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Hot Spell
Venture into a world beyond the ordinary, where the dark passions and voracious appetites of vampires, werewolves, demons, and a few undaunted mortals combine to unleash a potent spell...
Here are lovers like you've never dared to imagine: Eyes that glitter with keenness born of ancient knowledge. Hands that move with tenderness belying superhuman strength. Inviting smiles that reveal exquisitely lethal fangs. Rippling, leonine muscles. There's danger in the air - and heat.
Steam rises up off the pages of these four scorching novellas, sensuously crafted by four acclaimed authors who beckon you to slip into the shadows and experience the otherworldly pleasures of the night...
Includes: The Countess's Pleasure by Emma Holly, The Breed Next Door by Lora Leigh, Falling for Anthony by Meljean Brook, and The Blood Kiss by Shiloh Walker
394 pages, Paperback
First published November 1, 2005
80 people are currently reading
2655 people want to read
About the author
Emma Holly
93 books1,269 followersI'm a USA Today bestselling author who LOVES the hot stuff, both to read and to write. My favorite obsessions are all things coffee, almost everything on HGTV, and dreaming up new stories.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 195 reviews
February 14, 2008
This book consists of 4 stories. 3 really good stories and 1 not so good.
The Countess's Pleasure by Emma Holly
First, let me say I am normally not an Emma Holly fan. I have read a few stories by her, and some are better than others..having said that, I really liked this story. Set in victorian times in a place called Bhamjran...Georgiana, a young widow, travels there for adventure. She comes across a show in which a very handsome Yama or Demon is performing. Amazed by him, and his sensual performance she gives him an offer he can't refuse.
I only wish the story had been longer. I really liked the hero and heroine together, but even though the story is short, it is well written and very enjoyable.
The Breed Next Door by Lora Leigh
This story is the reason I bought this book. I am a Lora Leigh fan, and she does not dissappoint with this one! I only wish the story was longer. I really enjoy the breed books and anyone who likes this series will really like this story. What sets it aside from the others is the humor. Tarek and Lyra really have a great rapport and find humor in the way they communicate with one another. This story also shows how difficult the breeds may have fitting in the outside world.
The Blood Kiss By Shiloh Walker
This story started off a little slow for me, but quickly picked up the pace and I ended up really liking it also. Roman is king of the werewolves. His brother has been kidnapped by the King of the Vampires. Vampires and Werewolves are sworn enemies. To save his brother, Roman decides to kidnap the Vampire Kings daughter...Julianna. Instead, he ends up befriending her and since she does not approve of her father's behavior, she sets out to help him. Once again, the relationship between Roman and Julianna is very sweet and sensual. This story will not disappoint.
The only story I had problems with was Falling for Anthony by Meljean Brook. It just didn't hold my interest. It needs a larger format than a short story premises.
I hope ya'll give this book a try. Even those who don't like Paranormal books will enjoy this one. It was well worth the read and quite enjoyable-especially for an anthology.
The Countess's Pleasure by Emma Holly
First, let me say I am normally not an Emma Holly fan. I have read a few stories by her, and some are better than others..having said that, I really liked this story. Set in victorian times in a place called Bhamjran...Georgiana, a young widow, travels there for adventure. She comes across a show in which a very handsome Yama or Demon is performing. Amazed by him, and his sensual performance she gives him an offer he can't refuse.
I only wish the story had been longer. I really liked the hero and heroine together, but even though the story is short, it is well written and very enjoyable.
The Breed Next Door by Lora Leigh
This story is the reason I bought this book. I am a Lora Leigh fan, and she does not dissappoint with this one! I only wish the story was longer. I really enjoy the breed books and anyone who likes this series will really like this story. What sets it aside from the others is the humor. Tarek and Lyra really have a great rapport and find humor in the way they communicate with one another. This story also shows how difficult the breeds may have fitting in the outside world.
The Blood Kiss By Shiloh Walker
This story started off a little slow for me, but quickly picked up the pace and I ended up really liking it also. Roman is king of the werewolves. His brother has been kidnapped by the King of the Vampires. Vampires and Werewolves are sworn enemies. To save his brother, Roman decides to kidnap the Vampire Kings daughter...Julianna. Instead, he ends up befriending her and since she does not approve of her father's behavior, she sets out to help him. Once again, the relationship between Roman and Julianna is very sweet and sensual. This story will not disappoint.
The only story I had problems with was Falling for Anthony by Meljean Brook. It just didn't hold my interest. It needs a larger format than a short story premises.
I hope ya'll give this book a try. Even those who don't like Paranormal books will enjoy this one. It was well worth the read and quite enjoyable-especially for an anthology.
June 7, 2008
FINALLY! An anthology full of stories that ROCK! I'll admit - I'm reading through Leigh's "Breed" series (thanks to a friend who loaned them to me) so I started with that one, which didn't disappoint. Then I went back and read Holly's story, and, OH, MY!!! It's almost like a cross between "Passion" and "The Lady's Tutor" but written in Holly's own, unique style. Even with two fans and a room air conditioner running in my room, I still overheated! The PN hero is a different take on "demons" and quite stunning. After this one, I was ready to give equal opportunity to the two other stories in the book. The one by Meljean Brook, an author new to me, was the longest and, in my opinion, the weakest of the quartet. It was very dark and the PN's, their "rules" and roles, were sometimes hard to follow (angels, demons, vampires, nosferatu). I actually did wind up enjoying the story once I got into it, but it was the only one I would have given 4 stars instead of 5. The final story was a solid entry by Shiloh Walker, featuring werewolves and vampires. Again, very hot and entertaining. All in all, this anthology had me firing on all cylinders and I would recommend to anyone who is not offended by erotic situations and strong sexual language.
Oh - just had to edit myself to add this: Shiloh Walker's story featured a werewolf clan with the name
"Montgomery": hero is "Roman". The vampire family is "Capiet", heroine's name "Julianna". Anyone remember Shakespeare?!?! I thought it was really clever!
Oh - just had to edit myself to add this: Shiloh Walker's story featured a werewolf clan with the name
"Montgomery": hero is "Roman". The vampire family is "Capiet", heroine's name "Julianna". Anyone remember Shakespeare?!?! I thought it was really clever!
May 14, 2009
Truly, this book could be renamed “Deflowering 101” or “OMG, You’re a Virgin!”. I’m not very creative, I know, but I hope you get the idea… all four stories feature virgins. Three of which lose their precious flower (*gag*) in the most unromantic, uncomfortable ways/places I have read about in a long time.
1. "The Countess's Pleasure" by Emma Holly: 5 stars... By far, this story was my favorite entry in this anthology. Emma Holly has an amazing ability to create a well-drawn world and believable characters in only - hmm - 73 pages. I didn't want this story to end - it was that good!
2. "The Breed Next Door" by Lora Leigh: 4 stars... enjoyed the story in general, but the "barb" was distracting and to my apparently delicate sensibilities, disturbing and over the "ew" line. Seriously, if a "barb" ever came out of a man's appendage and attempted to breach me, I'd be grabbing a cleaver to kill the thing. Note to self: no Feline Breeds for me!
3. "Falling for Anthony" by Meljean Brook: 4 stars... this was my second read by Ms. Brook. I really liked Emily's character - she's complex, goes after what she wants, and cares deeply for those in her family - such as her brother, Colin, and her nephew, Robert. She was a well-drawn character and her chemistry with Anthony was very nicely done. The reason the story didn't get 5 stars is because the author completely bores me to tears when she goes in to the history of the Guardians/Demons, etc and the world-building. This isn't the normal reaction I have to very detailed world-building - which this is, no question - it is just the way the author goes about explaining it. It bores me to the point where I considered skipping to the next story.
4. "The Blood Kiss" by Shiloh Walker: 1 star... Note to self: I do not like the way this author writes - do not buy any of her books. I don't mind cursing in books (I do read BDB after all), but the language in this short story was unbelievable. Really, cursing for the sake of cursing doesn't make it cool - at least not in my opinion. The "f" word should be its own character! Roman, the hero, was sexy until he went all crazy with the "my woman" (as in, his property) and "f-this, f-that" nonsense. He also refers to taking of the heroine's virginity as f*cking her! What a damn romantic! Oh, and then there is the part where HE BACKHANDS A WOMAN OFF A ROOF! I am not kidding... And then there are definite hints that he is going to torture her to death later!! That is not my definition of a hero. Rape should also be noted as almost being a character in this book. I figure the author used this method as a way to show how barbaric certain vampires are in the story, but my God, enough with the rape! The author does a fade to black between the villain and one of his women - whom while being raped, does enjoy it in a way. OMG! Revolting.
1. "The Countess's Pleasure" by Emma Holly: 5 stars... By far, this story was my favorite entry in this anthology. Emma Holly has an amazing ability to create a well-drawn world and believable characters in only - hmm - 73 pages. I didn't want this story to end - it was that good!
2. "The Breed Next Door" by Lora Leigh: 4 stars... enjoyed the story in general, but the "barb" was distracting and to my apparently delicate sensibilities, disturbing and over the "ew" line. Seriously, if a "barb" ever came out of a man's appendage and attempted to breach me, I'd be grabbing a cleaver to kill the thing. Note to self: no Feline Breeds for me!
3. "Falling for Anthony" by Meljean Brook: 4 stars... this was my second read by Ms. Brook. I really liked Emily's character - she's complex, goes after what she wants, and cares deeply for those in her family - such as her brother, Colin, and her nephew, Robert. She was a well-drawn character and her chemistry with Anthony was very nicely done. The reason the story didn't get 5 stars is because the author completely bores me to tears when she goes in to the history of the Guardians/Demons, etc and the world-building. This isn't the normal reaction I have to very detailed world-building - which this is, no question - it is just the way the author goes about explaining it. It bores me to the point where I considered skipping to the next story.
4. "The Blood Kiss" by Shiloh Walker: 1 star... Note to self: I do not like the way this author writes - do not buy any of her books. I don't mind cursing in books (I do read BDB after all), but the language in this short story was unbelievable. Really, cursing for the sake of cursing doesn't make it cool - at least not in my opinion. The "f" word should be its own character! Roman, the hero, was sexy until he went all crazy with the "my woman" (as in, his property) and "f-this, f-that" nonsense. He also refers to taking of the heroine's virginity as f*cking her! What a damn romantic! Oh, and then there is the part where HE BACKHANDS A WOMAN OFF A ROOF! I am not kidding... And then there are definite hints that he is going to torture her to death later!! That is not my definition of a hero. Rape should also be noted as almost being a character in this book. I figure the author used this method as a way to show how barbaric certain vampires are in the story, but my God, enough with the rape! The author does a fade to black between the villain and one of his women - whom while being raped, does enjoy it in a way. OMG! Revolting.
January 5, 2021
Recensione sulla mia pagina Bookstagram
https://www.instagram.com/p/CJqwHNpHA...
⭐⭐⭐, 5
Per Lyra il suo bellissimo ma arrogante nuovo vicino di casa, era “un killer delle rose”, e lo avrebbe preso tranquillamente a calci se avesse continuato ad attaccare altre delle sue preziose piante.
Tarik era un Ibrido, un mutaforma, e come gli altri si era ribellato all’organizzazione governativa dalla quale dipendeva e si era dato alla fuga. Poco socievole, cupo e fin troppo riservato. Ma la ragazza ancora non sapeva che aveva un’importante missione da compiere.
Lyra si riteneva essere un tipo alla mano e dall’aspetto decisamente ordinario. Non era una ragazza sexy né un’ammaliatrice, e non aveva alcun desiderio di esserlo. Ma ciò non significava che Tarik potesse continuare ad ignorarla come invece soleva fare con sufficienza.
Lyra non immaginava che l’uomo invece la ammirava in segreto. La considerava una donna molto bella e regale all’esterno, ma con un’anima profonda, molto di più di quanto non apparisse in superficie:
«Lo poteva cogliere nei suoi grandi occhi azzurri e in quelle morbide labbra imbronciate. Però era anche impetuosa come una gatta selvatica».
Tarik era un uomo che desiderava disperatamente vivere ed essere libero. Un uomo che sapeva amare nonostante gli orrori che aveva conosciuto nella sua vita.
🖋️Una breve novella che ci fa scoprire l’interessante storia di Tarik, che abbiamo conosciuto nei precedenti volumi della serie.
L’autrice anche in poche pagine riesce a creare empatia tra il lettore e i suoi personaggi, sempre ben caratterizzati.
🖋️Da battibecchi iniziali che avvengono tra vicini di casa si arriva ben presto a momenti di passione e amore.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CJqwHNpHA...
⭐⭐⭐, 5
Per Lyra il suo bellissimo ma arrogante nuovo vicino di casa, era “un killer delle rose”, e lo avrebbe preso tranquillamente a calci se avesse continuato ad attaccare altre delle sue preziose piante.
Tarik era un Ibrido, un mutaforma, e come gli altri si era ribellato all’organizzazione governativa dalla quale dipendeva e si era dato alla fuga. Poco socievole, cupo e fin troppo riservato. Ma la ragazza ancora non sapeva che aveva un’importante missione da compiere.
Lyra si riteneva essere un tipo alla mano e dall’aspetto decisamente ordinario. Non era una ragazza sexy né un’ammaliatrice, e non aveva alcun desiderio di esserlo. Ma ciò non significava che Tarik potesse continuare ad ignorarla come invece soleva fare con sufficienza.
Lyra non immaginava che l’uomo invece la ammirava in segreto. La considerava una donna molto bella e regale all’esterno, ma con un’anima profonda, molto di più di quanto non apparisse in superficie:
«Lo poteva cogliere nei suoi grandi occhi azzurri e in quelle morbide labbra imbronciate. Però era anche impetuosa come una gatta selvatica».
Tarik era un uomo che desiderava disperatamente vivere ed essere libero. Un uomo che sapeva amare nonostante gli orrori che aveva conosciuto nella sua vita.
🖋️Una breve novella che ci fa scoprire l’interessante storia di Tarik, che abbiamo conosciuto nei precedenti volumi della serie.
L’autrice anche in poche pagine riesce a creare empatia tra il lettore e i suoi personaggi, sempre ben caratterizzati.
🖋️Da battibecchi iniziali che avvengono tra vicini di casa si arriva ben presto a momenti di passione e amore.
September 21, 2022
Falling for Anthony by Meljean Brook: I have decided to abandon my autumn reading plan and embark on reading the Guardians series for the first time. Read via library.
All other novellas are unread.
All other novellas are unread.
January 28, 2021
Chris McGranitt - per RFS
.
Salve mie fenici, la collana “Follie in passion” continua a deliziarci con queste chicche di Lora Leigh, permettendoci finalmente di leggere le serie interrotte che tanto aspettavamo, come questa. Oggi vi voglio parlare di una novella breve, che divorerete in pochissimo.
La storia narra di Tarek Jordan, un Ibrido di leone che da sei mesi abita accanto alla suscettibile Lyra Mason, che apparentemente lo nota solo per aver distrutto le sue adorate rose. Da questa premessa nasce una storia divertente, piena di passione, eros, azione, battute al vetriolo e impulsi animaleschi, ma ritorniamo dai nostri protagonisti; Tarek cerca di reprimere tutto ciò che gli è stato inculcato quando era rinchiuso nel laboratorio, e al tempo stesso cerca di costruirsi una vita normale facendo cose che non ha mai fatto, come tosare l’erba o sistemare un cespuglio di rose (ne vedremo delle belle); Al tempo stesso deve rintracciare uno degli “istruttori” del centro dove era stato imprigionato, cercando di conquistare e proteggere Lyra. Una donna indipendente (almeno a prima vista), loquace, ottima cuoca e abile manipolatrice di testosterone familiare (tiene padre e fratelli nel suo piccolo pugno); adora prendere in giro il suo vicino, indubbiamente un bel vedere sotto ogni punto di vista, peccato che lo reputi un disastro del giardinaggio! Le loro strade sono destinate a incrociarsi e le loro vite a cambiare per sempre.
La novella è scritta e tradotta bene, ha un punto di vista alternato e ho passato piacevoli momenti in sua compagnia; contiene scene ben più che piccanti e, per me, non è necessario la lettura dei romanzi precedenti. L’autrice in poche parole è riuscita a regalarci un turbinio di emozioni, che ci conducono per mano attraverso una bellissima e intensa storia d’amore, fatta di accettazione e di scoperta di sé, e la consiglio vivamente.
Regalatevi una storia esplosiva che vi terrà incollati ridendo, e riscaldandovi grazie alle sue note bollenti in questi giorni freddi. Non ve ne pentirete.
Alla prossima, Fenici.
.
Salve mie fenici, la collana “Follie in passion” continua a deliziarci con queste chicche di Lora Leigh, permettendoci finalmente di leggere le serie interrotte che tanto aspettavamo, come questa. Oggi vi voglio parlare di una novella breve, che divorerete in pochissimo.
La storia narra di Tarek Jordan, un Ibrido di leone che da sei mesi abita accanto alla suscettibile Lyra Mason, che apparentemente lo nota solo per aver distrutto le sue adorate rose. Da questa premessa nasce una storia divertente, piena di passione, eros, azione, battute al vetriolo e impulsi animaleschi, ma ritorniamo dai nostri protagonisti; Tarek cerca di reprimere tutto ciò che gli è stato inculcato quando era rinchiuso nel laboratorio, e al tempo stesso cerca di costruirsi una vita normale facendo cose che non ha mai fatto, come tosare l’erba o sistemare un cespuglio di rose (ne vedremo delle belle); Al tempo stesso deve rintracciare uno degli “istruttori” del centro dove era stato imprigionato, cercando di conquistare e proteggere Lyra. Una donna indipendente (almeno a prima vista), loquace, ottima cuoca e abile manipolatrice di testosterone familiare (tiene padre e fratelli nel suo piccolo pugno); adora prendere in giro il suo vicino, indubbiamente un bel vedere sotto ogni punto di vista, peccato che lo reputi un disastro del giardinaggio! Le loro strade sono destinate a incrociarsi e le loro vite a cambiare per sempre.
La novella è scritta e tradotta bene, ha un punto di vista alternato e ho passato piacevoli momenti in sua compagnia; contiene scene ben più che piccanti e, per me, non è necessario la lettura dei romanzi precedenti. L’autrice in poche parole è riuscita a regalarci un turbinio di emozioni, che ci conducono per mano attraverso una bellissima e intensa storia d’amore, fatta di accettazione e di scoperta di sé, e la consiglio vivamente.
Regalatevi una storia esplosiva che vi terrà incollati ridendo, e riscaldandovi grazie alle sue note bollenti in questi giorni freddi. Non ve ne pentirete.
Alla prossima, Fenici.
April 30, 2017
"The Breed Next Door" by Lora Leigh ***** stars
I've re-read it several. Def one of my favourites by LL! A novella from the Breeds series. Tarek is an undercover breed who has become Lyra's neighbour from hell. He longs to taste her bread and she ogles his muscles while deploring his un-neighbourly gardening skills (or lack there of). This is in the early days of the series when the breeds were just coming to understand the mating heat. Both MCs are sweet and the sex was HOT! Great action packed ending.
I like this author's novellas better than her novels as they tend to have more humour and less contrived angst.
"Blood Kiss by" by Shiloh Walker (have not read yet)
"Falling for Anthony" by Meljean Brookes (have not read yet)
"The Countess' Pleasure" by Emma Holly ***** stars
Set in a fantasy world that combines flavours of Victorian England, Arabian Magic and Science Fiction Demons. In a small oasis city state that sets itself apart as an oasis of meeting cultures in the hot desert, people visit to do what they would never do at home. The Countess (Georgiana) is hoping to find the passion that had been missing from her marriage. She sees a pseudo strip show by, an indentured Demon (a Yama) and makes him a proposition. The MCs are nicely drawn and a perfect fit for each other. It's a short whirl wind romance that was convincing and enthralling despite it's being so quick. When both MCs weren't together in a scene the writing gets a little lost in details. But the author does a lovely job of evoking the 5 senses in a surprisingly complex fantasy world. A wee bit of a steam punk feel to it and wonderfully romantic while also being surprisingly spicy!
I've re-read it several. Def one of my favourites by LL! A novella from the Breeds series. Tarek is an undercover breed who has become Lyra's neighbour from hell. He longs to taste her bread and she ogles his muscles while deploring his un-neighbourly gardening skills (or lack there of). This is in the early days of the series when the breeds were just coming to understand the mating heat. Both MCs are sweet and the sex was HOT! Great action packed ending.
I like this author's novellas better than her novels as they tend to have more humour and less contrived angst.
"Blood Kiss by" by Shiloh Walker (have not read yet)
"Falling for Anthony" by Meljean Brookes (have not read yet)
"The Countess' Pleasure" by Emma Holly ***** stars
Set in a fantasy world that combines flavours of Victorian England, Arabian Magic and Science Fiction Demons. In a small oasis city state that sets itself apart as an oasis of meeting cultures in the hot desert, people visit to do what they would never do at home. The Countess (Georgiana) is hoping to find the passion that had been missing from her marriage. She sees a pseudo strip show by, an indentured Demon (a Yama) and makes him a proposition. The MCs are nicely drawn and a perfect fit for each other. It's a short whirl wind romance that was convincing and enthralling despite it's being so quick. When both MCs weren't together in a scene the writing gets a little lost in details. But the author does a lovely job of evoking the 5 senses in a surprisingly complex fantasy world. A wee bit of a steam punk feel to it and wonderfully romantic while also being surprisingly spicy!
March 16, 2009
Read:
- 'The Breed Next Door' by Lora Leigh (5 stars)
Did Not Finish:
- 'The Countess´s Pleasure' by Emma Holly
- 'Falling for Anthony' by Meljean Brook
- 'The Blood Kiss' by Shiloh Walker
- 'The Breed Next Door' by Lora Leigh (5 stars)
Did Not Finish:
- 'The Countess´s Pleasure' by Emma Holly
- 'Falling for Anthony' by Meljean Brook
- 'The Blood Kiss' by Shiloh Walker
January 6, 2021
Ciò che li univa non assomigliava a nulla di cui fosse a conoscenza. E poi c’era Lyra. Sempre Lyra. Il centro della sua vita.
Questa serie è iniziata sottotono ma si sta decisamente riscattando, come avevo notato anche nel terzo della serie, e sono stata molto contenta di vedere tra le uscite questa intrigante novella che, nonostante le poche pagine disponibili, mi ha decisamente soddisfatta con una bella trama solida e protagonisti coinvolgenti *ç* Tarek e Lyra sono vicini di casa e, apparentemente, passano un bel po' di tempo a bisticciare (o meglio, Lyra passa molto tempo a rimproverarlo e Tarek a fare orecchie da mercante XD). In realtà è chiaro fin da subito che i bisticci nascondono una forte attrazione, che inevitabilmente ad un certo punto, con l'arrivo di una minaccia esterna, esploderà facendo uscire allo scoperto anche l'identità segreta di Tarek. Attenzione però, perché per fortuna i due non finiscono a letto a pagina 2 e Tarek non è solo un sexy Ibrido, ma un uomo che ha vissuto prigioniero per tutta la vita, un uomo che è stato trattato sempre e solo come un animale se non peggio. Non ha mai avuto una casa, non ha mai assaggiato del cibo fatto in casa, o ricevuto un regalo... insomma, con poche righe l'autrice riesce a tratteggiare tutta la profondità di questo personaggio e ti si spezza il cuore per lui ç__ç Di contro Lyra è una donna coraggiosa e determinata, conosce il mondo degli Ibridi e sa cosa hanno subito (e subiscono tutt'ora) quindi quando il gioco si fa duro non esita un'attimo a correre al fianco del suo compagno nonostante l'opposizione della sua stessa famiglia (famiglia che vorrei rivedere lo ammetto! <3). Tra i due l'attrazione è bollente, ma Tarek non le nega mai la possibilità di scelta e la tratta sempre con rispetto e amore *ç* Avrei voluto un bel libro corposo dedicato a loro (forse allora il mio voto sarebbe salito ancor di più XD) ma mi accontento di essermi goduta comunque una lettura decisamente piacevole!
Adesso Tarek le apparteneva. Era il suo cuore, la sua anima, e non poteva immaginare di vivere senza di lui.
Sarebbe morta senza di lui al proprio fianco.
Questa serie è iniziata sottotono ma si sta decisamente riscattando, come avevo notato anche nel terzo della serie, e sono stata molto contenta di vedere tra le uscite questa intrigante novella che, nonostante le poche pagine disponibili, mi ha decisamente soddisfatta con una bella trama solida e protagonisti coinvolgenti *ç* Tarek e Lyra sono vicini di casa e, apparentemente, passano un bel po' di tempo a bisticciare (o meglio, Lyra passa molto tempo a rimproverarlo e Tarek a fare orecchie da mercante XD). In realtà è chiaro fin da subito che i bisticci nascondono una forte attrazione, che inevitabilmente ad un certo punto, con l'arrivo di una minaccia esterna, esploderà facendo uscire allo scoperto anche l'identità segreta di Tarek. Attenzione però, perché per fortuna i due non finiscono a letto a pagina 2 e Tarek non è solo un sexy Ibrido, ma un uomo che ha vissuto prigioniero per tutta la vita, un uomo che è stato trattato sempre e solo come un animale se non peggio. Non ha mai avuto una casa, non ha mai assaggiato del cibo fatto in casa, o ricevuto un regalo... insomma, con poche righe l'autrice riesce a tratteggiare tutta la profondità di questo personaggio e ti si spezza il cuore per lui ç__ç Di contro Lyra è una donna coraggiosa e determinata, conosce il mondo degli Ibridi e sa cosa hanno subito (e subiscono tutt'ora) quindi quando il gioco si fa duro non esita un'attimo a correre al fianco del suo compagno nonostante l'opposizione della sua stessa famiglia (famiglia che vorrei rivedere lo ammetto! <3). Tra i due l'attrazione è bollente, ma Tarek non le nega mai la possibilità di scelta e la tratta sempre con rispetto e amore *ç* Avrei voluto un bel libro corposo dedicato a loro (forse allora il mio voto sarebbe salito ancor di più XD) ma mi accontento di essermi goduta comunque una lettura decisamente piacevole!
Adesso Tarek le apparteneva. Era il suo cuore, la sua anima, e non poteva immaginare di vivere senza di lui.
Sarebbe morta senza di lui al proprio fianco.
March 4, 2009
The best part of this four-novella anthology was Lora Leigh's Breed novella. Certainly not one of the best stories in the series, and entirely too short, I barely started enjoying the story when it was already over.
Shiloh Walker's was one of those hidden gems and the first story by the author I've read. I'm sure it won't be the last.
The twist of "combining" two utterly different creatures of the lore was a nice move, yet I felt that sort of conflict could've been explored a little further. Unfortunately, with novellas the author has a limited amount of space to cram everything in.
I've never been a fan of Emma Holly's and I certainly shall not become one. Her contribution to this collection was once more a rather boring rendition of been-there-read-that. I just cannot relate to her characters or her stories.
It it Meljean Brook's story that earned the title "Skimmed Through Instead Of Read" for this anthology. I just couldn't "get with the program". Neither the plot nor the characters were able to pull me in, leaving me to just fly through it to continue with the next story.
Shiloh Walker's was one of those hidden gems and the first story by the author I've read. I'm sure it won't be the last.
The twist of "combining" two utterly different creatures of the lore was a nice move, yet I felt that sort of conflict could've been explored a little further. Unfortunately, with novellas the author has a limited amount of space to cram everything in.
I've never been a fan of Emma Holly's and I certainly shall not become one. Her contribution to this collection was once more a rather boring rendition of been-there-read-that. I just cannot relate to her characters or her stories.
It it Meljean Brook's story that earned the title "Skimmed Through Instead Of Read" for this anthology. I just couldn't "get with the program". Neither the plot nor the characters were able to pull me in, leaving me to just fly through it to continue with the next story.
March 12, 2014
I have to admit that I only read Lora Leigh's story.....
I enjoyed Tarek's & Lyra's story...though she drove me a bit batty.....but she redeemed herself when she invited Tarek for coffee...which he loves and has no clue how to make a decent cup...and like her even more when she baked him bread.
The story was a bit short for me to engage totally with them but I liked discovering more about the Breeds.
Of course there's lots of hot sex and "growling" and more........it's Lora Leigh after all.
I enjoyed Tarek's & Lyra's story...though she drove me a bit batty.....but she redeemed herself when she invited Tarek for coffee...which he loves and has no clue how to make a decent cup...and like her even more when she baked him bread.
The story was a bit short for me to engage totally with them but I liked discovering more about the Breeds.
Of course there's lots of hot sex and "growling" and more........it's Lora Leigh after all.
May 7, 2021
novella breve ma da leggere
mi ero persa questa novella ancora uscita a dicembre!!!!!
che belli questi Ibridi!!!sono pieni di affetto e calore e cercano una vita e una compagna
quando Tyrek pensa all'odore dle caffè al pane guardando cosa cucina Lyra non possiamo che commuoverci per questi meravigliosi personaggi che tanto hanno sofferto
Lyra è fortissima perchè lo risponde a tono e non gliene fa passare una
che bella lettura!!!
recupero i primi della serie visto che l'amore di elizabeth era il primo che avevo letto e che consiglio tantissimo
cinque stelline!!!
mi ero persa questa novella ancora uscita a dicembre!!!!!
che belli questi Ibridi!!!sono pieni di affetto e calore e cercano una vita e una compagna
quando Tyrek pensa all'odore dle caffè al pane guardando cosa cucina Lyra non possiamo che commuoverci per questi meravigliosi personaggi che tanto hanno sofferto
Lyra è fortissima perchè lo risponde a tono e non gliene fa passare una
che bella lettura!!!
recupero i primi della serie visto che l'amore di elizabeth era il primo che avevo letto e che consiglio tantissimo
cinque stelline!!!
March 11, 2019
The first two stories were good, but the last two were like pulling teeth. I normally like Meljean Brooks, but The Guardians series does not appeal to me.
July 27, 2010
I've used my box of chocolates metaphor for anthologies before- that sometimes you get peanut butter covered in dark chocolate, and sometimes you get icky apricot. Hot Spell doesn't distinctly fall into one camp or another; instead, each story is, for better or worse, incredibly unique, and they need to be considered individually.
First up is The Countess's Pleasure by Emma Holly. I haven't read anything by this author before and I'm not sure if this offering was enough to make me want to pick up more. The setting is interesting enough; a fictional desert land called Bhamjran, where a demon race interacts with humans in a carefully segregated society. Georgianna is a recently widowed, sexually denied young woman who happens upon a bordello where an exceptionally handsome demon is working off a life debt. She makes him an offer he can't refuse and their relationship takes off from there. I found the setting and rules of this world to be the best part of this story; beyond that, the relationship felt very stiff and the scenes where the characters interact were very clinical, which sucked all of the atmosphere right out of the room. Definitely not the best short story I've ever read.
Overall Grade: C-
The second offering is The Breed Next Door by Lora Leigh, which is Tarek and Lyra's story. You'd think I'd be all over this story since I really enjoy the Breeds series, but there wasn't anything in this story that really contributed to the series overall. It's a good litmus test to see if you like the author's writing style, and the couple work well enough together, but there are definitely other installments of the series that I like a lot more and that were a lot more in depth and well done.
Overall Grade: C
The third story is The Blood Kiss by Shiloh Walker and was my first foray into this author's work. It definitely won't be my last, as this was by far my favorite story in this anthology. I love the element of opposites attract in a romance, and the romance between Roman, king of the werewolves, and Julianna, the vampire king's daughter, definitely fits the bill. Roman falls hard and fast for Julianna, even though she's part of a revenge plot to save his brother, and there's action and adventure around every turn. I'm definitely reading more by this author as my whistle is now most assuredly whetted.
Overall Grade: A
The finally story is Falling For Anthony by Meljean Brook, who was also a new author for me. I enjoyed this story, which is early on in her Guardian series, and details how the Guardians are created and how the world of the Guardians works. I'm definitely intrigued and will be reading more in this series, as it seems like there's a lot to absorb. I know this isn't the first story in this series, which may have explained a little of my confusion as I read, but the writing was good, the world vivid and unique, and the characters were interesting.
Overall Grade: B
This anthology is definitely a mixed bag, with some of the stories being much more enjoyable than others. Fans of paranormal romance will undoubtedly find good stuff here, and although the book as a whole gets a Scandalous Books designation, each story has a different level of spice and if one doesn't appeal to you, others might. I recommend this anthology, but it might be a good choice for a library book.
Overall Grade for the Book: B
Check out more reviews at What Book is That?
First up is The Countess's Pleasure by Emma Holly. I haven't read anything by this author before and I'm not sure if this offering was enough to make me want to pick up more. The setting is interesting enough; a fictional desert land called Bhamjran, where a demon race interacts with humans in a carefully segregated society. Georgianna is a recently widowed, sexually denied young woman who happens upon a bordello where an exceptionally handsome demon is working off a life debt. She makes him an offer he can't refuse and their relationship takes off from there. I found the setting and rules of this world to be the best part of this story; beyond that, the relationship felt very stiff and the scenes where the characters interact were very clinical, which sucked all of the atmosphere right out of the room. Definitely not the best short story I've ever read.
Overall Grade: C-
The second offering is The Breed Next Door by Lora Leigh, which is Tarek and Lyra's story. You'd think I'd be all over this story since I really enjoy the Breeds series, but there wasn't anything in this story that really contributed to the series overall. It's a good litmus test to see if you like the author's writing style, and the couple work well enough together, but there are definitely other installments of the series that I like a lot more and that were a lot more in depth and well done.
Overall Grade: C
The third story is The Blood Kiss by Shiloh Walker and was my first foray into this author's work. It definitely won't be my last, as this was by far my favorite story in this anthology. I love the element of opposites attract in a romance, and the romance between Roman, king of the werewolves, and Julianna, the vampire king's daughter, definitely fits the bill. Roman falls hard and fast for Julianna, even though she's part of a revenge plot to save his brother, and there's action and adventure around every turn. I'm definitely reading more by this author as my whistle is now most assuredly whetted.
Overall Grade: A
The finally story is Falling For Anthony by Meljean Brook, who was also a new author for me. I enjoyed this story, which is early on in her Guardian series, and details how the Guardians are created and how the world of the Guardians works. I'm definitely intrigued and will be reading more in this series, as it seems like there's a lot to absorb. I know this isn't the first story in this series, which may have explained a little of my confusion as I read, but the writing was good, the world vivid and unique, and the characters were interesting.
Overall Grade: B
This anthology is definitely a mixed bag, with some of the stories being much more enjoyable than others. Fans of paranormal romance will undoubtedly find good stuff here, and although the book as a whole gets a Scandalous Books designation, each story has a different level of spice and if one doesn't appeal to you, others might. I recommend this anthology, but it might be a good choice for a library book.
Overall Grade for the Book: B
Check out more reviews at What Book is That?
September 13, 2010
5 stars for one story, 4 and 3 stars for the other three stories.
This book contains the following four stories.
5 stars for THE COUNTESS'S PLEASURE by Emma Holly.
I loved it. It was different and sensual. The ending was wonderful. There was a surprise in the plot that I did not expect. It was erotic and also a very nice story. Story brief: Georgiana is a widow. She visits a ladies nightclub in Bhamjran where a yama (demon) is enslaved and must perform on stage in the nude.
Sexual language: strong. Number of sex scenes: five. Setting: unknown time, probably early 1800s in a place called Bhamjran in the desert. Copyright: 2005. Genre: historical paranormal romance.
For a listing of my reviews of other Emma Holly books, see my 2 star review of "Prince of Ice: A Tale of the Demon World" posted 6/23/08.
4 stars for THE BREED NEXT DOOR by Lora Leigh.
Fun story. Good escape. Very sexual and sensual. This is one the of breed stories. The author has written several. In this one, Tarek is part lion. He lives alone in a house next door to normal human Lyra. He can't cook or make decent coffee. She makes homemade bread and good coffee, which he can't resist. One of his former evil lab captors is hunting him and threatens her. He learns that she is his one and only "mate". They have typical wild, frantic sex, breed style.
Sexual language: strong/erotic. Number of sex scenes: four. Setting: current day Fayetteville, Arkansas. Copyright: 2005. Genre: erotic paranormal romance.
For a listing of my reviews of other Lora Leigh books, see my 4 star review of "Tempting the Beast" posted on 6/30/08.
4 stars for THE BLOOD KISS by Shiloh Walker.
Good, fun, different, and a feel good ending. Roman is king of werewolves. His brother Steven is taken prisoner by the vampires in New Orleans. Roman goes to rescue Steven and falls in love with the vampire princess Julianna.
Sexual language: strong. Number of sex scenes: four. Setting: New Orleans, Louisianna and Tennessee. Copyright: 2005. Genre: paranormal romance.
For a list of my reviews of other Shiloh Walker books, see my 4 star review of The Missing posted 11/12/08.
3 stars for FALLING FOR ANTHONY by Meljean Brook.
Pretty good. I read this for background before I read Demon Angel and Demon Moon. It is a short story, 100 pages long. Demons called nosferatu kill humans. Guardians fight them and protect humans. Michael was a human, close to death and becomes a guardian. He is sent to fight a nosferatu attacking Emily, the woman he loved.
Sexual language: strong. Number of sex scenes: six. Setting: 1811 London and Spain. Copyright: 2005. Genre: fantasy and paranormal romance.
SERIES:
The first four books in this series are:
3 stars. FALLING FOR ANTHONY (in Hot Spell anthology) Copyrt 2005. Review Date 5/11/08.
1 star. DEMON ANGEL. Copyrt 2007. Review Date 5/11/08.
(not read) PARADISE (in anthology Wild Think).
2 stars. DEMON MOON. Copyrt 2007. Review Date 5/11/08.
This book contains the following four stories.
5 stars for THE COUNTESS'S PLEASURE by Emma Holly.
I loved it. It was different and sensual. The ending was wonderful. There was a surprise in the plot that I did not expect. It was erotic and also a very nice story. Story brief: Georgiana is a widow. She visits a ladies nightclub in Bhamjran where a yama (demon) is enslaved and must perform on stage in the nude.
Sexual language: strong. Number of sex scenes: five. Setting: unknown time, probably early 1800s in a place called Bhamjran in the desert. Copyright: 2005. Genre: historical paranormal romance.
For a listing of my reviews of other Emma Holly books, see my 2 star review of "Prince of Ice: A Tale of the Demon World" posted 6/23/08.
4 stars for THE BREED NEXT DOOR by Lora Leigh.
Fun story. Good escape. Very sexual and sensual. This is one the of breed stories. The author has written several. In this one, Tarek is part lion. He lives alone in a house next door to normal human Lyra. He can't cook or make decent coffee. She makes homemade bread and good coffee, which he can't resist. One of his former evil lab captors is hunting him and threatens her. He learns that she is his one and only "mate". They have typical wild, frantic sex, breed style.
Sexual language: strong/erotic. Number of sex scenes: four. Setting: current day Fayetteville, Arkansas. Copyright: 2005. Genre: erotic paranormal romance.
For a listing of my reviews of other Lora Leigh books, see my 4 star review of "Tempting the Beast" posted on 6/30/08.
4 stars for THE BLOOD KISS by Shiloh Walker.
Good, fun, different, and a feel good ending. Roman is king of werewolves. His brother Steven is taken prisoner by the vampires in New Orleans. Roman goes to rescue Steven and falls in love with the vampire princess Julianna.
Sexual language: strong. Number of sex scenes: four. Setting: New Orleans, Louisianna and Tennessee. Copyright: 2005. Genre: paranormal romance.
For a list of my reviews of other Shiloh Walker books, see my 4 star review of The Missing posted 11/12/08.
3 stars for FALLING FOR ANTHONY by Meljean Brook.
Pretty good. I read this for background before I read Demon Angel and Demon Moon. It is a short story, 100 pages long. Demons called nosferatu kill humans. Guardians fight them and protect humans. Michael was a human, close to death and becomes a guardian. He is sent to fight a nosferatu attacking Emily, the woman he loved.
Sexual language: strong. Number of sex scenes: six. Setting: 1811 London and Spain. Copyright: 2005. Genre: fantasy and paranormal romance.
SERIES:
The first four books in this series are:
3 stars. FALLING FOR ANTHONY (in Hot Spell anthology) Copyrt 2005. Review Date 5/11/08.
1 star. DEMON ANGEL. Copyrt 2007. Review Date 5/11/08.
(not read) PARADISE (in anthology Wild Think).
2 stars. DEMON MOON. Copyrt 2007. Review Date 5/11/08.
January 17, 2025
หนังสือรวมเรื่องสั้นเล่มนี้เป็นอีกหนึ่งเล่มที่เก่าเก็บนานมาหลายปี (ตั้งแต่ปี 2005 โน่นแน่ะ) แต่ไม่ใช่ว่าเราไม่ได้อ่านเลยหรอกนะคะ เราอ่านเรื่องสั้นบางเรื่องไปแล้วบ้าง เพียงแต่เพิ่งจะมีโอกาสได้อ่านจนจบทุกเรื่องเท่านั้นเอง
สำหรับคนที่สนใจงานของนักเขียนทั้งสี่คนที่ร่วมกันเขียนในเล่มนี้ แต่ไม่กล้าลองซื้อเล่มหนาของพวกเธอมาอ่าน เราก็ขอแนะนำให้ลองอ่านงานของทั้งสี่ที่เล่มนี้ดูกันได้ เพราะเราคิดว่าสไตล์การเขียนเป็นตัวแทนผลงานโดยรวมของนักเขียนแต่ละคนเลยที เดียว
หนังสือรวมเรื่องสั้น Hot Spell
หนังสือเรื่องสั้นทั้งสี่เรื่อง ยกเว้นแค่เรื่องของไซโลห์ วอร์คเกอร์ ล้วนเป็นส่วนหน���่งในชุดอันโด่งดังของนักเขียนแต่ละคน โดยเฉพาะเรื่องของเมลจีน บรู๊ค เราถือว่าเป็นส่วนที่ขาดไม่ได้เลยในการอ่านหนังสือชุดของเธอ
มาว่ากันทีละเรื่องแล้วกัน
The Countess's Pleasure ของเอ็มม่า โฮลี่
เรายกให้เอ็มม่า โฮลี่เป็นเจ้าแม่ผลงานแนวอีโรติค โรแมนซ์นะคะ ไม่ว่าจะมีใครเขียนเรื่องไหนออกมา อาจจะร้อนแรงกว่างานของเธอ ก็ไม่อาจเทียบกับเอ็มม่าซึ่งถือเป็นคนแรก ๆ ที่เริ่มบุกเบิกหนังสือแนวนี้ (ร่วมกับนักเขียนอีกคนที่ชื่อว่าโรบิน ชอนน์)
เรื่องสั้นเรื่องนี้เป็นส่วนเสริมในหนังสือชุดเดม่อนแห่งยุควิคทอเรียน (ที่เล่มแรกของชุดก็คือ The Demon's Daughter) เล่าเรื่องของโลกที่น่าจะอยู่ในช่ีวงเดียวกับยุควิคทอเรียนที่เรารู้จักกัน เพียงแต่ในโลกของเอ็มม่า มนุษย์ได้ค้นพบว่า ตนเองมิใช่สิ่งมีชีวิตเดียวที่มีวิวัฒนาการล้ำหน้ากว่าสัตว์อื่นเพียงชนิด เดียว ยังมีชาวยาม่า ซึ่งเป็นกลุ่มคนที่คล้ายคลึงมนุษย์ แต่ไม่ใช่ อาศัยอยู่ด้วย การค้นพบยาม่าทำให้ประวัติศาสตร์ของโลกเปลี่ยนแปลงไป มนุษย์กลายเป็นคนป่าเถื่อนและไร้วัฒนธรรม ในขณะที่สังคมของยาม่าเ็ป็นสังคมชั้นสูงชนิดที่มนุษย์โลกไม่อาจก้าวไปถึง
ในเรื่องนี้เล่าเรื่องราวของเคาท์เตสม่ายสาวที่เดินทางไปยังเมืองซึ่งอยู่ ระหว่างชายแดนระหว่างอาณาเขตของมนุษย์และยาม่า ที่นั่นเธอได้ปลดปล่อยความพิศวาสที่เก็บไว้ของตัวเองมานาน (จำได้ไหมว่าสังคมวิคทอเรียนนั้น กระทั่งขาโต๊ะก็ยังต้องเอาผ้ามาคลุม เพราะมันไม่สุภาพ) กับชายหนุ่มชาวยาม่าที่ทำงานในคลับเพื่อหาเงินส่งเสียกลับไปให้ครอบครัวที่ ยาม่า
พล็อตเรื่องเรียบง่ายไม่มีอะไรให้ต้องลุ้นกันมาก แต่แม็กซ์ไม่แน่ใจว่า สำหรับคนที่ไม่เคยอ่านเรื่องราวเกี่ยวกับยาม่าในหนังสือเล่มอื่น ๆ ของเอ็มม่ามาก่อนจะเก็ตกับความแตกต่างระหว่างเผ่าพันธุ์ของมนุษย์และยาม่า นี่ไหม มันมีความซับซ้อนพอสมควร และอาจจะต้องใช้เวลาในการทำความเข้าใจแบ็คกราวด์ของเรื่อง
แต่สำหรับเรา (เนื่องจากตามอ่านงานของเอ็มม่าเกือบครบทุกเล่ม) นี่จึงไม่ใช่ปัญหา คะแนนที่ 70
The Breed Next Door ของโลร่า ลีย์
ถ้านับกันตามจริงแล้ว เรื่องสั้นเรื่องนี้ถือเป็นเรื่องแรกที่โลร่าเขียนให้กับสนพ.เบิร์คเลย์ (หลังจากที่ทิ้งสนพ.อีลอร่ามาซบอกกัน) เรื่องนี้เป็นไปทุกอย่างตามสูตรของหนังสือชุดบรีดของโลล่าค่ะ เหมาะสำหรับคนที่อยากรู้ว่าสูตรชุดบรีดเป็นยังไง และเหมาะกับคนที่ชอบสูตรชุดบรีดของโลร่า (อย่างแม็กซ์ที่ตอนนี้ยังไม่เบื่อนะคะ)
เรื่องราวของทาเร็คที่ย้ายมาอยู่ข้างบ้านสาวสวยอย่างไลร่า เพราะได้รับมอบหมายให้มาจับตามองกลุ่มคนที่เคยทรยศต่อพวกบรีด (ซึ่งเป็นมนุษย์ที่ถูกดัดแปลงพันธุกรรมให้มีส่วนผสมของสัตว์ชนิดต่าง ๆ ผสมปนเปกันอยู่) แต่แล้วเขาก็ต้องเสียสมาธิเพราะสาวน้อยข้างบ้านที่ยั่วเสน่ห์เขาเสียจริง และแน่นอนว่าตามสูตรแล้วไลร่าก็คือคู่แท้ของเขาอีกต่างหาก ซึ่งทำให้เมื่อทั้งคู่มีการแลกเปลี่ยนของเหลวในร่างกายต่อกัน (อย่าคิดมาค่ะ น้ำลายก็ถือว่าใช้ได้แล้ว) ก็จะทำให้ไลร่าเกิดอาการที่เรียกกันว่า Mating Heat ที่ทำให้ดีกรีความร้อนแรงในหนังสือเล่มนี้ทวีความรุนแรงหลายเท่าตัว
อย่างที่บอกเรื่องนี้เป็นพล็อตที่โลร่า ลีย์ให้บ่อยมาก ถ้าเคยอ่านแล้วยังไม่เบื่อเล่มนี้ก็น่าจะถือว่าโอเค ส่วนตัวเราซึ่งพูดเสมอว่า เพิ่งจะมารู้สึกว่าโลร่าเขียนหนังสือดีมาก ๆ ก็ตอนที่อ่านเรื่อง Tanner's Scheme ซึ่งเขียนหลังจากเล่มนี้หลายปี เรื่องสั้นเรื่องนี้เลยขาดเหตุผล และอารมณ์ในด้านลึกไปเยอะพอสมควร
คะแนนที่ 63
Falling for Anthony ของเมลจีน บรู๊ค
เรื่องสั้นเรื่องนี้เป็นเรื่องแรกของเล่มนี้ที่เราเปิดอ่าน และก็ยังคงเป็นเรื่องที่ดีที่สุดเมื่อเราหยิบมาอ่านอีกรอบ เรื่องราวในยุครีเจนซี่ เล่าเรื่องของคู่รักที่ไม่น่าจะลงเอยกันได้
นั่นก็เพราะแอนโธนี่เป็นเพียงหมอจน ๆ คนนึงที่พ่อของเอมิลี่ส่งเสียให้เล่าเรียน (สมัยนั้นหมอไม่รวยเหมือนตอนนี้หรอกนะ) ในขณะที่เธอเป็นลูกสาวของขุนนางบรรดาศักดิ์สูง แต่ในวันนึงก่อนที่แอนโธนีจะไปออกรบ (พร้อมกับคอลิน พี่ชายของเอมิลี่) จู่ ๆ สาวน้อยที่ดูใสซื่อบริสุทธิ์ก็จัดการรวบหัวรวบหางแอนโธนี่ซะอย่างงั้น
อ่านแล้วงงใช่ไหม แม็กซ์ก็งงค่ะ เราคงไม่บอกเหตุผลหรอกนะคะ แต่มันมีคำอธิบาย ซึ่งอาจจะไม่ถูกใจใครที่นิยมลัทธิเยื่อบางนัก แต่มันโอเคสำหรับเรา
แต่แล้วในการรบ คอลินกลับเป็นเพียงคนเดียวที่กลับมาสู่บ้านได้ เพราะแอนโธนีเสียชีวิตลง สิ่งที่ทุกคนไม่รู้ก็คือ แอนโธนีไม่ได้ตายในการรบธรรมดา เขาได้เผชิญหน้ากับสิ่งมีชีวิตบางอย่าง และนั่นทำให้เขาได้รับเลือกให้เป็นเทพบุตร
ในฐานะของเทพบุตรฝึกหัด แอนโธนี่มีภาระต้องรับใช้สวรรค์ (หรือที่เรียกกันว่าเคย์ลั่ม) เป็นเวลาหนึ่งร้อยปี ก่อนที่เขาจะมีสิทธิเลือกที่จะคุ้มครองมนุษย์ต่อ ไปสู่สวงสวรรค์ของแท้ หรือว่าจะตกจากสวรรค์ (ด้วยการเกิดใหม่) แต่งานแรกที่แอนโธนีได้รับการคือ การกลับไปยังบ้านเกิดของเขาอีกครั้ง เพื่อตามหาดาบของไมเคิล (ซึ่งเป็นผู้นำของเคย์ลั่ม) ที่หายไป ปัญหาก็คือ ดาบเล่มนั้นอยู่ในความครอบครองของเอมิลี่ หญิงสาวที่เขารักอย่างหมดหัวใจ แต่เข้าใจว่าเขาตายไปแล้ว
เรื่องสั้นเรื่องนี้มีความยาวมากที่สุดในเล่ม แต่มันแทบจะไม่เพียงพอเลยในการเล่าเรื่องที่สลับซับซ้อนเช่นนี้ นั่นก็เพราะนอกเหนือจากเรื่องราวของตัวเอกอย่างแอนโธนีและเอมิลี่แล้ว ยังมีเรื่องของฮิวจ์ ซึ่งเป็นเทพบุตรซึ่งเป็นอาจารย์ของแอนโธนี (คิดถึงโอบีวันที่เป็นอาจารย์ของอนาคิน) และลิลิธ ปีศาจสาวจากนรกผู้ต่อสู้กับฮิวจ์มานานนับพันปี เรื่องราวของทั้งสองเป็นส่วนหนึ่งในประวัติศาตร์อันยาวนานของทั้งคู่ก่อนที่ จะลงเอยกันในเรื่อง Demon Angel และเล่มนี้ก็ยังเล่าเหตุการณ์ที่คอลิน พี่ชายของเอมิลี่ถูกเปลี่ยนเป็นแวมไพร์ ก่อนที่เขาจะกลายเป็นพระเอกใน Demon Moon
โลกที่เมลจีน บรู๊คคนแต่งเรื่องนี้สร้างมันซับซ้อน และวิธีการเล่าเรื่องของเธอไม่เอื้ออำนวยกับการอ่านแบบลวก ๆ คุณต้องทุ่มเต็มร้อยและมีสมาธิอย่างเต็มที่ ไม่ควรรีบเร่งอ่าน เพราะทุกบรรทัดแฝงไว้ด้วยความหมาย
คะแนน 80
The Blood Kiss ของไซโลห์ วอร์คเกอร์
ในความคิดของแม็กซ์ เรื่องนี้อ่อนที่สุดในบรรดาสี่เรื่องในเล่มนี้ แต่ก็อาจเป็นเพราะไซโลห์เป็นนักเขียนที่ฝีมืออ่อนทีสุดในบรรดาสี่คนนี้ก็ได้ แต่ไม่ได้บอกว่าเรื่องนี้ห่วยไม่ได้เรื่องหรอกนะคะ
มันโอเคเลยล่ะ เพียงแต่เมื่อเทียบกับเรื่องอื่นดูอ่อนไปเท่านั้นเอง
โรมัน มอนต์โกเมอรี่เป็นราชาหมาป่าผู้ยิ่งใหญ่ซึ่งกำลับมีปัญหา นั่นก็เพราะน้องชายของเขาดันไปเผ่นพล่านในเขตแดนของแวมไพร์ จนถึงจับตัวไป บทลงโทษของเหล่าแวมไพร์ก็คือการจับขังเป็นเวลาสองร้อยปี ซึ่งโรมันยอมให้มันเกิดขึ้นไม่ได้ ดังนั้นเขาจึงปลอมตัวบุกเข้าไปในถิ่นของแวมไพร์ จากนั้นก็ปฏิบัติการช่วยชีวิตน้องชายออกมา แต่ตอนขากลับบ้านดันไม่กลับมือเปล่า เขายังเกี่ยวเอาบุตรสาวคนเดียวของหัวหน้า��วมไพร์ติดตัวมาด้วย
เธอชื่อจูเลียนน่า และเธอเป็นแวมไพร์ชนิดพิเศษ นั่นก็คือเธอยังไม่ใช่แวมไพร์ หากแต่เป็นมนุษย์ (จะเป็นแวมไพร์เมื่อเธอตาย และได้ดื่มเลือด) ดังนั้นเธอจึงมีคุณค่ามหาศาล เพราะยังมีทายาทสืบตระกูลแวมไพร์ได้ การจับตัวเธอไปของโรมันจึงกลายเป็นการกระตุ้นให้พ่อของเธอประกาศศึก โดยมีจูเลียนน่าเป็นของรางวัล ใครที่ช่วยเธอมาจากโรมันได้ ก็จะกล���ยเป็นเจ้าบ่าวของเธอไปโดยปริยาย
ปัญหาของแม็กซ์ต่อเล่มนี้ก็คือ ไม่เข้าใจว่าทำไมถึงให้พ่อของจูเลียนน่าเป็นตัวร้าย โอเคโรมันพูดและคิดหลายรอบถึงความเลวร้ายของพ่อเธอ แต่แม็กซ์ก็ไม่ได้รู้สึกว่ามันเลวยังไง น้องชายโรมันก็เสือกบุกเข้าไปในดินแดนของเขาก่อน แล้วยังเรื่องจูเลียนน่า หากจะบอกว่าพ่อของเธอเลวที่เอาเธอเป็นเครื่องมือ ก็โรมันก่อนนั่นแหละดันเสือกไปยุ่งกะเธอก่อน แวมไพร์ก็ต้องการรักษาเผ่าพันธุ์ของตัวเองไว้เช่นกัน
มันเหมือนการบอกว่า หมาป่าดี แวมไพร์เลว ยังไงยังงั้นเลยล่ะ
เพราะความไม่เท่าเทียบกันทางความเหนือธรรมชาติ แม็กซ์จึงให้คะแนนได้แค่ที่ 60
โดยสรุปทั้งเล่ม Hot Spell ถือเป็นการลงทุนที่คุ้มค่านะคะ เพราะจะแนะนำให้คุณได้รู้จักนักเขียนถึงสี่คนที่เขียนเรื่องอยู่ในระดับใช้ ได้เลยทีเดียว ดังนั้นแม้ว่าแยกแต่ละเล่มคะแนนจะดูไม่ค่อยดีนัก เพราะแม็กซ์ไม่ค่อยชอบเรื่องสั้น แต่เมื่อรวมกัน เล่มนี้ได้ 83 เพราะยากนักที่จะหาหนังสือรวมเรื่องสั้นที่คุณภาพของแต่ละเรื่องอยู่ในระดับ สูงอย่างนี้ได้
สำหรับคนที่สนใจงานของนักเขียนทั้งสี่คนที่ร่วมกันเขียนในเล่มนี้ แต่ไม่กล้าลองซื้อเล่มหนาของพวกเธอมาอ่าน เราก็ขอแนะนำให้ลองอ่านงานของทั้งสี่ที่เล่มนี้ดูกันได้ เพราะเราคิดว่าสไตล์การเขียนเป็นตัวแทนผลงานโดยรวมของนักเขียนแต่ละคนเลยที เดียว
หนังสือรวมเรื่องสั้น Hot Spell
หนังสือเรื่องสั้นทั้งสี่เรื่อง ยกเว้นแค่เรื่องของไซโลห์ วอร์คเกอร์ ล้วนเป็นส่วนหน���่งในชุดอันโด่งดังของนักเขียนแต่ละคน โดยเฉพาะเรื่องของเมลจีน บรู๊ค เราถือว่าเป็นส่วนที่ขาดไม่ได้เลยในการอ่านหนังสือชุดของเธอ
มาว่ากันทีละเรื่องแล้วกัน
The Countess's Pleasure ของเอ็มม่า โฮลี่
เรายกให้เอ็มม่า โฮลี่เป็นเจ้าแม่ผลงานแนวอีโรติค โรแมนซ์นะคะ ไม่ว่าจะมีใครเขียนเรื่องไหนออกมา อาจจะร้อนแรงกว่างานของเธอ ก็ไม่อาจเทียบกับเอ็มม่าซึ่งถือเป็นคนแรก ๆ ที่เริ่มบุกเบิกหนังสือแนวนี้ (ร่วมกับนักเขียนอีกคนที่ชื่อว่าโรบิน ชอนน์)
เรื่องสั้นเรื่องนี้เป็นส่วนเสริมในหนังสือชุดเดม่อนแห่งยุควิคทอเรียน (ที่เล่มแรกของชุดก็คือ The Demon's Daughter) เล่าเรื่องของโลกที่น่าจะอยู่ในช่ีวงเดียวกับยุควิคทอเรียนที่เรารู้จักกัน เพียงแต่ในโลกของเอ็มม่า มนุษย์ได้ค้นพบว่า ตนเองมิใช่สิ่งมีชีวิตเดียวที่มีวิวัฒนาการล้ำหน้ากว่าสัตว์อื่นเพียงชนิด เดียว ยังมีชาวยาม่า ซึ่งเป็นกลุ่มคนที่คล้ายคลึงมนุษย์ แต่ไม่ใช่ อาศัยอยู่ด้วย การค้นพบยาม่าทำให้ประวัติศาสตร์ของโลกเปลี่ยนแปลงไป มนุษย์กลายเป็นคนป่าเถื่อนและไร้วัฒนธรรม ในขณะที่สังคมของยาม่าเ็ป็นสังคมชั้นสูงชนิดที่มนุษย์โลกไม่อาจก้าวไปถึง
ในเรื่องนี้เล่าเรื่องราวของเคาท์เตสม่ายสาวที่เดินทางไปยังเมืองซึ่งอยู่ ระหว่างชายแดนระหว่างอาณาเขตของมนุษย์และยาม่า ที่นั่นเธอได้ปลดปล่อยความพิศวาสที่เก็บไว้ของตัวเองมานาน (จำได้ไหมว่าสังคมวิคทอเรียนนั้น กระทั่งขาโต๊ะก็ยังต้องเอาผ้ามาคลุม เพราะมันไม่สุภาพ) กับชายหนุ่มชาวยาม่าที่ทำงานในคลับเพื่อหาเงินส่งเสียกลับไปให้ครอบครัวที่ ยาม่า
พล็อตเรื่องเรียบง่ายไม่มีอะไรให้ต้องลุ้นกันมาก แต่แม็กซ์ไม่แน่ใจว่า สำหรับคนที่ไม่เคยอ่านเรื่องราวเกี่ยวกับยาม่าในหนังสือเล่มอื่น ๆ ของเอ็มม่ามาก่อนจะเก็ตกับความแตกต่างระหว่างเผ่าพันธุ์ของมนุษย์และยาม่า นี่ไหม มันมีความซับซ้อนพอสมควร และอาจจะต้องใช้เวลาในการทำความเข้าใจแบ็คกราวด์ของเรื่อง
แต่สำหรับเรา (เนื่องจากตามอ่านงานของเอ็มม่าเกือบครบทุกเล่ม) นี่จึงไม่ใช่ปัญหา คะแนนที่ 70
The Breed Next Door ของโลร่า ลีย์
ถ้านับกันตามจริงแล้ว เรื่องสั้นเรื่องนี้ถือเป็นเรื่องแรกที่โลร่าเขียนให้กับสนพ.เบิร์คเลย์ (หลังจากที่ทิ้งสนพ.อีลอร่ามาซบอกกัน) เรื่องนี้เป็นไปทุกอย่างตามสูตรของหนังสือชุดบรีดของโลล่าค่ะ เหมาะสำหรับคนที่อยากรู้ว่าสูตรชุดบรีดเป็นยังไง และเหมาะกับคนที่ชอบสูตรชุดบรีดของโลร่า (อย่างแม็กซ์ที่ตอนนี้ยังไม่เบื่อนะคะ)
เรื่องราวของทาเร็คที่ย้ายมาอยู่ข้างบ้านสาวสวยอย่างไลร่า เพราะได้รับมอบหมายให้มาจับตามองกลุ่มคนที่เคยทรยศต่อพวกบรีด (ซึ่งเป็นมนุษย์ที่ถูกดัดแปลงพันธุกรรมให้มีส่วนผสมของสัตว์ชนิดต่าง ๆ ผสมปนเปกันอยู่) แต่แล้วเขาก็ต้องเสียสมาธิเพราะสาวน้อยข้างบ้านที่ยั่วเสน่ห์เขาเสียจริง และแน่นอนว่าตามสูตรแล้วไลร่าก็คือคู่แท้ของเขาอีกต่างหาก ซึ่งทำให้เมื่อทั้งคู่มีการแลกเปลี่ยนของเหลวในร่างกายต่อกัน (อย่าคิดมาค่ะ น้ำลายก็ถือว่าใช้ได้แล้ว) ก็จะทำให้ไลร่าเกิดอาการที่เรียกกันว่า Mating Heat ที่ทำให้ดีกรีความร้อนแรงในหนังสือเล่มนี้ทวีความรุนแรงหลายเท่าตัว
อย่างที่บอกเรื่องนี้เป็นพล็อตที่โลร่า ลีย์ให้บ่อยมาก ถ้าเคยอ่านแล้วยังไม่เบื่อเล่มนี้ก็น่าจะถือว่าโอเค ส่วนตัวเราซึ่งพูดเสมอว่า เพิ่งจะมารู้สึกว่าโลร่าเขียนหนังสือดีมาก ๆ ก็ตอนที่อ่านเรื่อง Tanner's Scheme ซึ่งเขียนหลังจากเล่มนี้หลายปี เรื่องสั้นเรื่องนี้เลยขาดเหตุผล และอารมณ์ในด้านลึกไปเยอะพอสมควร
คะแนนที่ 63
Falling for Anthony ของเมลจีน บรู๊ค
เรื่องสั้นเรื่องนี้เป็นเรื่องแรกของเล่มนี้ที่เราเปิดอ่าน และก็ยังคงเป็นเรื่องที่ดีที่สุดเมื่อเราหยิบมาอ่านอีกรอบ เรื่องราวในยุครีเจนซี่ เล่าเรื่องของคู่รักที่ไม่น่าจะลงเอยกันได้
นั่นก็เพราะแอนโธนี่เป็นเพียงหมอจน ๆ คนนึงที่พ่อของเอมิลี่ส่งเสียให้เล่าเรียน (สมัยนั้นหมอไม่รวยเหมือนตอนนี้หรอกนะ) ในขณะที่เธอเป็นลูกสาวของขุนนางบรรดาศักดิ์สูง แต่ในวันนึงก่อนที่แอนโธนีจะไปออกรบ (พร้อมกับคอลิน พี่ชายของเอมิลี่) จู่ ๆ สาวน้อยที่ดูใสซื่อบริสุทธิ์ก็จัดการรวบหัวรวบหางแอนโธนี่ซะอย่างงั้น
อ่านแล้วงงใช่ไหม แม็กซ์ก็งงค่ะ เราคงไม่บอกเหตุผลหรอกนะคะ แต่มันมีคำอธิบาย ซึ่งอาจจะไม่ถูกใจใครที่นิยมลัทธิเยื่อบางนัก แต่มันโอเคสำหรับเรา
แต่แล้วในการรบ คอลินกลับเป็นเพียงคนเดียวที่กลับมาสู่บ้านได้ เพราะแอนโธนีเสียชีวิตลง สิ่งที่ทุกคนไม่รู้ก็คือ แอนโธนีไม่ได้ตายในการรบธรรมดา เขาได้เผชิญหน้ากับสิ่งมีชีวิตบางอย่าง และนั่นทำให้เขาได้รับเลือกให้เป็นเทพบุตร
ในฐานะของเทพบุตรฝึกหัด แอนโธนี่มีภาระต้องรับใช้สวรรค์ (หรือที่เรียกกันว่าเคย์ลั่ม) เป็นเวลาหนึ่งร้อยปี ก่อนที่เขาจะมีสิทธิเลือกที่จะคุ้มครองมนุษย์ต่อ ไปสู่สวงสวรรค์ของแท้ หรือว่าจะตกจากสวรรค์ (ด้วยการเกิดใหม่) แต่งานแรกที่แอนโธนีได้รับการคือ การกลับไปยังบ้านเกิดของเขาอีกครั้ง เพื่อตามหาดาบของไมเคิล (ซึ่งเป็นผู้นำของเคย์ลั่ม) ที่หายไป ปัญหาก็คือ ดาบเล่มนั้นอยู่ในความครอบครองของเอมิลี่ หญิงสาวที่เขารักอย่างหมดหัวใจ แต่เข้าใจว่าเขาตายไปแล้ว
เรื่องสั้นเรื่องนี้มีความยาวมากที่สุดในเล่ม แต่มันแทบจะไม่เพียงพอเลยในการเล่าเรื่องที่สลับซับซ้อนเช่นนี้ นั่นก็เพราะนอกเหนือจากเรื่องราวของตัวเอกอย่างแอนโธนีและเอมิลี่แล้ว ยังมีเรื่องของฮิวจ์ ซึ่งเป็นเทพบุตรซึ่งเป็นอาจารย์ของแอนโธนี (คิดถึงโอบีวันที่เป็นอาจารย์ของอนาคิน) และลิลิธ ปีศาจสาวจากนรกผู้ต่อสู้กับฮิวจ์มานานนับพันปี เรื่องราวของทั้งสองเป็นส่วนหนึ่งในประวัติศาตร์อันยาวนานของทั้งคู่ก่อนที่ จะลงเอยกันในเรื่อง Demon Angel และเล่มนี้ก็ยังเล่าเหตุการณ์ที่คอลิน พี่ชายของเอมิลี่ถูกเปลี่ยนเป็นแวมไพร์ ก่อนที่เขาจะกลายเป็นพระเอกใน Demon Moon
โลกที่เมลจีน บรู๊คคนแต่งเรื่องนี้สร้างมันซับซ้อน และวิธีการเล่าเรื่องของเธอไม่เอื้ออำนวยกับการอ่านแบบลวก ๆ คุณต้องทุ่มเต็มร้อยและมีสมาธิอย่างเต็มที่ ไม่ควรรีบเร่งอ่าน เพราะทุกบรรทัดแฝงไว้ด้วยความหมาย
คะแนน 80
The Blood Kiss ของไซโลห์ วอร์คเกอร์
ในความคิดของแม็กซ์ เรื่องนี้อ่อนที่สุดในบรรดาสี่เรื่องในเล่มนี้ แต่ก็อาจเป็นเพราะไซโลห์เป็นนักเขียนที่ฝีมืออ่อนทีสุดในบรรดาสี่คนนี้ก็ได้ แต่ไม่ได้บอกว่าเรื่องนี้ห่วยไม่ได้เรื่องหรอกนะคะ
มันโอเคเลยล่ะ เพียงแต่เมื่อเทียบกับเรื่องอื่นดูอ่อนไปเท่านั้นเอง
โรมัน มอนต์โกเมอรี่เป็นราชาหมาป่าผู้ยิ่งใหญ่ซึ่งกำลับมีปัญหา นั่นก็เพราะน้องชายของเขาดันไปเผ่นพล่านในเขตแดนของแวมไพร์ จนถึงจับตัวไป บทลงโทษของเหล่าแวมไพร์ก็คือการจับขังเป็นเวลาสองร้อยปี ซึ่งโรมันยอมให้มันเกิดขึ้นไม่ได้ ดังนั้นเขาจึงปลอมตัวบุกเข้าไปในถิ่นของแวมไพร์ จากนั้นก็ปฏิบัติการช่วยชีวิตน้องชายออกมา แต่ตอนขากลับบ้านดันไม่กลับมือเปล่า เขายังเกี่ยวเอาบุตรสาวคนเดียวของหัวหน้า��วมไพร์ติดตัวมาด้วย
เธอชื่อจูเลียนน่า และเธอเป็นแวมไพร์ชนิดพิเศษ นั่นก็คือเธอยังไม่ใช่แวมไพร์ หากแต่เป็นมนุษย์ (จะเป็นแวมไพร์เมื่อเธอตาย และได้ดื่มเลือด) ดังนั้นเธอจึงมีคุณค่ามหาศาล เพราะยังมีทายาทสืบตระกูลแวมไพร์ได้ การจับตัวเธอไปของโรมันจึงกลายเป็นการกระตุ้นให้พ่อของเธอประกาศศึก โดยมีจูเลียนน่าเป็นของรางวัล ใครที่ช่วยเธอมาจากโรมันได้ ก็จะกล���ยเป็นเจ้าบ่าวของเธอไปโดยปริยาย
ปัญหาของแม็กซ์ต่อเล่มนี้ก็คือ ไม่เข้าใจว่าทำไมถึงให้พ่อของจูเลียนน่าเป็นตัวร้าย โอเคโรมันพูดและคิดหลายรอบถึงความเลวร้ายของพ่อเธอ แต่แม็กซ์ก็ไม่ได้รู้สึกว่ามันเลวยังไง น้องชายโรมันก็เสือกบุกเข้าไปในดินแดนของเขาก่อน แล้วยังเรื่องจูเลียนน่า หากจะบอกว่าพ่อของเธอเลวที่เอาเธอเป็นเครื่องมือ ก็โรมันก่อนนั่นแหละดันเสือกไปยุ่งกะเธอก่อน แวมไพร์ก็ต้องการรักษาเผ่าพันธุ์ของตัวเองไว้เช่นกัน
มันเหมือนการบอกว่า หมาป่าดี แวมไพร์เลว ยังไงยังงั้นเลยล่ะ
เพราะความไม่เท่าเทียบกันทางความเหนือธรรมชาติ แม็กซ์จึงให้คะแนนได้แค่ที่ 60
โดยสรุปทั้งเล่ม Hot Spell ถือเป็นการลงทุนที่คุ้มค่านะคะ เพราะจะแนะนำให้คุณได้รู้จักนักเขียนถึงสี่คนที่เขียนเรื่องอยู่ในระดับใช้ ได้เลยทีเดียว ดังนั้นแม้ว่าแยกแต่ละเล่มคะแนนจะดูไม่ค่อยดีนัก เพราะแม็กซ์ไม่ค่อยชอบเรื่องสั้น แต่เมื่อรวมกัน เล่มนี้ได้ 83 เพราะยากนักที่จะหาหนังสือรวมเรื่องสั้นที่คุณภาพของแต่ละเรื่องอยู่ในระดับ สูงอย่างนี้ได้
August 3, 2009
What I really liked about this book:
Lora Leigh's "The Breed Next Store" -- 4 stars -- Sweet (for Lora Leigh) story of a breed and the mate he discovers living next door to him. You see the softer side of her breeds as Tarek tries to live a "normal" life. He loves doing such mundane tasks as mowing the lawn though he does it poorly. He also enjoys joying verbal sparring with his neighbor Lyra, when he isn't angling for some of her freshly baked bread. Their romance takes off when Tarek comes to Lyra's aid against an evil trainer from when breeds were held in captivity. My only complaint is the story was way too short.
Shiloh Walker's "The Blood Kiss" -- 4 stars -- Just when I had given up on the book, it was a nice surprise and a good way to end. I've never read this author before and am impressed enough to try some of her other books. Nothing earth-shattering here but a fun story of a Werewolf King who kidnaps an evil Vampire's daughter, who just happens to be his mate.
What I didn't like about this book:
Emma Holly's "The Countess's Pleasure" -- 2 stars -- Really just erotica, not that much of a plot and almost all of the plot there was involved sex. Slightly sweet love story and short enough that I was able to finish it without being bored.
What I really didn't like about his book:
Meljean Brook's "Falling for Anthony" -- 1 star -- Complicated (a kinder reviewer used the adjective "ambitious") plot involving Guardians that are somehow different from angels, the rules a Guardian lives under, Nosferatu (evil Vampires), Vampires who are not evil (by this point I was skimming so not sure if they are all ok, or just some of them), demons (who are bad but not as bad as Nosferatu) and humans. I tried gamely to read the story. Then I tried skimming to get to the end but it just wouldn't stop. Way too much going on for a short story. All kinds of world building there just wasn't time for. I finally gave up and moved on to the next story. My biggest complaint is that it took up 40% of the Anthology while Lora Leigh's story was a mere 20%. Make that my bitterest complaint.
Earlier this week, I noticed "The Breed Next Door" by itself is now available for the Kindle. Though I enjoyed Shiloh Walker's entry, I wish this choice had been available when I was making my purchase of the Anthology.
Lora Leigh's "The Breed Next Store" -- 4 stars -- Sweet (for Lora Leigh) story of a breed and the mate he discovers living next door to him. You see the softer side of her breeds as Tarek tries to live a "normal" life. He loves doing such mundane tasks as mowing the lawn though he does it poorly. He also enjoys joying verbal sparring with his neighbor Lyra, when he isn't angling for some of her freshly baked bread. Their romance takes off when Tarek comes to Lyra's aid against an evil trainer from when breeds were held in captivity. My only complaint is the story was way too short.
Shiloh Walker's "The Blood Kiss" -- 4 stars -- Just when I had given up on the book, it was a nice surprise and a good way to end. I've never read this author before and am impressed enough to try some of her other books. Nothing earth-shattering here but a fun story of a Werewolf King who kidnaps an evil Vampire's daughter, who just happens to be his mate.
What I didn't like about this book:
Emma Holly's "The Countess's Pleasure" -- 2 stars -- Really just erotica, not that much of a plot and almost all of the plot there was involved sex. Slightly sweet love story and short enough that I was able to finish it without being bored.
What I really didn't like about his book:
Meljean Brook's "Falling for Anthony" -- 1 star -- Complicated (a kinder reviewer used the adjective "ambitious") plot involving Guardians that are somehow different from angels, the rules a Guardian lives under, Nosferatu (evil Vampires), Vampires who are not evil (by this point I was skimming so not sure if they are all ok, or just some of them), demons (who are bad but not as bad as Nosferatu) and humans. I tried gamely to read the story. Then I tried skimming to get to the end but it just wouldn't stop. Way too much going on for a short story. All kinds of world building there just wasn't time for. I finally gave up and moved on to the next story. My biggest complaint is that it took up 40% of the Anthology while Lora Leigh's story was a mere 20%. Make that my bitterest complaint.
Earlier this week, I noticed "The Breed Next Door" by itself is now available for the Kindle. Though I enjoyed Shiloh Walker's entry, I wish this choice had been available when I was making my purchase of the Anthology.
February 2, 2011
Oh dear. I bought Hot Spell on a whim, intrigued by the promise of ‘paranormal passion’. What I got were four rather tame novellas rife with cliched descriptions of sex with four perfect men.
In the first story, 'The Countesses’s Pleasure', the heroine Georgiana DuBarry hooks up with an indentured demon, Sawai. Recently widowed, Georgiana hires Sawai to deflower her, because although she had positive feelings for her husband - theirs was a sexless marriage. Sawai is hot!hot!hot! and brings Georgiana to the pleasure of the title many times over…and in less time than it takes for you to say ‘multiple orgasms’, they’ve fallen in love.
In Leigh’s story, 'The Breed Next Door', Tarek Jordan is a member of the Feline Breed on an undercover stakeout. One might think he’s scouting for coffee and fresh-baked bread because he does quite a bit of drooling over the smells coming from his neighbour, Lyra’s, kitchen. There’s a convoluted plot, of course, but it turns out that Lyra is Tarek’s mate. So, there’s sex…and a happy ending.
In 'Falling for Anthony' by Meljean Brook, a young doctor is granted the opportunity to come back from the dead as a Guardian, to help the sister of his childhood friend recover from a vampire’s bite. (And when he does recover, he’s one of those sweet vampire types, apparently.)
And finally, werewolves battle vampires in 'The Blood Kiss' by Shiloh Walker. The prize, Julianna Capriet (um- obvious much? oh why not call her Capulet – she may as well have been, the story is a total rip off of Shakespeare’s play) is the daughter of the Vampire King…but her heart belongs to Roman, the Wolf King. La la la.
Three of the women in these stories are virgins, ripe for the taking. The men are all perfect specimens. There are lots of sighs and moans and breaching of virgin tissue. I might have loved this book 20 years ago- but for my money- fanfiction is a hundred times better.
A good book for the beach- you won’t be heartbroken if you leave it in the sand.
In the first story, 'The Countesses’s Pleasure', the heroine Georgiana DuBarry hooks up with an indentured demon, Sawai. Recently widowed, Georgiana hires Sawai to deflower her, because although she had positive feelings for her husband - theirs was a sexless marriage. Sawai is hot!hot!hot! and brings Georgiana to the pleasure of the title many times over…and in less time than it takes for you to say ‘multiple orgasms’, they’ve fallen in love.
In Leigh’s story, 'The Breed Next Door', Tarek Jordan is a member of the Feline Breed on an undercover stakeout. One might think he’s scouting for coffee and fresh-baked bread because he does quite a bit of drooling over the smells coming from his neighbour, Lyra’s, kitchen. There’s a convoluted plot, of course, but it turns out that Lyra is Tarek’s mate. So, there’s sex…and a happy ending.
In 'Falling for Anthony' by Meljean Brook, a young doctor is granted the opportunity to come back from the dead as a Guardian, to help the sister of his childhood friend recover from a vampire’s bite. (And when he does recover, he’s one of those sweet vampire types, apparently.)
And finally, werewolves battle vampires in 'The Blood Kiss' by Shiloh Walker. The prize, Julianna Capriet (um- obvious much? oh why not call her Capulet – she may as well have been, the story is a total rip off of Shakespeare’s play) is the daughter of the Vampire King…but her heart belongs to Roman, the Wolf King. La la la.
Three of the women in these stories are virgins, ripe for the taking. The men are all perfect specimens. There are lots of sighs and moans and breaching of virgin tissue. I might have loved this book 20 years ago- but for my money- fanfiction is a hundred times better.
A good book for the beach- you won’t be heartbroken if you leave it in the sand.
January 3, 2009
This is paranormal romance/erotica in a collection of 4 (very good) short stories. I definately recommend this book if you like steamy paranormal romance. All the sex is completely vanilla, but it is well written and passionate. The stories seem to be part of other paranormal series, though I was only familiar with two of them before reading this book.
Emma Holly story - Human widow falls for demon stripper in Bhamjran (matriarchal arabian-style society.)
Lora Leigh - Feline breed (genetically enhanced) man falls for girl next door. His nemesis tries to kidnap her.
Meljean Brook - A historical paranomal romance story that appears to be back story for an urban series. I didn't like it at first because I hate historical fiction, but the supernatural elements ended up interesting. Sort of angels vs. demons and vampires, but with more nuance.
Shiloh Walker - Definately got me interested in pursuing this series. This was an urban paranormal romance where vampires and weres live hidden among us. Werewolf king falls in love with vampire princess, dispite a major beef with the vamp king. Political intrigue abounds.
Emma Holly story - Human widow falls for demon stripper in Bhamjran (matriarchal arabian-style society.)
Lora Leigh - Feline breed (genetically enhanced) man falls for girl next door. His nemesis tries to kidnap her.
Meljean Brook - A historical paranomal romance story that appears to be back story for an urban series. I didn't like it at first because I hate historical fiction, but the supernatural elements ended up interesting. Sort of angels vs. demons and vampires, but with more nuance.
Shiloh Walker - Definately got me interested in pursuing this series. This was an urban paranormal romance where vampires and weres live hidden among us. Werewolf king falls in love with vampire princess, dispite a major beef with the vamp king. Political intrigue abounds.
April 5, 2008
I really enjoyed this book. I have never read anything from any of the authors and thought that this book was a wonderful introduction. I really enjoyed all of the stories. The first three were quite a bit different than your normal paranormal. The fourth 'The Blood Kiss' by Shiloh Walker, was your typical romance/paranormal, but still a good read. I have placed a couple of Meljean Brook's books on my wishlist and look forward to reading more by these authors.
January 3, 2021
Questa novella mi ha stuzzicata abbastanza da rendermi impaziente riguardo i seguiti di questa serie. Ho conosciuto Tarek leggendo le storie precedenti, è stato molto interessante scoprire la sua storia.
March 17, 2019
Second time reading the whole book, but I think I've read Emma Holly's story at least four times. Great world building, very erotic. Great book over all.
May 14, 2024
I first read this almost 20 years ago, when it first came out. This time I only reread Falling For Anthony, by Meljean Brook, as I'm embarking on a full reread of the Guardians series (which is one of my favourites). The grade is only for that story.
I have pasted below the review I wrote of the whole anthology at the time, and I still think the same of Falling For Anthony. Too much story for something so short, but it works surprisingly well, and I liked it. So many intriguing threads that I can't wait to read more about in the next few books.
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Original review from 2006:
I bought the Hot Spell anthology for two reasons. The first is that Emma Holly is an autobuy author for me, and this particular story is set in the same universe as The Demon's Daughter, which I loved. The second is that I love Meljean Brook's blog, and since I enjoy her voice so much, I wanted to give her story a try.
The book starts with Emma Holly's story, The Countess' Pleasure, and I'm afraid that though it started well, it ended up being a disappointment.
Upon her arrival to Bhamjran (a steampunk version of Victorian India), one of widowed countess Georgiana's first actions is to visit a strip-club. The main act is performed by a beautiful yama man, Iyan, and when he singles her out during his performance, Georgiana decides to proposition him.
Iyan is half offended, half excited. He doesn't like being a stripper, but due to a miscarriage of justice in his world, he's indentured to the strip club's owner and needs to pay a huge amount of money. He's NOT a prostitute, and yet he wants this woman so much that he accedes to her request. And obviously, the two nights they contract for turn into much more.
My main problem with this story was that I was never able to get a good sense of the characters. Who was Georgiana, other than a virgin widow gone wild? Iyan was a little better fleshed out, but I never really got him, either, and much less why he was so fascinated with Georgiana. And with two characters I don't really know, even Emma Holly can't make me interested in the plentiful (and, I admit, well-written) love scenes.
Another problem was the plot about Iyan's family being falsely accused of a crime, leading to his indenture and the whole deal about how these two people from such uneven backgrounds are going to make a go of their relationship. In both cases, I just didn't get the feeling any of this was a big deal, and the resolutions felt facile.
My grade, I regret to say, is going to have to be a C+. Holly's still on my autobuy list, but this one was a miss.
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Next was The Breed Next Door, by Lora Leigh. This is an author I hadn't tried before and wasn't particularly interested in, based on comments I'd read about her books. As the first story, TBND starts out ok, but then derails.
Ok, so we have this guy, Tarek who's a Breed. As far as I could tell, not having read other Breed books, he was part of a genetic experiment and spent the first part of his life being tortured and mentally conditioned to become some kind of killer. Until he was rescued, Tarek spent all his life hearing nothing but that he's not worthy of love, nothing but a freak, etc., etc.
As the story starts, Tarek is living next door to Lyra Mason, a woman he's hot for, and he's pretty much desperate for some warmth and love. I liked this first part. From all I'd heard, I'd expected some kind of old-fashioned jackass alpha, but Tarek was vulnerable and uncertain, rather than jackass.
Problem is, I wanted Leigh to continue exploring this, but instead of the lovely story that could have been (if we'd given the heroine a personality transplant, that is. More on this later), we get mates, an aphrodisiac hormone that makes Lyra go into Mating Heat (yes, capital letters, and why did I dislike this so much when I loved a somewhat similar thing in Lover Awakened?) and a barbed penis (yes, you read that right. When they have sex, barbs shoot out of Tarek's penis and grab onto Lyra from the inside). Blergh. Oh, and we also get Lyra's annoying macho brothers, and a very boring subplot about someone trying to kill Tarek.
To make matters worse, Lyra was irritating as hell. Perfect words to describe her? Feisty, headstrong, stubborn and determined to get into danger and not heed any warning. Oh, and of course, a virgin with no good reson for being one. I hated her.
A D+ for this one.
----
And after these two disappointing stories, things got better. The next story was Falling For Anthony, by Meljean Brook, and it was very good. And since every summary I tried to write ended up being practically longer than the story *g*, I'm going to borrow Meljean's:
"When Lady Emily's brother falls mysteriously ill after an attack by a supernatural creature--an illness that makes him increasingly bloodthirsty and violent--she seeks his cure and prays she can stay alive long enough to find it.
And the demon and nosferatu who lurk always near would rather she didn't.
Unexpected help arrives in the form of her brother's best friend, Anthony Ramsdell. Anthony--who had been killed in battle on the Peninsula. Anthony--whom Emily had seduced in anger and then declared unsuitable for marriage.
Transformed into a Guardian, a race of men who protect humans from demons and nosferatu, Anthony must risk everything to save the woman who rejected him...the woman he still desires."
As I said above, this one was really, really good, even though (the author is probably tired of hearing this already) there was much too much story in here for so few pages. That was my first reaction, that I would have loved to read this one as a full-length novel.
But thinking about it further, I'll also add that the way so much (the romance, Emily's conflicted feelings for her father and her reactions to it, Anthony's transformation, the whole mythology, the plot about the nosferatu stalking the Ames-Beaumonts....) was conveyed in so few pages was excellent. Usually when a story takes on a bit too much, things are left poorly motivated or unexplained. Not here. While I would have loved more exploration of many things (Emily's actions after Anthony left for Spain are a good example), everything made sense and felt perfectly well-motivated.
I absolutely loved Anthony, I liked Emily very much (and perfectly understood the reasons for the stupid things she did in the past), and the world-building and plot were fascinating. A B, and I'm very glad to see that Demon Angel, coming in January 2007, will tell the story of Hugh and Lilith, two very intriguing characters we first meet here.
----
The last story was The Blood Kiss, by Shiloh Walker, an author I'd heard about but had never tried before. It was a nice surprise. Not a story I absolutely loved, but it was enjoyable. A B-.
We've got both werewolves and vampires here. Our hero, Roman, is pack leader of Wolfclan Montgomery, while our heroine, Julianne, is the blood child of the leader of the Capiet vampires, from New Orleans. They meet when Julianne helps Roman free his brother, who was taken prisoner by Julianne's father, Eduard, for trespassing on his territory. And immediately afterwards, partly because he's totally in lust with her, partly in retaliation, Roman takes Julianne prisoner and takes her with him back to his territory.
What I liked here was that I got a very good sense of the characters and of the chemistry between them. Walker made me believe in that connection, and thus her love scenes worked wonderfully for me. And though I didn't find the world-building particularly compelling, it was clear and easy to grasp. I might try something else by this author. Any suggestions?
---
A bit too uneven, this anthology, but the last two stories make it worth reading. Overall grade: simple average, so a C+.
I have pasted below the review I wrote of the whole anthology at the time, and I still think the same of Falling For Anthony. Too much story for something so short, but it works surprisingly well, and I liked it. So many intriguing threads that I can't wait to read more about in the next few books.
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Original review from 2006:
I bought the Hot Spell anthology for two reasons. The first is that Emma Holly is an autobuy author for me, and this particular story is set in the same universe as The Demon's Daughter, which I loved. The second is that I love Meljean Brook's blog, and since I enjoy her voice so much, I wanted to give her story a try.
The book starts with Emma Holly's story, The Countess' Pleasure, and I'm afraid that though it started well, it ended up being a disappointment.
Upon her arrival to Bhamjran (a steampunk version of Victorian India), one of widowed countess Georgiana's first actions is to visit a strip-club. The main act is performed by a beautiful yama man, Iyan, and when he singles her out during his performance, Georgiana decides to proposition him.
Iyan is half offended, half excited. He doesn't like being a stripper, but due to a miscarriage of justice in his world, he's indentured to the strip club's owner and needs to pay a huge amount of money. He's NOT a prostitute, and yet he wants this woman so much that he accedes to her request. And obviously, the two nights they contract for turn into much more.
My main problem with this story was that I was never able to get a good sense of the characters. Who was Georgiana, other than a virgin widow gone wild? Iyan was a little better fleshed out, but I never really got him, either, and much less why he was so fascinated with Georgiana. And with two characters I don't really know, even Emma Holly can't make me interested in the plentiful (and, I admit, well-written) love scenes.
Another problem was the plot about Iyan's family being falsely accused of a crime, leading to his indenture and the whole deal about how these two people from such uneven backgrounds are going to make a go of their relationship. In both cases, I just didn't get the feeling any of this was a big deal, and the resolutions felt facile.
My grade, I regret to say, is going to have to be a C+. Holly's still on my autobuy list, but this one was a miss.
---
Next was The Breed Next Door, by Lora Leigh. This is an author I hadn't tried before and wasn't particularly interested in, based on comments I'd read about her books. As the first story, TBND starts out ok, but then derails.
Ok, so we have this guy, Tarek who's a Breed. As far as I could tell, not having read other Breed books, he was part of a genetic experiment and spent the first part of his life being tortured and mentally conditioned to become some kind of killer. Until he was rescued, Tarek spent all his life hearing nothing but that he's not worthy of love, nothing but a freak, etc., etc.
As the story starts, Tarek is living next door to Lyra Mason, a woman he's hot for, and he's pretty much desperate for some warmth and love. I liked this first part. From all I'd heard, I'd expected some kind of old-fashioned jackass alpha, but Tarek was vulnerable and uncertain, rather than jackass.
Problem is, I wanted Leigh to continue exploring this, but instead of the lovely story that could have been (if we'd given the heroine a personality transplant, that is. More on this later), we get mates, an aphrodisiac hormone that makes Lyra go into Mating Heat (yes, capital letters, and why did I dislike this so much when I loved a somewhat similar thing in Lover Awakened?) and a barbed penis (yes, you read that right. When they have sex, barbs shoot out of Tarek's penis and grab onto Lyra from the inside). Blergh. Oh, and we also get Lyra's annoying macho brothers, and a very boring subplot about someone trying to kill Tarek.
To make matters worse, Lyra was irritating as hell. Perfect words to describe her? Feisty, headstrong, stubborn and determined to get into danger and not heed any warning. Oh, and of course, a virgin with no good reson for being one. I hated her.
A D+ for this one.
----
And after these two disappointing stories, things got better. The next story was Falling For Anthony, by Meljean Brook, and it was very good. And since every summary I tried to write ended up being practically longer than the story *g*, I'm going to borrow Meljean's:
"When Lady Emily's brother falls mysteriously ill after an attack by a supernatural creature--an illness that makes him increasingly bloodthirsty and violent--she seeks his cure and prays she can stay alive long enough to find it.
And the demon and nosferatu who lurk always near would rather she didn't.
Unexpected help arrives in the form of her brother's best friend, Anthony Ramsdell. Anthony--who had been killed in battle on the Peninsula. Anthony--whom Emily had seduced in anger and then declared unsuitable for marriage.
Transformed into a Guardian, a race of men who protect humans from demons and nosferatu, Anthony must risk everything to save the woman who rejected him...the woman he still desires."
As I said above, this one was really, really good, even though (the author is probably tired of hearing this already) there was much too much story in here for so few pages. That was my first reaction, that I would have loved to read this one as a full-length novel.
But thinking about it further, I'll also add that the way so much (the romance, Emily's conflicted feelings for her father and her reactions to it, Anthony's transformation, the whole mythology, the plot about the nosferatu stalking the Ames-Beaumonts....) was conveyed in so few pages was excellent. Usually when a story takes on a bit too much, things are left poorly motivated or unexplained. Not here. While I would have loved more exploration of many things (Emily's actions after Anthony left for Spain are a good example), everything made sense and felt perfectly well-motivated.
I absolutely loved Anthony, I liked Emily very much (and perfectly understood the reasons for the stupid things she did in the past), and the world-building and plot were fascinating. A B, and I'm very glad to see that Demon Angel, coming in January 2007, will tell the story of Hugh and Lilith, two very intriguing characters we first meet here.
----
The last story was The Blood Kiss, by Shiloh Walker, an author I'd heard about but had never tried before. It was a nice surprise. Not a story I absolutely loved, but it was enjoyable. A B-.
We've got both werewolves and vampires here. Our hero, Roman, is pack leader of Wolfclan Montgomery, while our heroine, Julianne, is the blood child of the leader of the Capiet vampires, from New Orleans. They meet when Julianne helps Roman free his brother, who was taken prisoner by Julianne's father, Eduard, for trespassing on his territory. And immediately afterwards, partly because he's totally in lust with her, partly in retaliation, Roman takes Julianne prisoner and takes her with him back to his territory.
What I liked here was that I got a very good sense of the characters and of the chemistry between them. Walker made me believe in that connection, and thus her love scenes worked wonderfully for me. And though I didn't find the world-building particularly compelling, it was clear and easy to grasp. I might try something else by this author. Any suggestions?
---
A bit too uneven, this anthology, but the last two stories make it worth reading. Overall grade: simple average, so a C+.
February 28, 2023
The Countess's Pleasure by Emma Holly: (4.5 stars)
(Tale of the Demon World, #2)
This was my first Emma Holly story, and I have to say I enjoyed it immensely. I would probably classify it as erotic-romance because it has lots of yummy-delicious demon sex going on. But, there's also romance too.
Georgiana is a widowed Countess who has never known the pleasure of making love. Her late husband was unable to fulfill this and so she's still starving for this kind of touch. When she arrives in Bhamjran, her first stop is to The Ladies' Lotus, where pleasures can be found. She is reluctant at first, but enters. When she sees the Yama (a demon) male, Iyan, who takes the stage, she literally loses her breath. He's perfect. After the show, she runs into him in the back alley and, during a rather spontaneous moment, asks him if he takes private clients. He agrees reluctantly, not normally doing that sort of thing. However, when the heat between them starts to burn, neither of them is prepared for the outcome of their fates together.
This was really good. I enjoyed it a lot. Iyan can seem a bit cold at times. But, it's made clear that it's kind of the Yama nature, so that's why. So, that wasn't too big of a deal for me, and it made the moments he was warm seem all the more special. I could see myself trying out this series. Although it seems almost more sci-fi or fantasy than paranormal because the whole world seems much different than ours. But, I will perhaps try the series on for size in the future because this story was quite good.
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The Breed Next Door by Lora Leigh: (3.5 stars)
(Breeds, #6)
This story is the reason I picked up this anthology because I'm currently reading this series. I like it so far, it's not my favorite series, but I still like it.
I liked this story alright. What I liked the most was that the confusion about the Mating Heat wasn't there. That old theme in the previous books is getting just that -- old. So I was pleased to see that they were aware of what would happen before they kissed. I also think that the story was actually better because it was shorter. Some of the sex in the Breeds novels get to be a bit boring because there's A LOT of it thrown in there over 300-400 pages. This being just 80 pages was a good length.
What I didn't like was that they used the word love too fast. It wasn't believable to me. I also hope that in the upcoming books more larger picture stuff will present itself so that the stories are more intertwined and less similar than the previous stories.
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-----------------------------------
Falling for Anthony by Meljean Brook: (2.5 stars)
(The Guardians, #0.5 prequel)
Anthony has been in love with Emily since they were children. But, he is not a good match for her in terms of status, so he could never marry her. One night, they both make the mistake of making love out of wedlock. He promises he will do right by her, but doesn't know if that's what she wants. Before doing so though, he has to travel to Spain to doctor the soldiers at war over there. While there, a monster destroys the hospital camp and he is nearly killed. Because he sacrificed himself for another, he is offered to become a Guardian. His choice takes him away from Emily, but the monster that nearly killed him is not through. Now he must go back to Earth to help Emily and her brother escape death from the same monster.
This was okay. My main problem with it is that it seemed very slow. There is hardly any action, and (I can't believe I'm saying this) but it was a bit long. It was about 120 pages, but not much happened in those pages. So I think that a little more editing would have made it maybe less boring. I don't know. It is an interesting world and I think it could be a good series, maybe, if done right. But, this did not make me want to read the series. I think, for now at least, I'm not going to go on to read this series. I do have another novella from this series to read in Must Love Hellhounds. That novella takes place later on in the series. I think I'll try that one out and base if I'm going to try out the series on what I think of that one.
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The Blood Kiss by Shiloh Walker: (3.5 stars)
This isn't my first Shiloh Walker story. I have her Hunters series on my to-read shelf and have read a novella from that series. But, this doesn't look like it's apart of a series of hers. I looked on her website and it looks like a standalone.
Roman is the were king. He's just found out that his younger brother was taken by a local vampire and is being held prisoner. He's always had trouble with this particular vampire and he is beyond annoyed and infuriated by this. So he sets out to get his brother back. What he doesn't expect is to find a woman that stirs his blood like no other has. Even worse is that fact that it appears she is the daughter of his enemy, the vampire who kidnapped his brother.
I thought this was good. I don't know if it's my mood, but it wasn't a four star though. It was good, but not as good as the last novella I read by this author. I don't like it, even in novellas, when the word love is used when the couple has only known each other for a few days or less. There was also just something else about it that I can't quite put my finger on. Like I said, I don't know if it's my mood, but I kept putting it down and not really wanting to pick it back up. Once I did though, it was still good enough, so I don't know what the deal is.
(Tale of the Demon World, #2)
This was my first Emma Holly story, and I have to say I enjoyed it immensely. I would probably classify it as erotic-romance because it has lots of yummy-delicious demon sex going on. But, there's also romance too.
Georgiana is a widowed Countess who has never known the pleasure of making love. Her late husband was unable to fulfill this and so she's still starving for this kind of touch. When she arrives in Bhamjran, her first stop is to The Ladies' Lotus, where pleasures can be found. She is reluctant at first, but enters. When she sees the Yama (a demon) male, Iyan, who takes the stage, she literally loses her breath. He's perfect. After the show, she runs into him in the back alley and, during a rather spontaneous moment, asks him if he takes private clients. He agrees reluctantly, not normally doing that sort of thing. However, when the heat between them starts to burn, neither of them is prepared for the outcome of their fates together.
This was really good. I enjoyed it a lot. Iyan can seem a bit cold at times. But, it's made clear that it's kind of the Yama nature, so that's why. So, that wasn't too big of a deal for me, and it made the moments he was warm seem all the more special. I could see myself trying out this series. Although it seems almost more sci-fi or fantasy than paranormal because the whole world seems much different than ours. But, I will perhaps try the series on for size in the future because this story was quite good.
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The Breed Next Door by Lora Leigh: (3.5 stars)
(Breeds, #6)
This story is the reason I picked up this anthology because I'm currently reading this series. I like it so far, it's not my favorite series, but I still like it.
I liked this story alright. What I liked the most was that the confusion about the Mating Heat wasn't there. That old theme in the previous books is getting just that -- old. So I was pleased to see that they were aware of what would happen before they kissed. I also think that the story was actually better because it was shorter. Some of the sex in the Breeds novels get to be a bit boring because there's A LOT of it thrown in there over 300-400 pages. This being just 80 pages was a good length.
What I didn't like was that they used the word love too fast. It wasn't believable to me. I also hope that in the upcoming books more larger picture stuff will present itself so that the stories are more intertwined and less similar than the previous stories.
-----------------------------------
-----------------------------------
Falling for Anthony by Meljean Brook: (2.5 stars)
(The Guardians, #0.5 prequel)
Anthony has been in love with Emily since they were children. But, he is not a good match for her in terms of status, so he could never marry her. One night, they both make the mistake of making love out of wedlock. He promises he will do right by her, but doesn't know if that's what she wants. Before doing so though, he has to travel to Spain to doctor the soldiers at war over there. While there, a monster destroys the hospital camp and he is nearly killed. Because he sacrificed himself for another, he is offered to become a Guardian. His choice takes him away from Emily, but the monster that nearly killed him is not through. Now he must go back to Earth to help Emily and her brother escape death from the same monster.
This was okay. My main problem with it is that it seemed very slow. There is hardly any action, and (I can't believe I'm saying this) but it was a bit long. It was about 120 pages, but not much happened in those pages. So I think that a little more editing would have made it maybe less boring. I don't know. It is an interesting world and I think it could be a good series, maybe, if done right. But, this did not make me want to read the series. I think, for now at least, I'm not going to go on to read this series. I do have another novella from this series to read in Must Love Hellhounds. That novella takes place later on in the series. I think I'll try that one out and base if I'm going to try out the series on what I think of that one.
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The Blood Kiss by Shiloh Walker: (3.5 stars)
This isn't my first Shiloh Walker story. I have her Hunters series on my to-read shelf and have read a novella from that series. But, this doesn't look like it's apart of a series of hers. I looked on her website and it looks like a standalone.
Roman is the were king. He's just found out that his younger brother was taken by a local vampire and is being held prisoner. He's always had trouble with this particular vampire and he is beyond annoyed and infuriated by this. So he sets out to get his brother back. What he doesn't expect is to find a woman that stirs his blood like no other has. Even worse is that fact that it appears she is the daughter of his enemy, the vampire who kidnapped his brother.
I thought this was good. I don't know if it's my mood, but it wasn't a four star though. It was good, but not as good as the last novella I read by this author. I don't like it, even in novellas, when the word love is used when the couple has only known each other for a few days or less. There was also just something else about it that I can't quite put my finger on. Like I said, I don't know if it's my mood, but I kept putting it down and not really wanting to pick it back up. Once I did though, it was still good enough, so I don't know what the deal is.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 15, 2025
The problem with just reading a book I got about 8 years ago is that I find it hard to remember my reason for buying the book…
One thing I’m certain of, erotica isn’t really for me
I find it a bit hard to read graphic sex scenes
In spite of this roadblock, I found the stories very intriguing and well written. Falling for Anthony was my favourite followed closely by The breed next door.
One thing I’m certain of, erotica isn’t really for me
I find it a bit hard to read graphic sex scenes
In spite of this roadblock, I found the stories very intriguing and well written. Falling for Anthony was my favourite followed closely by The breed next door.
August 17, 2025
Quiet the collection some are hotter than others. take a look at the authors to see if their brand of spice appeals. I for one have a copy on my shelves.
August 17, 2025
Rating is for Meljean Brook's Falling for Anthony only. Haven't read the other stories.
December 29, 2015
The Breed Next Door by Lora Leigh
I rather enjoyed this novel, because it was rather witty and quite refreshing at that. The character's personalities went quite well together. Which is quite a surprise considering that their almost complete opposites in this novella. This almost makes me believe that Lora Leigh is starting to improve on her writing skills as an author. For this I am over joyed and more than happy to continue reading this series. Perhaps the characters in this little novella can help her write a longer novel with a better plot to it, because at this rate she may never get it. In this novella one of the best characters is Lyra a young woman raised around nothing but men. Because of this she's very spunky, but in her defense her whole family is as well. She prides herself on being true to herself and doing what she believes is right. Most of the time she succeeds in this, but every once in a while she doesn't. Especially when it comes to her neighbor Tarek. Tarek is just one of the Breeds many enforcers that Sanctuary has. Right now all Tarek wants to do is live in a house that is all his own and to continue watching the woman next door. He's very easy going when he wants to be, but can be more mischief at times than anything else. One of his favorite things to do is mess with Lyra's prize rose bushes. He loves to see her reaction to it and thinks that it's even cute. However, he doesn't think its cute when someone tries to break into her house and harm her. Tarek takes this very seriously and now its time for him to do something about it. Because he believes that Lyra is the one for him, and nobody can hurt what is his and get away with it. To do this though he's going to have to convince her that she needs to be around him. Even when she may not want to be anywhere near him. This has got to be one of the best novellas that Lora Leigh has written by far. The characters blended together so well that it made it quite enjoyable to read. It wasn't a sappy romance novel with a boring plot either. I actually wanted to read it and see what was in store for the characters too. It was exciting, charming, and witty all at once, which is pretty hard for a novella to do. Especially one as short as this one. Heck, even the sub characters were as great as the main ones. Especially those brothers of Lyra's. They brought their own humor to this novella and it went together perfectly. Overall, I was very impressed by how much I enjoyed this novella. It was one of the best that I've read so far and I highly recommend that you read it too.
*Read on April 12th, 2015
I rather enjoyed this novel, because it was rather witty and quite refreshing at that. The character's personalities went quite well together. Which is quite a surprise considering that their almost complete opposites in this novella. This almost makes me believe that Lora Leigh is starting to improve on her writing skills as an author. For this I am over joyed and more than happy to continue reading this series. Perhaps the characters in this little novella can help her write a longer novel with a better plot to it, because at this rate she may never get it. In this novella one of the best characters is Lyra a young woman raised around nothing but men. Because of this she's very spunky, but in her defense her whole family is as well. She prides herself on being true to herself and doing what she believes is right. Most of the time she succeeds in this, but every once in a while she doesn't. Especially when it comes to her neighbor Tarek. Tarek is just one of the Breeds many enforcers that Sanctuary has. Right now all Tarek wants to do is live in a house that is all his own and to continue watching the woman next door. He's very easy going when he wants to be, but can be more mischief at times than anything else. One of his favorite things to do is mess with Lyra's prize rose bushes. He loves to see her reaction to it and thinks that it's even cute. However, he doesn't think its cute when someone tries to break into her house and harm her. Tarek takes this very seriously and now its time for him to do something about it. Because he believes that Lyra is the one for him, and nobody can hurt what is his and get away with it. To do this though he's going to have to convince her that she needs to be around him. Even when she may not want to be anywhere near him. This has got to be one of the best novellas that Lora Leigh has written by far. The characters blended together so well that it made it quite enjoyable to read. It wasn't a sappy romance novel with a boring plot either. I actually wanted to read it and see what was in store for the characters too. It was exciting, charming, and witty all at once, which is pretty hard for a novella to do. Especially one as short as this one. Heck, even the sub characters were as great as the main ones. Especially those brothers of Lyra's. They brought their own humor to this novella and it went together perfectly. Overall, I was very impressed by how much I enjoyed this novella. It was one of the best that I've read so far and I highly recommend that you read it too.
*Read on April 12th, 2015
January 17, 2011
I finally decided to finish up this book of 4 novellas in order to clean up my "currently reading" shelves, where I was storing some books that I've read, but haven't reviewed; several self help books that require some online work to complete; a couple of books that I haven't finished because they're not very engaging, and two anthologies that I have on hand to fill in the gap between novels. Plus, one of my hopes for 2011 is to finish all the books that have been sitting on that shelf for months!
What the heck was I waiting for?! When they say "Hot", they mean it! OMG Emma Holly's "The Countess's Pleasure" and Lora Leigh's "The Breed Next Door" were scorchers and not for the faint of heart! Less romantic than full-throttle erotic, but both novellas have good solid stories that most romance readers will enjoy. Those who prefer less graphic description and more romance will likely want to skip purchasing this anthology.
I purchased this book specifically to read Meljean Brook's novella "Falling For Anthony," and it's probably the least graphic romance story of the bunch. Being that it is the prequel to The Guardians series, I definitely wanted to read it before continuing on with the other novels in that series.
As for the fourth and final novella Shiloh Walker's "The Blood Kiss" ... in a word: irritating. Make that two words: highly irritating! There is nothing wrong with the story or the character's per se. In fact, had she gone out of her way NOT to copy Romeo and Juliet to the point of having a balcony scene and similar descriptions of recognizable scenes/characters--but kept to the spirit of plot--I would not have been so irritated. The first few pages almost read as if she just changed the names and wrote the play word for word, but in modern vernacular. It was highly distracting having the main characters and their families be so identical to the originals: Roman and Julianna, Wolfclan Montgomery and The House of Capiet. Actually, the latter is what completely stopped me in my tracks, made me reread the preceding paragraphs from the beginning again, and from then on I noticed how everything became a cheap Shakespeare imitation. Perhaps if she called it as Clan/Coven Capiet or even Capiet House it would have been less jarring. It is really a shame because once the action started and she let it become just a weres versus vampires paranormal action-romance, my irritation all but slipped away, and I enjoyed the story.
What the heck was I waiting for?! When they say "Hot", they mean it! OMG Emma Holly's "The Countess's Pleasure" and Lora Leigh's "The Breed Next Door" were scorchers and not for the faint of heart! Less romantic than full-throttle erotic, but both novellas have good solid stories that most romance readers will enjoy. Those who prefer less graphic description and more romance will likely want to skip purchasing this anthology.
I purchased this book specifically to read Meljean Brook's novella "Falling For Anthony," and it's probably the least graphic romance story of the bunch. Being that it is the prequel to The Guardians series, I definitely wanted to read it before continuing on with the other novels in that series.
As for the fourth and final novella Shiloh Walker's "The Blood Kiss" ... in a word: irritating. Make that two words: highly irritating! There is nothing wrong with the story or the character's per se. In fact, had she gone out of her way NOT to copy Romeo and Juliet to the point of having a balcony scene and similar descriptions of recognizable scenes/characters--but kept to the spirit of plot--I would not have been so irritated. The first few pages almost read as if she just changed the names and wrote the play word for word, but in modern vernacular. It was highly distracting having the main characters and their families be so identical to the originals: Roman and Julianna, Wolfclan Montgomery and The House of Capiet. Actually, the latter is what completely stopped me in my tracks, made me reread the preceding paragraphs from the beginning again, and from then on I noticed how everything became a cheap Shakespeare imitation. Perhaps if she called it as Clan/Coven Capiet or even Capiet House it would have been less jarring. It is really a shame because once the action started and she let it become just a weres versus vampires paranormal action-romance, my irritation all but slipped away, and I enjoyed the story.
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