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The Shadow Keepers #2
When Pleasure Rules
Seven innocents have been brutally murdered in Los Angeles, yet the Shadow Alliance has no suspects and no leads. As the body count mounts, the age-old feud between vampires and werewolves threatens to explode.
Lissa Monroe�a strong-willed, ravishing succubus who entices men to surrender their souls�agrees to go undercover for the Alliance. Her mission: infiltrate the mind of werewolf leader Vincent Rand, a ferociously alluring enemy who exerts a powerful hold over her. As the City of Angels teeters on the brink of apocalypse, these two adversaries must join together in order to survive an even more lethal enemy hidden in plain sight.
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Lissa Monroe�a strong-willed, ravishing succubus who entices men to surrender their souls�agrees to go undercover for the Alliance. Her mission: infiltrate the mind of werewolf leader Vincent Rand, a ferociously alluring enemy who exerts a powerful hold over her. As the City of Angels teeters on the brink of apocalypse, these two adversaries must join together in order to survive an even more lethal enemy hidden in plain sight.
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448 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 2010
34 people are currently reading
1363 people want to read
About the author
J.K. Beck
11 books382 followersJulia A. Beck was born in Mountainview, California, USA on 1965. Her father was an aeronautical engineer, and her mother worked as a secretary. She grew up in Austin, Texas, where she attended Lyndon Baines Johnson High School, graduating as valedictorian of her class. She went on to the University of Texas, where she received a bachelor's degree in communications (radio-television-film). Afterward, she worked as a media specialist for a community college, before enrolling in Baylor Law School. Coincidently, her father was attending Baylor and earning his law degree at the same time. She graduated second in her class, and started to work as a lawyer.
She married with Donald "Don" Kenner, and when in 1995, she and her husband , moved from Los Angeles back to her hometown of Austin, she decided to try to focus some of her creative energy. She has always loved making up stories, particularly those with a happy ending, and romance writing was a perfect fit. Though her first manuscript will never see the light of day, her second sold to Harlequin Temptation after placing first in the Tampa Area Romance Authors' Contest. That novel, Nobody Does It Better, was published in February of 2000. Since that first sale, Julie continued writing and publishing, she quit the practice of law to write full time in 2004. She was the winner of Romantic Times' Reviewer's Choice Award for Best Contemporary Paranormal of 2001, the winner of the Reviewers International Organization's award for best romantic suspense of 2004 and best paranormal of 2005, and the winner of the National Readers' Choice Award for best mainstream book of 2005, and was also the two-time RITA finalist, both times for books about strong women. Her novel, Carpe Demon, is in development as a feature film with Warner Brothers and 1492 Pictures.
When she's not writing, she loves spending time with her husband, her two daughters, her cats and with the neighborhood cats who tend to hang around her house. She and her husband also love to travel—whether to small towns in the Texas hill country, or to more distant venues such as Ireland, London, or Paris. Julie's a movie buff, enjoying everything from the lightest romantic comedy to the most action-packed adventure! Julie loves to hear from readers, and you can write her at P.O. Box 151417, Austin, TX 78715-1417 (if you'd like free goodies, send a SASE), or send an e-mail to julie@juliekenner.com
She married with Donald "Don" Kenner, and when in 1995, she and her husband , moved from Los Angeles back to her hometown of Austin, she decided to try to focus some of her creative energy. She has always loved making up stories, particularly those with a happy ending, and romance writing was a perfect fit. Though her first manuscript will never see the light of day, her second sold to Harlequin Temptation after placing first in the Tampa Area Romance Authors' Contest. That novel, Nobody Does It Better, was published in February of 2000. Since that first sale, Julie continued writing and publishing, she quit the practice of law to write full time in 2004. She was the winner of Romantic Times' Reviewer's Choice Award for Best Contemporary Paranormal of 2001, the winner of the Reviewers International Organization's award for best romantic suspense of 2004 and best paranormal of 2005, and the winner of the National Readers' Choice Award for best mainstream book of 2005, and was also the two-time RITA finalist, both times for books about strong women. Her novel, Carpe Demon, is in development as a feature film with Warner Brothers and 1492 Pictures.
When she's not writing, she loves spending time with her husband, her two daughters, her cats and with the neighborhood cats who tend to hang around her house. She and her husband also love to travel—whether to small towns in the Texas hill country, or to more distant venues such as Ireland, London, or Paris. Julie's a movie buff, enjoying everything from the lightest romantic comedy to the most action-packed adventure! Julie loves to hear from readers, and you can write her at P.O. Box 151417, Austin, TX 78715-1417 (if you'd like free goodies, send a SASE), or send an e-mail to julie@juliekenner.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 77 reviews
October 20, 2010
The on going feud between werewolves and vampires continues and is getting deadlier each day. The Shadow Alliance, secret organization that governs the paranormal, wants answers now. Werewolf Vincent Rand is back in Los Angeles to find out who is framing his boss Gunnolf for the murder of 7 humans with more bodies piling up. Lissa Monroe is to use her succubus powers and ability to look into her lover's minds to find out more about Rand for the Alliance or will be forced to give up every thing she has worked for and will be sent to prison. What she thought would be an easy task proves to be difficult when they start to fall for each other and will risk anything, including their missions, to save the other.
Vincent Rand grew up on the hard streets of LA and killed his first person before he was even a teenager. He has always had an inner wolf lurking at his surface and finally let it loose after being bitten while over seas. Rand first became a soldier as a human and continue to be one for the werewolf leader Gunnolf once he was turned. He left LA for Paris to get away from his past but is forced to go back after years of being away to see who has been spreading lies about his leader that may cost him his territory. When he arrives he visits Orlando, a club where the women are succubi, and meets its beautiful and take no crap owner Lissa Monroe. He feels desire for her right away but writes it off as the attraction all men feel towards a succubus. Lissa is not sure of what to think of Rand at first. He seems unaffected by her succubus appeal and it both confuses and intrigues her. Lissa tells herself she must stay away from Rand but is forced to seek him out when Division 6, paranormal arm of the law, threatens to close her club down and toss her in prison if she does not use her gift of steeling secrets straight from someone's head on Rand to find out why his is in LA and what his involvement is in the string of recent killings.
I'm not generally a fan of succubus but I found myself liking Lissa. She won her freedom from her master and works to buy the freedom of other succubus and lets them be their own masters. Taking what is not given freely is why she is on Division 6's radar. She has already started to like Rand because he doesn't fall for her tricks and does what no one else has done for her. He tries to protect her. When she is with him it's not just about sex and you can tell she really feels guilty for what she must do. Rand has had a hard life. He was in a violent gang and got a girl pregnant. He married her but then lost her when a gang leader wanted to prove a point and killed her. After that he became a disciplined soldier who works to keep his wolf from coming out. He wants to blame the attraction towards Lissa on what she is but he can't help like that she stands up for herself and takes crap from no one. Not to mention the thought of her with another male makes him want to unleash his inner beast. Their relationship moves pretty quickly and at first it is based off lust but I ended up liking this pair because together they became better and more interesting characters.
There is a killer hunting humans in Southern California and not even the paranormal are safe. Someone is killing humans and vampires are blaming werewolves and werewolves are blaming vampires. I really liked that it wasn't that simple. When Pleasure Rules has a love story but is equally matched with a 'who done it?' story line done in a supernatural world. This is an ongoing series so you see a lot of the same characters that are in the first book in the series, When Blood Calls. One of my favorites is still Nick who is a lawyer and vampire (isn't that part of every lawyer joke?). He first comes off as a arrogant (which he is) and kind of one dimensional in the first book but in this book light is shed on his past and I ended the book wanting to know more about him and am glad he takes the lead in the next book in the series, When Wicked Craves.
~Stephanie
Vincent Rand was a professional killer he had been when he was in the gangs of south central, when he left for the military and even now as a accidentally turned were he kills for Gunnolf. But now he has to leave Paris and return to the memories of LA in order to find out who is killing all these humans and making suspicion fall on Gunnolf.
Lissa Monroe is a vibrant self sufficient succubus she has worked hard to get to where she is, free, with her own club filled with girls she bargained for and freed also. She’d do anything thing to keep this world that she has created.
Rand finds himself at a club staring at the most beautiful woman he's ever seen but of course that's the power of a succubus right, to make you want them. But as much as he wants her he's here on business and leaves her.
Lissa is overwhelmed by the mere presents of this were. He makes he feel a need for him and not just his soul, his touch. These feelings scare her as much as they suck her in. But when this man resists her charms and walks away is she thrilled or disappointed?
Rand find this quest to find this human killer harder than he thought he might have to pull in some help from so unexpected places.
When Lissa finds herself in a impossible situation and the PEC is threaten to jail her she makes a deal to get inside Rand’s head for them, but what she didn't know was if she did she would surly take the whole soul. She finds out quickly that not only can she not do that to him that she is falling for him. Now she is faced with a choice protect herself and her girls or protect Rand.
I thought this book was good. It was a little slow at the start but Rand is a sexy tortured soul and it hard not to love him. It was nice seeing nick and Luke again. I still think the first book was my favorite but this one was equally great and had some twists and turns that I thought were very interesting and I can't wait to see how some it plays out.
~Athenna
Vincent Rand grew up on the hard streets of LA and killed his first person before he was even a teenager. He has always had an inner wolf lurking at his surface and finally let it loose after being bitten while over seas. Rand first became a soldier as a human and continue to be one for the werewolf leader Gunnolf once he was turned. He left LA for Paris to get away from his past but is forced to go back after years of being away to see who has been spreading lies about his leader that may cost him his territory. When he arrives he visits Orlando, a club where the women are succubi, and meets its beautiful and take no crap owner Lissa Monroe. He feels desire for her right away but writes it off as the attraction all men feel towards a succubus. Lissa is not sure of what to think of Rand at first. He seems unaffected by her succubus appeal and it both confuses and intrigues her. Lissa tells herself she must stay away from Rand but is forced to seek him out when Division 6, paranormal arm of the law, threatens to close her club down and toss her in prison if she does not use her gift of steeling secrets straight from someone's head on Rand to find out why his is in LA and what his involvement is in the string of recent killings.
I'm not generally a fan of succubus but I found myself liking Lissa. She won her freedom from her master and works to buy the freedom of other succubus and lets them be their own masters. Taking what is not given freely is why she is on Division 6's radar. She has already started to like Rand because he doesn't fall for her tricks and does what no one else has done for her. He tries to protect her. When she is with him it's not just about sex and you can tell she really feels guilty for what she must do. Rand has had a hard life. He was in a violent gang and got a girl pregnant. He married her but then lost her when a gang leader wanted to prove a point and killed her. After that he became a disciplined soldier who works to keep his wolf from coming out. He wants to blame the attraction towards Lissa on what she is but he can't help like that she stands up for herself and takes crap from no one. Not to mention the thought of her with another male makes him want to unleash his inner beast. Their relationship moves pretty quickly and at first it is based off lust but I ended up liking this pair because together they became better and more interesting characters.
There is a killer hunting humans in Southern California and not even the paranormal are safe. Someone is killing humans and vampires are blaming werewolves and werewolves are blaming vampires. I really liked that it wasn't that simple. When Pleasure Rules has a love story but is equally matched with a 'who done it?' story line done in a supernatural world. This is an ongoing series so you see a lot of the same characters that are in the first book in the series, When Blood Calls. One of my favorites is still Nick who is a lawyer and vampire (isn't that part of every lawyer joke?). He first comes off as a arrogant (which he is) and kind of one dimensional in the first book but in this book light is shed on his past and I ended the book wanting to know more about him and am glad he takes the lead in the next book in the series, When Wicked Craves.
~Stephanie
Vincent Rand was a professional killer he had been when he was in the gangs of south central, when he left for the military and even now as a accidentally turned were he kills for Gunnolf. But now he has to leave Paris and return to the memories of LA in order to find out who is killing all these humans and making suspicion fall on Gunnolf.
Lissa Monroe is a vibrant self sufficient succubus she has worked hard to get to where she is, free, with her own club filled with girls she bargained for and freed also. She’d do anything thing to keep this world that she has created.
Rand finds himself at a club staring at the most beautiful woman he's ever seen but of course that's the power of a succubus right, to make you want them. But as much as he wants her he's here on business and leaves her.
Lissa is overwhelmed by the mere presents of this were. He makes he feel a need for him and not just his soul, his touch. These feelings scare her as much as they suck her in. But when this man resists her charms and walks away is she thrilled or disappointed?
Rand find this quest to find this human killer harder than he thought he might have to pull in some help from so unexpected places.
When Lissa finds herself in a impossible situation and the PEC is threaten to jail her she makes a deal to get inside Rand’s head for them, but what she didn't know was if she did she would surly take the whole soul. She finds out quickly that not only can she not do that to him that she is falling for him. Now she is faced with a choice protect herself and her girls or protect Rand.
I thought this book was good. It was a little slow at the start but Rand is a sexy tortured soul and it hard not to love him. It was nice seeing nick and Luke again. I still think the first book was my favorite but this one was equally great and had some twists and turns that I thought were very interesting and I can't wait to see how some it plays out.
~Athenna
April 29, 2020
Interessante Charaktere, interessante Welt und auch in englisch ein einfacher, flüssig zu lesender Schreibstil!
Freu mich auf die anderen Bände!
Freu mich auf die anderen Bände!
January 3, 2012
This story was on Rand and Lissa. We didn't meet either of them in the first book, which was kind of a bummer for me. I like to have some history of the characters. In saying that, I think she did a great job establishing a history with previous characters. I like that we also met Petra (who is in the next book). Still feel for Serge and can't wait for his book. Rand was likeable; Lissa I really liked. Great suspense..didn't see where everything was going:) It's not stuck on one particular storyline and I kind of like that. Look forward to Nick and Petra's story and to find out more about her. This is a good series. Doesn't make me giddy excited, but definetely has me wanting to read on!
June 6, 2012
I was disappointed that the characters weren't characters from the first book, however I soon got over that as I delved into the pages of murder, mayhem and love. The coming together of these two characters was a wonderful read.
July 30, 2012
In the second book of the Shadow Keepers series we follow succubus Lissa and weren Rand. It's hard to really pinpoint what the plot was and explain it because there were so many different plot threads going on in this book. There were a lot of characters and it seemed like every single one of them had their own side plots. Lissa and Rand didn't even share the same plot. They each had problems of their own that just happened to intersect. I guess I will say the main plot thread was somebody trying to frame Gunnolf for dead human bodies that keep popping up around L.A. and its Rand's job to find out who the real culprit is.
Despite the fact that all of the sub-characters have their own plot threads and that can get confusing, I kind of like that even the non-main characters have personalities and backstories. It gives them a lot of depth and it was nice to have them in the story. Lissa and Rand's characters were done well, in my opinion. This was a insta-love book but it didn't feel like it was. They actually held strong and didn't just jump into bed with each other. Unfortunately I felt like their relationship didn't grow at all. The build up of their romance kind of fell flat.
Overall it was a decent read and I will be continuing the series. I did notice however that this is not one of those books that you can pick up in the middle of a series and still have it make sense. You should probably read the first one.
Despite the fact that all of the sub-characters have their own plot threads and that can get confusing, I kind of like that even the non-main characters have personalities and backstories. It gives them a lot of depth and it was nice to have them in the story. Lissa and Rand's characters were done well, in my opinion. This was a insta-love book but it didn't feel like it was. They actually held strong and didn't just jump into bed with each other. Unfortunately I felt like their relationship didn't grow at all. The build up of their romance kind of fell flat.
Overall it was a decent read and I will be continuing the series. I did notice however that this is not one of those books that you can pick up in the middle of a series and still have it make sense. You should probably read the first one.
June 19, 2011
“When Pleasure Rules” by J.K Beck is not just another paranormal romance. It’s a book full of action, adventure and passion. The world the author has created is dark and sexy.
The story is about Lissa Monroe a succubus who lived many lifetimes using sex and her ability to take souls. Although she is a succubus she hasn’t feel more than simple sexual desire for no one until she meets Rand, a werewolf. He is a man on a mission and he is not an easy going man. He had a very hard life and a born to be killer even before he turns into a werewolf. He was on a gang, he got a girl pregnant, he lost her and he join the army. These two have to fight themselves in order to be with each other. They have to accept their own history and of course it’s not easy.
It is something refreshing in a book when the characters aren’t perfect and they have to deal with a lot of stuff. I like Lissa. Because of her suffer in another life, in this one she’s trying to save girls with the same fate. Both of the characters are very well written and the plot is very different from the other books of the genre.
Also, the author has accomplish to create great secondary characters with interesting lives. “When Pleasure Rules” is an interesting read and I think a lot of people will agree with me. I will definitely read the next of this series.
The story is about Lissa Monroe a succubus who lived many lifetimes using sex and her ability to take souls. Although she is a succubus she hasn’t feel more than simple sexual desire for no one until she meets Rand, a werewolf. He is a man on a mission and he is not an easy going man. He had a very hard life and a born to be killer even before he turns into a werewolf. He was on a gang, he got a girl pregnant, he lost her and he join the army. These two have to fight themselves in order to be with each other. They have to accept their own history and of course it’s not easy.
It is something refreshing in a book when the characters aren’t perfect and they have to deal with a lot of stuff. I like Lissa. Because of her suffer in another life, in this one she’s trying to save girls with the same fate. Both of the characters are very well written and the plot is very different from the other books of the genre.
Also, the author has accomplish to create great secondary characters with interesting lives. “When Pleasure Rules” is an interesting read and I think a lot of people will agree with me. I will definitely read the next of this series.
January 17, 2012
Oh wow. Like some other people, I had high expectations of the first book in this series, and felt let down by the reality, so I was a bit dubious about reading this book. I only bought it because I really wanted to read something with a shapeshifter hero, preferably a tormented one. And wow, Rand was tormented. I wasn't sure how I'd feel about Lissa being a succubus, especially the soul-taking aspect. But that turned out to be one of the most romantic aspects.
The romantic connection and tension which I felt was missing from the first book was definitely in evidence here. The overarching, urban fantasy elements were advanced, but it was the romantic plot which carried me along so that I could barely bear to put the book down.
The romantic connection and tension which I felt was missing from the first book was definitely in evidence here. The overarching, urban fantasy elements were advanced, but it was the romantic plot which carried me along so that I could barely bear to put the book down.
September 1, 2010
This book only took me 2 1/2 days to read! Absolutely loved it!
Vincent Rand is a Weren, he is sent by Gunnolf , the liaison Weren for the Alliance to find who is spreading lies about werewolves killing humans, and if necessary take care of the problem. He must also find out who is responsible for the deaths and make the guilty pay...if at all possible.Lissa owns Orlando's ,a club that trades souls. She meets Rand and they are immediately attracted to each other. The trouble that comes to them, they must fight together. The love they feel for each other helps to heal Rand's soul.The friendships that emerge in this story are wonderful, sadly some may not be as lucky. Betrayal, murder, heart and soul healing. A wonderful book and a story that makes you want more...NOW! I highly suggest this book and can't wait for the 3rd...When Wicked Craves.
Vincent Rand is a Weren, he is sent by Gunnolf , the liaison Weren for the Alliance to find who is spreading lies about werewolves killing humans, and if necessary take care of the problem. He must also find out who is responsible for the deaths and make the guilty pay...if at all possible.Lissa owns Orlando's ,a club that trades souls. She meets Rand and they are immediately attracted to each other. The trouble that comes to them, they must fight together. The love they feel for each other helps to heal Rand's soul.The friendships that emerge in this story are wonderful, sadly some may not be as lucky. Betrayal, murder, heart and soul healing. A wonderful book and a story that makes you want more...NOW! I highly suggest this book and can't wait for the 3rd...When Wicked Craves.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 2, 2011
Another Hit! This is the second in the series and is just as strong as the first. Sometimes a 400+ page book has some slow and tedious parts. But not this series, each page is packed full of action, suspense, and passion. The characters from the first book all return to help solve the crime against humans. But we meet a few new ones including the main couple. Theirs is an interesting match, each with their own baggage and pasts. I really enjoy the character development in this series, each character has their own path and personality, and I have become attached to some of them. Add to that, the fact that Beck creates a real "who done it" mystery to tie it all together, makes it even more enjoyable. Read the first before starting this one, or you might be a little confused as to some of the plot.
July 9, 2011
The hero and heroine of this novel are not in the first book of the series, so at first I was disappointed. Luckily, many of the characters from the first novel make an appearance in this one, so I got a chance to satisfy my fix for those characters while also growing to care for Lissa and Rand.
The way the succubi work in the Shadow Keepers series was really interesting to me. You also get to learn a little more about the werewolves. Overall, it was definitely a book I'd recommend.
After reading the first one, of course. ;)
The way the succubi work in the Shadow Keepers series was really interesting to me. You also get to learn a little more about the werewolves. Overall, it was definitely a book I'd recommend.
After reading the first one, of course. ;)
October 13, 2010
Another winner from J.K. Beck! I was very excited to delve back into the world of the Shadow Keepers and all the same characters from book one (plus some new and exciting ones)! I thought it was a little harder to get into than the first book, despite being familiar with characters/setting, but the action picked up and never stopped! I will be eagerly awaiting the release of book three at the end of this month!!
July 22, 2012
this is the second book in J.K. Beck's Shadow Keepers and I'm really enjoying this series. The characters are really well done, even the secondaries and the world is put together well. I like this one even better than the first one. The story is a little predictable where the romance is concerned but it's told well enough that I just don't care. Can't wait to see who the third book centers around. There are so many great characters I can't imagine I'll be disappointed.
September 30, 2010
This book was amazing! I love heroes that have flaws and are far from perfect and that describes both Rand and Lissa. Their passion jumps from the pages and captures you from the beginning. The secondary characters are also jumping off the pages and making sure that your paying attention. Can not wait for the net book in the series.
January 24, 2016
Me gusto que estos no son los típicos protagonistas, no pueden estar alejados mas uno de otro en lo que son, pero a su manera la escritora logro que esta relación funcionara y se mantuviera, bastante misterio y tramas enrevesadas como en el primero que te mantienen dudando desde el inicio, pero que tienen su clara finalidad.
March 18, 2017
BACK OF BOOK SAYS:
SEVEN INNOCENTS HAVE BEEN BRUTALLY MURDERED IN LOS ANGELES, YET THE SHADOW alliance has no suspects and no leads. as the body count mounts the age old feud between vampires and werewolves threatens to explode.
lissa monroe a strong willed ravishing succubus who entices men to surrender their souls agrees to go undercover for the alliance. her mission to infiltrate the mind of a werewolf leader vincent rand.
Confession: i gave up at page 232.
1. way too many sub plots----------
2. some chapters are told from rand's point of view
3. some chapters are told from lissa's point of view
4. some chapters are told from sarah's point of view (no mention of her boyfriend vampire from previous book)
5. some chapters are told from doyle's point of view
6. some chapters are told from nick's point of view (also from previous book)
7. whose's the leader of the weres? gunnolf or rand? i got confused.
8. some chapters are told from priams point of view.
9. i just got lost, way too may story lines or POINT OF VIEWS TO FOLLOW.
oh and my favorite pet peeve showed up.
THE HEROINE says no, no no no but then the alliance comes in and changes her mind. and it never occurs to the hero - hey she changed her mind, they are too busy..wink...
SEVEN INNOCENTS HAVE BEEN BRUTALLY MURDERED IN LOS ANGELES, YET THE SHADOW alliance has no suspects and no leads. as the body count mounts the age old feud between vampires and werewolves threatens to explode.
lissa monroe a strong willed ravishing succubus who entices men to surrender their souls agrees to go undercover for the alliance. her mission to infiltrate the mind of a werewolf leader vincent rand.
Confession: i gave up at page 232.
1. way too many sub plots----------
2. some chapters are told from rand's point of view
3. some chapters are told from lissa's point of view
4. some chapters are told from sarah's point of view (no mention of her boyfriend vampire from previous book)
5. some chapters are told from doyle's point of view
6. some chapters are told from nick's point of view (also from previous book)
7. whose's the leader of the weres? gunnolf or rand? i got confused.
8. some chapters are told from priams point of view.
9. i just got lost, way too may story lines or POINT OF VIEWS TO FOLLOW.
oh and my favorite pet peeve showed up.
THE HEROINE says no, no no no but then the alliance comes in and changes her mind. and it never occurs to the hero - hey she changed her mind, they are too busy..wink...
September 3, 2019
I got this as a surprise book from The Ripped Bodice bookstore in LA and I had very low expectations. The plot was very well developed. The characters felt a little cookie cutter for me because they seem very common in romance books - alpha male and plucky woman trying to get herself out of trouble. I won't continue with this series I still thought it was fun.
October 30, 2017
2 1/2 stars
February 17, 2018
werewolf and succubus, the story works and felt well integrated with first book. Substories interesting as well
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 5, 2018
great second book when I read it did not know it was a 2nd book, so now have to catch up and read first one
September 18, 2018
3.5 Stars
February 24, 2020
Damn fine romance, good read.
March 30, 2020
Very intense. Couldn’t put down
April 1, 2012
This review was first posted on http://www.rubysreads.com.
I spent a lot of time at the bookstore this past weekend looking longingly at book three of the Shadow Keepers, When Wicked Craves. I really wanted to read it. But my conscience kept piping up to remind me that I had made a vow to read series books in order. It's a good thing I don't have a well-developed wild side. I gave in to my conscience and brought When Pleasure Rules to the register with me and I don't regret it one bit.
My reluctance to read this book was based on the fact that I'm not really into the whole succubus thing. Or incubus thing, for that matter. I had a similar issue with the Seminus Demon thing in Larissa Ione's Daemonica Series. Anyway. I'm probably just a prude. But I'm glad that I picked up this book because it's got some good characters. And while I had some problems with the story--I was a little uncomfortable with the fact that Lissa, the heroine, had sex with another man in the beginning of the book (but after she'd met the hero, Rand)--I found myself enjoying the journey anyway.
I didn't expect to like the heroine of this book. She's a succubus and there's the non-hero sex. Unexpectedly, I did. She is, as the back cover blurb tells us, strong-willed. She's determined to have her freedom and to get it for others like her. And until Rand walks into her life, sex is about sustenance and physical pleasure--not about connecting to another person. Moreover, Lissa is a sympathetic character. She has a past she's not proud of and she's done things that have hurt people. Many of those things were in a past life she can only sort of remember, but she feels the guilt of them all the same. Lissa is also haunted by the fact that she has a special ability. Not only does she suck souls for sustenance, when she does so, she takes a bit of that person's memory. This makes Lissa a valuable commodity, especially for those who are interested in peoples' secrets. That is, blackmailers and cops. Because of her gift that's not really a gift, Lissa is forced to do things she doesn't want to do--which is doubly painful for a woman who has fought and scratched her way into independence.
Rand, whom we met very briefly in When Blood Craves, is also a tortured character. Even before he was turned into a werewolf, he was pretty bad-ass. As in, gang-banger and, later, in Special Ops. He was nine when he made his first kill, and basically, after that, he never stopped. Ironically, it was after he was bitten (and his wife died) that he took a hard look at himself. Rand's story is the one of a character reformed and it takes Lissa to convince Rand that he has some good in him.
Basically, I felt like these were two characters that deserved each other. Neither is perfect and neither thinks him or herself perfect. I also really appreciated that Beck didn't draw out the undercover part of the story. I was really afraid we were going to be submitted to a long groveling experience where Lissa was forced to feel really awful and rejected and Rand had vicious I-love-her-but-I-hate-her thoughts. Rand does find out that Lissa was sicced on him by Division, and he does see red and scream: Betrayer! but it all happens pretty swiftly. Though I admit there was a moment there where I thought he was going to entirely and completely blow it--not just with Lissa, but with me. He came pretty darn close.
By far, however, my favorite aspect of the novel was the supporting characters. I'm really hoping that Doyle and Sergius get their own books. I love learning about them piece by piece. Both men will make for some mighty fine tortured heroes some day. I also really liked Petra and I'm chomping at the bit to get to her and Nicholas' book. This book was worth it for the world-building and for the characters we got to know. There's a larger arc in the works, I can just tell. It's a little like the Psy-Changeling books in that way and I've just discovered how much I love that sort of thing.
I spent a lot of time at the bookstore this past weekend looking longingly at book three of the Shadow Keepers, When Wicked Craves. I really wanted to read it. But my conscience kept piping up to remind me that I had made a vow to read series books in order. It's a good thing I don't have a well-developed wild side. I gave in to my conscience and brought When Pleasure Rules to the register with me and I don't regret it one bit.
My reluctance to read this book was based on the fact that I'm not really into the whole succubus thing. Or incubus thing, for that matter. I had a similar issue with the Seminus Demon thing in Larissa Ione's Daemonica Series. Anyway. I'm probably just a prude. But I'm glad that I picked up this book because it's got some good characters. And while I had some problems with the story--I was a little uncomfortable with the fact that Lissa, the heroine, had sex with another man in the beginning of the book (but after she'd met the hero, Rand)--I found myself enjoying the journey anyway.
I didn't expect to like the heroine of this book. She's a succubus and there's the non-hero sex. Unexpectedly, I did. She is, as the back cover blurb tells us, strong-willed. She's determined to have her freedom and to get it for others like her. And until Rand walks into her life, sex is about sustenance and physical pleasure--not about connecting to another person. Moreover, Lissa is a sympathetic character. She has a past she's not proud of and she's done things that have hurt people. Many of those things were in a past life she can only sort of remember, but she feels the guilt of them all the same. Lissa is also haunted by the fact that she has a special ability. Not only does she suck souls for sustenance, when she does so, she takes a bit of that person's memory. This makes Lissa a valuable commodity, especially for those who are interested in peoples' secrets. That is, blackmailers and cops. Because of her gift that's not really a gift, Lissa is forced to do things she doesn't want to do--which is doubly painful for a woman who has fought and scratched her way into independence.
Rand, whom we met very briefly in When Blood Craves, is also a tortured character. Even before he was turned into a werewolf, he was pretty bad-ass. As in, gang-banger and, later, in Special Ops. He was nine when he made his first kill, and basically, after that, he never stopped. Ironically, it was after he was bitten (and his wife died) that he took a hard look at himself. Rand's story is the one of a character reformed and it takes Lissa to convince Rand that he has some good in him.
Basically, I felt like these were two characters that deserved each other. Neither is perfect and neither thinks him or herself perfect. I also really appreciated that Beck didn't draw out the undercover part of the story. I was really afraid we were going to be submitted to a long groveling experience where Lissa was forced to feel really awful and rejected and Rand had vicious I-love-her-but-I-hate-her thoughts. Rand does find out that Lissa was sicced on him by Division, and he does see red and scream: Betrayer! but it all happens pretty swiftly. Though I admit there was a moment there where I thought he was going to entirely and completely blow it--not just with Lissa, but with me. He came pretty darn close.
By far, however, my favorite aspect of the novel was the supporting characters. I'm really hoping that Doyle and Sergius get their own books. I love learning about them piece by piece. Both men will make for some mighty fine tortured heroes some day. I also really liked Petra and I'm chomping at the bit to get to her and Nicholas' book. This book was worth it for the world-building and for the characters we got to know. There's a larger arc in the works, I can just tell. It's a little like the Psy-Changeling books in that way and I've just discovered how much I love that sort of thing.
October 31, 2012
When Pleasure Rules ของเจเค เบ็ค
เรื่องนี้เป็นเล่มสองในชุด แต่ไม่เข้าใจค่ะ เพราะดันเลือกเล่าเรื่องของตัวละครที่ไม่มีบทบาทในเล่มแรกเลยแม้แต่น้อย คราวนี้เรื่องพาคนอ่านไปยังกลุ่มมนุษย์หมาป่ากันบ้าง
วินเซ็นต์ แรนด์เป็นมือสังหารประจำเผ่าหมาป่�� ซึ่งมีที่มั่นอยู่ที่กรุงปารีส เขาได้รับคำสั่งจากผู้นำให้เดินทางมาลอสแองเจลิสเพื่อสืบหาความจริงเกี่ยวกับข่าวลือที่ใส่ร้ายหัวหน้าของเขา แต่การมาเยือนของแรนด์ไม่ได้รับการต้อนรับจากกลุ่มแวมไพร์ที่ยึดเอาเมืองแห่งนี้เป็นที่มั่นเท่าไหรนัก
จากเหตุการณ์ในเล่มก่อนหน้า ผู้นำหมาป่าวางแผนที่จะยึดเอาลอสแองเจลิสเป็นที่มั่นของตัวเองด้วยการใส่ความว่า แวมไพร์ออกไล่ฆ่ามนุษย์ เพื่อจะทำให้ผู้นำแวมไพร์ดูไม่มีน้ำยาในการควบคุมลูกน้องของตัวเอง แต่แผนการนี้ก็ถูกจับได้ และล้มเลิกไปแล้ว ทว่าก��ับมีมนุษย์ที่ถูกแวมไพร์ฆ่าตายอยู่เกลื่อนเมือง และคดีนี้กำลังสร้างความสั่นคลอนให้กับทั้งผู้นำของหมาป่า (ที่ถูกหาว่าจัดฉากให้เกิด) และแวมไพร์ (ซึ่งเป็นเจ้าของถิ่น แต่ควบคุมเหตุการณ์ไว้ไม่ได้) ทำให้ตำแหน่งของทั้งคู่ในสภาชักจะไม่มั่นคง
แรงกดดันจึงถูกส่งมาที่แรนด์ในการสืบหาความจริง และในขณะเดียวกันก็มาถึงเหล่าแวมไพร์ในเมือง (ซึ่งก็คือตัวละครจากเล่มแรก) ทำให้กลุ่มผู้รักษากฎหมาย (ซึ่งแม้จะไม่ได้ทำงานให้กับแวมไพร์ แต่ต้องเคารพแวมไพร์ซึ่งเป็นผู้นำเมือง) วางแผนหาตัวคนผิด ซึ่งในสายตาของคนเหล่านี้ พวกเขายังคิดว่า หมาป่าคือตัวการ แผนการจึงเกิดขึ้นโดยที่พวกเขาใช้ลิสสา มอนโรว์ ปีศาจผู้เสพวิญญาณเป็นเครื่องมือในการล้วงเอาความจริงมาจากแรนด์ (ซึ่งเป็นตัวแทนของผู้นำหมาป่าในเมืองนี้)
ลิสสาซึ่งมีคดีติดตัว จำเป็นต้องให้ความร่วมมือกับตำรวจ แต่งานของเธอก็ไม่ได้ถึงกับยากเย็นนัก เพราะเธอและแรนด์ได้มีโอกาสพบกันมาก่อน ความสามารถพิเศษของลิสสาก็คือ เธอสามารถมองเห็นความคิดของคนที่เธอเสพวิญญาณของพวกเขาได้ แต่แม้การเข้าใกล้แรนด์ไม่ใช่เรื่องยาก แต่เธอพบว่าตัวเองไม่อาจที่จะทรยศเขาได้
เรื่องนี้เรามีปัญหากับคาแร็คเตอร์ค่ะ เราเคยคิดมาตลอดนะคะว่า ตัวเองเป็นคนเปิดกว้าง และยอมรับตัวละครที่มีมลทินแบบไหนมาก่อนได้ แต่เราเปลี่ยนความคิดตอนที่มาเจอกับแรนด์และลิสสาค่ะ
แรนด์เป็นอดีตสมาชิกแก๊งค์ที่กลายเป็นทหาร ก่อนที่จะถูกกัดแล้วมาเป็นหมาป่า เขาฆ่าคนตายครั้งแรกตอนอายุเก้าขวบ ตามคำสั่งของญาติ เพื่อรอยสักเครื่องหมายเอ็กซ์เป็นข้อมือ จากนั้นการฆ่าก็เป็นเรื่องง่ายของเขา เราชอบตัวละครที่มีด้านมืดนะคะ แต่ที่รบกวนใจของเราก็คือ ไม่มีความรู้สึกผิดในจิตใจของเขาเลยสักนิดเดียว แรนด์ยอมรับอดีต กับการกระทำที่เลวร้ายของตัวเองแบบหน้าชื่นตาบาน ไม่มีความเสียใจ เรายอมรับทัศนคตินี้ไม่ได้ค่ะ
ส่วนลิสสา ด้วยความที่เป็นปีศาจและจำเป็นต้องเสพวิญญาณเพื่อให้มีชีวิตรอด สภาพสังคมของปีศาจแบบเธอก็คือ การเกิดใหม่ซ้ำแล้วซ้ำอีก (เกิดเป็นปีศาจเหมือนเดิม) โดยใครก็ตามที่เลี้ยงดูเธอ ก็จะมีสิทธิในชีวิตของเธอ เป็นเจ้านายของเธอ การเกิดใหม่ทำให้ลิสสาจดจำอดีตไม่ได้ เธอเอาชีวิตรอด และซื้ออิสระของตัวเอง เรื่องพยายามบอกว่า ลิสสาเป็นคนดี เพราะเธอพยายามซื้ออิสรภาพให้กับปีศาจชนิดเดียวกับเธอคนอื่น โดยเฉพาะคนที่ถูกเจ้านายทารุณ ด้วยความสามารถพิเศษ ลิสสาอ่านจิตใจชายคนที่เธอเสพวิญญาณพวกเขาได้ ทำให้เธอรู้ความลับมากมาย และใช้ความลับนั้นมาสร้างความมั่นคงให้กับตัวเอง เล่าถึงตรงนี้เรายังโอเคกับเธออยู่นะคะ เราไม่มายด์เรื่องเธอเป็นปีศาจที่ใช้เซ็กส์เป็นเครื่องมือ แล้วนอนกับชายไปทั่ว นั่นคือลักษณะของปีศาจแบบที่เธอเป็น เรายังโอเคอยู่ค่ะ
เราไม่โอเคก็ตอนที่เธอถูกแบล็คเมลล์ให้ไปทำร้ายชายคนนึง เสพวิญญาณของเขาจนหมด ลิสสายอมทำตามคำข่มขู่ แม้ในใจตามประสานางเอกเธอบอกว่า จะไม่ทำตามทั้งหมด แต่ผลลัพธ์ก็คือ เธอเสพวิญญาณชายคนนั้นจนหมด ซึ่งส่งผลให้เขากลับไปบ้านฆ่าเมีย และลูกอีกสองคน พร้อมทั้งฆ่าตัวตาย เรื่องพยายามบอกว่า ชายคนนี้เลว ชั่วร้าย แต่เรื่องก็บอกชัดเจนว่า ที่เขาฆ่าครอบครัวของตัวเองเพราะเขาปราศจากวิญญาณที่จะยึดเหนี่ยวการกระทำอีกต่อไป
เราให้อภัยนางเอกไม่ได้ค่ะ โดยเฉพาะเมื่อเธอรู้ผลของการกระทำของตัวเองดีอยู่แล้ว แต่ก็ยังจะทำ
บางทีพระนางเรื่องนี้อาจจะเหมาะสมต่อกันและกันก็ได้นะคะ แต่เราไม่ชอบพวกเขาทั้งคู่ค่ะ
ซึ่งน่าเสียดายนะคะ เพราะเราคิดว่าพล็อตเรื่องนี้ค่อนข้างน่าสนใจ การหาตัวคนร้ายว่าใครกันแน่ที่อยู่เบื้องหลังการไล่ฆ่ามนุษย์ พล็อตส่วนนี้เขียนได้น่าติดตามดีค่ะ น่าเสียดายที่ตัวละครไม่เวิร์คสำหรับเรา
คะแนนที่ 57
เรื่องนี้เป็นเล่มสองในชุด แต่ไม่เข้าใจค่ะ เพราะดันเลือกเล่าเรื่องของตัวละครที่ไม่มีบทบาทในเล่มแรกเลยแม้แต่น้อย คราวนี้เรื่องพาคนอ่านไปยังกลุ่มมนุษย์หมาป่ากันบ้าง
วินเซ็นต์ แรนด์เป็นมือสังหารประจำเผ่าหมาป่�� ซึ่งมีที่มั่นอยู่ที่กรุงปารีส เขาได้รับคำสั่งจากผู้นำให้เดินทางมาลอสแองเจลิสเพื่อสืบหาความจริงเกี่ยวกับข่าวลือที่ใส่ร้ายหัวหน้าของเขา แต่การมาเยือนของแรนด์ไม่ได้รับการต้อนรับจากกลุ่มแวมไพร์ที่ยึดเอาเมืองแห่งนี้เป็นที่มั่นเท่าไหรนัก
จากเหตุการณ์ในเล่มก่อนหน้า ผู้นำหมาป่าวางแผนที่จะยึดเอาลอสแองเจลิสเป็นที่มั่นของตัวเองด้วยการใส่ความว่า แวมไพร์ออกไล่ฆ่ามนุษย์ เพื่อจะทำให้ผู้นำแวมไพร์ดูไม่มีน้ำยาในการควบคุมลูกน้องของตัวเอง แต่แผนการนี้ก็ถูกจับได้ และล้มเลิกไปแล้ว ทว่าก��ับมีมนุษย์ที่ถูกแวมไพร์ฆ่าตายอยู่เกลื่อนเมือง และคดีนี้กำลังสร้างความสั่นคลอนให้กับทั้งผู้นำของหมาป่า (ที่ถูกหาว่าจัดฉากให้เกิด) และแวมไพร์ (ซึ่งเป็นเจ้าของถิ่น แต่ควบคุมเหตุการณ์ไว้ไม่ได้) ทำให้ตำแหน่งของทั้งคู่ในสภาชักจะไม่มั่นคง
แรงกดดันจึงถูกส่งมาที่แรนด์ในการสืบหาความจริง และในขณะเดียวกันก็มาถึงเหล่าแวมไพร์ในเมือง (ซึ่งก็คือตัวละครจากเล่มแรก) ทำให้กลุ่มผู้รักษากฎหมาย (ซึ่งแม้จะไม่ได้ทำงานให้กับแวมไพร์ แต่ต้องเคารพแวมไพร์ซึ่งเป็นผู้นำเมือง) วางแผนหาตัวคนผิด ซึ่งในสายตาของคนเหล่านี้ พวกเขายังคิดว่า หมาป่าคือตัวการ แผนการจึงเกิดขึ้นโดยที่พวกเขาใช้ลิสสา มอนโรว์ ปีศาจผู้เสพวิญญาณเป็นเครื่องมือในการล้วงเอาความจริงมาจากแรนด์ (ซึ่งเป็นตัวแทนของผู้นำหมาป่าในเมืองนี้)
ลิสสาซึ่งมีคดีติดตัว จำเป็นต้องให้ความร่วมมือกับตำรวจ แต่งานของเธอก็ไม่ได้ถึงกับยากเย็นนัก เพราะเธอและแรนด์ได้มีโอกาสพบกันมาก่อน ความสามารถพิเศษของลิสสาก็คือ เธอสามารถมองเห็นความคิดของคนที่เธอเสพวิญญาณของพวกเขาได้ แต่แม้การเข้าใกล้แรนด์ไม่ใช่เรื่องยาก แต่เธอพบว่าตัวเองไม่อาจที่จะทรยศเขาได้
เรื่องนี้เรามีปัญหากับคาแร็คเตอร์ค่ะ เราเคยคิดมาตลอดนะคะว่า ตัวเองเป็นคนเปิดกว้าง และยอมรับตัวละครที่มีมลทินแบบไหนมาก่อนได้ แต่เราเปลี่ยนความคิดตอนที่มาเจอกับแรนด์และลิสสาค่ะ
แรนด์เป็นอดีตสมาชิกแก๊งค์ที่กลายเป็นทหาร ก่อนที่จะถูกกัดแล้วมาเป็นหมาป่า เขาฆ่าคนตายครั้งแรกตอนอายุเก้าขวบ ตามคำสั่งของญาติ เพื่อรอยสักเครื่องหมายเอ็กซ์เป็นข้อมือ จากนั้นการฆ่าก็เป็นเรื่องง่ายของเขา เราชอบตัวละครที่มีด้านมืดนะคะ แต่ที่รบกวนใจของเราก็คือ ไม่มีความรู้สึกผิดในจิตใจของเขาเลยสักนิดเดียว แรนด์ยอมรับอดีต กับการกระทำที่เลวร้ายของตัวเองแบบหน้าชื่นตาบาน ไม่มีความเสียใจ เรายอมรับทัศนคตินี้ไม่ได้ค่ะ
ส่วนลิสสา ด้วยความที่เป็นปีศาจและจำเป็นต้องเสพวิญญาณเพื่อให้มีชีวิตรอด สภาพสังคมของปีศาจแบบเธอก็คือ การเกิดใหม่ซ้ำแล้วซ้ำอีก (เกิดเป็นปีศาจเหมือนเดิม) โดยใครก็ตามที่เลี้ยงดูเธอ ก็จะมีสิทธิในชีวิตของเธอ เป็นเจ้านายของเธอ การเกิดใหม่ทำให้ลิสสาจดจำอดีตไม่ได้ เธอเอาชีวิตรอด และซื้ออิสระของตัวเอง เรื่องพยายามบอกว่า ลิสสาเป็นคนดี เพราะเธอพยายามซื้ออิสรภาพให้กับปีศาจชนิดเดียวกับเธอคนอื่น โดยเฉพาะคนที่ถูกเจ้านายทารุณ ด้วยความสามารถพิเศษ ลิสสาอ่านจิตใจชายคนที่เธอเสพวิญญาณพวกเขาได้ ทำให้เธอรู้ความลับมากมาย และใช้ความลับนั้นมาสร้างความมั่นคงให้กับตัวเอง เล่าถึงตรงนี้เรายังโอเคกับเธออยู่นะคะ เราไม่มายด์เรื่องเธอเป็นปีศาจที่ใช้เซ็กส์เป็นเครื่องมือ แล้วนอนกับชายไปทั่ว นั่นคือลักษณะของปีศาจแบบที่เธอเป็น เรายังโอเคอยู่ค่ะ
เราไม่โอเคก็ตอนที่เธอถูกแบล็คเมลล์ให้ไปทำร้ายชายคนนึง เสพวิญญาณของเขาจนหมด ลิสสายอมทำตามคำข่มขู่ แม้ในใจตามประสานางเอกเธอบอกว่า จะไม่ทำตามทั้งหมด แต่ผลลัพธ์ก็คือ เธอเสพวิญญาณชายคนนั้นจนหมด ซึ่งส่งผลให้เขากลับไปบ้านฆ่าเมีย และลูกอีกสองคน พร้อมทั้งฆ่าตัวตาย เรื่องพยายามบอกว่า ชายคนนี้เลว ชั่วร้าย แต่เรื่องก็บอกชัดเจนว่า ที่เขาฆ่าครอบครัวของตัวเองเพราะเขาปราศจากวิญญาณที่จะยึดเหนี่ยวการกระทำอีกต่อไป
เราให้อภัยนางเอกไม่ได้ค่ะ โดยเฉพาะเมื่อเธอรู้ผลของการกระทำของตัวเองดีอยู่แล้ว แต่ก็ยังจะทำ
บางทีพระนางเรื่องนี้อาจจะเหมาะสมต่อกันและกันก็ได้นะคะ แต่เราไม่ชอบพวกเขาทั้งคู่ค่ะ
ซึ่งน่าเสียดายนะคะ เพราะเราคิดว่าพล็อตเรื่องนี้ค่อนข้างน่าสนใจ การหาตัวคนร้ายว่าใครกันแน่ที่อยู่เบื้องหลังการไล่ฆ่ามนุษย์ พล็อตส่วนนี้เขียนได้น่าติดตามดีค่ะ น่าเสียดายที่ตัวละครไม่เวิร์คสำหรับเรา
คะแนนที่ 57
October 27, 2015
I have read the first book over 3 years ago, and I really liked the world building, I just didn’t like the main characters. I am glad that I did not have that problem with the second book, as I loved everything about it.
Lissa Monroe is a succubus, while having sex she feeds on pieces of the man’s soul. Her secret ability is rare; she can also look inside his mind and find his deepest secrets. And exploiting those secrets has finally allowed her her freedom from the slavery that most succubi suffer under. She has her own nightclub, and she has managed to buy some other girls from their demons. Succubi are not true immortals, they do die but they come back without their memories of previous lives, although those can surface.
But now Lissa is in trouble, as her former owner has discovered who she was, and is now blackmailing her into killing a human by taking all of his soul. What Lissa does not know, is that the Alliance is also aware of her power, and is taken this moment to arrest her to co-erce her into helping them as well. Or else she will be imprisoned for murder. Her former lover Luke is a powerful attorney and a vampire, and he recognizes her as well. And although she betrayed him once, he still loves her and tries to help her as much as possible, acting as her attorney.
Someone or something is killing innocent people, draining them dry, and if the killer is not stopped, a war between the vampires and werewolves is almost certain. And both their leaders will be disposed of. So they are intent on finding the real killer and keep themselves safe. And so Doyle of the Alliance finds himself working with Vincent Rand, the enforcer of the Werewolf King. Rand doesn’t have to do things by the book, and at first they suspect him of the killings. And it is Rand that they want Lissa to read.
As she is very much attracted to Rand, something that has not happened for a while, and he to her, she doesn’t really want to, but when they become intimate, it will be inevitable. Untill she discover he has so little soul left, she would take it all if they have sex, and she refuses to do that. She won’t kill his soul!
Rand is send to Los Angeles to find the killer, as someone is pointing the finger to his boss. He has little scruples in how to do this job, but he doesn’t get very far in the investigations. Add in a human witch who plays both sides, the attraction between a succubus and a werewolf, a jealous ex-lover, a psychic demon-cop, dangerous bad guys and you have the potential for a great story.
J.K. Beck did a great job mixing it all together. I really liked Lissa from the first page, and Rand very quickly grew on me. He is so much better than he thinks he is himself. Even if he could not save his wife while he was in the army from a rival gang, or if he did not truly love her, he was not at fault. He got out. He thinks himself a killer born, trained to be a better killer by the army, when he got bitten and became the monster that was always within him. But Lissa sees the real Rand, and she stands by him, even when he believes the worst about her.
I loved this story, and will certainly read book 3 soon. Recommend if you like your paranormal romance a bit darker and original. I love the mix of paranormal species and the unique ones mentioned.
9 stars.
Lissa Monroe is a succubus, while having sex she feeds on pieces of the man’s soul. Her secret ability is rare; she can also look inside his mind and find his deepest secrets. And exploiting those secrets has finally allowed her her freedom from the slavery that most succubi suffer under. She has her own nightclub, and she has managed to buy some other girls from their demons. Succubi are not true immortals, they do die but they come back without their memories of previous lives, although those can surface.
But now Lissa is in trouble, as her former owner has discovered who she was, and is now blackmailing her into killing a human by taking all of his soul. What Lissa does not know, is that the Alliance is also aware of her power, and is taken this moment to arrest her to co-erce her into helping them as well. Or else she will be imprisoned for murder. Her former lover Luke is a powerful attorney and a vampire, and he recognizes her as well. And although she betrayed him once, he still loves her and tries to help her as much as possible, acting as her attorney.
Someone or something is killing innocent people, draining them dry, and if the killer is not stopped, a war between the vampires and werewolves is almost certain. And both their leaders will be disposed of. So they are intent on finding the real killer and keep themselves safe. And so Doyle of the Alliance finds himself working with Vincent Rand, the enforcer of the Werewolf King. Rand doesn’t have to do things by the book, and at first they suspect him of the killings. And it is Rand that they want Lissa to read.
As she is very much attracted to Rand, something that has not happened for a while, and he to her, she doesn’t really want to, but when they become intimate, it will be inevitable. Untill she discover he has so little soul left, she would take it all if they have sex, and she refuses to do that. She won’t kill his soul!
Rand is send to Los Angeles to find the killer, as someone is pointing the finger to his boss. He has little scruples in how to do this job, but he doesn’t get very far in the investigations. Add in a human witch who plays both sides, the attraction between a succubus and a werewolf, a jealous ex-lover, a psychic demon-cop, dangerous bad guys and you have the potential for a great story.
J.K. Beck did a great job mixing it all together. I really liked Lissa from the first page, and Rand very quickly grew on me. He is so much better than he thinks he is himself. Even if he could not save his wife while he was in the army from a rival gang, or if he did not truly love her, he was not at fault. He got out. He thinks himself a killer born, trained to be a better killer by the army, when he got bitten and became the monster that was always within him. But Lissa sees the real Rand, and she stands by him, even when he believes the worst about her.
I loved this story, and will certainly read book 3 soon. Recommend if you like your paranormal romance a bit darker and original. I love the mix of paranormal species and the unique ones mentioned.
9 stars.
February 20, 2015
The evidence in a series of high profile murders involving a paranormal killer point to neither a shape-shifter or a vampire as the murderer but also rule out neither. Political ramifications for the leaders of the paranormal communities add urgency to stopping the murders and the members of the PEC (paranormal police) are under pressure to solve the crime quickly. The PEC set their sights on werewolf enforcer Vincent Rand who is conducting his own investigation into the murders and coerce succubus Lissa Monroe into using her special powers to gather intel on Rand.
I ended up really enjoying When Pleasure rules, even though I wasn't overly enthralled with the first book in the series, When Blood Calls. I thought that wolf-shifter and succubus was an interesting pairing and the redemption theme was a good one, as Rand - a lifelong killer, convinced he is more animal than man and doesn't have a soul - finds love with Lissa - who as a succubus, knows a lot about souls, but shouldn't have the ability to love. I also liked that, despite the instant draw between Rand and Lissa, the fact that Rand's soul is so fragile to start out with draws out the claiming and ups the sensual intensity of the eventual consummation. And there are enough other things going on in When Pleasure Rules, with elements related to the reasons behind the murder and the murder investigation itself, that the romance between Lissa and Rand is balanced out by the other elements of the story.
I also appreciate that even though she is only two books into her series, author Beck has developed a fair amount of intriguing characters in her supporting cast. The most interesting so far are Nick Montegue, a vamp lawyer who still has feelings for the succubus who betrayed his love in her former life and the slightly more than human PI, Petra, with her mysterious secret. But I am also hoping to find out more about: vampire Caris who is girlfriend to were-leader Gunnolf, hardnosed parademon cop Doyle - who certainly needs a woman to rock his black and white world - and Sergius, the vamp with control issues whose struggle with his barely leashed demon has garnered my sympathy. I read that Beck has a contract to write three more books in this series and hopefully my favorites will all get a turn in the spotlight.
One element of the first book which I really did like was that was missing in this story? I had been intrigued by the secret paranormal judicial system and was hoping to see a bit more of it here, but I guess I'll just have to be patient since it looks like maybe my wish will be granted in When Wicked Craves.
I ended up really enjoying When Pleasure rules, even though I wasn't overly enthralled with the first book in the series, When Blood Calls. I thought that wolf-shifter and succubus was an interesting pairing and the redemption theme was a good one, as Rand - a lifelong killer, convinced he is more animal than man and doesn't have a soul - finds love with Lissa - who as a succubus, knows a lot about souls, but shouldn't have the ability to love. I also liked that, despite the instant draw between Rand and Lissa, the fact that Rand's soul is so fragile to start out with draws out the claiming and ups the sensual intensity of the eventual consummation. And there are enough other things going on in When Pleasure Rules, with elements related to the reasons behind the murder and the murder investigation itself, that the romance between Lissa and Rand is balanced out by the other elements of the story.
I also appreciate that even though she is only two books into her series, author Beck has developed a fair amount of intriguing characters in her supporting cast. The most interesting so far are Nick Montegue, a vamp lawyer who still has feelings for the succubus who betrayed his love in her former life and the slightly more than human PI, Petra, with her mysterious secret. But I am also hoping to find out more about: vampire Caris who is girlfriend to were-leader Gunnolf, hardnosed parademon cop Doyle - who certainly needs a woman to rock his black and white world - and Sergius, the vamp with control issues whose struggle with his barely leashed demon has garnered my sympathy. I read that Beck has a contract to write three more books in this series and hopefully my favorites will all get a turn in the spotlight.
One element of the first book which I really did like was that was missing in this story? I had been intrigued by the secret paranormal judicial system and was hoping to see a bit more of it here, but I guess I'll just have to be patient since it looks like maybe my wish will be granted in When Wicked Craves.
June 13, 2015
Tiberius, governor of the para-daemons, has given the PEC and prosecutor 10 days to find out who has killed seven humans and laid it at the door of para-daemons. Is it possible that his rival for office and a certain vampire female, weren lord, Gunnolf, is responsible? Not exactly sure who's responsible or why Gunnolf is determined to find out.
Weren assassin Vincent Rand is the epitome of bada** and the go-to guy for Gunnolf is on a mission to find out who is laying the blame for the murders at Gunnolf's feet. Lissa Monroe is different, even for a succubus. Her special talent gives her free rein to her victim's memories as she takes a bit of their soul.
Clues lead Rand to a chance meeting with Lisa and neither is prepared for the pull they feel toward each other. Circumstances lead Lissa to either betray the weren she's falling hard and fast for or buying a lifetime of suffering for herself as she's blackmailed by the powers trying to solve the mystery of the serial killer.
The leads were new this time out but fresh off their star turns in book one, Sara and Lucius are here to lend their weight and provide series continuity among a great cast of supporting characters. Interesting back stories and good chemistry gave likable leads Lissa and Rand a good story to blanket and involve their romance.
The mechanics were great, the right amount of action, an intriguing mystery, shifters & vamps and a maniacal villain in this medium paced read. I should have been in heaven, somehow I never fully engaged. I'm conflicted with this read, I wanted give it a higher rating.
Weren assassin Vincent Rand is the epitome of bada** and the go-to guy for Gunnolf is on a mission to find out who is laying the blame for the murders at Gunnolf's feet. Lissa Monroe is different, even for a succubus. Her special talent gives her free rein to her victim's memories as she takes a bit of their soul.
Clues lead Rand to a chance meeting with Lisa and neither is prepared for the pull they feel toward each other. Circumstances lead Lissa to either betray the weren she's falling hard and fast for or buying a lifetime of suffering for herself as she's blackmailed by the powers trying to solve the mystery of the serial killer.
The leads were new this time out but fresh off their star turns in book one, Sara and Lucius are here to lend their weight and provide series continuity among a great cast of supporting characters. Interesting back stories and good chemistry gave likable leads Lissa and Rand a good story to blanket and involve their romance.
The mechanics were great, the right amount of action, an intriguing mystery, shifters & vamps and a maniacal villain in this medium paced read. I should have been in heaven, somehow I never fully engaged. I'm conflicted with this read, I wanted give it a higher rating.
May 23, 2016
İlk kitap, Lucius ve Sara arasındaki ilişki ve olaylar yumağına odaklanmışken ikinci kitap, ilk kitabın kahramanlarını da içinde barındırarak Lissa ismindeki bir Sukkubus ve Rand isminde bir kurtadam'ın yaşadıklarını konu alıyor. LA'da git gide artan bir cinayetler yüzünden kurtadamlar ve vampirler arasında savaşın yaklaşmasından korkan Birlik, bu cinayetleri araştırması için eski tanıdıklarımız Doyle ve arkadaşına emir verirken vampirlerin ve Birliğin başı olan vampir de en yakınları olan Lucuis ve Nick'i yardım etmeleri için görevlendirmiştir bile. Ama diğer taraftan da kurtadam sürüsünün liderleri de aynı amaçla kendi adamı olan Rand'ı görevlendirir. Sorun şu ki iki taraf da birbirine güvenmemektedir. İşin içine bir de sukkubus olan Lissa dahil olunca ve bu kadın Nick'e ihanet etmiş, eski aşığı çıkınca durum karmaşıklaşmaya başlar. Dahası Nick ve Lucius'un en yakın dostları olan Serge hala kayıptır.
İlk kitapla kıyasladığımda pek heyecanlı olmadığını söylemeliyim. Konusu ve kurgunun ilerleyişi çok sıradan geldi ama sıkıldığımı da iddia edemem ama fazlasını beklerdim. Bu açıdan biraz hayal kırıklığı diyebilirim. Yine de dil akışkanlığı vs. yerindeydi. Bu yüzden zaman geçirmek için hala iyi bir seri olduğunu düşünüyorum. Hatta bir sonraki kitabım için oldukça iyi bir ilham kaynağı olduğunu da söyleyebilirim. Konum aşağı yukarı belliydi de ayrıntılar vs. hala inşa halinde... :P Neyse, konuyu saptırmayalım.
Üçüncü kitapta görüşmek üzere. :)
İlk kitapla kıyasladığımda pek heyecanlı olmadığını söylemeliyim. Konusu ve kurgunun ilerleyişi çok sıradan geldi ama sıkıldığımı da iddia edemem ama fazlasını beklerdim. Bu açıdan biraz hayal kırıklığı diyebilirim. Yine de dil akışkanlığı vs. yerindeydi. Bu yüzden zaman geçirmek için hala iyi bir seri olduğunu düşünüyorum. Hatta bir sonraki kitabım için oldukça iyi bir ilham kaynağı olduğunu da söyleyebilirim. Konum aşağı yukarı belliydi de ayrıntılar vs. hala inşa halinde... :P Neyse, konuyu saptırmayalım.
Üçüncü kitapta görüşmek üzere. :)
November 29, 2010
I really like this un-named series and enjoyed this 2nd installment. I will be honest, the reviews were not enticing overall. I decided to take the chance because the 1st book was so well done and the 3rd book has good reviews. I was curious and I had a Borders coupon, so I got it on the cheap.
I digress. This installment takes us into the lives of Lissa, a succubus, and Rand, a werewolf. We also get to enjoy characters from previous books and a few new ones. I will tell you upfront, I did not like Rand and my impression of him never changed. However, he was not the only character in the book so he never carried it for me. I give Ms. Beck props for using a black male lead which is rarely done. I agree with an earlier review that stated there was no basis for Rand and Lissa falling in love. I was miffed by that too. I will just chalk it up to his wolf recognizing its mate and go with that although Ms. Beck did not elaborate or state this as the case.
The foundation was laid out for the next book which features Serge, a tortured vamp. He will be hooking up with a witch, Petra, who is cursed with an inability to touch without bringing out the monster in the person she is touching. I am hopeful Ms. Beck will also do a book about Nick, the vamp lawyer. Regardless how it rolls out, I am going to continue to read this series and follow Ms. Beck's imagination.
I digress. This installment takes us into the lives of Lissa, a succubus, and Rand, a werewolf. We also get to enjoy characters from previous books and a few new ones. I will tell you upfront, I did not like Rand and my impression of him never changed. However, he was not the only character in the book so he never carried it for me. I give Ms. Beck props for using a black male lead which is rarely done. I agree with an earlier review that stated there was no basis for Rand and Lissa falling in love. I was miffed by that too. I will just chalk it up to his wolf recognizing its mate and go with that although Ms. Beck did not elaborate or state this as the case.
The foundation was laid out for the next book which features Serge, a tortured vamp. He will be hooking up with a witch, Petra, who is cursed with an inability to touch without bringing out the monster in the person she is touching. I am hopeful Ms. Beck will also do a book about Nick, the vamp lawyer. Regardless how it rolls out, I am going to continue to read this series and follow Ms. Beck's imagination.
July 28, 2015
"When Pleasure Rules" by J.K. Beck. Book 2 of The Shadow Keepers series.
Vincent Rand (known as Rand thoughout the whole book) is a werewolf with a dark past. The leader of werewolves on the Alliance council has charged him with the task of finding out who is killing humans. It looks like a vampire is responsible but someone is telling rumours that it's the werewolves who are really responsible.
Lissa is a succubus with special powers. She can read a man's thoughts and feelings when she has sex with them. But when she does this, she has to take a piece of their soul at the same time. When she's brought in by the preternatural police for crimes from her past, they offer her a deal: read Rands mind and find out what he knows about the dead humans and all charges against her will be dropped.
I really liked this story. It's very dark and dangerous. The main characters are really interesting and their relationship is very hot but also very complicated. The supporting characters are just as strong and interwoven into the main story are sub-plots for these supporting characters which I hope also get their own stories told. Very well written. The story flows along very well.
I'm looking forward to reading the next book.
Vincent Rand (known as Rand thoughout the whole book) is a werewolf with a dark past. The leader of werewolves on the Alliance council has charged him with the task of finding out who is killing humans. It looks like a vampire is responsible but someone is telling rumours that it's the werewolves who are really responsible.
Lissa is a succubus with special powers. She can read a man's thoughts and feelings when she has sex with them. But when she does this, she has to take a piece of their soul at the same time. When she's brought in by the preternatural police for crimes from her past, they offer her a deal: read Rands mind and find out what he knows about the dead humans and all charges against her will be dropped.
I really liked this story. It's very dark and dangerous. The main characters are really interesting and their relationship is very hot but also very complicated. The supporting characters are just as strong and interwoven into the main story are sub-plots for these supporting characters which I hope also get their own stories told. Very well written. The story flows along very well.
I'm looking forward to reading the next book.
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