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Deadly Beauties #1
Blood's Fury
Alyssa Coldwell is bound for a destiny as an immortal witch, but she desperately wants the chance to live a normal, human life for as long as she can. She takes a vacation from magic, but magic refuses to leave her in peace. The fey world draws her back in more so than ever before.
In the midst of all the mayhem, she meets Kane Ice. He's human, meaning he's forbidden fruit, for the fey world has laws against immortals and mortals. Worried her world will either get him killed or leave him with scars he'll never overcome, she keeps pushing him away. Kane refuses to be deterred though. He loves the girl he believes is meant for him.
Dark secrets emerge all around the two of them, putting them both in the line of fire and destroying the beauty of their love. The question is, how strong is their love?
In the midst of all the mayhem, she meets Kane Ice. He's human, meaning he's forbidden fruit, for the fey world has laws against immortals and mortals. Worried her world will either get him killed or leave him with scars he'll never overcome, she keeps pushing him away. Kane refuses to be deterred though. He loves the girl he believes is meant for him.
Dark secrets emerge all around the two of them, putting them both in the line of fire and destroying the beauty of their love. The question is, how strong is their love?
270 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 15, 2014
614 people are currently reading
3396 people want to read
About the author
C.M. Owens
65 books8,963 followersC.M. Owens only writes romance, but she's a sub-genre whore.
She has two other pen names that she writes under.
Kristy Cunning for Reverse Harem and S.T. Abby for her darker/stabby books.
She has two other pen names that she writes under.
Kristy Cunning for Reverse Harem and S.T. Abby for her darker/stabby books.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 267 reviews
October 25, 2016
1.5
I picked this up because I love the Property of Drex Series by the same author.
But this?
This read like a sloppy YA with a witless heroine who falls in love with every semi-cute "bad boy" who crosses her path. In just this book alone she helplessly pants over three guys total...sleeps and falls in love with one...and I hear she sleeps with a different dude in book 2 during a break between her and book 1 boy.
Nope.
That in conjunction with the random inconsistencies in the world building and the OW drama on the H's side too?
No thanks.
I won't be continuing with this series.
Find me at:
I picked this up because I love the Property of Drex Series by the same author.
But this?
This read like a sloppy YA with a witless heroine who falls in love with every semi-cute "bad boy" who crosses her path. In just this book alone she helplessly pants over three guys total...sleeps and falls in love with one...and I hear she sleeps with a different dude in book 2 during a break between her and book 1 boy.
Nope.
That in conjunction with the random inconsistencies in the world building and the OW drama on the H's side too?
No thanks.
I won't be continuing with this series.
Find me at:
April 14, 2014
I really enjoyed this book. I would put this series into my top favorite authors - I read so many books - Chloe Neill with her Chicagoland Series was my favorite - she just got bumped!
Although I've never really been a huge fan of triangles or cliffhangers, it really works here. The males are alpha, the characters are well developed, the secondary characters bring so much to the table. There is a dysfunctional family for the main character and there is romance, suspense and angst.
A very hard to put down read that has you anxiously searching for Poison's Kiss, the next in the series.
Although I've never really been a huge fan of triangles or cliffhangers, it really works here. The males are alpha, the characters are well developed, the secondary characters bring so much to the table. There is a dysfunctional family for the main character and there is romance, suspense and angst.
A very hard to put down read that has you anxiously searching for Poison's Kiss, the next in the series.
Want to read
November 26, 2019💝 FREE on Amazon today (12/31/2017)! 💝
February 12, 2017
Amazing Storyline!!!!!
This book has it all. Romance, action,intrigue and mystery. I found this book to be very engaging with its storyline and amazing hot men.(LOL) I was so into this book, that didn't finish my chores around the house. I will definitely get next book in series. I was frustrated where this book ended,but was glad to hear that next book will be coming out. Keep up the writing and I'll keep reading this series.
This book has it all. Romance, action,intrigue and mystery. I found this book to be very engaging with its storyline and amazing hot men.(LOL) I was so into this book, that didn't finish my chores around the house. I will definitely get next book in series. I was frustrated where this book ended,but was glad to hear that next book will be coming out. Keep up the writing and I'll keep reading this series.
October 10, 2014
I don't know what I was thinking...but I thought I would give this one a shot. I should have known better though, the description says it all.
This is shallow, cheesy and awful.
The protagonist, whose name already escapes me--that's how memorable she is--is completely sheltered and one hundred percent innocent.
Somehow she bought a new house but can't afford to buy a car...
Her mother is ridiculously smothering, going so far as to have one of her friends stalk her daughter.
The protagonist meets the love interest immediately, and immediately acts like a fucking idiot.
She mentions that all these "young beautiful girls" are going missing, or even that the vampires only go after young beautiful girls--apparently, it would be totally okay if they went after old or ugly ones. Even better, all immortals are gorgeous.
She takes on a vampire, sending an invisible force at him, then frets that a human may have seen her use her power...seen her use her invisible force....okay then.
Mommy dearest threatens to move in with her but then quickly drops that idea in exchange for getting off the phone as quickly as possible.
After having read a few reviews, I thought I might give it another shot...but then I discovered that I read a book by this author before, The Devil's Artwork, and absolutely hated it. I swore off this author, and I'm going to trust myself.
This is shallow, cheesy and awful.
The protagonist, whose name already escapes me--that's how memorable she is--is completely sheltered and one hundred percent innocent.
Somehow she bought a new house but can't afford to buy a car...
Her mother is ridiculously smothering, going so far as to have one of her friends stalk her daughter.
The protagonist meets the love interest immediately, and immediately acts like a fucking idiot.
She mentions that all these "young beautiful girls" are going missing, or even that the vampires only go after young beautiful girls--apparently, it would be totally okay if they went after old or ugly ones. Even better, all immortals are gorgeous.
She takes on a vampire, sending an invisible force at him, then frets that a human may have seen her use her power...seen her use her invisible force....okay then.
Mommy dearest threatens to move in with her but then quickly drops that idea in exchange for getting off the phone as quickly as possible.
After having read a few reviews, I thought I might give it another shot...but then I discovered that I read a book by this author before, The Devil's Artwork, and absolutely hated it. I swore off this author, and I'm going to trust myself.
March 15, 2014
I don't read many paranormal books but seeing as nothing much is interesting me lately, I downloaded this freebie and was pleasantly surprised with how much I enjoyed it.
I liked both Alyssa and Kane. I don't think it's a spoiler to say that Kane isn't all he appears to be as this is obvious from the get go. However, I was still reading fast, dying to find out what his secret was. All the characters are great.
Although Alyssa and Kane get together very quickly, the author did a good job of creating their chemistry so it was believable how quickly they connect. The well written sex scenes also helped.
I'm not a fan of continuation books but I will definitely be reading the next book to read more about Alyssa and Kane.
I liked both Alyssa and Kane. I don't think it's a spoiler to say that Kane isn't all he appears to be as this is obvious from the get go. However, I was still reading fast, dying to find out what his secret was. All the characters are great.
Although Alyssa and Kane get together very quickly, the author did a good job of creating their chemistry so it was believable how quickly they connect. The well written sex scenes also helped.
I'm not a fan of continuation books but I will definitely be reading the next book to read more about Alyssa and Kane.
June 20, 2014
It's like teenagers on hormone overdrive, except they're not teenagers. Too much sex scenes without purpose, and the fact that Kane is so clingy and Alyssa moping around for him is very off putting, and it's also very childish.
Then there is the obvious signs that Kane isn't your average guy but Alyssa is too ignorant and/or stupid to realize it. And all the dramas that came after were very typically painful. I found it quite frustrating to read. Sad to say, but even the cliff hanger isn't going to get me reading the next book.
Then there is the obvious signs that Kane isn't your average guy but Alyssa is too ignorant and/or stupid to realize it. And all the dramas that came after were very typically painful. I found it quite frustrating to read. Sad to say, but even the cliff hanger isn't going to get me reading the next book.
January 23, 2015
I adored this book!!! Deep characters, beautiful romance,lots of action, swoon worthy guys and hot love scenes - all of the things needed to make a great book
December 5, 2014
This was a very weird book. It started out light and fun and looked interesting so I was very excited to read it - that is until I started to question the actions of the heroine. First what throughly annoyed me was Alyssas attitude towards Amy and Kane. It simply did not make any sense+ it was very childish.
Things that Kane did with Amy:
Live in the same house(with other people I might add)
Help if needed (or asked to help by their common friends)
Tolerated her (all the while confessing his undying love for Alyssa ofc)
Things that Alyssa did with Thad:
Questionable physical contact (kissing and touching)
Travel together in close quarters
Overall interactions (unpleasant at first, later described as "almost friends")
I foud Alyssas reactions way over the top and illogical.And she was constantly spying on Kane and Kane was stalking her (which was cute at first, stalkerish later- I mean dude, do u have any pride whatsoever?!?)
Even thought I was mildly curious as to what species(?) Kane was, I literally cant make myself finish this book which is very dissapointing because it started out so promising.
Besides that: Alyssa is a virgin(ofc she is) but she is also very pretty(duh) so almost every guy she meets thinks shes hot. Can I just point out that she did not sound very virgin to me in the beginning and later on she went downright weird with her sex vs socks analogy- seriously dafuq? Overall the sex scenes were meh and I mostly skipped them but Alyssa still managed to annoy me somehow.
As mentioned by other reviewers: She lives in the world where there are creepy creatures everywhere, yet she asks random men to her home+ goes to the guys house shes known for a few days (who lives with others I might add). + the creepy meter should have been quite high after the author first introduced Kane. Overall it looked like everything her mom (and possibly dad) ever taught that girl about strangers went right out of the window as soon as she met a cute (super human, suuuure) guy.
And lastly (since I could go on and on about the sheer stupidity of her actions)- if she was a badass witch- why did she never use her abilities. She used them once on a nightstalker and other times it went for her make up, hair or a ladder. I dont know if id call that very badass... considering she needed someone to help her in like every other scene.
Other mentionable characters:
Frankie- for a dude who has been around since 13th (or 12th depending on the dating) century he was remarkably pathetic. I mean he was supposed to be like her bodyguard? But he was more like Casper the friendly ghost all the while all other characters were alot more powerful. His importance in the story? Undetermined.
Thad- bit of a psycho if u ask me, but again at least he wasnt a complete wussy.
Gage- looked interesting but I detest love triangles and that seemed to be heading right up there (sorry if im wrong, I only got to 65%+ I read the preview for the second book).
Overall Im highly dissapointed in this book because it has been on my shelf for a while and it started out so promising. I definitely wont read the other book. However if questionable decisions by the main characters dont bother you, it might actually be a fun read:)
Things that Kane did with Amy:
Live in the same house(with other people I might add)
Help if needed (or asked to help by their common friends)
Tolerated her (all the while confessing his undying love for Alyssa ofc)
Things that Alyssa did with Thad:
Questionable physical contact (kissing and touching)
Travel together in close quarters
Overall interactions (unpleasant at first, later described as "almost friends")
I foud Alyssas reactions way over the top and illogical.And she was constantly spying on Kane and Kane was stalking her (which was cute at first, stalkerish later- I mean dude, do u have any pride whatsoever?!?)
Even thought I was mildly curious as to what species(?) Kane was, I literally cant make myself finish this book which is very dissapointing because it started out so promising.
Besides that: Alyssa is a virgin(ofc she is) but she is also very pretty(duh) so almost every guy she meets thinks shes hot. Can I just point out that she did not sound very virgin to me in the beginning and later on she went downright weird with her sex vs socks analogy- seriously dafuq? Overall the sex scenes were meh and I mostly skipped them but Alyssa still managed to annoy me somehow.
As mentioned by other reviewers: She lives in the world where there are creepy creatures everywhere, yet she asks random men to her home+ goes to the guys house shes known for a few days (who lives with others I might add). + the creepy meter should have been quite high after the author first introduced Kane. Overall it looked like everything her mom (and possibly dad) ever taught that girl about strangers went right out of the window as soon as she met a cute (super human, suuuure) guy.
And lastly (since I could go on and on about the sheer stupidity of her actions)- if she was a badass witch- why did she never use her abilities. She used them once on a nightstalker and other times it went for her make up, hair or a ladder. I dont know if id call that very badass... considering she needed someone to help her in like every other scene.
Other mentionable characters:
Frankie- for a dude who has been around since 13th (or 12th depending on the dating) century he was remarkably pathetic. I mean he was supposed to be like her bodyguard? But he was more like Casper the friendly ghost all the while all other characters were alot more powerful. His importance in the story? Undetermined.
Thad- bit of a psycho if u ask me, but again at least he wasnt a complete wussy.
Gage- looked interesting but I detest love triangles and that seemed to be heading right up there (sorry if im wrong, I only got to 65%+ I read the preview for the second book).
Overall Im highly dissapointed in this book because it has been on my shelf for a while and it started out so promising. I definitely wont read the other book. However if questionable decisions by the main characters dont bother you, it might actually be a fun read:)
March 31, 2014
OMG!!!! I am so HOOKED!
I just bought book 2! I will have to read so slowly so I won't be jonesing for the third installment in this series! As an editor and fellow author I was stunned reading this. I have told my friends about this book and author! HIGHLY RECOMMEND this one! You really get pulled into Alyssa's world and that of those around her. Learning to understand the struggles of all of those around her as well as what she's facing.
You want to believe there is more than meets the eye with several of the characters in this book. Even with the hidden glimpses the author gives us with the simple tricks that Alyssa's and her friends do to show what is going on when they aren't around. You still wonder. And that ending, it almost made me scream for more. At a reading drought in my life I think I found a new favorite. Five stars on this one! Can't wait for the third installment, goodness knows that before long I'll have devoured book 2 with relish! <3
I just bought book 2! I will have to read so slowly so I won't be jonesing for the third installment in this series! As an editor and fellow author I was stunned reading this. I have told my friends about this book and author! HIGHLY RECOMMEND this one! You really get pulled into Alyssa's world and that of those around her. Learning to understand the struggles of all of those around her as well as what she's facing.
You want to believe there is more than meets the eye with several of the characters in this book. Even with the hidden glimpses the author gives us with the simple tricks that Alyssa's and her friends do to show what is going on when they aren't around. You still wonder. And that ending, it almost made me scream for more. At a reading drought in my life I think I found a new favorite. Five stars on this one! Can't wait for the third installment, goodness knows that before long I'll have devoured book 2 with relish! <3
March 5, 2014
Oh wow! I only bought this book because of the author. I have fallen in love with all her books so far so let's just say I wasn't disappointed at all. This book has everything from withes, to werewolves, to shape shifters , and vampires. I also hear that there will be other mythical creatures come in as the story progresses.
I felt just as frustrated as Aylssa did through half the book . I felt bad for Kane cause all he wanted to do was try to protect her. She just kept running though tryin to keep him safe. I so can't wait for the next instalment for this series.
I felt just as frustrated as Aylssa did through half the book . I felt bad for Kane cause all he wanted to do was try to protect her. She just kept running though tryin to keep him safe. I so can't wait for the next instalment for this series.
March 24, 2014
READ THIS BOOK!
Two words: Ongoing series. If you are not good with cliffhanger you might want to wait until the second book is released.
However the story is amaaaaziiiiing. The characters, the plot, the romance, the action, the friendships, and the sex! Perfect book for adults who are lovers of the paranormal. And this book has all the good ones. I will definitely be on the lookout for the next book. I NEED it. I would gladly read the second book even though I have to get up for work in 3 hours. I highly recommend and encourage this book for adults.
Two words: Ongoing series. If you are not good with cliffhanger you might want to wait until the second book is released.
However the story is amaaaaziiiiing. The characters, the plot, the romance, the action, the friendships, and the sex! Perfect book for adults who are lovers of the paranormal. And this book has all the good ones. I will definitely be on the lookout for the next book. I NEED it. I would gladly read the second book even though I have to get up for work in 3 hours. I highly recommend and encourage this book for adults.
October 25, 2014
Thank you, Owens. After reading what seemed to be an endless amount of dud worthy paranormals, we have a winner.
This book gripped my attention from page one. There was a wonderful amount of romance, action, suspense, mystery, and seduction. The author was able to seamlessly piece this story together, keeping the reader riveted.
I loved the characters, I loved the plot, and I loved the ending. No doubt I'll be reading book two...like right now.
Update: Read a 2nd time 10/23/2014
This book gripped my attention from page one. There was a wonderful amount of romance, action, suspense, mystery, and seduction. The author was able to seamlessly piece this story together, keeping the reader riveted.
I loved the characters, I loved the plot, and I loved the ending. No doubt I'll be reading book two...like right now.
Update: Read a 2nd time 10/23/2014
March 25, 2014
Loved this, but was gutted there wasn't a second one to read straight after. I've gotten very greedy with books - I like to find a set and read them all one after the other. This first book was free, so I thought I would give it a go, and it was well worth it. I'll be keeping an eye out for the next one.
June 4, 2014
Loved, Loved this book <3
I have been in a slump trying to find great paranormal read to meet up to all my others I have read.
And this one hit the nail, big time.
I read this in one sitting and could not for the life of me put it down.
C.M Owens has major talent happening. I am officially fan girling over her <3
I have been in a slump trying to find great paranormal read to meet up to all my others I have read.
And this one hit the nail, big time.
I read this in one sitting and could not for the life of me put it down.
C.M Owens has major talent happening. I am officially fan girling over her <3
January 1, 2016
I liked it enough but gawd damn did it drag with repetitive info. Usually when books irk me this way I leave it at that but dammit I wanna know how it ends. fml.
July 22, 2019
Well I couldn't put this book down!!!
Edit... On a reread... I did find the interruptions annoying and a little immature but other than that still a 5 star read.
Edit... On a reread... I did find the interruptions annoying and a little immature but other than that still a 5 star read.
January 9, 2018
Such a disappointing juvenile read
I read “Worth It” by same author and loved it! I couldn’t stop laughing at the clever story, romance and sizzle between the characters. Wanted to read more by this author so picked up this book based on good reviews. Such a disappointment. Writing was stilted, repetitious and so much more juvenile than her other book. I would have said it was written like bad YA if not for the nonstop sex and swearing. Now, I don’t mind either if it’s done well (it’s done VERY well in “Worth It”) but here, it’s not. The heroine is TSTL. She’s supposed to be all powerful as others have noted, but she’s constantly having to be rescued and either whimpering from lust or fear or screeching and cursing like a sailor for no reason. She’s completely naive and ignorant of pretty much the most basic things about the world she lives in, yet thinks she knows all. She’s hit over the head with clues about the true nature of her boy toy, yet can’t see any of them even after one literally smacks her in the face. I mean, [MINOR SPOILERS HERE]
[he literally keeps her at his house for a month and doesn’t want her to leave his house like ever, even though his house is not warded (while her place is) and ppl are supposed to want to kill her and she’s like, oh yeah that’s fine??! She’s the most powerful witch ever but somehow, she thinks her spells would continually malfunction somehow because...why?? And even if they did, that would not be suspicious at all because...she’s a f$$##$& idiot?! Her life is in danger, her mom is missing but what does she do? Parties all day and never leaves her boy toys bed, except when he “mysteriously” disappears without explanations, but again, all good. WTF?!?
And don’t even get me started about the contrived conflict at the end. There’s nothing worse than main characters falling in love at Mac speed, getting so hot about each other that they would die for the other and then bam, big reveal over dumb made up shit that just blows things up and of course, now they have to hate each other on principle. No benefit of the doubt, no discussions like big boys and girls, just a whole lot of cruelty and coldness and how dare yous. Eye roll. [END OF SPOILERS]
Finally, all the side characters are 2D and have no development or redeeming value. We don’t get to know or are told anything about any of them, other than they’re being either hot, evil or raging bitches. I can’t believe I didn’t DNF this book and it’s got such great reviews. I usually agree with Goodreads but not here. maybe ppl read this book just looking for hot guys, hot sex and the lack of plot, sense or character development just didn’t matter? If so, Curse of the Gods series has lots of both Plus the rest.
I hear book 2 & 3 are better but I just can’t read these characters be dicks to each other thru the next book due to the cliffhanger misunderstanding in this book when they’re supposed to have fallen in lurv. Like I said, worst trope ever.
I read “Worth It” by same author and loved it! I couldn’t stop laughing at the clever story, romance and sizzle between the characters. Wanted to read more by this author so picked up this book based on good reviews. Such a disappointment. Writing was stilted, repetitious and so much more juvenile than her other book. I would have said it was written like bad YA if not for the nonstop sex and swearing. Now, I don’t mind either if it’s done well (it’s done VERY well in “Worth It”) but here, it’s not. The heroine is TSTL. She’s supposed to be all powerful as others have noted, but she’s constantly having to be rescued and either whimpering from lust or fear or screeching and cursing like a sailor for no reason. She’s completely naive and ignorant of pretty much the most basic things about the world she lives in, yet thinks she knows all. She’s hit over the head with clues about the true nature of her boy toy, yet can’t see any of them even after one literally smacks her in the face. I mean, [MINOR SPOILERS HERE]
[he literally keeps her at his house for a month and doesn’t want her to leave his house like ever, even though his house is not warded (while her place is) and ppl are supposed to want to kill her and she’s like, oh yeah that’s fine??! She’s the most powerful witch ever but somehow, she thinks her spells would continually malfunction somehow because...why?? And even if they did, that would not be suspicious at all because...she’s a f$$##$& idiot?! Her life is in danger, her mom is missing but what does she do? Parties all day and never leaves her boy toys bed, except when he “mysteriously” disappears without explanations, but again, all good. WTF?!?
And don’t even get me started about the contrived conflict at the end. There’s nothing worse than main characters falling in love at Mac speed, getting so hot about each other that they would die for the other and then bam, big reveal over dumb made up shit that just blows things up and of course, now they have to hate each other on principle. No benefit of the doubt, no discussions like big boys and girls, just a whole lot of cruelty and coldness and how dare yous. Eye roll. [END OF SPOILERS]
Finally, all the side characters are 2D and have no development or redeeming value. We don’t get to know or are told anything about any of them, other than they’re being either hot, evil or raging bitches. I can’t believe I didn’t DNF this book and it’s got such great reviews. I usually agree with Goodreads but not here. maybe ppl read this book just looking for hot guys, hot sex and the lack of plot, sense or character development just didn’t matter? If so, Curse of the Gods series has lots of both Plus the rest.
I hear book 2 & 3 are better but I just can’t read these characters be dicks to each other thru the next book due to the cliffhanger misunderstanding in this book when they’re supposed to have fallen in lurv. Like I said, worst trope ever.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 22, 2016
Duped by the 5 star ratings again. Where do I begin with this hot mess? I was looking for a new author to read as I have read and reread books from all my faves as I await their new offerings. Based on the 5 star ratings and stellar reviews I decided to give "Blood's Fury" a try.
Pros: Let's start with the pros before I go for the jugular. The story was fairly interesting, though should not be confused with novel. The mysterious murders and some of the background story of the protagonist and her family kept me reading the book with an open mind for far longer than I should have. The author has some good ideas but unfortunately they get lost in the messy and distracting writing.
Cons: First of all, the writing was redundant, inconsistent, adolescent and in need of some serious editing. I'm unclear on what was happening, but someone fell asleep on the job here. There were terms and words that were used so often that it became distracting. For example, everyone was "chirping" at each other, rolling their eyes, blushing and smirking. It became so bad that in the end I was rolling my eyes every time I saw them repeated. There were several misspelled words, but I usually let those slide. However, when paired with the awkward writing it just further lessens the story. Furthermore, the story line was so predictable that I wanted to yell at the MC, "He's immortal you idiot." Some of the inconsistencies include the fact that she purchased a house with money saved but had to work at a diner as a waitress with no car. HUH!?
Second, the female protagonist of the story, Alyssa, can be described quite simply as a nitwit. She is apparently the offspring of two of the most powerful immortals, yet she knows almost nothing about the world she belongs in. This would have worked if for some reason she had grown up away from her family, but this was not the case. The author constantly highlighted Alyssa's ignorance by having her ask questions that even the other characters noted she should already have the answers for. I've seen this technique used as a means of explaining something the reader does not know, but the author would have served her MC better by introducing a character that was never part of the immortal world.
Alyssa is described as being very powerful however, she is repeatedly being saved by the males in the story. She comes across as weak, naive, immature and just plain dumb. If there isn't a tear leaking out of her eye, she is allowing herself to be kissed and sometimes touched inappropriately. At one point she is almost raped, and has to consider whether she should use her power against her attacker for fear of getting in trouble. Naturally, she is again saved by one of the other characters, who likely has to pick her up and carry her someplace while kissing her on the head (this happens often). Ugh!!
There is so much more, but I can't bother to give more examples. This book was definitely not for me.
Pros: Let's start with the pros before I go for the jugular. The story was fairly interesting, though should not be confused with novel. The mysterious murders and some of the background story of the protagonist and her family kept me reading the book with an open mind for far longer than I should have. The author has some good ideas but unfortunately they get lost in the messy and distracting writing.
Cons: First of all, the writing was redundant, inconsistent, adolescent and in need of some serious editing. I'm unclear on what was happening, but someone fell asleep on the job here. There were terms and words that were used so often that it became distracting. For example, everyone was "chirping" at each other, rolling their eyes, blushing and smirking. It became so bad that in the end I was rolling my eyes every time I saw them repeated. There were several misspelled words, but I usually let those slide. However, when paired with the awkward writing it just further lessens the story. Furthermore, the story line was so predictable that I wanted to yell at the MC, "He's immortal you idiot." Some of the inconsistencies include the fact that she purchased a house with money saved but had to work at a diner as a waitress with no car. HUH!?
Second, the female protagonist of the story, Alyssa, can be described quite simply as a nitwit. She is apparently the offspring of two of the most powerful immortals, yet she knows almost nothing about the world she belongs in. This would have worked if for some reason she had grown up away from her family, but this was not the case. The author constantly highlighted Alyssa's ignorance by having her ask questions that even the other characters noted she should already have the answers for. I've seen this technique used as a means of explaining something the reader does not know, but the author would have served her MC better by introducing a character that was never part of the immortal world.
Alyssa is described as being very powerful however, she is repeatedly being saved by the males in the story. She comes across as weak, naive, immature and just plain dumb. If there isn't a tear leaking out of her eye, she is allowing herself to be kissed and sometimes touched inappropriately. At one point she is almost raped, and has to consider whether she should use her power against her attacker for fear of getting in trouble. Naturally, she is again saved by one of the other characters, who likely has to pick her up and carry her someplace while kissing her on the head (this happens often). Ugh!!
There is so much more, but I can't bother to give more examples. This book was definitely not for me.
August 7, 2016
I'm not usual a 'paranormal' fan and I really don't like love triangles...so it's saying a lot when I give this book 5 stars. I was up until 2 am reading them and I am dying for book 3 right now. In the meantime, have gone and purchased the other 2 sets of trilogies by C.M. Owens hoping they come close to this one.
The writing could really have benefited from a professional editor but it wasn't so full of errors to be more than mildly distracting (some ebooks I have to stop reading because the grammar and punctuation is so annoying).
Her characters are vibrant, the plot is unique enough to keep my attention for hours, and the action/romance blend was just right. There is nothing more annoying to me than reading romance novels where they go on and on about their beauty and how good looking this person is and then internal dialogue where they fight their desire for most of the book. But, again, C.M. Owens just made it work! I can't even explain how. The beauty of everyone is explained away since they are immortals and that is just a side effect. In fact, even Alyssa (the main character) keeps lamenting at how annoying it is that everyone is so good looking.
Her strength and the hints of what lies beneath, the details put into the enemy factions, the relationship Alyssa has with her parents, the yearning to just be like a normal girl...it all made for a great read.
The only other complaint I would give is the side relationship of Amy/Kane and how repetitive it becomes. Even Alyssa complains. But keep reading...it's explained in book 2 and makes more sense when put into context.
If you can put this book down at the end and NOT immediately buy book 2, you are stronger than I am. :)
The writing could really have benefited from a professional editor but it wasn't so full of errors to be more than mildly distracting (some ebooks I have to stop reading because the grammar and punctuation is so annoying).
Her characters are vibrant, the plot is unique enough to keep my attention for hours, and the action/romance blend was just right. There is nothing more annoying to me than reading romance novels where they go on and on about their beauty and how good looking this person is and then internal dialogue where they fight their desire for most of the book. But, again, C.M. Owens just made it work! I can't even explain how. The beauty of everyone is explained away since they are immortals and that is just a side effect. In fact, even Alyssa (the main character) keeps lamenting at how annoying it is that everyone is so good looking.
Her strength and the hints of what lies beneath, the details put into the enemy factions, the relationship Alyssa has with her parents, the yearning to just be like a normal girl...it all made for a great read.
The only other complaint I would give is the side relationship of Amy/Kane and how repetitive it becomes. Even Alyssa complains. But keep reading...it's explained in book 2 and makes more sense when put into context.
If you can put this book down at the end and NOT immediately buy book 2, you are stronger than I am. :)
July 4, 2015
I didn't think much of this book. Why?
The writing was ..... , he said, smirkingly. I'm not sure the author understands that a smirk is a condesending, curled lip, snarky grin.
She used smirk 34 times to describe what should have been a quiet grin, a soft smile, a big "I know more than you due"wide eyed grin, etc. By the end of the book I felt depressed after being looked down on for so long.
If it wasn't a smirk, she was "snickering". Our heroine was 20, but she came across as an immature 14 year old.
There was too much gratuitous sex. At the beginning of the book our heroine was a very naive 20 year old virgin. After her introduction to sex, it was difficult for her to keep her pants on longer than four or five pages. In her house, in his room, in the woods, in the shower, in the hot tub, in the lake, on the floor in the front room of her house ..... , well, you get the picture. He does her nine times in one 24 hour span? Most newly-weds on their honeymoon aren't capable of the endurance required for that kind of performance.
A couple of her male characters had a rasp voice. A rasp is a file. Now, raspy? That would fit much better.
The spelling was OK, but some homonym's didn't fit. A fight finished up with many of the bad guys "miggnons" killed. Maybe the minions of the good guy did it. Maybe it was the minced onions.
I try to give every new author the benefit of the doubt, so I won't read another of her books until she publishes five more. Hopefully she will have brought on an editor who has the author's best interest at heart and isn't a personal friend.
The writing was ..... , he said, smirkingly. I'm not sure the author understands that a smirk is a condesending, curled lip, snarky grin.
She used smirk 34 times to describe what should have been a quiet grin, a soft smile, a big "I know more than you due"wide eyed grin, etc. By the end of the book I felt depressed after being looked down on for so long.
If it wasn't a smirk, she was "snickering". Our heroine was 20, but she came across as an immature 14 year old.
There was too much gratuitous sex. At the beginning of the book our heroine was a very naive 20 year old virgin. After her introduction to sex, it was difficult for her to keep her pants on longer than four or five pages. In her house, in his room, in the woods, in the shower, in the hot tub, in the lake, on the floor in the front room of her house ..... , well, you get the picture. He does her nine times in one 24 hour span? Most newly-weds on their honeymoon aren't capable of the endurance required for that kind of performance.
A couple of her male characters had a rasp voice. A rasp is a file. Now, raspy? That would fit much better.
The spelling was OK, but some homonym's didn't fit. A fight finished up with many of the bad guys "miggnons" killed. Maybe the minions of the good guy did it. Maybe it was the minced onions.
I try to give every new author the benefit of the doubt, so I won't read another of her books until she publishes five more. Hopefully she will have brought on an editor who has the author's best interest at heart and isn't a personal friend.
May 20, 2014
I was a bit skeptical but I got this free so I figured I might as well...good thing I tried it!
Overall, lots of supernaturals (vampires, shape shifters, witches, etc), lots of romance, some erotic scenes, some mystery, bit of humor...and an interesting story.
The heroine of the book, Alyssa, is decent. She's a bit sheltered, and it shows, but overall I found her likable. I did think she was a bit too stubborn/hardheaded but that's what makes this a story, I guess. Lots and lots of hot guys - all with the same 'bad boy' vibe, but Alyssa points that out herself.
I mostly dislike present tense narration but it really didn't bother me in this case (yay!). I didn't notice any editing errors, so kudos to the author. The biggest problem for me was the repetition of the phrase "laughed ridiculously hard/loud".
Overall, lots of supernaturals (vampires, shape shifters, witches, etc), lots of romance, some erotic scenes, some mystery, bit of humor...and an interesting story.
The heroine of the book, Alyssa, is decent. She's a bit sheltered, and it shows, but overall I found her likable. I did think she was a bit too stubborn/hardheaded but that's what makes this a story, I guess. Lots and lots of hot guys - all with the same 'bad boy' vibe, but Alyssa points that out herself.
I mostly dislike present tense narration but it really didn't bother me in this case (yay!). I didn't notice any editing errors, so kudos to the author. The biggest problem for me was the repetition of the phrase "laughed ridiculously hard/loud".
May 27, 2023
Was this objectively good? No. Would I recommend it highly? No. Did I have a really fun time? Yes. If you're craving the old 2010's version of fantasy romance that was full of vampires, werewolves, witches, etc. with a main character that every hot man seems to find attractive look no further friends. I have a great recommendation for you. Apparently this was just what I needed during a slump and I couldn't stop reading. I don't think I'll continue on with the series but this one came into my life at the perfect time.
April 2, 2014
No words can suffice
I absolutely loved the tale of Alyssa and Kane. To be so overwhelmed by lust and passion to not see the deception right in front of you leaves her distraught at the end. That on top of her mother missing makes her feel crazy when her hormones are on the loose because she's close to her immortality and doesn't know her lover is a nightstalker using his powers against her to get what he wants..free download
I absolutely loved the tale of Alyssa and Kane. To be so overwhelmed by lust and passion to not see the deception right in front of you leaves her distraught at the end. That on top of her mother missing makes her feel crazy when her hormones are on the loose because she's close to her immortality and doesn't know her lover is a nightstalker using his powers against her to get what he wants..free download
April 26, 2021
DNF. I'm clearly glutton for punishment because I DNF the last C.M. Owens book I tried to read but I thought I'd give it a go due to high praise on GR and I'm going to DNF this one too. The writing is really amateur, sloppy and immature. The characters are annoying and completely unbelievable.
January 20, 2018
Hard to read
A vapid heroine with little common sense is just not really my cup of tea. It was difficult to finish the book and I found myself skimming more often than not after the first few chapters.
A vapid heroine with little common sense is just not really my cup of tea. It was difficult to finish the book and I found myself skimming more often than not after the first few chapters.
April 9, 2018
2.5 stars While a tad immature it kept my interest
This book was a bit dramatic, drama around every corner. The heroine was crazy naïve. And it drove me nuts. I like where the story is going. And I'll continue to read the series and hopefully watch the heroine grow.
This book was a bit dramatic, drama around every corner. The heroine was crazy naïve. And it drove me nuts. I like where the story is going. And I'll continue to read the series and hopefully watch the heroine grow.
Want to read
January 6, 2023Purchase Amazon December 3, 2019
July 16, 2018
If you follow my reviews, you'll know I have a major reader crush on Kristy Cunning's The Dark Side series. Kristy Cunning is another pen name for the talented C.M. Owens, so when I saw this paranormal series of hers, I just couldn't help myself. Instant purchase.
I finished reading this book on the 12th of July, but it took me some time to actually get around to writing the review. Why? Because I was too caught up in reading the next book in the series. It's been some time since I've been that into a series, that I've even felt like eating got in the way of my reading!
As a mortal witch Alyssa is hell bent on enjoying her last year as a mortal, before immortality kicks in. (Not bad when she's only in the beginning of her 20's). She's moved out of her mother's house, and into her own - which her over protective mother isn't too happy about. The town so happens to be paranormal-central, and there's a lot of things that go bump in the night that she a a young witch should stay clear of.
On her way home from work (weird that a talented witch would work at a coffee house), Alyssa meets Kane and it's pretty much
"I thought a movie and popcorn, if you have either. If not, we could just head down to the lake or something."
I'd love to go to the lake with him, but we'd have no provacy there. That's probably better. I don't need to be alone with him. the lake it is.
"I've got a movie and popcorn, so you're in luck."
Apparently my brain and my mouth are no longer linked together. Good grief.
Alyssa and Kane are all but happy in their little love bubble, until a brutal awakening reaches them: her mother is missing. Alyssa leaves everything and everyone behind, in order to run off with her mother's friend to track her down. On this quest they encounter different paranormal beings like Night Stalkers, Lycan's, Changers, Dark Witches and White Witches.
As a white witch, Alyssa shouldn't be around any other beings. But desperate times calls for desperate measures, so Alyssa's estranged father - a witch that evokes fear just by name alone, sends a changer to help track down her mother. And when a dark witch also shows up to help, Alyssa quickly learns that she cannot tell friend from foe merely on their supernatural powers. It turns out the most of what she thought she knew about the different species, is outdated anyway. So, if she's to succeed in finding her mother, she needs to shake her judgemental black and white goggles, and let the people around her help.
With this new found knowledge she strikes up a friendship with Thad the changer, and Gage the Dark Witch. The friendship with Thad does seem to be hard for Kane, as he's around a lot. Whereas Alyssa keeps trying to break it off with Kane, for his own good, since he's just a normal guy. Or is he? There's a lot of queues throughout the book that suggests, that there's something up with him. But one way or another, nothing is confirmed until towards the end!
The guys, oh my... let me just take a minute to swoon over these three alpha gods. Apparently, they're all sexy looking and Thad's sense of humour and troublemaker tendencies, makes him a winner in my book. Kane seems like your run of the mill prince charming. He say and do all the right things, but as soon as the cat is out of the bag and his secret is revealed, he's all the more interesting! Gage, well I haven't made my mind up about him yet. But he's definitely someone I'm keeping my eyes on.
Alyssa is a far cry from he bad-ass heroine C.M. Owens/Kristy Cunning created in her Reverse Harem series. Alyssa is more dramatic, naive and a wee bit entitled in the way she's portrayed. On top of that, this book involves love triangles. I did almost loose it with her, for keep trying to break up with Kane. Seriously, either do it or don't. The drama can get tedious.
So basically this book has all the things I dislike and yet, I love this series. I don't know exactly what it is, that makes it work. But for me, it definitely does work.
March 2, 2025
So fun, if you can get over a lot of the flaws. I was in the mood for something nostalgic, and this is a cheesy PNR from 2014. I’ve been in such a funk, not liking anything I try, so I decided to just go with something totally random and unlike anything I’ve read in a while.
I love this author’s work under her pen names Kristy Cunning and ST Abby, but this is my first of hers under CM Owens. I find her writing to be addictive and very easy to read. She still loves to say “murmur” a thousand times instead of using another word, which is extremely annoying. Occasionally she will throw in a “mumble”, so that’s something. Honestly the murmur thing was the worst part of this book for me. I ignored it as best I could because I was having the time of my life with this ridiculous story.
I like a little OW/OM drama, but if you don’t, don’t read this. This is for all the Vampire Diaries, Twilight, True Blood, and Beautiful Creatures girlies who love the drama and the love triangles. It’s dumb fun, and I loved it. Don’t take it too seriously. There is soooo much wrong with this book, including typos, a childish FMC, hypocrisy, unrealistic nonsense, and questionable outdated stuff, but I really didn’t care. This is exactly the kind of story I used to read as a teenager, and I’ve missed the feeling. It’s my crack.
I don’t think I can recommend this book, even though I had such a great time with it. I’d have a hard time justifying all the flaws to anyone who called me out on any of it. I gave a pass to so many things I usually hate. But I am immediately going on to the next book. Like right after I post this review.
I love this author’s work under her pen names Kristy Cunning and ST Abby, but this is my first of hers under CM Owens. I find her writing to be addictive and very easy to read. She still loves to say “murmur” a thousand times instead of using another word, which is extremely annoying. Occasionally she will throw in a “mumble”, so that’s something. Honestly the murmur thing was the worst part of this book for me. I ignored it as best I could because I was having the time of my life with this ridiculous story.
I like a little OW/OM drama, but if you don’t, don’t read this. This is for all the Vampire Diaries, Twilight, True Blood, and Beautiful Creatures girlies who love the drama and the love triangles. It’s dumb fun, and I loved it. Don’t take it too seriously. There is soooo much wrong with this book, including typos, a childish FMC, hypocrisy, unrealistic nonsense, and questionable outdated stuff, but I really didn’t care. This is exactly the kind of story I used to read as a teenager, and I’ve missed the feeling. It’s my crack.
I don’t think I can recommend this book, even though I had such a great time with it. I’d have a hard time justifying all the flaws to anyone who called me out on any of it. I gave a pass to so many things I usually hate. But I am immediately going on to the next book. Like right after I post this review.
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