosen by Fate I thought she'd be a cool addition to the team. Her knowledge about Otherborn was something that would benefit them greatly. I quickly changed my mind though. After reading Chosen By Blood I had all these notions of vampiric honor. I soon realized that though Jes carried herself with honor she was very fond of bending the rules in her favor. I hated that she so easily justified her actions. Her behavior got really bad IMO in Chosen by Sin and I'm glad that she got called out on it. The fact that DePaul managed to do it in such a way that it impacted no only Jesmina but also Dex and their relationship, and in such a smooth way, absolutely floors me.
Chosen by Sin is chock full of good things. It's got unwavering devotion, lots of action, betrayal and good old fashioned sexual intensity. This is one book that you will not want to miss!
Some wayward thoughts...
~ Chosen by Sin brought the prejudice storyline back into the forefront of things (it had kinda gotten a little lost in Chosen by Fate IMO). That subject matter is something that I truly admire about these books. The only way to beat the bigotry that's out there is to keep people aware of it. Even if it's talked about in fictitious terms.
~ I miss the team dynamic. I want them all together again even if I get the reason why they're fractured. Something has to happen there.
~ Will Lucy ever find someone? Is she still thinking that there's no one out there for her? What about her feelings on sterilization?
~ Does our goddess have a thing for Mahone?
March 30, 2012
Dex had never been good at being a team player but for some reason he found it satisfying to be part of the Para-Ops team. Not that he would admit it but he thought of the other team members as family. No! Better than family since his family abandoned him. Since their last assignment he had gotten especially close to Lucy the mage-cat shifter in the group. Lucy was having double controlling her heat so Dex decided he would help her through it , this only became difficult once he met the sexy vampire Jess. She aroused him in ways no one had ever done. But when she helped Lucy run away he was furious with her and intended to give her a piece of his mind instead he may have wound up giving her a piece of his heart.
So when Malone told him he need to go to Europe and talk to the shifters there , he jumped at the chance knowing he could see Jess again.
At first Jess’s main goal was to find Dex and see if the legend was true and see if he could gift immortality. But once she met him things became a little more difficult. For the first time in her life, she took something for her self with out any regard for her research or for anyone else. So she let it all be put on hold and took Dex, but in the morning her duties reared there ugly head. As much as she didn't want to she did what she came to do, she took vials of Dex’s blood and left with no intentions of returning. She would hold every minute, touch and kiss in her memory for ever. But once she returned home she found out someting so shocking she had no choice but to find Dex and bring him to her. But if he found out what she did and who she was hiding from him she just may lose him for ever.
This may have been my favorite book in the Para-Ops series. I loved Knox’s Book “Chosen by Blood” and i love Knox but i have to say i think Dex is a close second if not surpassing Knox. At first i really wanted Lucy and Dex together, i had a hard time wrapping my head around her and Dex with no strings attached, then Dex finding some one else. I felt it would hurt Lucy but the way Verna writes it , it is perfect i couldn't have asked for a better way for it to play out.
Dex is the perfect alpha male . All tortured past, hard, stubborn and sexy . Jess and Dex are explosive together, you can feel the heat rise of the pages when these two are together. Virna out did her self on this one. not only did she stick to the same over all story with the Para-ops team but she through a new issue into the mix wail making it all flow nicely together. I was glued to this book the entire time i only put it down to use the restroom. I recommended this read fully but you must read the first two first or this will not have the same meaning to you.
i can not wait till the next one. as always i am itching to know what happens and i am already making speculations on who’s book will be next. If its who i think it is i will be soo excited.
**Athenna**
So when Malone told him he need to go to Europe and talk to the shifters there , he jumped at the chance knowing he could see Jess again.
At first Jess’s main goal was to find Dex and see if the legend was true and see if he could gift immortality. But once she met him things became a little more difficult. For the first time in her life, she took something for her self with out any regard for her research or for anyone else. So she let it all be put on hold and took Dex, but in the morning her duties reared there ugly head. As much as she didn't want to she did what she came to do, she took vials of Dex’s blood and left with no intentions of returning. She would hold every minute, touch and kiss in her memory for ever. But once she returned home she found out someting so shocking she had no choice but to find Dex and bring him to her. But if he found out what she did and who she was hiding from him she just may lose him for ever.
This may have been my favorite book in the Para-Ops series. I loved Knox’s Book “Chosen by Blood” and i love Knox but i have to say i think Dex is a close second if not surpassing Knox. At first i really wanted Lucy and Dex together, i had a hard time wrapping my head around her and Dex with no strings attached, then Dex finding some one else. I felt it would hurt Lucy but the way Verna writes it , it is perfect i couldn't have asked for a better way for it to play out.
Dex is the perfect alpha male . All tortured past, hard, stubborn and sexy . Jess and Dex are explosive together, you can feel the heat rise of the pages when these two are together. Virna out did her self on this one. not only did she stick to the same over all story with the Para-ops team but she through a new issue into the mix wail making it all flow nicely together. I was glued to this book the entire time i only put it down to use the restroom. I recommended this read fully but you must read the first two first or this will not have the same meaning to you.
i can not wait till the next one. as always i am itching to know what happens and i am already making speculations on who’s book will be next. If its who i think it is i will be soo excited.
**Athenna**
December 23, 2011
I don't have room on my review schedule on my blog to post this until Jan. 5th, so I decided to go ahead and post it here now.
My Review:
I was so looking forward to this third installment to the Para Ops series and I was not let down. At first, I was worried when I realized that Dex wasn't going to be paired up with Lucy, but I loved him and Jes together....and whoa, I was so surprised about their intertwined histories...so powerful.
Virna DePaul has created such an incredible world within this series that I just love. This book belonged to Dex (half-were shifter from the Para Ops team) and Jes (vampire doctor with another agenda.) There is so much that Jes is hiding in this book and even though I knew that it would all work out in the end, it was really emotional getting to there. I just adore Dex's character. He is such a seemingly hard character who puts off this f**k-you facade, but it is just that...a facade. When someone enters his life that he cares for, he is completely loyal and protective of that person. There are some horrible circumstances from his childhood which have made him become this completely protective person that is so attractive. The scenes with the little seven year old Ella that completely melted my heart. Then there is Jes, who has withstood so much loss, and as a doctor, is just trying to find a solution. I certainly did not always agree with her methods, but in her heart, her actions were for the right reasons.
There are so many little details to this book, like little Ella, which made it so good. Mahone and the glimpses of the Goddess and the developing feelings between them...whoa, I so did not see that coming. I cannot wait to see what Virna DePaul does with that story line over the series. Then there is Cy...*gah* I loved him! His attitude towards his very short life...so sweet, while also so heartbreaking. I like the tiny little hints (and I hope that I am not just imagining them) about something brewing between him & Lucy...I like where that is going! My heart still breaks for her especially in the way that she has had to *use* Dex.
In addition there was a whole new species of otherworlders added to the mix...the Draci. I hope that we get to see a LOT more of these dragon shifters in the future. I am assuming that Lucy's book is next, but there is talk of adding more to the team. I cannot wait to see where this series is headed. It is such a good series! I HIGHLY recommend it!!! If you like paranormal, this series needs to be in your TBR pile!!
My Review:
I was so looking forward to this third installment to the Para Ops series and I was not let down. At first, I was worried when I realized that Dex wasn't going to be paired up with Lucy, but I loved him and Jes together....and whoa, I was so surprised about their intertwined histories...so powerful.
Virna DePaul has created such an incredible world within this series that I just love. This book belonged to Dex (half-were shifter from the Para Ops team) and Jes (vampire doctor with another agenda.) There is so much that Jes is hiding in this book and even though I knew that it would all work out in the end, it was really emotional getting to there. I just adore Dex's character. He is such a seemingly hard character who puts off this f**k-you facade, but it is just that...a facade. When someone enters his life that he cares for, he is completely loyal and protective of that person. There are some horrible circumstances from his childhood which have made him become this completely protective person that is so attractive. The scenes with the little seven year old Ella that completely melted my heart. Then there is Jes, who has withstood so much loss, and as a doctor, is just trying to find a solution. I certainly did not always agree with her methods, but in her heart, her actions were for the right reasons.
There are so many little details to this book, like little Ella, which made it so good. Mahone and the glimpses of the Goddess and the developing feelings between them...whoa, I so did not see that coming. I cannot wait to see what Virna DePaul does with that story line over the series. Then there is Cy...*gah* I loved him! His attitude towards his very short life...so sweet, while also so heartbreaking. I like the tiny little hints (and I hope that I am not just imagining them) about something brewing between him & Lucy...I like where that is going! My heart still breaks for her especially in the way that she has had to *use* Dex.
In addition there was a whole new species of otherworlders added to the mix...the Draci. I hope that we get to see a LOT more of these dragon shifters in the future. I am assuming that Lucy's book is next, but there is talk of adding more to the team. I cannot wait to see where this series is headed. It is such a good series! I HIGHLY recommend it!!! If you like paranormal, this series needs to be in your TBR pile!!
February 11, 2013
I consider the book a 4.5 as opposed to 4.0
Monty Python used to open with the words, “Now For Something Completely Different.” It almost seems that Virna DePaul’s paranormal Para-Ops series should have that stenciled across every book. It is not a sweet romantic tale of thwarted love between the species, nor does it involve sparkling vampires, what the series does have is hard hitting action, clever plot twists, and major heat. The third book in the series is CHOSEN BY SIN.
Dex Hunt is a were beast without family ties after being ejected from the pack as a youngster by his grandfather. This early cruelty stays with him, hounding him, begging for revenge, which he may find soon. Currently, he’s busy with a Para-Ops teams ran under the jurisdiction of the FBI to investigate shape shifter on shape shifter killings. It doesn’t make sense. Could it be a plot to destroy the fragile peace between the species?
Jesamina Martin knows almost 100 percent that Dex Hunt is the one. As a specially trained doctor and vampire, she needs blood to determine if Dex is the one the prophecies mention. If so he may be able to save her adopted people the Draci, who only live thirty years. Getting close to him, and convincing him to give a blood sample might be a problem. She doesn’t expect her heart and body to immediately be awaken by his very essence. It can only end badly, especially when he finds out that she is working for the man he hates the most.
CHOSEN BY SIN is a fast paced paranormal suspense where nothing is at it seems. The Otherborn, as the non-human species are called are both the bad, and the good guys, but then are so are the humans. Everyone holds secrets that they refused to share; secrets that could be fatal. The fate of earth hangs in the balance as the Para-Ops team tries to discover who is behind the shape-shifter killings and the raising of evil spirits.
The Other are not comic book characters, but fully fleshed out individuals with complicated motivations, fears, and needs. The chemistry between Dex and Jesamine is the hottest I’ve seen in both paranormal and normal. Their resistance to each is real and for all the right reasons. CHOSEN BY SIN makes the unbelievable, well, believable. The characters come alive.
CHOSEN BY SIN is book three of the Para-Ops series. I would recommend you read CHOSEN BY SIN, but also grab CHOSEN BY FATE, and CHOSEN BY BLOOD too.
Monty Python used to open with the words, “Now For Something Completely Different.” It almost seems that Virna DePaul’s paranormal Para-Ops series should have that stenciled across every book. It is not a sweet romantic tale of thwarted love between the species, nor does it involve sparkling vampires, what the series does have is hard hitting action, clever plot twists, and major heat. The third book in the series is CHOSEN BY SIN.
Dex Hunt is a were beast without family ties after being ejected from the pack as a youngster by his grandfather. This early cruelty stays with him, hounding him, begging for revenge, which he may find soon. Currently, he’s busy with a Para-Ops teams ran under the jurisdiction of the FBI to investigate shape shifter on shape shifter killings. It doesn’t make sense. Could it be a plot to destroy the fragile peace between the species?
Jesamina Martin knows almost 100 percent that Dex Hunt is the one. As a specially trained doctor and vampire, she needs blood to determine if Dex is the one the prophecies mention. If so he may be able to save her adopted people the Draci, who only live thirty years. Getting close to him, and convincing him to give a blood sample might be a problem. She doesn’t expect her heart and body to immediately be awaken by his very essence. It can only end badly, especially when he finds out that she is working for the man he hates the most.
CHOSEN BY SIN is a fast paced paranormal suspense where nothing is at it seems. The Otherborn, as the non-human species are called are both the bad, and the good guys, but then are so are the humans. Everyone holds secrets that they refused to share; secrets that could be fatal. The fate of earth hangs in the balance as the Para-Ops team tries to discover who is behind the shape-shifter killings and the raising of evil spirits.
The Other are not comic book characters, but fully fleshed out individuals with complicated motivations, fears, and needs. The chemistry between Dex and Jesamine is the hottest I’ve seen in both paranormal and normal. Their resistance to each is real and for all the right reasons. CHOSEN BY SIN makes the unbelievable, well, believable. The characters come alive.
CHOSEN BY SIN is book three of the Para-Ops series. I would recommend you read CHOSEN BY SIN, but also grab CHOSEN BY FATE, and CHOSEN BY BLOOD too.
December 20, 2011
Shifters have begun killing each other. The shifters have always been the Otherborn that the world knows the least about. In an attempt to see this race have more peace and possibly become better rooted into human society Mahone and the Para-Ops team become involved. This assignment sends Dex to France and back into the arms of the woman he had believed to be a one night stand.
I loved Dex’s book. I picked him out as my favorite character while reading Chosen by Blood. I love shifters and characters with pasts that have left them damaged always lure me in too. He did not disappoint. The readers finally get to know exactly who Dex wants revenge on and why. That was a very interesting part of the story. The reasons as to why Dex ended up spending his childhood in a were orphanage and not in the loving arms of his mother is very tragic. Dex goes into his newest assignment with gusto knowing that he will soon get to have his revenge.
Jes was introduced in Chosen by Fate. She is a scientist trying to help the Otherborn she has lived around her whole life. Jes also has an extreme case of survivor’s guilt. This survivor’s guilt pushes her to make some selfish and sometimes unwise decisions that can impact the lives of those around her. I liked her. She brings her own damaged baggage into the fray and owns it. She wants to save her family and there is almost nothing she will not do to see that it happens. She also brought out a different side of Dex. Reading Dex evolve into someone who can care about others and himself was incredible. She’s a perfect complement to him.
Readers are not only introduced to some new characters, but a fascinating race of Otherborn is also introduced. I cannot wait to see where Virna goes with the Draci.
I loved Dex’s book. I picked him out as my favorite character while reading Chosen by Blood. I love shifters and characters with pasts that have left them damaged always lure me in too. He did not disappoint. The readers finally get to know exactly who Dex wants revenge on and why. That was a very interesting part of the story. The reasons as to why Dex ended up spending his childhood in a were orphanage and not in the loving arms of his mother is very tragic. Dex goes into his newest assignment with gusto knowing that he will soon get to have his revenge.
Jes was introduced in Chosen by Fate. She is a scientist trying to help the Otherborn she has lived around her whole life. Jes also has an extreme case of survivor’s guilt. This survivor’s guilt pushes her to make some selfish and sometimes unwise decisions that can impact the lives of those around her. I liked her. She brings her own damaged baggage into the fray and owns it. She wants to save her family and there is almost nothing she will not do to see that it happens. She also brought out a different side of Dex. Reading Dex evolve into someone who can care about others and himself was incredible. She’s a perfect complement to him.
Readers are not only introduced to some new characters, but a fascinating race of Otherborn is also introduced. I cannot wait to see where Virna goes with the Draci.
September 1, 2012
Poorly formatted, formulaic, predictable, and a TSTL heroine. Full out LOL worthy love scenes. Really, don't compare a man's penis to a metal pipe. Just DON'T. The heroine lies to the hero again and again.. and hey, SURPRISE, she lies again. I'm all for conflict between the two main characters, but all of the surrounding drama felt contrived and asinine. There is a particular plot point in which the hero does not want a certain something to occur (and it's stressed how much he goes to extreme lengths to avoid this)but of course, the UNWANTED thing occurs..
There's another scene where the hero is with his fuck buddy, but starts imagining our fair heroine. In all honesty, I'm pretty sure this is pretty realistic to some degree, but it still is a turn off. And it happens with ANOTHER male character. WTH? They're not really banging the women they want. I have to admit, this does not endear me towards the characters. It actually evokes a fair amount of disgust. The love scenes were either giggle or cringe worthy. Between the two main characters, I didn't feel any emotion other than lust and so it felt rather unbelievable when the author tried to make it seem like it was so much more. The heroine's actions and how she kept lying to the hero made the romance just that much harder to swallow. The fact that she never came clean, only tried to explain when her actions were outed. That's not how you treat someone if you love them. Sorry.
I really liked the world building and ideas that set in these books rather than the actual characters. I enjoyed the last two books, but I wasn't wowed by any of the characters.
There's another scene where the hero is with his fuck buddy, but starts imagining our fair heroine. In all honesty, I'm pretty sure this is pretty realistic to some degree, but it still is a turn off. And it happens with ANOTHER male character. WTH? They're not really banging the women they want. I have to admit, this does not endear me towards the characters. It actually evokes a fair amount of disgust. The love scenes were either giggle or cringe worthy. Between the two main characters, I didn't feel any emotion other than lust and so it felt rather unbelievable when the author tried to make it seem like it was so much more. The heroine's actions and how she kept lying to the hero made the romance just that much harder to swallow. The fact that she never came clean, only tried to explain when her actions were outed. That's not how you treat someone if you love them. Sorry.
I really liked the world building and ideas that set in these books rather than the actual characters. I enjoyed the last two books, but I wasn't wowed by any of the characters.
March 2, 2012
I loved it! Love Dex...have from the very beginning...he's always been the "bad boy" of the group and i LOVE the bad boys! Dex's story was entertaining and fast paced..there was all the action, suspense, romance and steamy scenes that i've come to enjoy with this series..there were also a lot of very sweet and emotional moments in this one.
I really also enjoyed all the side plots/storylines going on with Knox and Felicia...he's planning something and it has me a little bit nervous! Even the storyline with Mahone and the Goddess..how she's all of the sudden "smitten" with the "human!"..odd..but i'm very intrigued!
This is a series that, for me, has gotten better with each book and i'm really hoping that there are quite a few more to come..there are just way too many stories left to be told and too many characters that still need the HEAs like Zeph, Knox's yummy vamp brother who's getting himself into a boat load of trouble...Lucy...maybe hooking up with Cy, the yummy dragon shifter with his short life span!? :( Even little Ella...could she be the one who ends up with Mahone..she's little now but she's a dragon shifter who will mature with in the next few years..was that what their little "interaction" at the end meant? Still so many questions and possibilities! Can't wait to see what Virna Depaul has in store for us next! :)
I really also enjoyed all the side plots/storylines going on with Knox and Felicia...he's planning something and it has me a little bit nervous! Even the storyline with Mahone and the Goddess..how she's all of the sudden "smitten" with the "human!"..odd..but i'm very intrigued!
This is a series that, for me, has gotten better with each book and i'm really hoping that there are quite a few more to come..there are just way too many stories left to be told and too many characters that still need the HEAs like Zeph, Knox's yummy vamp brother who's getting himself into a boat load of trouble...Lucy...maybe hooking up with Cy, the yummy dragon shifter with his short life span!? :( Even little Ella...could she be the one who ends up with Mahone..she's little now but she's a dragon shifter who will mature with in the next few years..was that what their little "interaction" at the end meant? Still so many questions and possibilities! Can't wait to see what Virna Depaul has in store for us next! :)
December 4, 2012
I didn't think I could like a sequel less than the first book in a series, but Chosen by Sin proved me wrong.
There's still a very shallow world-building and the characters are worse than their counterpart in Chosen by Blood. It may have a plot, but I couldn't get out of my dislike of the romance and characters.
He is simply unbelievable. You do not spend an eternity hating and taking one definite decision to accept change so easily. (Yes, he rages. 5 minutes. No more. He... crumbles. He's way too accepting to become real. I do not see a struggle to overcome his past, his hatred etc. I see the words, but can't feel them.)
She is everything I despise in a woman, lying, manipulative to the extreme, unable to stand on her own feet.
You really don't see how they came to love each other.
It's also difficult to believe an entire team would follow the leadership of a man they know they can't trust. He has his own agenda and has no problem in sending them to death for it. There's no way he can command loyalty.
I skipped many a scene from midbook.
Plenty of people loves it. Try reading one of their review, starting with Melindeeloo: http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...
There's still a very shallow world-building and the characters are worse than their counterpart in Chosen by Blood. It may have a plot, but I couldn't get out of my dislike of the romance and characters.
He is simply unbelievable. You do not spend an eternity hating and taking one definite decision to accept change so easily. (Yes, he rages. 5 minutes. No more. He... crumbles. He's way too accepting to become real. I do not see a struggle to overcome his past, his hatred etc. I see the words, but can't feel them.)
She is everything I despise in a woman, lying, manipulative to the extreme, unable to stand on her own feet.
You really don't see how they came to love each other.
It's also difficult to believe an entire team would follow the leadership of a man they know they can't trust. He has his own agenda and has no problem in sending them to death for it. There's no way he can command loyalty.
I skipped many a scene from midbook.
Plenty of people loves it. Try reading one of their review, starting with Melindeeloo: http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...
December 31, 2011
This book was another great addition to the series. It was actually a lot better than the first one, but not as good as the second. In this one we finally find out who Dex Hunt really is and the lucky heroine that was introduced in the last one! The series seems to be almost over though, now that almost the whole team has found a "partner." I liked that in this novel we were introduced to more of the paranormal world, because I thought that was lacking from the previous two. I hope in the next novel Lucy, the half mage half feline shifter will meet a mate that she will feel comfortable letting her guards down with. Preferably that mate be Cy- the Draci adopted brother of Jesmina; after Jes finds the miraculous life extension of course. Or better yet Lucy finds a spell to have his lifespan match hers!!!! I just cannot wait and am so happy I found DePaul's first novel in my local bookstore!
June 15, 2012
I really enjoyed Chosen by Sin. Dex is like an island. He doesn’t allow anyone to get close to him. Not his team members, not his lovers, no one. Until he crosses paths with Jesmina Martin, the sexy, sassy vampire who helped the Para-Ops team on their last mission. Jesmina changes everything for Dex.
This was a really good book. I enjoyed reading about Dex & Jesmina’s struggle with their feelings, although I wanted to slap both of them around at times. There are so many secrets and lies that Dex & Jesmina are keeping from each other. But when push comes to shove only true loves will always win out.
I am really excited to see what is next for the Para-ops team.
This was a really good book. I enjoyed reading about Dex & Jesmina’s struggle with their feelings, although I wanted to slap both of them around at times. There are so many secrets and lies that Dex & Jesmina are keeping from each other. But when push comes to shove only true loves will always win out.
I am really excited to see what is next for the Para-ops team.
March 30, 2012
I like books which invite me to immerse myself in the culture and landscape of somewhere completely different and yet so believable.
We have seen glimpses of Dex in previous books and he always seemed to have his own agenda.
But this time it takes he down a path he had forgotten existed.
Jesmina becomes the centre of his world and although he denies the way he feels initially, this books delivers a tremendous HEA moment!
As always there are the usual sprinkles of further story arcs for the future..
Can't wait for the next installment.
We have seen glimpses of Dex in previous books and he always seemed to have his own agenda.
But this time it takes he down a path he had forgotten existed.
Jesmina becomes the centre of his world and although he denies the way he feels initially, this books delivers a tremendous HEA moment!
As always there are the usual sprinkles of further story arcs for the future..
Can't wait for the next installment.
May 28, 2012
Loved Dex's story! It was worth the wait.Dex was so angry all the time that when he was sweet and tender it was just made me all warm and fuzzy inside. Cant wait for the next one. I really hope that it is about Cy and Lucy. What the hell is going on with Knox? Things better not go the way they sound towards the end of this book. Love that guy!
Virna DePaul please hurry with the next book!!!! ;)
Virna DePaul please hurry with the next book!!!! ;)
February 25, 2012
I am incredibly proud to have been able to take Dex's journey with him. He had me in tears through the last 15% of this novel...and it was totally worth it!
Definitely ready for the next one in this series!
Definitely ready for the next one in this series!
February 12, 2012
Really enjoyed this book. Stayed up reading till really early in the morning. Series has been great and it seems to get better and better. I am looking forward to the next one. I hope that Mahone will get a book as well.
February 1, 2012
I loved this book...the series gets better and better. I will definately be awaiting the next installment.
February 6, 2012
Awesome installment, I'm so glad we get to see a new race the Draci!
Look for the review later on USA Today's HEA blog!
http://books.usatoday.com/happyeveraf...
Look for the review later on USA Today's HEA blog!
http://books.usatoday.com/happyeveraf...
January 17, 2012
Love me some Dex!
January 16, 2012
I love this series, there are no dull moments and each book just gets better. Cant wait for lucys story
March 31, 2012
Another great book for the series. I am s glad that Dex fell in love.
I cannot wait for the next book in the series.
I cannot wait for the next book in the series.
January 22, 2020
Read these awhile ago. Comments and review to follow.
You can find me over on Facebook at My Open Book at the Dragonfly. Come over and say hello.
You can find me over on Facebook at My Open Book at the Dragonfly. Come over and say hello.
June 10, 2012
Wicked Edge, Castle of Dark Dreams #5, by Nina Bangs
Grade: B-
“So where did that leave Passion, the angel-slut of heaven?”
Passion’s boss, Archangel Ted, has had enough of the rebellious angel and has sent her to Earth to get her head back in the saving souls game. Castle of Dark Dreams is a fantasy paradise for people looking to escape reality and fulfill their deepest desires and Passion has just checked in as their new guest. Passion soon finds the people of the Castle may be irredeemable and on the top of that list is sexy, soulless Edge. Edge sparks lust in Passion for the first time and it will take every ouch of her strength to resist the chemistry between them .
Edge has spent centuries being Death and he never had a problem with it until he meets Passion the maybe-angel-turned human who sparks his interest as no woman ever has. As soon as Passion arrives at the Castle strange things start happening and Edge and his friends are being taken over and used to reek havoc on the world. Edge’s boss doesn’t trust Passion but Edge believes she can help but if he’s wrong it could mean the loss of both his and his friends lives.
I finished this book last night and usually I rush right to the computer to do my review but with Wicked Edge I found myself staring at the cover trying to figure out how I felt about everything I just read. Now ten hours later I can honestly say I liked the book but I didn’t love it. I also struggled with grading this book because it’s not a horrible book but there were times when it got very slow and I had a hard time wanting to keep reading.
Passion and Edge are good characters but I don’t love either of them and I certainly wouldn’t want to read another book with them as the main characters. I felt like there was too much time spent on them dancing around their attraction for each other and they kept repeating over and over why they can’t be together. They are both horrible at communicating and that really drove me crazy because they both spent way to much of my time being upset over something stupid instead of having an adult conversation or just being honest.
The best parts of the book are when all of the side characters like Sparkle, Murmur and Ganymede are around. These three characters saved the book in my opinion and provided all of the humor and real entertainment. Sparkle and Ganymede are hilarious together and apart and if they have their own book I will read it in a heart beat. Murmur is a demon who loves to dance(hilarious) and his book is the next in the series so I will defiantly be reading it just for him.
There was a lot going on in this book and I felt that there was almost too much going on at times. I felt that the book could have been shorter or not have drawn out so many parts. As the fifth book in the series I was pleasantly surprised that I could jump right in and not feel lost at all. I did really enjoy most of this book and am hoping that with a different hero and heroine I will enjoy my time at the Castle of Dark Dreams a little more.
Grade: B-
“So where did that leave Passion, the angel-slut of heaven?”
Passion’s boss, Archangel Ted, has had enough of the rebellious angel and has sent her to Earth to get her head back in the saving souls game. Castle of Dark Dreams is a fantasy paradise for people looking to escape reality and fulfill their deepest desires and Passion has just checked in as their new guest. Passion soon finds the people of the Castle may be irredeemable and on the top of that list is sexy, soulless Edge. Edge sparks lust in Passion for the first time and it will take every ouch of her strength to resist the chemistry between them .
Edge has spent centuries being Death and he never had a problem with it until he meets Passion the maybe-angel-turned human who sparks his interest as no woman ever has. As soon as Passion arrives at the Castle strange things start happening and Edge and his friends are being taken over and used to reek havoc on the world. Edge’s boss doesn’t trust Passion but Edge believes she can help but if he’s wrong it could mean the loss of both his and his friends lives.
I finished this book last night and usually I rush right to the computer to do my review but with Wicked Edge I found myself staring at the cover trying to figure out how I felt about everything I just read. Now ten hours later I can honestly say I liked the book but I didn’t love it. I also struggled with grading this book because it’s not a horrible book but there were times when it got very slow and I had a hard time wanting to keep reading.
Passion and Edge are good characters but I don’t love either of them and I certainly wouldn’t want to read another book with them as the main characters. I felt like there was too much time spent on them dancing around their attraction for each other and they kept repeating over and over why they can’t be together. They are both horrible at communicating and that really drove me crazy because they both spent way to much of my time being upset over something stupid instead of having an adult conversation or just being honest.
The best parts of the book are when all of the side characters like Sparkle, Murmur and Ganymede are around. These three characters saved the book in my opinion and provided all of the humor and real entertainment. Sparkle and Ganymede are hilarious together and apart and if they have their own book I will read it in a heart beat. Murmur is a demon who loves to dance(hilarious) and his book is the next in the series so I will defiantly be reading it just for him.
There was a lot going on in this book and I felt that there was almost too much going on at times. I felt that the book could have been shorter or not have drawn out so many parts. As the fifth book in the series I was pleasantly surprised that I could jump right in and not feel lost at all. I did really enjoy most of this book and am hoping that with a different hero and heroine I will enjoy my time at the Castle of Dark Dreams a little more.
February 10, 2014
**Originally written for Book Bliss book blog. I received a copy of this book in exchange for an unbiased and honest review**
Review: 4 stars
General: Phew! Chosen by Sin is one hot read! From page one until the end this book has high sexual stakes from tension to bedroom scenes. All were beautifully written and to me felt like they belonged and weren't just tossed in for a cheap thrill. I think this book had so many wonderful positives. However, I was unaware that this was a series book and I found myself confused many times so please make sure you pick up the first books in the series so you do not have the trouble I had (note this does not affect my opinions in the review I am saying this so people are aware it could cause dislike of the series.)
I felt the worldbuilding in this novel was good but a little over the top. It was decent for a series book as I assume the questions I had about immortality and these men and women were answered in the past books. I do think some elements seemed a little jump the shark though. I think a little bit of toning down would be fantastic in both the world building and the plot. Speaking of the plot it was entertaining and had a good flow until the end. It seemed to wrap up a little to quickly after all the attention to detail and pace of the beginning and middle of the book.
This book was certainly character driven as opposed to plot driven and I think that is the greatest strength as despite being confused I couldn't stop reading.
characters: Jes- Jes seems like a wonderful heroine. She has a past that was dark, perhaps the darkest I've seen in a female lead that isn't all kick ass and take names. She held her own but wasn't "cold" or overtly nasty towards people despite her past. She was likeable and a perfect fit with Dex
Dex- Dex is the definition of a bad boy stuck in a good boys situation. He is hot as sin (haha) and his personality borders on dangerous and caring all at the same time depending on when we are looking. I loved reading him perhaps a little more than Jes but they were perfect together with chemistry that would make anyone blush!
Review: 4 stars
General: Phew! Chosen by Sin is one hot read! From page one until the end this book has high sexual stakes from tension to bedroom scenes. All were beautifully written and to me felt like they belonged and weren't just tossed in for a cheap thrill. I think this book had so many wonderful positives. However, I was unaware that this was a series book and I found myself confused many times so please make sure you pick up the first books in the series so you do not have the trouble I had (note this does not affect my opinions in the review I am saying this so people are aware it could cause dislike of the series.)
I felt the worldbuilding in this novel was good but a little over the top. It was decent for a series book as I assume the questions I had about immortality and these men and women were answered in the past books. I do think some elements seemed a little jump the shark though. I think a little bit of toning down would be fantastic in both the world building and the plot. Speaking of the plot it was entertaining and had a good flow until the end. It seemed to wrap up a little to quickly after all the attention to detail and pace of the beginning and middle of the book.
This book was certainly character driven as opposed to plot driven and I think that is the greatest strength as despite being confused I couldn't stop reading.
characters: Jes- Jes seems like a wonderful heroine. She has a past that was dark, perhaps the darkest I've seen in a female lead that isn't all kick ass and take names. She held her own but wasn't "cold" or overtly nasty towards people despite her past. She was likeable and a perfect fit with Dex
Dex- Dex is the definition of a bad boy stuck in a good boys situation. He is hot as sin (haha) and his personality borders on dangerous and caring all at the same time depending on when we are looking. I loved reading him perhaps a little more than Jes but they were perfect together with chemistry that would make anyone blush!
January 5, 2012
3.5 Stars
After not enjoying the second book Chosen by Fate as much as I expected to, I have been pleasently surprised by this one! Focusing on Dex Hunter the werebeast of the Para Ops team he starts to look into the mysterious shapeshifters, the most persecuted species of Other, they are being connected to strange killings and the raising of dark spirits. With the help of Jesmina Martin, the mysterious vampire from Chosen by Fate, will they be able to stop what the shapeshifters are planning, the unleashing of hell on Earth...
So far this has been my favourite book in the series and Dex and Jes are my favourite couple. They both have dark pasts and a lot of emotional baggage to work through before they are able to move forward. If you like your H/h to.be full of tortured heroes and their equally angsty heroines you will love this book. This also seemed to give you a glimpse into the next book, hopefully about Lucy. When I first started this series Wraith was my favourite but as the series has gone along, suprisingly it is the quiet, loyal and compassionate feline mage, Lucy, that has now become my favourite, I really can't wait to read her well deserved HEA.
The case with the shapeshifters was also interesting to read about, although this was more romance driven then the other two book, the plot seemed to take a backseat to the love story, it still held my interest. But it was the development of the overarching plot of this series that I really enjoyed, I really can't wait to see what will happen with the Quorum and with Zeph.
Although I don't think this will become a favourite series it is an enjoyable read filled with enough sex and violence to hold my interest!
After not enjoying the second book Chosen by Fate as much as I expected to, I have been pleasently surprised by this one! Focusing on Dex Hunter the werebeast of the Para Ops team he starts to look into the mysterious shapeshifters, the most persecuted species of Other, they are being connected to strange killings and the raising of dark spirits. With the help of Jesmina Martin, the mysterious vampire from Chosen by Fate, will they be able to stop what the shapeshifters are planning, the unleashing of hell on Earth...
So far this has been my favourite book in the series and Dex and Jes are my favourite couple. They both have dark pasts and a lot of emotional baggage to work through before they are able to move forward. If you like your H/h to.be full of tortured heroes and their equally angsty heroines you will love this book. This also seemed to give you a glimpse into the next book, hopefully about Lucy. When I first started this series Wraith was my favourite but as the series has gone along, suprisingly it is the quiet, loyal and compassionate feline mage, Lucy, that has now become my favourite, I really can't wait to read her well deserved HEA.
The case with the shapeshifters was also interesting to read about, although this was more romance driven then the other two book, the plot seemed to take a backseat to the love story, it still held my interest. But it was the development of the overarching plot of this series that I really enjoyed, I really can't wait to see what will happen with the Quorum and with Zeph.
Although I don't think this will become a favourite series it is an enjoyable read filled with enough sex and violence to hold my interest!
May 1, 2016
Dex Hunt ist ein Wer-Bestie und seine Vergangenheit liegt im schwer im Magen. Er will endlich seine Rache und seinen Großvater töten. Die Vampirin Jesmina Martin hat ihr unsterbliches Leben anderen verschrieben und ist Ärztin geworden um den Drachenwandlern zu helfen. Als beiden sich das erste Mal treffen sprühen nur so die Funken. Obwohl Jesmina den wahren Grund ihres Treffen verschweigt und sie bei dem Treffen etwas mitnimmt, dass ihre Leben verändern wird.
Virna DePaul kenne ich schon von einer anderen Reihe, die mir sehr gut gefallen hat. Deshalb habe ich mir dieses Buch geholt. Ich mag Fantaysromane. Eine faszinierte Geschichte mit viel Erotik, Humor (dunkler:)) und ein oder zwei Gefühlschaos. Dex kam am Anfang wie ein richtiges Arschloch rüber. Flirtet mit einer Frau und steigt mit einer anderen ins Bett! Jesmina wie eine berechneten kalte Vampirin die nur ihre eigene Pläne folgt. Doch dann wurde es interessant und man lernte beide näher kennen und ihre Beweggründe, danach waren sie mir sympathischer. Dann wurde es auch langsam spannender, Action reich und auch etwas romantisch, ein kleiner Hauch war dabei. Irgendwo auf jeden Fall. Ab und zu hatte ich das Gefühl mir fehlen ein paar Informationen über die anderen Charaktere. Beim schreiben der Rezension habe ich dann erfahren das es der dritte Band der Reihe ist. Ok, das erklärt auf jeden Fall, warum ich ab und zu das Gefühl hatte mir fehlt was. Sonst konnte man das Buch auch ohne Vorkenntnisse lesen. Ich hoffe die beiden anderen Bänder werden auch noch auf Deutsch übersetzt.
Virna DePaul kenne ich schon von einer anderen Reihe, die mir sehr gut gefallen hat. Deshalb habe ich mir dieses Buch geholt. Ich mag Fantaysromane. Eine faszinierte Geschichte mit viel Erotik, Humor (dunkler:)) und ein oder zwei Gefühlschaos. Dex kam am Anfang wie ein richtiges Arschloch rüber. Flirtet mit einer Frau und steigt mit einer anderen ins Bett! Jesmina wie eine berechneten kalte Vampirin die nur ihre eigene Pläne folgt. Doch dann wurde es interessant und man lernte beide näher kennen und ihre Beweggründe, danach waren sie mir sympathischer. Dann wurde es auch langsam spannender, Action reich und auch etwas romantisch, ein kleiner Hauch war dabei. Irgendwo auf jeden Fall. Ab und zu hatte ich das Gefühl mir fehlen ein paar Informationen über die anderen Charaktere. Beim schreiben der Rezension habe ich dann erfahren das es der dritte Band der Reihe ist. Ok, das erklärt auf jeden Fall, warum ich ab und zu das Gefühl hatte mir fehlt was. Sonst konnte man das Buch auch ohne Vorkenntnisse lesen. Ich hoffe die beiden anderen Bänder werden auch noch auf Deutsch übersetzt.
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