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The wedding of the century between vampire hunter Anita Blake and the vampire king of America Jean-Claude is almost here, but an ancient evil arrives in St. Louis and even Jean-Claude’s unmatched power isn’t enough to save them. Only with the return of a lost love can they hope to combat the monster and save their loved ones and every vampire in the country from being consumed by darkness.
381 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 21, 2023
769 people are currently reading
8537 people want to read
About the author
Laurell K. Hamilton
422 books25.7k followersLaurell K. Hamilton is one of the leading writers of paranormal fiction. A #1 New York Times bestselling author, Hamilton writes the popular Anita Blake, Vampire Hunter novels and the Meredith Gentry series. She is also the creator of a bestselling comic book series based on her Anita Blake novels and published by Marvel Comics. Hamilton is a full-time writer and lives in the suburbs of St. Louis with her family.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 861 reviews
April 26, 2023
I got an ARC of this book. Dear god where do I start with how absolutely horrible this dumpster fire of a book was? 85% of the book is petty interpersonal fighting that adds absolutely nothing to what little of a plot there is, 5% is a really boring sex scene and the last 10% was an poor attempt at writing a murder mystery plot. After the boring sex scene they have no less than 4 separate conversations about how they all need to shower since they had sex and yet for the entire second half of the book they never actually showered and end up all climbing into a giant bed together and going to sleep. 🤢 I also can’t forget the fact that the longest chapter in the book was over 60 pages in the digital format of them planning and talking about how to track down, fight and kill a literal dragon who’s also somehow a Greek demigod and then absolutely nothing comes of it. I have never felt like setting a book on fire out of anger and boredom more in my life. I thought for sure after reading one of the terrible Zodiac Academy books that I couldn’t possibly go down from there but this book really said hold my beer. 75% of this book should have been cut by the editor and sent back to the author, telling her to try adding an interesting plot for once. If I could give this book zero stars I would.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 15, 2023
Smolder
by Laurell K. Hamilton is a relationship intense paranormal romance blended with a supernatural suspense story line. It’s the twenty-ninth book in the series. Preternatural U.S. Marshal and vampire hunter Anita Blake is preparing for her wedding to the vampire king of America Jean-Claude. Humans think she is siding with the monsters and the vampires fear he has fallen under the spell of the most powerful necromancer in several millennia.
While Anita’s best friend U.S. Marshall Ted Forrester is being fitted for his best man clothing, she gets a call from the local police. They believe the Sunshine Murderer has hit again. However, that is not the only bad thing to occur in St. Louis. An ancient evil has arrived to challenge Jean-Claude for his crown. Even Jean-Claude’s enhanced powers as king along with Anita’s powers aren’t enough to defeat this being. They need more help to stop it.
This book focuses on relationships for a large part of the book. Whether it is Anita’s relationships with the many men and women in her life or with the local police or federal agents or friends, there is a lot of domestic drama. This is compounded by Jean-Claude’s relationships as well. Their struggle with all of the various types of relationships they have makes the suspense portion of the story more tangible and full of angst. However, I felt some disappointment that this book did not resolve all of the suspense threads.
The author does a great job on characterization. The story is well written with a unique situation that resulted in a showdown set-up with a powerful evil creature. It works to fix relationships and help Anita understand some of them better. There are some steamy scenes as well, but not as many as usual. My biggest quibble other than not knowing this was a set-up book for the next one was the urgent need for planning at the end that was continuously interrupted. With the amount of power that Jean-Claude and Anita have, I wanted them to be more forceful. Themes woven into the novel include romance, relationships of all types, violence, evil, power, anger, grief, jealousy, and much more.
Overall, this was an engrossing and entertaining novel with great characterization and complicated relationships. I recommend reading this series in order. The background and gradual addition of characters will make the experience more enjoyable.
Berkley Publishing Group and Sarah Hawley provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own. Publication date is currently set for March 21, 2023.
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My 3.91 rounded to 4 stars review is coming soon.
While Anita’s best friend U.S. Marshall Ted Forrester is being fitted for his best man clothing, she gets a call from the local police. They believe the Sunshine Murderer has hit again. However, that is not the only bad thing to occur in St. Louis. An ancient evil has arrived to challenge Jean-Claude for his crown. Even Jean-Claude’s enhanced powers as king along with Anita’s powers aren’t enough to defeat this being. They need more help to stop it.
This book focuses on relationships for a large part of the book. Whether it is Anita’s relationships with the many men and women in her life or with the local police or federal agents or friends, there is a lot of domestic drama. This is compounded by Jean-Claude’s relationships as well. Their struggle with all of the various types of relationships they have makes the suspense portion of the story more tangible and full of angst. However, I felt some disappointment that this book did not resolve all of the suspense threads.
The author does a great job on characterization. The story is well written with a unique situation that resulted in a showdown set-up with a powerful evil creature. It works to fix relationships and help Anita understand some of them better. There are some steamy scenes as well, but not as many as usual. My biggest quibble other than not knowing this was a set-up book for the next one was the urgent need for planning at the end that was continuously interrupted. With the amount of power that Jean-Claude and Anita have, I wanted them to be more forceful. Themes woven into the novel include romance, relationships of all types, violence, evil, power, anger, grief, jealousy, and much more.
Overall, this was an engrossing and entertaining novel with great characterization and complicated relationships. I recommend reading this series in order. The background and gradual addition of characters will make the experience more enjoyable.
Berkley Publishing Group and Sarah Hawley provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own. Publication date is currently set for March 21, 2023.
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My 3.91 rounded to 4 stars review is coming soon.
November 8, 2022
This is not a novel, this is introductory backstory for a different novel. I was so hopeful that this one would be more like the last one (Rafael) which I thought had actually contributed to the world building of the Blake universe and progressed some actual plot. But it didn't. It was nothing but reintroducing characters and those characters talking about therapy. Anita is still a misogynist, and unlike the rest of her issues this one never gets mentioned as something she's working on with her therapist. And she is working on so. many. things. with her therapist. It's the chorus of the book. I will agree that therapy is great, very useful, good for practically everyone but I'm not reading a paranormal romance book to get therapy tips. All in all, I don't even think you need to read this one to be ready for the next one, assuming you remember who these characters are. Another Big Bad showed up, but meh, it wasn't actually important.
Thanks to NetGalley for providing a digital review copy.
Thanks to NetGalley for providing a digital review copy.
December 29, 2024
Audible Series Listen October 25 - December 28, 2024
(Rating & Review from initial read thru)
I received a free copy of this title to read and review for Wicked Reads
SMOLDER is the 29th installment in the Anita Blake Vampire Hunter series. No, you can absolutely not read this as a standalone or out of series order. Do you need to read all 28 books prior? No. As long as you've read most of them, there would be no issue keeping up with the world building.
This review will have a different format than usual, a list rather than paragraph form, while trying to avoid spoilers. We're 29 books deep- fans will understand why I'm making a list. As someone who spent the last 8 weeks rereading every novel and short in this series, I feel like a bit of an expert on what readers and fans are looking for in the newest installment, in order to gauge if they wish to read or skip.
1: Edward & Peter open the novel. It was some much needed dark humor and a strong emotional connection devoid of any agenda. Anita needs Edward in her life, as do the readers. We need Edward in Anita's life.
2: Anita finally speaks to her father after 29 novels. While only on the phone, it sets up the next novel in the series, which will include her entire family. Some heavy emotional labor is shown, which serves to make Anita much more relatable to readers. Human. Plucked my heartstrings and drew tears to my eyes, made me remember the Anita that captured my heart.
3: We get a glimpse of Jason. Sure did miss him.
4: Dolph is back, even if only a cameo. He may not speak as Dolph used to, but it was nice to have a grounding force back in Anita's life.
5: Richard is back & he threw one helluva curve ball.
6: We're still dragging a dead horse up a never-ending hill, but it is less than past novels. The poly negotiations are still there, wish it was toned down even more, but it made sense this time around. I wish Anita didn't get coerced into being with people she doesn't love, let alone even like, but Anita has self-awareness of this fact. FINALLY. I do believe sexuality is fluid, but LKH seems to believe you can convince yourself, be coerced, or grit your teeth and bear it when it comes to sexual preferences. I'm not a fan of this narrative. I was born this way- life experience and knowledge made me aware and accept it. Being pestered or forced isn't going to change my orientation.
7: A big bad dragon blows into town. Lots of discussions over this, yet it was left dangling for the next installment. While not a cliffhanger, elements/plots that manifested during SMOLDER took a backseat, used as a vehicle to push something that has been on the horizon for 29 novels. I assume this will be picked back up during SLAY. I just wish this long-anticipated element was more climactic.
8: This wasn't an orgy filled erotic novel. There was one portion of the novel that was sex-centric. It was more like two scenes that bleed into one. The first scene made me hot under the collar, the second was a scene fans have been thirsting for decades. It fell flat to me. Anita was disconnected. As a reader, I was emotionally disconnected as well. It was almost fade-to-black-esque. It was happening with no details, which would have been fine, but there weren't many emotions either. I understood because Anita was conflicted. I just wish I could get this scene in another's POV, better yet- two POVs. Anita wasn't the best person to show this "connection"
9: Who here wants to see Kane get TKOed by a human?
10: There are still characters that I just feel are a waste of page-time. They popup out of nowhere, lend nothing to the story or the series, but are just in the way. There are less of these every book as LKH gives Anita self-awareness to not cave to the boundaries she's set. There needs to be more boundaries. The biggest issue is how these characters are devoid of character traits outside of appearance and neediness. They're just there, in the way, popping up out of nowhere, and I'm unsure why they're included. There's no emotional connection. Most of Anita's tigers to call and two of her three brides are just one-dimensional cards tossed on the table in the discard pile to muck up the game.
There was an entire section, that even JC commented on how these people kept stepping in their path to distract them from the matter at hand, minutes from dawn when he dies for the day.
Imagine you're running to the bathroom before you pee yourself, but everyone you pass grabs your arm and forces you to talk for an hour about things that happened a decade ago. The closer you get to the bathroom, the more people who refuse to hear your no or pleas for a toilet. They grab you and refuse to let you go, ridiculous, unnecessary conversations. One has the audacity to tell you to suck her breasts (you have to pee, remember. In this case, JC is about to crash for the day and you need to do some metaphysics before that happens) Then all the sudden, your creator forgets you were on the way to the bathroom and doesn't even make you pee your pants. This is Anita with all the people around her, with LKH driving the bus.
Dawn is in a matter of minutes, JC is in a panic, why is kissing Angel important RIGHT NOW? WHY? Just kiss her and get it over with and walk away, why discuss it. Why even stop in the hallway. Nod and walk by- King & Queen in a crisis, no you don't matter right now, Angel.
I read this entire scene in pure frustration, unsure why I had to deal with this tedium. It always feels so forced and cringy. It ultimately tied together, but it could have been tied together without Angel. She wasn't the tie, her brother was.
As a woman who enjoys other women, I find pushing women at Anita uncomfortable and cringy. Society pushes us enough, experiencing this via Anita's eyes is not sexy- it's exhausting and painful. At least we don't have to suffer through Jade, but I wish Envy and Angel would go away. The guys with them isn't the issue. But insufferably dealing with Angel being demanding when they're in a metaphysical crisis seemed ridiculous at best. It just left me thinking, "Go away! I'd rather have Kane on scene. At least he fits the dynamic happening." (my wish was granted seconds later. Ha!) LKH forcing Anita to pretend to want women... the readers don't buy into it. It's like lying to yourself and everyone around you realizes but you.
11: I'm glad the characters are in therapy, but mentioning this in every conversation is now another dead horse being dragged up yet another mountain. Is it a conversation? A negotiation? Verbal combat? They're all so insufferable. It's not as bad as in previous installments but I hope LKH keeps whittling this down to a minimum. I couldn't have people like this in my life, yet everyone in Anita's life is like this. It's why I understand Anita's need to go out of town for Marshall business with Edward. How refreshing that violence is easier than clingy, needy, emotional vampires. All of them start to sound the same when the whining begins. I wish LKH would write a scene where Anita just walks off and they don't realize until later that they've been whining to one another and mommy left. I think they all need more therapy. Less talking to each other and more to their doctors.
12: JC screaming "Enough!" "You will keep a civil tongue in your head toward my queen, or I will tear it from your head and let you wait in silence for it to grow back." JC's balls dropped. I just wish he would do this more often. Tell people to step off and get out of his face and leave Anita alone. Stop the whining. Be king. Why suffer from the weight of all the power if you can't tell your underlings to back off.
Overall thoughts: Anita seems more self-aware, less likely to be coerced, even though numerous characters are nonstop manipulating her for their own ends. While not a cliffhanger, SMOLDER felt like half a novel since the plot threads introduced led to nowhere. I don't mind this, as I understand how difficult it is to successfully write what should be two novels because the plot was so big. But that doesn't mean that it wasn't obvious that the novel took three or four misturns, as if it wasn't sure which type of novel it wanted to be. Wedding. Cop. Relationship BS. Metaphysical Crisis.
I enjoyed SMOLDER, read in two sittings as I needed to go to bed for the night. It wasn't as frustrating and tedious as previous installments. It's always a homecoming to read characters that you know like the back of your hand. As Anita gets more powerful, now that she will be queen, I understand how everyone and anyone around her would need her, push her, pressure her, and hide behind her. Heavy is the head that wears the crown. I just wish LKH would write Anita's nearest and dearest to be soft places to fall, to be her equals, to help instead of hurt. Otherwise, this experiment in the ultimate poly group is more like abuse than love with Anita as its victim.
(Rating & Review from initial read thru)
I received a free copy of this title to read and review for Wicked Reads
SMOLDER is the 29th installment in the Anita Blake Vampire Hunter series. No, you can absolutely not read this as a standalone or out of series order. Do you need to read all 28 books prior? No. As long as you've read most of them, there would be no issue keeping up with the world building.
This review will have a different format than usual, a list rather than paragraph form, while trying to avoid spoilers. We're 29 books deep- fans will understand why I'm making a list. As someone who spent the last 8 weeks rereading every novel and short in this series, I feel like a bit of an expert on what readers and fans are looking for in the newest installment, in order to gauge if they wish to read or skip.
1: Edward & Peter open the novel. It was some much needed dark humor and a strong emotional connection devoid of any agenda. Anita needs Edward in her life, as do the readers. We need Edward in Anita's life.
2: Anita finally speaks to her father after 29 novels. While only on the phone, it sets up the next novel in the series, which will include her entire family. Some heavy emotional labor is shown, which serves to make Anita much more relatable to readers. Human. Plucked my heartstrings and drew tears to my eyes, made me remember the Anita that captured my heart.
3: We get a glimpse of Jason. Sure did miss him.
4: Dolph is back, even if only a cameo. He may not speak as Dolph used to, but it was nice to have a grounding force back in Anita's life.
5: Richard is back & he threw one helluva curve ball.
6: We're still dragging a dead horse up a never-ending hill, but it is less than past novels. The poly negotiations are still there, wish it was toned down even more, but it made sense this time around. I wish Anita didn't get coerced into being with people she doesn't love, let alone even like, but Anita has self-awareness of this fact. FINALLY. I do believe sexuality is fluid, but LKH seems to believe you can convince yourself, be coerced, or grit your teeth and bear it when it comes to sexual preferences. I'm not a fan of this narrative. I was born this way- life experience and knowledge made me aware and accept it. Being pestered or forced isn't going to change my orientation.
7: A big bad dragon blows into town. Lots of discussions over this, yet it was left dangling for the next installment. While not a cliffhanger, elements/plots that manifested during SMOLDER took a backseat, used as a vehicle to push something that has been on the horizon for 29 novels. I assume this will be picked back up during SLAY. I just wish this long-anticipated element was more climactic.
8: This wasn't an orgy filled erotic novel. There was one portion of the novel that was sex-centric. It was more like two scenes that bleed into one. The first scene made me hot under the collar, the second was a scene fans have been thirsting for decades. It fell flat to me. Anita was disconnected. As a reader, I was emotionally disconnected as well. It was almost fade-to-black-esque. It was happening with no details, which would have been fine, but there weren't many emotions either. I understood because Anita was conflicted. I just wish I could get this scene in another's POV, better yet- two POVs. Anita wasn't the best person to show this "connection"
9: Who here wants to see Kane get TKOed by a human?
10: There are still characters that I just feel are a waste of page-time. They popup out of nowhere, lend nothing to the story or the series, but are just in the way. There are less of these every book as LKH gives Anita self-awareness to not cave to the boundaries she's set. There needs to be more boundaries. The biggest issue is how these characters are devoid of character traits outside of appearance and neediness. They're just there, in the way, popping up out of nowhere, and I'm unsure why they're included. There's no emotional connection. Most of Anita's tigers to call and two of her three brides are just one-dimensional cards tossed on the table in the discard pile to muck up the game.
There was an entire section, that even JC commented on how these people kept stepping in their path to distract them from the matter at hand, minutes from dawn when he dies for the day.
Imagine you're running to the bathroom before you pee yourself, but everyone you pass grabs your arm and forces you to talk for an hour about things that happened a decade ago. The closer you get to the bathroom, the more people who refuse to hear your no or pleas for a toilet. They grab you and refuse to let you go, ridiculous, unnecessary conversations. One has the audacity to tell you to suck her breasts (you have to pee, remember. In this case, JC is about to crash for the day and you need to do some metaphysics before that happens) Then all the sudden, your creator forgets you were on the way to the bathroom and doesn't even make you pee your pants. This is Anita with all the people around her, with LKH driving the bus.
Dawn is in a matter of minutes, JC is in a panic, why is kissing Angel important RIGHT NOW? WHY? Just kiss her and get it over with and walk away, why discuss it. Why even stop in the hallway. Nod and walk by- King & Queen in a crisis, no you don't matter right now, Angel.
I read this entire scene in pure frustration, unsure why I had to deal with this tedium. It always feels so forced and cringy. It ultimately tied together, but it could have been tied together without Angel. She wasn't the tie, her brother was.
As a woman who enjoys other women, I find pushing women at Anita uncomfortable and cringy. Society pushes us enough, experiencing this via Anita's eyes is not sexy- it's exhausting and painful. At least we don't have to suffer through Jade, but I wish Envy and Angel would go away. The guys with them isn't the issue. But insufferably dealing with Angel being demanding when they're in a metaphysical crisis seemed ridiculous at best. It just left me thinking, "Go away! I'd rather have Kane on scene. At least he fits the dynamic happening." (my wish was granted seconds later. Ha!) LKH forcing Anita to pretend to want women... the readers don't buy into it. It's like lying to yourself and everyone around you realizes but you.
11: I'm glad the characters are in therapy, but mentioning this in every conversation is now another dead horse being dragged up yet another mountain. Is it a conversation? A negotiation? Verbal combat? They're all so insufferable. It's not as bad as in previous installments but I hope LKH keeps whittling this down to a minimum. I couldn't have people like this in my life, yet everyone in Anita's life is like this. It's why I understand Anita's need to go out of town for Marshall business with Edward. How refreshing that violence is easier than clingy, needy, emotional vampires. All of them start to sound the same when the whining begins. I wish LKH would write a scene where Anita just walks off and they don't realize until later that they've been whining to one another and mommy left. I think they all need more therapy. Less talking to each other and more to their doctors.
12: JC screaming "Enough!" "You will keep a civil tongue in your head toward my queen, or I will tear it from your head and let you wait in silence for it to grow back." JC's balls dropped. I just wish he would do this more often. Tell people to step off and get out of his face and leave Anita alone. Stop the whining. Be king. Why suffer from the weight of all the power if you can't tell your underlings to back off.
Overall thoughts: Anita seems more self-aware, less likely to be coerced, even though numerous characters are nonstop manipulating her for their own ends. While not a cliffhanger, SMOLDER felt like half a novel since the plot threads introduced led to nowhere. I don't mind this, as I understand how difficult it is to successfully write what should be two novels because the plot was so big. But that doesn't mean that it wasn't obvious that the novel took three or four misturns, as if it wasn't sure which type of novel it wanted to be. Wedding. Cop. Relationship BS. Metaphysical Crisis.
I enjoyed SMOLDER, read in two sittings as I needed to go to bed for the night. It wasn't as frustrating and tedious as previous installments. It's always a homecoming to read characters that you know like the back of your hand. As Anita gets more powerful, now that she will be queen, I understand how everyone and anyone around her would need her, push her, pressure her, and hide behind her. Heavy is the head that wears the crown. I just wish LKH would write Anita's nearest and dearest to be soft places to fall, to be her equals, to help instead of hurt. Otherwise, this experiment in the ultimate poly group is more like abuse than love with Anita as its victim.
January 16, 2025
I obviously haven't read this unpublished book, but the fact that someone put a one star made me angry. I am looking forward to its release eagerly, and enjoying following the process on Laurell K. Hamilton's TikTok!
March 29, 2023
This review can also be found at https://carolesrandomlife.com/
Do you know how some people want to talk things to death? Nothing ever seems to get done because they spend all of their time just talking about what they might do without really doing anything.
That is this book. So much talk. So little anything else.
I have been reading this series for a very long time. This is the 29th book in the series and I might have missed 2 or 3 books over the years but I have read close to all of them. I have loved some of the books and have been less enthusiastic about others. I can’t seem to completely give up on Anita and the gang so I keep coming back. I have to say that this is a book that could probably be skipped. It felt like this book was setting up the next book in the series more than anything else.
I was pretty hopeful when the book opened with a scene involving Edward. I tend to enjoy the books when he plays a part but he didn’t have much of a role in the story. I was also excited when a character that I have loved for a long time showed up after a long absence. But there was so much talking. And I needed at least a bit of something else.
I listened to the audiobook and thought that Kimberly Alexis did a great job with the narration. I have enjoyed her narration in the past so I knew that the audiobook would be a good choice. I am not sure that I would have finished the book without her narration to get me through.
I won’t be recommending this one to others. I think that long-time fans of the series may be interested in giving this one a try but I hate to say that I found it lacking.
I received a review copy of this book from Berkley Publishing Group and Penguin Random House Audio.
Do you know how some people want to talk things to death? Nothing ever seems to get done because they spend all of their time just talking about what they might do without really doing anything.
That is this book. So much talk. So little anything else.
I have been reading this series for a very long time. This is the 29th book in the series and I might have missed 2 or 3 books over the years but I have read close to all of them. I have loved some of the books and have been less enthusiastic about others. I can’t seem to completely give up on Anita and the gang so I keep coming back. I have to say that this is a book that could probably be skipped. It felt like this book was setting up the next book in the series more than anything else.
I was pretty hopeful when the book opened with a scene involving Edward. I tend to enjoy the books when he plays a part but he didn’t have much of a role in the story. I was also excited when a character that I have loved for a long time showed up after a long absence. But there was so much talking. And I needed at least a bit of something else.
I listened to the audiobook and thought that Kimberly Alexis did a great job with the narration. I have enjoyed her narration in the past so I knew that the audiobook would be a good choice. I am not sure that I would have finished the book without her narration to get me through.
I won’t be recommending this one to others. I think that long-time fans of the series may be interested in giving this one a try but I hate to say that I found it lacking.
I received a review copy of this book from Berkley Publishing Group and Penguin Random House Audio.
February 16, 2023
*Review copy obtained through Netgalley*
Okey, first hear me out before judging my 1-star review.
First of all, I am a very old fan of this series and I firmly believe that the quality only went downhill after Obsidian Butterfly. But. Since then, I've fully embraced the fact that the b-movie type of quality of Anita's reverse harem world is its own brand. People can love it or hate it but they still read it and get exactly what they expect from it.
Which is why my 1-star rating is fully good-natured. Yes, it was that terrible and yes, I rolled my eyes and enjoyed the predictability of the plot when 90% of action is a big, unending therapy session for Anita and her big bad puppy pile of lovers, and only 10% is an actual advancement of the plot. I read this while being stuck on a long flight and despite not having read the last 4 or 5 books in the series, I have not missed a thing, my dear readers.
*SPOILER*
Richard is back! And it actually made me feel much livelier. I miss the time when Anita only had him and Jean-Claude to worry about and you didn't need the spreadsheet for the rest of her partners. Ah, those were the days.... Anyway, get ready for a lot of talking, where the most amusing part of it is talking about feelings while you are in the middle of an emergency sex to ward off an attack (yes, non-fans, I know how it sounds!) and Jean-Claude already asked you a few times to stop yapping and just concentrate on getting bonked.
There is not much else going on, but the ending shows that at least a few chapters of the next book will be fun, cause Anita's family is here for the wedding. And there is a high chance I'll read it just for the hell of it.
Enjoy it or hate it at your own risk, but you have been warned.
Okey, first hear me out before judging my 1-star review.
First of all, I am a very old fan of this series and I firmly believe that the quality only went downhill after Obsidian Butterfly. But. Since then, I've fully embraced the fact that the b-movie type of quality of Anita's reverse harem world is its own brand. People can love it or hate it but they still read it and get exactly what they expect from it.
Which is why my 1-star rating is fully good-natured. Yes, it was that terrible and yes, I rolled my eyes and enjoyed the predictability of the plot when 90% of action is a big, unending therapy session for Anita and her big bad puppy pile of lovers, and only 10% is an actual advancement of the plot. I read this while being stuck on a long flight and despite not having read the last 4 or 5 books in the series, I have not missed a thing, my dear readers.
*SPOILER*
Richard is back! And it actually made me feel much livelier. I miss the time when Anita only had him and Jean-Claude to worry about and you didn't need the spreadsheet for the rest of her partners. Ah, those were the days.... Anyway, get ready for a lot of talking, where the most amusing part of it is talking about feelings while you are in the middle of an emergency sex to ward off an attack (yes, non-fans, I know how it sounds!) and Jean-Claude already asked you a few times to stop yapping and just concentrate on getting bonked.
There is not much else going on, but the ending shows that at least a few chapters of the next book will be fun, cause Anita's family is here for the wedding. And there is a high chance I'll read it just for the hell of it.
Enjoy it or hate it at your own risk, but you have been warned.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 3, 2023
In book 1 Anita says flippantly “I might as well emotionally abuse everyone I meet.” 28 books later and that’s exactly what she is still doing. For all the therapy talk she’s just as abusive and misogynistic as ever.
April 19, 2023
My biggest regret is randomly remembering I started this series years ago and how much I enjoyed it.
After binge purchasing books 11-29 to binge read by book 14 I am pretty sure I was just hate reading out of obligation because I bought these books.
This is the absolute worst destruction of a once great series I have ever had the displeasure of reading.
After binge purchasing books 11-29 to binge read by book 14 I am pretty sure I was just hate reading out of obligation because I bought these books.
This is the absolute worst destruction of a once great series I have ever had the displeasure of reading.
April 22, 2023
I read this book in a single sitting. It wasn't a hard read. It was also not one of her worst books. That award is reserved strictly for Jason. However, I cannot think of another singular book that enraged me as much as this one.
I do not generally write reviews with spoilers but it would be impossible for me to quantify my emotional state without them.
This entire book covers a singular day. Did you know you could cut out 489032784932894032% of this fucking thing and manage a quick short story?
Besides that, the worst character in the series comes back... Richard. I honestly was excited when I first started the book because any book with Edward is usually a winner. I can guarantee we'll have more plot than sex. But it doesn't even seem that Laurell understands how to write a sex scene anymore.
1.) Everything one does makes Anita writhe. If she is THAT violent in her responses maybe she should seek medical help it's not normal.
2.) It shouldn't take basically 30 pages for a sex scene. Why is it so fucking long you might ask? BECAUSE OF ALL THE STOPPING AND DIALOGUE. Did you know it was so haphazardly done I didn't even realize we got to meet the new evil villain and their evil powers until the panic happened???
3.) The entire book is like a terrible self help smorgasboard of garbage.
YES OKAY IT IS WONDERFUL ANITA IS HAVING MOVEMENT FROM THERAPY. THE PROBLEM IS I AM NOT TRYING TO READ A SELF HELP BOOK. CAN WE CALM THE FUCK DOWN ON ALL THE THERAPY MESSAGES?
We also now have Richard showing back up for his 1 millionth 2nd chance. Which of course we give him. Why do we give him that? Oh, because god forbid with all the therapy we identify that Richard himself is a terrible abuser. He is emotionally abusive. He is manipulative. And NO THERE IS NO AMOUNT OF THERAPY THAT WILL JUSTIFY ANY OF THAT. Sorry Laurell but you can piss off right there. None of the Richard aspect is healthy. And for someone who wants to write about a strong independent woman maybe stop making Anita into a weak CHILD who just throws tantrums over everything. BUT YOU CAN ALSO DO THAT WITHOUT HAVING THE THERAPY MENTIONED ON EVERY SINGLE PAGE. CHARACTER GROWTH CAN ALSO BE PROPERLY DONE EVEN WHEN IT'S VAGUE IN DESCRIPTION BUT SHOWN BY ACTION. YOU ARE TELLING YOU AREN'T SHOWING. ITS VERY CHEAP AND BAD WRITING. YOU ARE MILKING YOUR READERS OUT OF HARD EARNED MONEY FOR WHAT? FOR WHAT? I PAID $14.99 FOR THE GARBAGE THAT WAS JASON. THE BOOK WITH NO PLOT. I HAVE NO INTEREST IN TERRIBLE PORN WHY WOULD I BUY MORE TERRIBLE PORN?
I don't mind sex scenes and I don't even mind a lot of them. The problem I have is there is no reason for the copious amounts of pages dedicated to one single sex scene. You do not have to give us such deep scopes in to the poly world. It may be your only outlet for educating people.. but please TELL THE FUCKING STORY FIRST.
The book doesn't even finish. It's literally just stops and goes HEY READ THE NEXT BOOK TO FIND OUT WHAT HAPPENS. Well thanks I didn't fucking think of that did i?
No, I'm too busy wondering WHY EVERYONE LOVES THE BUTT CHIN BOY WONDER THAT IS RICHARD??? He basically attempted to rape anita previously and take away all her free will.. but it's cool HE SAID SORRY. AND IS ON HIS 100TH TIME OF GETTING A SECOND CHANCE BECAUSE WE ALL KNOW THAT THIS ONE IS THE ONE THAT WILL STICK. IT'S NOT LIKE THE YEARS OF CONSTANTLY SHOWING YOU THE TYPE OF PERSON HE IS ... BUT NO.. we will blame it on his previous therapist who was homophobic. So now he has a new one and helped Richard realize he is bisexual.
Because that was the "natural"???? growth of that particular character. So now all of anita's main men are bisexual. ISNT IT FUNNY HOW ALMOST EVERYONE AROUND HER IS BISEXUAL NOW? EVEN THE STRAIGHT HETEROSEXUAL MALES ARE NOW BISEXUAL? BECAUSE WE HAVE TO FORCE IT TO HAPPEN. There is no respect for her characters. She doesn't seem to remember most of her previous books. I mean it's like Jean Claudes ever changing height. She has no understanding of character continuity outside of Anita. But then again she based Anita on who she wanted to be. So, not surprised anita... the humbled "ugly" duckling that is found beautiful by everyone far and wide and she will never believe it BECAUSE ONE PERSON TOLD HER SHE WAS UGLY. AS A CHILD.
Honestly, I'm not gonna spend anymore money and pre order anymore of her books. I am going to borrow them from the library. BECAUSE YOU DONT DESERVE MY PENNIES. you are SHILLING this nonsense and ARE BLATANTLY BILKING YOUR READERS OUT OF THEIR MONEY. IN THIS ECONOMY IT'S NOT COOL.
If this were a tangible copy I would have set it on fire.
Also fuck Richard the crimson chin of werewolves.
I do not generally write reviews with spoilers but it would be impossible for me to quantify my emotional state without them.
This entire book covers a singular day. Did you know you could cut out 489032784932894032% of this fucking thing and manage a quick short story?
Besides that, the worst character in the series comes back... Richard. I honestly was excited when I first started the book because any book with Edward is usually a winner. I can guarantee we'll have more plot than sex. But it doesn't even seem that Laurell understands how to write a sex scene anymore.
1.) Everything one does makes Anita writhe. If she is THAT violent in her responses maybe she should seek medical help it's not normal.
2.) It shouldn't take basically 30 pages for a sex scene. Why is it so fucking long you might ask? BECAUSE OF ALL THE STOPPING AND DIALOGUE. Did you know it was so haphazardly done I didn't even realize we got to meet the new evil villain and their evil powers until the panic happened???
3.) The entire book is like a terrible self help smorgasboard of garbage.
YES OKAY IT IS WONDERFUL ANITA IS HAVING MOVEMENT FROM THERAPY. THE PROBLEM IS I AM NOT TRYING TO READ A SELF HELP BOOK. CAN WE CALM THE FUCK DOWN ON ALL THE THERAPY MESSAGES?
We also now have Richard showing back up for his 1 millionth 2nd chance. Which of course we give him. Why do we give him that? Oh, because god forbid with all the therapy we identify that Richard himself is a terrible abuser. He is emotionally abusive. He is manipulative. And NO THERE IS NO AMOUNT OF THERAPY THAT WILL JUSTIFY ANY OF THAT. Sorry Laurell but you can piss off right there. None of the Richard aspect is healthy. And for someone who wants to write about a strong independent woman maybe stop making Anita into a weak CHILD who just throws tantrums over everything. BUT YOU CAN ALSO DO THAT WITHOUT HAVING THE THERAPY MENTIONED ON EVERY SINGLE PAGE. CHARACTER GROWTH CAN ALSO BE PROPERLY DONE EVEN WHEN IT'S VAGUE IN DESCRIPTION BUT SHOWN BY ACTION. YOU ARE TELLING YOU AREN'T SHOWING. ITS VERY CHEAP AND BAD WRITING. YOU ARE MILKING YOUR READERS OUT OF HARD EARNED MONEY FOR WHAT? FOR WHAT? I PAID $14.99 FOR THE GARBAGE THAT WAS JASON. THE BOOK WITH NO PLOT. I HAVE NO INTEREST IN TERRIBLE PORN WHY WOULD I BUY MORE TERRIBLE PORN?
I don't mind sex scenes and I don't even mind a lot of them. The problem I have is there is no reason for the copious amounts of pages dedicated to one single sex scene. You do not have to give us such deep scopes in to the poly world. It may be your only outlet for educating people.. but please TELL THE FUCKING STORY FIRST.
The book doesn't even finish. It's literally just stops and goes HEY READ THE NEXT BOOK TO FIND OUT WHAT HAPPENS. Well thanks I didn't fucking think of that did i?
No, I'm too busy wondering WHY EVERYONE LOVES THE BUTT CHIN BOY WONDER THAT IS RICHARD??? He basically attempted to rape anita previously and take away all her free will.. but it's cool HE SAID SORRY. AND IS ON HIS 100TH TIME OF GETTING A SECOND CHANCE BECAUSE WE ALL KNOW THAT THIS ONE IS THE ONE THAT WILL STICK. IT'S NOT LIKE THE YEARS OF CONSTANTLY SHOWING YOU THE TYPE OF PERSON HE IS ... BUT NO.. we will blame it on his previous therapist who was homophobic. So now he has a new one and helped Richard realize he is bisexual.
Because that was the "natural"???? growth of that particular character. So now all of anita's main men are bisexual. ISNT IT FUNNY HOW ALMOST EVERYONE AROUND HER IS BISEXUAL NOW? EVEN THE STRAIGHT HETEROSEXUAL MALES ARE NOW BISEXUAL? BECAUSE WE HAVE TO FORCE IT TO HAPPEN. There is no respect for her characters. She doesn't seem to remember most of her previous books. I mean it's like Jean Claudes ever changing height. She has no understanding of character continuity outside of Anita. But then again she based Anita on who she wanted to be. So, not surprised anita... the humbled "ugly" duckling that is found beautiful by everyone far and wide and she will never believe it BECAUSE ONE PERSON TOLD HER SHE WAS UGLY. AS A CHILD.
Honestly, I'm not gonna spend anymore money and pre order anymore of her books. I am going to borrow them from the library. BECAUSE YOU DONT DESERVE MY PENNIES. you are SHILLING this nonsense and ARE BLATANTLY BILKING YOUR READERS OUT OF THEIR MONEY. IN THIS ECONOMY IT'S NOT COOL.
If this were a tangible copy I would have set it on fire.
Also fuck Richard the crimson chin of werewolves.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 25, 2022
WOW! Really disappointed with this installment. Let me preface this by saying I have loved this series and have really enjoyed all the books but this one. First, it starts strong with characters getting fitted for the upcoming wedding. Then we go to the scene of a murder...so far so good, right? WRONG!
We then spend the rest of the book fixing interpersonal relationships amongst the rather large cast of characters. Let me also say I am no prude and have absolutely no problems with the poly relationships within this series, nor the sex scenes...however a whole 500 page book of them that never advanced the over-arching story was a bit much. Additionally, this whole book took place over one 24-ish hour period.
There is a preview of the next book in the series, Slay, which I am assuming needed all the stuff in Smolder fixed before the story could continue? That's the only thing I can think of because no other book in this series has been like this one.
We then spend the rest of the book fixing interpersonal relationships amongst the rather large cast of characters. Let me also say I am no prude and have absolutely no problems with the poly relationships within this series, nor the sex scenes...however a whole 500 page book of them that never advanced the over-arching story was a bit much. Additionally, this whole book took place over one 24-ish hour period.
There is a preview of the next book in the series, Slay, which I am assuming needed all the stuff in Smolder fixed before the story could continue? That's the only thing I can think of because no other book in this series has been like this one.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 22, 2023
Like Sitting in on a Therapy session with 60 participants
LKH should be ashamed of this one! The tangled web of Anita’s suitors has grown so large, I’m exhausted trying to keep up.
Even with Micah on a work trip, there are dozens of men (and surprisingly little sex).
Richard is back, but spends 50 pages apologizing for leaving. Ru and his sister are problematic AF and lost now that they’re no longer Harlequin.
A nice set up for a romantic evening with Anita and Jean-Claude is ruined by high heels that get 15 pages worth of complaints, a too tight dress and a mysterious happening at the club that foreshadows an ominous turn.
That turn apparently happens in the next book. This one ends in a cliffhanger.
But I am definitely convinced not to enter into a polyamorous relationship with 10 core members plus at least 20 alternates to feed the ardeur.
Even Jean Claude seems weak and pitiful in this book. Might be time to wrap this series up for good.
LKH should be ashamed of this one! The tangled web of Anita’s suitors has grown so large, I’m exhausted trying to keep up.
Even with Micah on a work trip, there are dozens of men (and surprisingly little sex).
Richard is back, but spends 50 pages apologizing for leaving. Ru and his sister are problematic AF and lost now that they’re no longer Harlequin.
A nice set up for a romantic evening with Anita and Jean-Claude is ruined by high heels that get 15 pages worth of complaints, a too tight dress and a mysterious happening at the club that foreshadows an ominous turn.
That turn apparently happens in the next book. This one ends in a cliffhanger.
But I am definitely convinced not to enter into a polyamorous relationship with 10 core members plus at least 20 alternates to feed the ardeur.
Even Jean Claude seems weak and pitiful in this book. Might be time to wrap this series up for good.
March 22, 2023
I have been a fan of the series since the beginning but enough is enough. Slow burn is one thing but this is going in reverse. How many times can we see the same characters with the same issues show minimal growth and celebrate? And how long can this wedding take? Don’t even get me started on the unresolved Jason issues. I’m feeling frustrated with it all.
March 24, 2023
CLIFFHANGER! Absolutely disappointed! This books is nothing but fluff and lacked everything that Blake series usually has (PLOT, context, content, drama, thrill, lust, passion, emotion, etc). One of the main reasons for reading this book (Jean Claude and Anita’s wedding) didn’t even happen - as in LKH moved it to her next novel called Slay vía a cliff hanger.
I’m an avid Hamilton fan and love her Blake series. I’ve read every single book multiple times, bought all of the audio books I could and listen to them regularly and often search for recommendations of similar authors and styles.
Suffice it to say I shall not be doing that anymore.
I’ve felt the last few books have moved further and further away from her original style and been a little let down. I had such high hopes for Smolder as being a redemption for the last few novels and also because of the powerful focal point of Jean Claude & Anita’s marriage, but I was heartbreakingly let down.
It’s full of long drawn out monologues and verbal and mental arguments of things that don’t matter. Going around in circles with other main and side characters for things that happened in the past. Hell even the crime seen is similar to what was portrayed in one of the earlier books!
Then for the characters…many of the main ones just disappeared from previous books and weren’t mentioned or were only a passing thought (Micah, Jason, JJ, Claudia, Bobby Lee, Rafael, Otto, etc). From the ones who were present and mentioned (Edward, Peter, etc) they was no really plot or action surrounding them. Just tailoring and a discussion on threat removal. On top of that there were new characters mentioned who we don’t even know well or how they got here (Geoff).
I’m bitterly disappointed.
I’m an avid Hamilton fan and love her Blake series. I’ve read every single book multiple times, bought all of the audio books I could and listen to them regularly and often search for recommendations of similar authors and styles.
Suffice it to say I shall not be doing that anymore.
I’ve felt the last few books have moved further and further away from her original style and been a little let down. I had such high hopes for Smolder as being a redemption for the last few novels and also because of the powerful focal point of Jean Claude & Anita’s marriage, but I was heartbreakingly let down.
It’s full of long drawn out monologues and verbal and mental arguments of things that don’t matter. Going around in circles with other main and side characters for things that happened in the past. Hell even the crime seen is similar to what was portrayed in one of the earlier books!
Then for the characters…many of the main ones just disappeared from previous books and weren’t mentioned or were only a passing thought (Micah, Jason, JJ, Claudia, Bobby Lee, Rafael, Otto, etc). From the ones who were present and mentioned (Edward, Peter, etc) they was no really plot or action surrounding them. Just tailoring and a discussion on threat removal. On top of that there were new characters mentioned who we don’t even know well or how they got here (Geoff).
I’m bitterly disappointed.
March 26, 2023
The worst by far of this series. I did not understand the purpose. If I wanted to read a book about over-the-top psychoanalysis I would purchase a non-fiction book by an expert. The amount of time spent "talking" about issues in this book was ridiculous even for this author. When it gets to the point where you as a reader just don't care any longer, it's time to stop. I'm very disappointed that I wasted my money and time on this book. I really should have known better because the last 4 or 5 have left me dissatisfied. Really, don't waste your time. I think if the author cannot write these characters any longer she should just stop.
March 23, 2023
Why Bother
Every book I keep asking myself why do I continue with this series. This book was no different.
On one hand it was nice to have some beloved characters back (Richard). On the other hand WHY IS IT ALWAYS ABOUT FREAKING THERAPY?! I feel like I'm in therapy group session reading these books. I get that the characters have worked through issues, great. I get consent is 100% necessary. But do we need to keep repeating it over and over and over.
There was one whole section describing Damian's looks/hair. Later in the book that paragraph was basically copy and pasted again. Because lest we forget after 15+ books his hair is Crayola red because of not seeing sunlight. We know.
It is just so damn frustrating because this series was everything! But now it is just a very sad excuse. I dont know why but since this book did seem to resolve long issues (Richard) and kind of seemed like a filler book, I am PRAYING that the next book is back more in line with the old Anita books.
Every book I keep asking myself why do I continue with this series. This book was no different.
On one hand it was nice to have some beloved characters back (Richard). On the other hand WHY IS IT ALWAYS ABOUT FREAKING THERAPY?! I feel like I'm in therapy group session reading these books. I get that the characters have worked through issues, great. I get consent is 100% necessary. But do we need to keep repeating it over and over and over.
There was one whole section describing Damian's looks/hair. Later in the book that paragraph was basically copy and pasted again. Because lest we forget after 15+ books his hair is Crayola red because of not seeing sunlight. We know.
It is just so damn frustrating because this series was everything! But now it is just a very sad excuse. I dont know why but since this book did seem to resolve long issues (Richard) and kind of seemed like a filler book, I am PRAYING that the next book is back more in line with the old Anita books.
March 24, 2023
Another waste of time from LKH. Nothing happens in this novel except in the last 20 pages in keeping with Hamilton's pattern. You can skip this novel and just read Slay when it's released without missing anything.
March 22, 2023
Too wordy
I love this series but it getting hard for me to stay invested. (Spoilers) There was a crime, it didn’t get solve. They talk and talked and talked. A lot of descriptions about her boos which we all know what all of them look like already and a lot of repetitive explanation to fill up pages. 🙄😪
I love this series but it getting hard for me to stay invested. (Spoilers) There was a crime, it didn’t get solve. They talk and talked and talked. A lot of descriptions about her boos which we all know what all of them look like already and a lot of repetitive explanation to fill up pages. 🙄😪
March 23, 2023
First let me start off by saying I never write reviews, but this book just left me so disappointed, I can’t help myself.
I couldn’t wait for this book to come out, so I jumped and bought it as soon as it was available online and I just finished it. All I can say is WTF?! I waited two years for this??? Most of this book was Anita’s inner monologue and poly infighting. All 300 +/- pages was 98% nonsense mumbling with 2% fumbling through trying to make plans to kill the protagonist!
I feel like I want a refund as this was positively the worst book LKH has written to date.
Sorry not sorry, not taking it back.
I couldn’t wait for this book to come out, so I jumped and bought it as soon as it was available online and I just finished it. All I can say is WTF?! I waited two years for this??? Most of this book was Anita’s inner monologue and poly infighting. All 300 +/- pages was 98% nonsense mumbling with 2% fumbling through trying to make plans to kill the protagonist!
I feel like I want a refund as this was positively the worst book LKH has written to date.
Sorry not sorry, not taking it back.
March 28, 2023
Good lawd this book was a waste of my audible credit. I always feel a person should read a book to come up with their own conclusions, and I don't like bad mouthing folks work but this took the cake. I feel like Hamilton wrote this book with the thought in mind that her audience might be remedial, or that's the impression I got with the over explaining and trying to simplify things. For example, one scene with Asher, like in past books, where he repeatedly asks the same thing phrased differently. Then we have the description of how red Damien's hair is since he's a vamp, but keep in mind that this same thing has been said in MULTIPLE previous books.
Sh!t has me so irritated that I'm typing words in all caps, smh.
Plus, she keeps repeating, about 3 times, how Richard isn't as beefy since he has to work out at a regular human gym. Then there's a whole discussion in the mists of 1200 other discussions about said workout problems. And guess what folks, big spoiler, Richard's therapy sessions have led to him admitting and being comfortable with his bisexuality, but he's only bi for Jean Claude it would seem.
I loved the novels before all the sex and poly groups came up because now there's so much emotional and sexual stuff to wade through. Everyone wants to sex up Anita and feels slighted if they can't feed the arduer, I'm sure I spelt that wrong. This book has me so pissed I'm writing this long a$s review. I bet this book was like 500 pages but only about 30 dealt with fighting the bad guy and trying to figure out how to beat him, the rest was them standing around talking and Anita trying to figure out if the name of a guard who she's not that familiar with starts with either a J or G.
Oh, also towards the end when Asher once again does some stupid crap that they should more than likely get rid of him for, Richard admits he's also bi for him too and he wants to think up some freaky bondage scene that'll end with him parting those cheeks, and it made me want to call bullsh!t. Oh yeah, I'm bi but only for two guys but I feel a certain way if other guys aren't attracted to me, boo muthafukin hoo
I'm reading this other series she just started like last year and it looks promising, I'm just hoping it doesn't become a tiresome sex fest with a flimsy plot line.
P.S. the stuff she had going on with Dolph and that other guy was interesting and seemed to be pushed to the side for all the damned talking.
Sh!t has me so irritated that I'm typing words in all caps, smh.
Plus, she keeps repeating, about 3 times, how Richard isn't as beefy since he has to work out at a regular human gym. Then there's a whole discussion in the mists of 1200 other discussions about said workout problems. And guess what folks, big spoiler, Richard's therapy sessions have led to him admitting and being comfortable with his bisexuality, but he's only bi for Jean Claude it would seem.
I loved the novels before all the sex and poly groups came up because now there's so much emotional and sexual stuff to wade through. Everyone wants to sex up Anita and feels slighted if they can't feed the arduer, I'm sure I spelt that wrong. This book has me so pissed I'm writing this long a$s review. I bet this book was like 500 pages but only about 30 dealt with fighting the bad guy and trying to figure out how to beat him, the rest was them standing around talking and Anita trying to figure out if the name of a guard who she's not that familiar with starts with either a J or G.
Oh, also towards the end when Asher once again does some stupid crap that they should more than likely get rid of him for, Richard admits he's also bi for him too and he wants to think up some freaky bondage scene that'll end with him parting those cheeks, and it made me want to call bullsh!t. Oh yeah, I'm bi but only for two guys but I feel a certain way if other guys aren't attracted to me, boo muthafukin hoo
I'm reading this other series she just started like last year and it looks promising, I'm just hoping it doesn't become a tiresome sex fest with a flimsy plot line.
P.S. the stuff she had going on with Dolph and that other guy was interesting and seemed to be pushed to the side for all the damned talking.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 24, 2023
This one felt like it was the Anita of old as it started out. Anita and Edward together, sure they weren't fighting evil or working a case, instead it was getting fitted for wedding clothes, but it was still fun! I liked seeing how much Peter has grown. He really managed to surprise so many with different thoughts he had, it was great! Anita getting called out to work a case and coming up with some great points, all the while learning some new things to bring back to the group at large that was a huge potential threat.
Things started to turn for me when at the club for the big "date night" things started to go to shit. They all had little time to figure shit out, to beat back the big bad and the start of pettiness really kicked in, much more so than at the bridal shop.
Later when everyone was headed home and they realized they needed to shore up the defenses it was one big fight of how the poly group worked, didn't work, each little group, how they were powerful, why they were powerful, how was this new action going to affect all of that. Here is where I get bored and want to give up. They really need to do away with the whiners and ones that bring the group down, I don't care if 1 or 2 people really love them, they are a drain on the whole.
It seems like things got figured out in the end, but so many things were left up in the air. What is going on with Jason, it doesn't look good for him. What happened with the case Anita was called away to help? What about her toe to toe with the guy from Washington? Richard is back, things seem better, but come on, Richard has done things like this before, so I don't really believe it. What will happen now after all these dynamics have changed with the new step taken at the end? Lots of things that make me want to pick up the next book, despite being annoyed with much of this one.
Things started to turn for me when at the club for the big "date night" things started to go to shit. They all had little time to figure shit out, to beat back the big bad and the start of pettiness really kicked in, much more so than at the bridal shop.
Later when everyone was headed home and they realized they needed to shore up the defenses it was one big fight of how the poly group worked, didn't work, each little group, how they were powerful, why they were powerful, how was this new action going to affect all of that. Here is where I get bored and want to give up. They really need to do away with the whiners and ones that bring the group down, I don't care if 1 or 2 people really love them, they are a drain on the whole.
It seems like things got figured out in the end, but so many things were left up in the air. What is going on with Jason, it doesn't look good for him. What happened with the case Anita was called away to help? What about her toe to toe with the guy from Washington? Richard is back, things seem better, but come on, Richard has done things like this before, so I don't really believe it. What will happen now after all these dynamics have changed with the new step taken at the end? Lots of things that make me want to pick up the next book, despite being annoyed with much of this one.
March 26, 2023
Quick read but for the love of all things holy, I'm over the interpersonal debates and talks. Great, I'm glad everyone is working on their issues but there is no need for nearly 250 of talk and only 50 pages of what drew fans to Anita in the first place, the solving of paranormal murders. I thought Hamilton was getting back to that but sadly this book proves that to be wrong. This book was damn near useless in bringing the story along and should have been edited more and combined to the big bad.
March 23, 2023
a truly unhappy long term fan
I have waited 2 years for a short story? I have been reading laurels k Hamilton for nearly 20 years and this is the shortest book I’ve ever purchased at full price 1 days worth of events for $14.99 there was barely any short here. The writing was good as always but where was the rest of the story? All these teasers for what tomorrow would bring and then nothing. I have never been so disappointed in her work. And will I have to wait another 2 years before the next book come out I mean i feel seriously cheated. I thought Edward’s wedding was a little short but at least it had a being middle and an end. If she’s run out of story she just needs to give us the conclusion and move on. I’ve been hoping for the next merry gentry book for ever but I’ve moved on. I would miss Anita and the gang but I would live.
I have waited 2 years for a short story? I have been reading laurels k Hamilton for nearly 20 years and this is the shortest book I’ve ever purchased at full price 1 days worth of events for $14.99 there was barely any short here. The writing was good as always but where was the rest of the story? All these teasers for what tomorrow would bring and then nothing. I have never been so disappointed in her work. And will I have to wait another 2 years before the next book come out I mean i feel seriously cheated. I thought Edward’s wedding was a little short but at least it had a being middle and an end. If she’s run out of story she just needs to give us the conclusion and move on. I’ve been hoping for the next merry gentry book for ever but I’ve moved on. I would miss Anita and the gang but I would live.
March 23, 2023
I am a long time Anita Blake fan. I’ve read all the books to date — most of them at least twice — and even a couple of the graphic novels just for funsies. I devoured Smoulder in three days. Would have been two, but I had to work. Honestly, Smoulder feels super unfinished. I want to say there are two major plot lines introduced in Smoulder that just don’t come to any sort of conclusion and the third, continuing plot line that kind of does. It’s felt very odd when Smoulder just sort of petered off when it did. The book wasn’t bad, but the ending was definitely a… uh… I don’t know how to describe it in a single word. I felt like I had whip-lash from the ending, because I was expecting more.
So, the first story line that I felt should have had an ending was the Sunshine Murder thing. Usually, Anita gets called in to help with a case and that’s the over-arching plot of the book. But not so here. Anita gets called in to consult and then… nothing. Dolph sidelines her from the case and apparently McKinnon’s magic do-hickey means nothing in the long-run of Smoulder. Okay… but fine.
Second story line: the while Deimos thing. Anita and the gang are attacked and barely get out with the power they currently have. We spend much of the rest of the book theorizing on how to take out Deimos. And then… nothing. No second attack, no actually going after Deimos, just prep work. Uh… what? This one feels like it got stopped right in the middle. It’s the story line I’m really annoyed pretty much goes nowhere.
The continuing story line of Anita’s love life keeps getting on. We get Richard back in the mix and Asher’s nonsense continues. Another part of this kind of concludes because of the Deimos story line, but, as usual, there are more issue to work out. I’m happier with this bit, but… ugh. Just… everyone talks like they’ve got a partial psychology degree and they explain things to the point of smacking the reader over the head with them. Also, all this talking really killed the pacing for me. Aaand everyone goes to sleep all of a sudden with no food? That was kind of a large part of the focus that go forgotten, I guess.
I’m not sure exactly what I was expecting from Smoulder but this wasn’t it. I definitely expected more story and it just cut off. Adding a Sneak Peak at Slay didn’t endear the abrupt ending to me either. I didn’t read it, to be totally honest. I really expect more out of the Anita Blake novels.
So, the first story line that I felt should have had an ending was the Sunshine Murder thing. Usually, Anita gets called in to help with a case and that’s the over-arching plot of the book. But not so here. Anita gets called in to consult and then… nothing. Dolph sidelines her from the case and apparently McKinnon’s magic do-hickey means nothing in the long-run of Smoulder. Okay… but fine.
Second story line: the while Deimos thing. Anita and the gang are attacked and barely get out with the power they currently have. We spend much of the rest of the book theorizing on how to take out Deimos. And then… nothing. No second attack, no actually going after Deimos, just prep work. Uh… what? This one feels like it got stopped right in the middle. It’s the story line I’m really annoyed pretty much goes nowhere.
The continuing story line of Anita’s love life keeps getting on. We get Richard back in the mix and Asher’s nonsense continues. Another part of this kind of concludes because of the Deimos story line, but, as usual, there are more issue to work out. I’m happier with this bit, but… ugh. Just… everyone talks like they’ve got a partial psychology degree and they explain things to the point of smacking the reader over the head with them. Also, all this talking really killed the pacing for me. Aaand everyone goes to sleep all of a sudden with no food? That was kind of a large part of the focus that go forgotten, I guess.
I’m not sure exactly what I was expecting from Smoulder but this wasn’t it. I definitely expected more story and it just cut off. Adding a Sneak Peak at Slay didn’t endear the abrupt ending to me either. I didn’t read it, to be totally honest. I really expect more out of the Anita Blake novels.
March 31, 2023
There is no plot only people sitting or standing around in endless mind numbing conversation
The Anita Blake books keep getting worse. I can't remember when last I enjoyed one of them. There is hardly any story, hardly a plot and way too much amateurish psychoanalysis babble.
Hamilton seems hellbend to have the characters remenis every storyline from every past Anita Blake novel in this book. It is extremely tiresome and boring. Quite a few lines of dialog are recycled three, even four times, and most of the dialog is terribly clonky, and in no way, how real people talk.
The progression in the story is slower than mud running up hill, and makes just as much sense. I especially hated the car ride 65 % in, where Hamilton has all the main characters explain the plot points to the reader and each other, in hope no one notices the outmost ridiculousness of it all. Damn, that was toe cringlingly awful. It held sentences like this one: 'He is called a dragon, and his name is Drakon...' (Really? I mean really?) or like this one: 'So, he is not a dragon, like the Dragon?' (Inventive this is not...). And then followed a conversation on who was a damsel in distress, a princess, a prince, a king, a queen, a worrior, a knight, a general.... Gaaah! I kid you not. I'm not making this up. Seriously. Toe. Cringing.
Unfortunately it does not end there. The mind numbingly and seemingly endless conversation keeps going. The conversation on who gets to sleep at whoms side, back, front if this person is present, or if that person is present reads like a grotesque version of musical chairs.
And just adding injury to spite, Hamilton leaves the novel unfinished - It's not a cliffhanger because there is no cliff and nowhere to hang. The conversation only ends because half the participants (the vampires) die for the day.
So, all in all, I believe this Anita Blake novel finally convinced me that there's nothing left to come back for. There will be no more good Anita Blake novels. That ship sailed ages ago.
The Anita Blake books keep getting worse. I can't remember when last I enjoyed one of them. There is hardly any story, hardly a plot and way too much amateurish psychoanalysis babble.
Hamilton seems hellbend to have the characters remenis every storyline from every past Anita Blake novel in this book. It is extremely tiresome and boring. Quite a few lines of dialog are recycled three, even four times, and most of the dialog is terribly clonky, and in no way, how real people talk.
The progression in the story is slower than mud running up hill, and makes just as much sense. I especially hated the car ride 65 % in, where Hamilton has all the main characters explain the plot points to the reader and each other, in hope no one notices the outmost ridiculousness of it all. Damn, that was toe cringlingly awful. It held sentences like this one: 'He is called a dragon, and his name is Drakon...' (Really? I mean really?) or like this one: 'So, he is not a dragon, like the Dragon?' (Inventive this is not...). And then followed a conversation on who was a damsel in distress, a princess, a prince, a king, a queen, a worrior, a knight, a general.... Gaaah! I kid you not. I'm not making this up. Seriously. Toe. Cringing.
Unfortunately it does not end there. The mind numbingly and seemingly endless conversation keeps going. The conversation on who gets to sleep at whoms side, back, front if this person is present, or if that person is present reads like a grotesque version of musical chairs.
And just adding injury to spite, Hamilton leaves the novel unfinished - It's not a cliffhanger because there is no cliff and nowhere to hang. The conversation only ends because half the participants (the vampires) die for the day.
So, all in all, I believe this Anita Blake novel finally convinced me that there's nothing left to come back for. There will be no more good Anita Blake novels. That ship sailed ages ago.
March 23, 2023
Audiobook: I will no longer be purchasing LKH books. This audiobook was nearly a complete waste of time. I am so sick of the author’s persistence of making Anita a complaining character, making the polyamorous characters seem like crybabies, internal complaining and infighting, and hardly any action. This story is incomplete- no resolution to the dragon vampire, no wedding, no hunting, no fight scenes not involving the ardour, and really no story/plot - this felt like a filler book. I liked the idea of a dragon vampire. The narrator did a nice job…otherwise this book was a disgrace to the series. Ugh!
May 16, 2023
No idea why I keep reading these books…. Guess that I’m always hoping for a return to the original stories that were more than discussing everyone’s feelings 🙄
March 22, 2023
disappointed I want a refund
I really wanted to give this one star but decided not to because it was an enjoyable reading experience. The story flowed, and I finished the book in a couple of hours. However, my disappointment comes from paying 15 for what I feel is an incomplete story. First the description of the book is misleading because it makes you believe it will focus on the wedding and something will occur that disrupts said wedding, while this does occur briefly in the book i feel it was an afterthought. it was like 30 something pages of story in wedding dress venue, couple chapters in guilty pleasures, in the car to circus, and finally pointless storyline inside the circus itself. Secondly, why mention three different plots, one about the sunshine killings, family drama surrounding the wedding, the threat from the dragon, and not fully exploring at least one of them. If the book focused on at least one of these plots, I would have given five stars, then just to add insult, you give a snippet of the next book, which will probably be just as short and cost 15 again. This book should not have been more than 10, I feel I am paying more for the authors reputation over the true value of this book. I am a big fan of this series as well as Merry Gentry books. I own all the books in both series except for one, but the last three releases of anita blake have been a letdown for me. This will be the last time I purchase a book in this series on the release date, I will wait until the price goes down or get it from library to determine if I want to purchase in the future.
I really wanted to give this one star but decided not to because it was an enjoyable reading experience. The story flowed, and I finished the book in a couple of hours. However, my disappointment comes from paying 15 for what I feel is an incomplete story. First the description of the book is misleading because it makes you believe it will focus on the wedding and something will occur that disrupts said wedding, while this does occur briefly in the book i feel it was an afterthought. it was like 30 something pages of story in wedding dress venue, couple chapters in guilty pleasures, in the car to circus, and finally pointless storyline inside the circus itself. Secondly, why mention three different plots, one about the sunshine killings, family drama surrounding the wedding, the threat from the dragon, and not fully exploring at least one of them. If the book focused on at least one of these plots, I would have given five stars, then just to add insult, you give a snippet of the next book, which will probably be just as short and cost 15 again. This book should not have been more than 10, I feel I am paying more for the authors reputation over the true value of this book. I am a big fan of this series as well as Merry Gentry books. I own all the books in both series except for one, but the last three releases of anita blake have been a letdown for me. This will be the last time I purchase a book in this series on the release date, I will wait until the price goes down or get it from library to determine if I want to purchase in the future.
March 22, 2023
She did it to me again!!! I meant to only read part of this today and part tomorrow!!! And then I was on the last page!! I don't know how she does it ever time but Laurell K. Hamilton will grab you and hold you till you just have to turn the page!!
March 28, 2023
I’m not sure what to even say. I’m disappointed because it seems like the poly group has gotten so big that now we can’t even make it down a hallway to take a shower without people stopping us and needing attention or whining about something…….I absolutely adore the Anita Blake series, but this book was one of the worst. I’m hoping Laurell K Hamilton just needed to get the trash out before the good stuff could come forward? I feel awful even saying anything negative about her work because it’s all been amazing, I’m hopeful “Slay” will put everything into perspective in November as to why all the dialogue and whining was necessary.
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