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The Shadow Keepers #3
When Wicked Craves
Petra Lang is cursed never to love. One touch of her skin unleashes the vilest demons. Sentenced to death by the Shadow authorities, who fear she’ll turn her curse against them, Petra is rescued by vampire advocate Nicholas Montegue. As their bodies merge and transform into mist, Petra feels an erotic longing.
Nicholas risked his own life to save Petra, yet he knows he can never give in to the explosive attraction he feels for her. But the deep yearning they share tempts them. Together, they must find a way to lift the curse. For only a love this strong has the power to overcome such monstrous evil.
Nicholas risked his own life to save Petra, yet he knows he can never give in to the explosive attraction he feels for her. But the deep yearning they share tempts them. Together, they must find a way to lift the curse. For only a love this strong has the power to overcome such monstrous evil.
352 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published October 26, 2010
21 people are currently reading
1289 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 65 reviews
November 23, 2010
First posted on http://rubysreads.com[return][return]I think I might have mentioned a time or two that I was really anticipating this book. It was something about meeting Nicholas in book one and knowing that he was going to get his own book eventually. It's a bizarre form of unresolved sexual tension. Anyway, I wish I could say that it lived up to my expectations, but I'm afraid it didn't. I didn't hate it, but I didn't swoon over it and hug it to my chest like that lady in that old Rice Krispie Treats commercial. You know, where she pretends to have slaved over a hot stove to make the desert, but really she's just reading a romance novel...never mind.[return][return]The rest of the review has spoilers for the first two books in the series--particularly book two, so read on with caution.[return][return]My disappointment in this book came from too many missing things. For example, the book opens with Petra being prepared for execution. Remember how in the last book, she touched Sergius and he turned into a monster? Well, it turns that Petra's Touch is part of a prophecy with basically spells disaster for vampires, werewolves and the Alliance. Nicholas was serving as Petra's lawyer because she was in big trouble for touching Serge like he freaking asked her to. Sheesh. I mean, you'd've thought that someone would point that out, just once. At the end of When Pleasure Rules, when all this action happened, I got excited, waiting for Petra and Nicholas' first interaction. I was doomed to disappointment. They don't talk to each other at all. Then, because this book starts with Petra being executed, the first time we see them interact isn't the first time they have interacted. They might as well not have ever met before. I think that would have been more successful, actually.[return][return]Also, it turns out that Petra's gift of the Touch (which basically releases a demon worse than the one a vampire is constantly fighting back) is a family curse. According to the lore of the Shadow World, supernatural creatures come from two brothers. These two were kind of like Adam and Eve. Except that all the vampires are from Adam and all the werewolves are from Eve and they never interbred. Yet. The two original brothers teamed up to destroy brother number three because they knew he was stronger than them. The curse is part of Third Brother's plan for revenge. The plan involves destroying the Alliance, which means destroying each faction's leader (Tiberius of the vamps and Gunnolf of the werein). So, basically, Petra's just a pawn. A pawn in Brother Number Three's insidious plan.[return][return]Petra's gift means she can't touch anyone except on the night of a blue moon. And, conveniently, there's one shortly after Nicholas saves her from being executed. Cue the sex scene. The convenient blue moon is kind of emblematic of the problems I had with this book. Nicholas has a remarkably easy time getting over Lissa (with whom he was still in love in the last book), and he falls in love with Petra at the drop of a hat. And it really bothered me that neither of them ever reflected on the times they met before the novel began. I mean, he was her lawyer for heaven's sake. They had some kind of interaction before, even if it was sitting in a cell talking about how she was probably going to die.[return][return]Even worse than the blue moon thing and the falling in love is easy thing; the tidiest moments come at the end of the book. The question of Petra's overprotective brother? Poof. The fact that Nicholas is a vampire and will, therefore, never age? Dealt with. The curse? Check. I'm not usually one to protest happy endings, but I was disappointed that all the answers came so easily. I felt that Nicholas and Petra deserved better. I certainly wanted better for them.[return][return]The good news is that I still want to read the next three books in the series. The next book, When Passion Lies appears to be Caris and Tiberius'. At least, I know it's Caris' and I assume her hero is Tiberius. Which is kind of a shame, really. I was hoping his book would come later, a la Hawke's book. Still, there are promising males yet: Doyle is picture perfect for the tortured hero, but I'm guessing that Serge will have him cold on that front. I remain cautiously optimistic.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 30, 2011
After enjoying book 1 When Blood Calls and book 2 When Pleasure Rules this one was my total hands down favorite! I fell in love with the charismatic and compelling character of Nick Montague at the beginning of the series and when the character of Petra Lane was introduced in the last book she intrigued me with her responses to Nick when they had a few scenes of interaction...
I loved the fact that Nick and Petra finally both got their long awaited HEA and hope that others who read this one cheer as hard for them as I did!
The entire first three story arcs come together nicely and even though we know that the series is not over for me I can stop now and be satisfied.. However thanks to the small look at the end of this book it sounds like continuing on with book 4 When Passion Lies would be a good idea as there is going to be a total of six books and an e-novella as well... More info on that can all be found on the author's website at JK Beck.com...
For those of us who love paranormal romance with some good solid action and some very quirky twists and turns in the stories to keep us on our toes this series is well worth reading!
If like me you have the books on your shelves waiting for you to get to them, wait no longer read and enjoy sooner than later!
I loved the fact that Nick and Petra finally both got their long awaited HEA and hope that others who read this one cheer as hard for them as I did!
The entire first three story arcs come together nicely and even though we know that the series is not over for me I can stop now and be satisfied.. However thanks to the small look at the end of this book it sounds like continuing on with book 4 When Passion Lies would be a good idea as there is going to be a total of six books and an e-novella as well... More info on that can all be found on the author's website at JK Beck.com...
For those of us who love paranormal romance with some good solid action and some very quirky twists and turns in the stories to keep us on our toes this series is well worth reading!
If like me you have the books on your shelves waiting for you to get to them, wait no longer read and enjoy sooner than later!
December 23, 2010
Wow this 3rd installment was an excellent read. This is Nate and Petra's story. It had some surprises and I didn't expect things to happen as they did.
The story is fast paced, with loads of action, characters of strength and strong beliefs and passion that's off the charts; so hold on tight it's one hell of a ride.
I was afraid this was the end of the series but was pleasantly surprised at the end to see book four is coming out...When Passion Lies...
Anyway back to the book at hand...it's an excellent read, intense, hard driven and sexy as hell; as read I highly recommend!
The story is fast paced, with loads of action, characters of strength and strong beliefs and passion that's off the charts; so hold on tight it's one hell of a ride.
I was afraid this was the end of the series but was pleasantly surprised at the end to see book four is coming out...When Passion Lies...
Anyway back to the book at hand...it's an excellent read, intense, hard driven and sexy as hell; as read I highly recommend!
December 15, 2010
4.5 Stars
Petra Lang has been sentenced to die by the Shadow Alliance because a centuries old family curse. If anyone comes in contact with her skin, even the slightest touch, will cause them to turn into a horrible murderous creature. A last minute rescue by her vampire attorney Nicholas Montegue has them both running for their lives. Petra knows the reason for Nick saving her is not because of an unfair ruling but because he needs Petra to save a friend. Yet she can't stop herself from the desire that is building in her for a man she could never touch. Nick's friend was turned into a beast by Petra's touch and he will do anything he can to bring him back. He will use Petra in whatever way is necessary to come up with a cure but things get complicated when Nick starts to care for the smart and crafty Petra. When a way to end the curse comes to light Nicholas may have to choose between the woman he loves and a friend who could mean the end of the Alliance.
Petra has lived her entire life without contact because of her curse but she still holds her head high and she should not be taken lightly. She is smart, savvy and and resourceful. Yes, she swoons over Nick a bit (who wouldn't?) but at the same time she keeps him on his toes and is a constant surprise to him. She has her stubborn 'I don't need him to take care of me' moments but she knows he is her only chance to end her curse. Nick has a way with women. He has lived hundreds of years but is still manages to be surprised by Petra. Aside from being a lawyer, Nick is also heavily into science and alchemy. Petra is able to keep up with him and they can have meaningful conversations which is a rarity with him and women. He too has his moments of doubt regarding his feelings because of a past betrayal that left his heart broken. Their feelings for each other are real and they learn to get past hesitations. Its both lust and love for these two plus an understanding and deep bond that make them my favorite couple so far in this series.
What happens when Petra touches some one's skin is she brings out a near unstoppable force that gets stronger each moment it lives. The Shadow Alliance, powerful organization that over sees the paranormal world, was told of a prophecy that would be their end. An end that would be brought by a being Petra would create. They claim to give her a fare trail but she was considered guilty in their eyes the moment she was captured. There is nothing nice about those who govern the Alliance. It is made up of vampires, weres, wraiths and other creatures of the night who are only out for their own well being. I was tempted to cheer for the monster to rip them to shreds. Aside from having to run from the Alliance, Nick and Petra need to find a cure to turn Serge back into himself and do it before the monster he has become gets loose and leaves a path of death and destruction.
When Wicked Craves is the third book in J.K. Beck's Shadow Keepers series and at this point is my favorite. The action takes off right away and doesn't let up till the end. There's a sweet and at times heart tugging romance between Petra and Nick that balances out the story. The ending was both interesting and surprising with a finale worthy of this awesome read. We also get a better look into Shadow Alliance and learn where their priorities really are. Not even friends are safe from their wrath. I felt like everything is taken up a notch in this book and is a hard to put down read. Fans who like their paranormal romance darker than normal will like this series.
~Stephanie
Petra has lived a cursed life literally. Her family had been cursed long ago to have the cursed touch; if she touches any one it will change that person into an uncontrollable monster. She is destined to live a life without the touch of another.
Now she is about to be put to death by the alliance for that curse. She had changed her friend serge into this monster to save herself and her friends but in the end the alliance fears what they cannot control or what could possibly control them and so she was sentenced to death to illuminate that threat.
Nicholas had other ideas, he knew he must save Petra she may be his only key to finding a cure for his friend. Nicholas staged a rescue and took Petra before she was killed. Now they must work together to find a cure for serge. But Nicholas finds himself wanting to cure Petra as much if not more than his need to help serge.
Now they are on a race to find the cure before the alliance finds them. But what they find in the meantime is something the both never expected. A connection that in spite of the distance they are forced to keep because of the curse, they feel closer to each other than anyone ever in their life. But can the love withstand once Nicholas finds out the way to save his friend is to kill the woman he loves?
Petra is very strong and spunky I loved her. I felt for her brother and would like to have seen more of him. Nicholas is a very strong sexy man he is a no nonsense take charge guy. He may be more of a lover than a fighter but that does not mean he can't hold his own. I loved seeing Luc again and Rand. The story just takes on a life of its own and its every easy to get so wrapped up in it you lose track of time. I thought this was a great addition to the series and can't wait to see what JK Beck has in store for us next.
**Athenna**
Petra Lang has been sentenced to die by the Shadow Alliance because a centuries old family curse. If anyone comes in contact with her skin, even the slightest touch, will cause them to turn into a horrible murderous creature. A last minute rescue by her vampire attorney Nicholas Montegue has them both running for their lives. Petra knows the reason for Nick saving her is not because of an unfair ruling but because he needs Petra to save a friend. Yet she can't stop herself from the desire that is building in her for a man she could never touch. Nick's friend was turned into a beast by Petra's touch and he will do anything he can to bring him back. He will use Petra in whatever way is necessary to come up with a cure but things get complicated when Nick starts to care for the smart and crafty Petra. When a way to end the curse comes to light Nicholas may have to choose between the woman he loves and a friend who could mean the end of the Alliance.
Petra has lived her entire life without contact because of her curse but she still holds her head high and she should not be taken lightly. She is smart, savvy and and resourceful. Yes, she swoons over Nick a bit (who wouldn't?) but at the same time she keeps him on his toes and is a constant surprise to him. She has her stubborn 'I don't need him to take care of me' moments but she knows he is her only chance to end her curse. Nick has a way with women. He has lived hundreds of years but is still manages to be surprised by Petra. Aside from being a lawyer, Nick is also heavily into science and alchemy. Petra is able to keep up with him and they can have meaningful conversations which is a rarity with him and women. He too has his moments of doubt regarding his feelings because of a past betrayal that left his heart broken. Their feelings for each other are real and they learn to get past hesitations. Its both lust and love for these two plus an understanding and deep bond that make them my favorite couple so far in this series.
What happens when Petra touches some one's skin is she brings out a near unstoppable force that gets stronger each moment it lives. The Shadow Alliance, powerful organization that over sees the paranormal world, was told of a prophecy that would be their end. An end that would be brought by a being Petra would create. They claim to give her a fare trail but she was considered guilty in their eyes the moment she was captured. There is nothing nice about those who govern the Alliance. It is made up of vampires, weres, wraiths and other creatures of the night who are only out for their own well being. I was tempted to cheer for the monster to rip them to shreds. Aside from having to run from the Alliance, Nick and Petra need to find a cure to turn Serge back into himself and do it before the monster he has become gets loose and leaves a path of death and destruction.
When Wicked Craves is the third book in J.K. Beck's Shadow Keepers series and at this point is my favorite. The action takes off right away and doesn't let up till the end. There's a sweet and at times heart tugging romance between Petra and Nick that balances out the story. The ending was both interesting and surprising with a finale worthy of this awesome read. We also get a better look into Shadow Alliance and learn where their priorities really are. Not even friends are safe from their wrath. I felt like everything is taken up a notch in this book and is a hard to put down read. Fans who like their paranormal romance darker than normal will like this series.
~Stephanie
Petra has lived a cursed life literally. Her family had been cursed long ago to have the cursed touch; if she touches any one it will change that person into an uncontrollable monster. She is destined to live a life without the touch of another.
Now she is about to be put to death by the alliance for that curse. She had changed her friend serge into this monster to save herself and her friends but in the end the alliance fears what they cannot control or what could possibly control them and so she was sentenced to death to illuminate that threat.
Nicholas had other ideas, he knew he must save Petra she may be his only key to finding a cure for his friend. Nicholas staged a rescue and took Petra before she was killed. Now they must work together to find a cure for serge. But Nicholas finds himself wanting to cure Petra as much if not more than his need to help serge.
Now they are on a race to find the cure before the alliance finds them. But what they find in the meantime is something the both never expected. A connection that in spite of the distance they are forced to keep because of the curse, they feel closer to each other than anyone ever in their life. But can the love withstand once Nicholas finds out the way to save his friend is to kill the woman he loves?
Petra is very strong and spunky I loved her. I felt for her brother and would like to have seen more of him. Nicholas is a very strong sexy man he is a no nonsense take charge guy. He may be more of a lover than a fighter but that does not mean he can't hold his own. I loved seeing Luc again and Rand. The story just takes on a life of its own and its every easy to get so wrapped up in it you lose track of time. I thought this was a great addition to the series and can't wait to see what JK Beck has in store for us next.
**Athenna**
March 15, 2017
Actual 3.5 stars
I was pleasantly surprised by this story! Lots of action, intrigue, and the twisty plot kept me glued until the last page. While the character development wasn't the best, the main plot was satisfying enough to make up for the deficit.
I was pleasantly surprised by this story! Lots of action, intrigue, and the twisty plot kept me glued until the last page. While the character development wasn't the best, the main plot was satisfying enough to make up for the deficit.
December 1, 2010
“When Wicked Craves” by J.K. Beck:
“When Wicked Craves” is the best book I have read in a long time. I simply
could not put the book down. One element which stood out to me from page one was
J.K. Beck’s gift of choosing just the right words, formulating the appropriate sequence of
them to create not only an image but a mood, a setting, the depth of a character, grabbing
the reader and holding on tight until the final page is turned. The simple act of recalling a
touch, Beck described as “the hint of sensation upon the breath of memory.” That phrase
within the context of the chapter sent shivers down my spine. I fell helplessly into this
author’s world.
The paranormal elements had enough familiarity to easily allow the genius of
Beck’s differences. The intricacies of her shadow world, the way the characters were
intricately intertwined, lead to new and complex complications in the relationships. I
am not only speaking of the tangled labyrinth of the alliances and the discord between
creatures within it such as vampires and weren, succubus and sorcerers, but of the sexual
tension and romantic entanglements between them as well. It was this edge to the book
which had me hook, line and sinker devouring the book rather than merely reading it.
The best thing about this book, hyped up by the constant turmoil created for the
characters, was the erotic intimacy between Petra and Nicholas, their passion and the
anticipation of such even when sex, not even touch, was involved. Beck is a creative
genius, an entrepreneur of romance and a wizard of plot. The whole book took my breath
away. I can’t wait now to read the stories of Lissa and Rand, Sara and Lu. I’d like to
thank Suspense Magazine for introducing this author to me. Guess I’m her newest fan!
Reviewed by Kiki Howell, author of “Torn Asunder” for Suspense Magazine
“When Wicked Craves” is the best book I have read in a long time. I simply
could not put the book down. One element which stood out to me from page one was
J.K. Beck’s gift of choosing just the right words, formulating the appropriate sequence of
them to create not only an image but a mood, a setting, the depth of a character, grabbing
the reader and holding on tight until the final page is turned. The simple act of recalling a
touch, Beck described as “the hint of sensation upon the breath of memory.” That phrase
within the context of the chapter sent shivers down my spine. I fell helplessly into this
author’s world.
The paranormal elements had enough familiarity to easily allow the genius of
Beck’s differences. The intricacies of her shadow world, the way the characters were
intricately intertwined, lead to new and complex complications in the relationships. I
am not only speaking of the tangled labyrinth of the alliances and the discord between
creatures within it such as vampires and weren, succubus and sorcerers, but of the sexual
tension and romantic entanglements between them as well. It was this edge to the book
which had me hook, line and sinker devouring the book rather than merely reading it.
The best thing about this book, hyped up by the constant turmoil created for the
characters, was the erotic intimacy between Petra and Nicholas, their passion and the
anticipation of such even when sex, not even touch, was involved. Beck is a creative
genius, an entrepreneur of romance and a wizard of plot. The whole book took my breath
away. I can’t wait now to read the stories of Lissa and Rand, Sara and Lu. I’d like to
thank Suspense Magazine for introducing this author to me. Guess I’m her newest fan!
Reviewed by Kiki Howell, author of “Torn Asunder” for Suspense Magazine
March 19, 2011
Although it took me a week to read this, I did actully enjoy it as much as the first book. I was glad there was no cliffhanger. The book has a nice clean wrap. Petra, our heroine, has a curse that keeps her separate from others because physical contact will turn others into blood thirsty monsters. In the previous book, she turned Serg, a vamp, into a nasty out of control beast. To save Serg, his friend, Nick (our hero)goes on the lamb with Petra in search of a cure for the curse she carries. It is his hope that by finding a cure he will free Serg. The story starts with Nick having to break her out of Alliance custody where she is scheduled for execution for being too dangerous to live. We go from there down several twist, turns, deadends, rabbit holes, and a prophecy. It's all for the good because it gives the love story a foundation. Let's face it - sometimes we need for folk to actually talk to one another before going horizontal. With that said, I went into it expecting there would not be much sex because Petra could not have skin-to-skin contact. Ms. Beck is not one to punish her adult smut loving readers by having a sexless book, so yeah, there is some action just not much. It's a touching and hot scene all in one.
This book can stand alone but I would not recommend it. The story truly picks up at the end of the last one. To understand what happened to Serg, you have to read the previous book. Book one is the best for me so far but this one establishes that Ms. Beck is not a one trick pony. The last hundred pages were nail bitters. I'm a fan of the series for sure.
This book can stand alone but I would not recommend it. The story truly picks up at the end of the last one. To understand what happened to Serg, you have to read the previous book. Book one is the best for me so far but this one establishes that Ms. Beck is not a one trick pony. The last hundred pages were nail bitters. I'm a fan of the series for sure.
January 22, 2013
When Wicked Craves is the third installment in 'The Shadow Keepers' series and this time we follow Petra and Nicholas. We get to follow along as they attempt to find a cure for Petra's curse and to also find a way to get the old Serge back. They inevitably fall in love with each other but it's not a journey without its obstacles. You will definitely want to read the first two books in the series before jumping into this one.
I actually enjoyed Petra and Nicholas's story more than the second in the series. I think it's because I just liked their characters better. Plus as Nicholas says, the build up to the sexy times makes it much better when it actually takes place. And thats something that Petra and Nicholas definitely learn in this book, due to the fact that Petra cannot be touched.
I would have given this book a four star rating but the ending bumped it back down to a three star rating for me.
Regardless of the disappointing ending I still really enjoyed this one and I can't wait for the next in the series.
I actually enjoyed Petra and Nicholas's story more than the second in the series. I think it's because I just liked their characters better. Plus as Nicholas says, the build up to the sexy times makes it much better when it actually takes place. And thats something that Petra and Nicholas definitely learn in this book, due to the fact that Petra cannot be touched.
I would have given this book a four star rating but the ending bumped it back down to a three star rating for me.
Regardless of the disappointing ending I still really enjoyed this one and I can't wait for the next in the series.
September 9, 2010
When I read When Blood Calls I was hooked, then I received When Pleasure Rules and thought can this get any better? Well the answer to that question is YES! I absolutely could not put down any of these books but to be completely honest...When Wicked Craves is my favorite of all three. Maybe because in this book you find out so many answers to the questions raised in the first two. Not only that but with this book more questions are raised which makes me hope, and cross all my fingers that there is yet another book coming. Petra and Nicholas's story is filled with danger, life lost and love. Anyone who has read the first must get the second and third as well. Wonderful...wonderful stories!
July 20, 2011
My favorite of the series so far. This was the one I couldn't put down. Nick was so amazing in all the ways he should have been. Petra was strong yet needed & wanted what she never could have. I just enjoyed it all from the first page. She did good on this one :-)
It seems maybe she's getting better at the story telling. I had chapter 1 of the next at the end of this book & I'm interested! Maybe for me it's certain characters that just stand out. Becuz this book & the first I really loved. The next has my attn as well.
It seems maybe she's getting better at the story telling. I had chapter 1 of the next at the end of this book & I'm interested! Maybe for me it's certain characters that just stand out. Becuz this book & the first I really loved. The next has my attn as well.
October 31, 2010
Out of all three books in the series, this one has to be my favourite. I loved the characters of Nick and Petra. What turns out to be to people looking for a cure for a curse, turns into their love for each other. One having loved before, and one never being able to love. I can't wait for the next one in the series.
July 9, 2011
Compared to the first two novels of the series, I wasn't quite as happy with this one. However, it was still a great book.
When Pleasure Rules left me hurting for Nick's sake, so I was glad he found a resolution in this book. Petra is strong-willed and a good heroine, but for some reason I didn't connect with her like I did Sara or Lissa.
I can't wait for more from this series.
When Pleasure Rules left me hurting for Nick's sake, so I was glad he found a resolution in this book. Petra is strong-willed and a good heroine, but for some reason I didn't connect with her like I did Sara or Lissa.
I can't wait for more from this series.
July 21, 2011
Ok, it's official! I'm hooked and sucked in! This series improved with each book and now I'm anxiously awaiting the story of Tiberius - not to mention Sergius and Doyle! This is truly a series that supports the theory that a stroy can build and improve as it goes.
July 29, 2012
This is the third book in JK Beck's Shadowkeepers series. I really like these books a great deal. They are well told and the characters are such that I looked ahead to see how the 'star' of the next two are because I want my favorites to be front and center.
June 6, 2017
WOW!!
Thank You Ms Beck
Ken
Thank You Ms Beck
Ken
February 17, 2018
Cursed woman cannot touch others without turning them into monsters that trace back to a prophesy ending the Shadow Alliance. Interesting Read
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 2, 2020
Loved it!
March 27, 2025
Cursed to never feel the touch of another unless during the blue moon, the heroine’s life has been a constant struggle between loneliness and fear that she will infect another soul. Sheltered in her little prison of longing desperately for the life that's been stripped from her, she has searched many years for a cure and has so far failed. Now, it appears her struggles are soon to be over as she finds herself the prisoner of the Alliance, sentenced to death because they fear her curse and what it befalls those it touches. She doesn't want to die, not when she has not even had the chance to live. But just when she thinks the end has arrived, she is rescued.
The hero, her lawyer through the whole trial has decided to spring her fear and though she knows he only does it save to save the life of his friend- the friend she has unfortunately cursed and turned into a beast- she is neither the less pleased with her second chance. It's not a clean get away and very nearly they are both caught by the guard but thankfully, the hero is able to change them both to mist and suddenly the heroine is free. But she is still hunted by the Alliance who fear that she will somehow bring about their destruction as prophesized. Her only friend is the hero, a sexy and very intelligent man who will do anything to save his friend. He is a kind man but a man who has lived a very long time and who does not do well with commitment. Not that he imagines the heroine will be anything other than a means to an end. But he does admire her greatly and feel a good deal of sympathy towards her. It's not her fault she's been cursed and she handles her predicament with grace and a grain of salt considering. He does not pity her, she's far too strong for that but he can sense the loneliness inside her. Someone she has managed to draw him closer to any female since the betrayal of his previous love.
Though they cannot touch, they bond in both mist form as well as friendship. And that leads to the anticipation of the blue moon and the heroine’s chance to finally experience the tenderness of a man. But though they may share one night together, the guilt the heroines feels is overwhelming. She knows she can save his friend if she dies and though it scares her, she can no longer live with herself knowing she is cause of so much pain and heartache. But the hero is not willing to have her surrender herself. He will find a way to break the curse and god help anyone who means to stand in his way.
A whole lot of this book is spent on the POV of characters who are not the main focus. As such, the hero and heroines’ story, while sweet and certainly enjoyable, was rushed and left me feeling rather incomplete. I understood the draw they had to one another, I recognized the bonding and the connection between them that started off as respect and turned to love. However, not nearly enough time was spent on exploring this connection. It was just sort of tossed into the mix that the hero was so damn attracted to the little woman whose touch created monsters. He was a rather muted character who had the potential of being a stand out hero but never really rose to the challenge. He was a womanizer. He was extremely smart and extremely loyal to the few friends he had. And though he started out needing the heroine for his friends save, he almost immediately found himself caring for a great deal and debating within himself in regards to his evolved motives for keeping her safe. The heroine was a woman who struggled to maintain understanding for what her life is to be. She didn't want this curse and needed to find a cure but she also needed to find a way to live with it for the time being. Too bad the wait for the cure has taken 22 years and, in that span, she has been forced to cope with what the curse requires of her. Seclusion, constant fear and a great deal of guilt. To her, the hero is a source of anticipation and a light at the end of the tunnel. He saved her, is keeping her safe and away from those who hunt her and he is also sweet to her and kind even though sometimes she can be a bitch, especially when she's scared or feeling particularly vulnerable- doubting that any future for herself could be bright or happy. I didn't get swept away by this book and overall, I can say I was a bit disappointed with the final result. Just too rushed and busy for my tastes.
The hero, her lawyer through the whole trial has decided to spring her fear and though she knows he only does it save to save the life of his friend- the friend she has unfortunately cursed and turned into a beast- she is neither the less pleased with her second chance. It's not a clean get away and very nearly they are both caught by the guard but thankfully, the hero is able to change them both to mist and suddenly the heroine is free. But she is still hunted by the Alliance who fear that she will somehow bring about their destruction as prophesized. Her only friend is the hero, a sexy and very intelligent man who will do anything to save his friend. He is a kind man but a man who has lived a very long time and who does not do well with commitment. Not that he imagines the heroine will be anything other than a means to an end. But he does admire her greatly and feel a good deal of sympathy towards her. It's not her fault she's been cursed and she handles her predicament with grace and a grain of salt considering. He does not pity her, she's far too strong for that but he can sense the loneliness inside her. Someone she has managed to draw him closer to any female since the betrayal of his previous love.
Though they cannot touch, they bond in both mist form as well as friendship. And that leads to the anticipation of the blue moon and the heroine’s chance to finally experience the tenderness of a man. But though they may share one night together, the guilt the heroines feels is overwhelming. She knows she can save his friend if she dies and though it scares her, she can no longer live with herself knowing she is cause of so much pain and heartache. But the hero is not willing to have her surrender herself. He will find a way to break the curse and god help anyone who means to stand in his way.
A whole lot of this book is spent on the POV of characters who are not the main focus. As such, the hero and heroines’ story, while sweet and certainly enjoyable, was rushed and left me feeling rather incomplete. I understood the draw they had to one another, I recognized the bonding and the connection between them that started off as respect and turned to love. However, not nearly enough time was spent on exploring this connection. It was just sort of tossed into the mix that the hero was so damn attracted to the little woman whose touch created monsters. He was a rather muted character who had the potential of being a stand out hero but never really rose to the challenge. He was a womanizer. He was extremely smart and extremely loyal to the few friends he had. And though he started out needing the heroine for his friends save, he almost immediately found himself caring for a great deal and debating within himself in regards to his evolved motives for keeping her safe. The heroine was a woman who struggled to maintain understanding for what her life is to be. She didn't want this curse and needed to find a cure but she also needed to find a way to live with it for the time being. Too bad the wait for the cure has taken 22 years and, in that span, she has been forced to cope with what the curse requires of her. Seclusion, constant fear and a great deal of guilt. To her, the hero is a source of anticipation and a light at the end of the tunnel. He saved her, is keeping her safe and away from those who hunt her and he is also sweet to her and kind even though sometimes she can be a bitch, especially when she's scared or feeling particularly vulnerable- doubting that any future for herself could be bright or happy. I didn't get swept away by this book and overall, I can say I was a bit disappointed with the final result. Just too rushed and busy for my tastes.
January 5, 2016
Petra Lang is sentenced to death by the Shadow Alliance. Not because she kept herself and her curse a secret from them, not because she created a monster just by touching Serge, but because there is a prophecy stating that she will be the end of the Alliance.
Nicholas doesn’t intend to let her die, he needs her help to safe his friend Serge, the vampire she turned into a monster. They have captured him, but he is growing stronger every day. And if he escapes, he will wreak havoc on the city …
Petra doesn’t know a cure, she has been searching for a cure for her curse all her life and has found nothing, not even a rumour. The only way to kill the Beast, is to kill her… and she is not ready for that. She is grateful for Nick for saving her life from prison, at great risk to himself and to Sara who was his accomplice, but she just doesn’t know how to help him.
And so Nick decides to take her to Paris, to see an old friend turned enemy, an alchemist who might help them. Of course the Shadow authorities won’t give up that easily, and they are after Petra and her brother Kiril. When Tariq finds proof that Sara was behind some of it, he throws her in prison, but before he can have a Truth Seer “interrogate” her, her boss interferes, and no one crosses him …
But when Nick does find out the cure, will he be able to kill Petra? Just like that? Or will his feelings for her be stronger? There can never be a physical relationship between her, one touch of her skin, and he will turn into a monster, only during the Blue Moon is her curse lifted (enough to become pregnant and give the curse to her daughter in turn, like it has been going on for hundreds of years). But Petra is determined never to become pregnant, and have the curse end with her. But she does long for a man’s touch more than anything else …
And then the monster that Serge has become escapes, takes his prison guards’ abilities as his own, and starts killing council members … just as prophesied… getting stronger and stronger with each kill …
But someone has to be behind it all, someone is managing the Beast …
This world just gets better and better. I was intrigued by Petra earlier, and I am very glad she got her own story. Petra is a witch, but she doesn’t know how to use her powers, her brother Kiril has always been there to protect her, take care of her. But she is a very good private detective, and that is how they encountered the Shadow world and its inhabitants.
Petra is strong, having lived without touch for all of her life. Raised with her brother by a loveless aunt, always kept hidden. And now there is Nick, and this forbidden attraction between them. But the Blue Moon is almost there, making her safe to touch, to finally know what it means to make love to a man. But when the sun rises, can they live with what they can’t have for perhaps years to come? Or is there really a cure for her to be found in Paris?
The plot was so good, and I really enjoyed that some of those Councillors got killed. Unfortunately, the vampire and werewolf leaders are still there to rule their people. And they want Petra dead. Just so they can stay in power for a few hundred years more. They have been killing women with the curse for hundreds of years, wiping out entire bloodlines and families in the process.
It was just such a good story, and I am glad there are a few more books in this world. As Julie Kenner told in her interview with me recently, she has received the rights to these books back, and is re-publishing them under her own name. If you haven’t tried it yet, it is really worth your while, but keep in mind I did not like the first book, but fell in love with the second one.
9 stars.
Nicholas doesn’t intend to let her die, he needs her help to safe his friend Serge, the vampire she turned into a monster. They have captured him, but he is growing stronger every day. And if he escapes, he will wreak havoc on the city …
Petra doesn’t know a cure, she has been searching for a cure for her curse all her life and has found nothing, not even a rumour. The only way to kill the Beast, is to kill her… and she is not ready for that. She is grateful for Nick for saving her life from prison, at great risk to himself and to Sara who was his accomplice, but she just doesn’t know how to help him.
And so Nick decides to take her to Paris, to see an old friend turned enemy, an alchemist who might help them. Of course the Shadow authorities won’t give up that easily, and they are after Petra and her brother Kiril. When Tariq finds proof that Sara was behind some of it, he throws her in prison, but before he can have a Truth Seer “interrogate” her, her boss interferes, and no one crosses him …
But when Nick does find out the cure, will he be able to kill Petra? Just like that? Or will his feelings for her be stronger? There can never be a physical relationship between her, one touch of her skin, and he will turn into a monster, only during the Blue Moon is her curse lifted (enough to become pregnant and give the curse to her daughter in turn, like it has been going on for hundreds of years). But Petra is determined never to become pregnant, and have the curse end with her. But she does long for a man’s touch more than anything else …
And then the monster that Serge has become escapes, takes his prison guards’ abilities as his own, and starts killing council members … just as prophesied… getting stronger and stronger with each kill …
But someone has to be behind it all, someone is managing the Beast …
This world just gets better and better. I was intrigued by Petra earlier, and I am very glad she got her own story. Petra is a witch, but she doesn’t know how to use her powers, her brother Kiril has always been there to protect her, take care of her. But she is a very good private detective, and that is how they encountered the Shadow world and its inhabitants.
Petra is strong, having lived without touch for all of her life. Raised with her brother by a loveless aunt, always kept hidden. And now there is Nick, and this forbidden attraction between them. But the Blue Moon is almost there, making her safe to touch, to finally know what it means to make love to a man. But when the sun rises, can they live with what they can’t have for perhaps years to come? Or is there really a cure for her to be found in Paris?
The plot was so good, and I really enjoyed that some of those Councillors got killed. Unfortunately, the vampire and werewolf leaders are still there to rule their people. And they want Petra dead. Just so they can stay in power for a few hundred years more. They have been killing women with the curse for hundreds of years, wiping out entire bloodlines and families in the process.
It was just such a good story, and I am glad there are a few more books in this world. As Julie Kenner told in her interview with me recently, she has received the rights to these books back, and is re-publishing them under her own name. If you haven’t tried it yet, it is really worth your while, but keep in mind I did not like the first book, but fell in love with the second one.
9 stars.
November 1, 2012
When Wicked Craves ของเจเค เบ็ค
เรื่อง นี้เป็นเล่มที่สามในชุด และในที่สุดก็มาถึงเรื่องราวของนิโคลัส มอนเตกิว ซึ่งเราคิดว่า เป็นคาแร็คเตอร์ที่น่าสนใจที่สุดแล้วล่ะ
นิโคลัสเป็นทนายความจำเลยซึ่งมีบทบาทพอสมควรในสองเล่มแรก เราอยากอ่านเรื่องของเขาเพราะรู้สึกถึงความขัดแย้งกันดีของตัวละครที่เป็นแวมไพร์ แต่ในขณะเดียวกันก็เป็นทนายความ แต่ก็อาจจะเป็นเพราะความคาดหวังนี้ก็ได้นะคะ เลยทำให้ผิดหวังเล็กน้อยเมื่อพออ่านจริงกลับเจอว่า เล่มนี้นิคไม่ได้แสดงความสามารถทางกฎหมายของเขาเลย กลับกลายเป็นแวมไพร์ที่พานักโทษประหารแหกคุกซะนี่
เพตรา แลงค์ไม่ได้ทำความผิดอะไรสักนิดเดียว แต่เธอกำลังรอรับโทษประหารจากคำสั่งของสภาผู้เหนือธรรมชาติ นั่นเพราะคำสาปที่แฝงอยู่ในร่าง เพตราไม่อาจสัมผัสใครได้ เพราะเพียงครั้งเดียวเธอจะปลุกปีศาจให้ตื่นขึ้นในกายของคนผู้นั้น ปีศาจที่เลวร้าย และเก่งกาจชนิดไม่มีใครทัดเทียม และจากคำทำนายโบราณที่สมาชิกสภาได้รับมาที่บอกว่า ปีศาจที่เพตราสร้างขึ้นจะออกไล่ล่าและฆ่าสมาชิกสภา ทำลายล้างกฎเกณฑ์แห่งโลกเหนือธรรมชาติแห่งนี้ ก็ทำให้การมีชีวิตอยู่ของเพตราก็เป็นความเสี่ยงที่ไม่อาจยอมรับได้
ขณะที่กำลังรอความตาย ชายลึกลับปรากฎตัวขึ้น และช่วยเธอแหกคุกออกมาได้สำเร็จ นิคอาจจะเป็นทนายว่าความให้กับหญิงสาว แต่นั่นไม่ใช่เหตุผลที่เขาช่วยเธอ เซิร์จ เพื่อนสนิทของเขาซึ่งถูกเพตราสัมผัส (เหตุการณ์ในตอนจบของเล่มสอง) กำลังรอคอยความตาย และนิคคิดว่า มีเพียงเพตราเท่านั้นที่จะแก้คำสาปได้ ดังนั้นนิคจึงไม่อาจปล่อยให้เธอตายได้ และแม้จะเสี่ยงต่อการลงโทษ เขาก็ตัดสินใจวางแผนพาเธอออกมา
และนั่นทำให้ทั้งนิคและเพตราถูกตามล่าจากทุกคน ทั้งคู่ต้องแข่งกับเวลาในการหาทางแก้ไขคำสาป ซึ่งสืบทอดตกมาตามลำดับของคนในตระกูลแลงค์ ในเวลาเดียวกันเซิร์จซึ่งถูกนิคจับขังเอาไว้ (เพื่อไม่ให้อาลวาดออกไปทำร้ายใคร) ก็เข้มแข็งขึ้นมาเรื่อย ๆ คำทำนายอันน่าหวาดกลัวกำลังจะเป็นความจริง
คนเพียงคนเดียวที่นิคคิดออกว่าอาจจะช่วยเขาได้ ก็คือพ่อมดจากในอดีต คนที่นิคเรียกว่าเพื่อน แต่เขากลับทรยศชายคนนั้น แต่ไม่มีทางเลือก นิคต้องกลับไปปารีสเพื่อตามหาพ่อมดคนนั้นให้เจอ ด้วยความหวังว่าจะช่วยลบคำสาปได้
เรื่องนี้ลงตัวมากกว่าเรื่องอื่นค่ะ ส่วนหนึ่งเพราะเราไม่ขัดใจในส่วนของตัวละคร เราโอเคกับทั้งนิคและเพตรา แม้จะผิดหวังเล็กน้อยที่เรื่องนี้กลายเป็นแนวพารานอมอลทั่วไป เราคาดหวังว่าเรื่องของนิค ทนายความจำเลยผู้เก่งกาจจะเป็นเรื่องในมุมมองของการต่อสู้ทางศาล แต่มันก็แค่การไล่ล่าต่อสู้กันไปเท่านั้นเอง
ในแง่นึงเรื่องนี้น่าสนใจตรงที่ไม่มีคนร้ายอย่างแท้จริง กระทั่งคนที่ตามล่าเพตราเองก็ไม่ใช่คนเลว พวกเขาเพียงแต่รับคำสั่ง และทำทุกอย่างเพื่อกำจัดภัยร้าย ซึ่งแน่นอนว่าอาจจะไม่ยุติธรรมต่อเพตราเท่าไหรนัก เธอไม่ได้ทำผิด แต่ต้องรับโทษเป็นความตาย เพียงเพราะสิ่งที่อาจจะเกิดขึ้น
อย่างไรก็ตาม การเขียนของคนแต่งทำให้เรารู้สึกเหมือนคนแต่งมองว่าคนที่ตามล่าเป็นคนเลว คือเราไม่ได้มองคนกลุ่มนี้ว่าเลวนะคะ เขาทำตามหน้าที่ ซึ่งในทางกลับกัน ถ้าโฟกัสอยู่ที่พวกเขา ก็อาจจะเป็นพระเอกก็ได้ (ที่ออกตามล่าปีศาจร้าย) นี่จึงเป็นการเลือกอย่างชัดเจน ถ้าเป็นกลุ่มพระเอกทำอะไรก็ดีไปหมด แต่ถ้าอยู่อีกฝ่ายก็ต้องเลวอย่างเดียว ทั้งที่จริง ๆ แล้วเป็นการกระทำที่ไม่แตกต่างจากกันเลย โดยเฉพาะ (สปอยล์) เมื่อพิสูจน์ได้ว่า คำทำนายนั้นเป็นจริง เซิร์จซึ่งควบคุมตัวเองไม่ได้ออกไล่ล่าสังหารสมาชิกสภาตายกันเรียบ ทำให้เห็นว่า การสั่งฆ่าเพตราก็ไม่ใช่การตัดสินใจที่ผิด (แม้จะผิดต่อเพตรา)
ปริศนาเกี่ยวกับคำสาปของเพตราทำให้เรื่องมีความน่าสนใจ สร้างความสงสัยให้เราอยากรู้ว่า มีที่มาที่ไปยังไง แต่สุดท้าย (สปอยล์) ก็รู้สึกเหมือนคนแต่งหาทางออกแบบง่าย ๆ แล้วก็สรุปเรื่องบังเอิญเกินเหตุ ไหงกลายเป็นเพื่อนเก่าของนิคเองที่เป็นต้นตอแห่งคำสาป ง่ายไปไหมเนี่ย
คะแนนที่ 63
เรื่อง นี้เป็นเล่มที่สามในชุด และในที่สุดก็มาถึงเรื่องราวของนิโคลัส มอนเตกิว ซึ่งเราคิดว่า เป็นคาแร็คเตอร์ที่น่าสนใจที่สุดแล้วล่ะ
นิโคลัสเป็นทนายความจำเลยซึ่งมีบทบาทพอสมควรในสองเล่มแรก เราอยากอ่านเรื่องของเขาเพราะรู้สึกถึงความขัดแย้งกันดีของตัวละครที่เป็นแวมไพร์ แต่ในขณะเดียวกันก็เป็นทนายความ แต่ก็อาจจะเป็นเพราะความคาดหวังนี้ก็ได้นะคะ เลยทำให้ผิดหวังเล็กน้อยเมื่อพออ่านจริงกลับเจอว่า เล่มนี้นิคไม่ได้แสดงความสามารถทางกฎหมายของเขาเลย กลับกลายเป็นแวมไพร์ที่พานักโทษประหารแหกคุกซะนี่
เพตรา แลงค์ไม่ได้ทำความผิดอะไรสักนิดเดียว แต่เธอกำลังรอรับโทษประหารจากคำสั่งของสภาผู้เหนือธรรมชาติ นั่นเพราะคำสาปที่แฝงอยู่ในร่าง เพตราไม่อาจสัมผัสใครได้ เพราะเพียงครั้งเดียวเธอจะปลุกปีศาจให้ตื่นขึ้นในกายของคนผู้นั้น ปีศาจที่เลวร้าย และเก่งกาจชนิดไม่มีใครทัดเทียม และจากคำทำนายโบราณที่สมาชิกสภาได้รับมาที่บอกว่า ปีศาจที่เพตราสร้างขึ้นจะออกไล่ล่าและฆ่าสมาชิกสภา ทำลายล้างกฎเกณฑ์แห่งโลกเหนือธรรมชาติแห่งนี้ ก็ทำให้การมีชีวิตอยู่ของเพตราก็เป็นความเสี่ยงที่ไม่อาจยอมรับได้
ขณะที่กำลังรอความตาย ชายลึกลับปรากฎตัวขึ้น และช่วยเธอแหกคุกออกมาได้สำเร็จ นิคอาจจะเป็นทนายว่าความให้กับหญิงสาว แต่นั่นไม่ใช่เหตุผลที่เขาช่วยเธอ เซิร์จ เพื่อนสนิทของเขาซึ่งถูกเพตราสัมผัส (เหตุการณ์ในตอนจบของเล่มสอง) กำลังรอคอยความตาย และนิคคิดว่า มีเพียงเพตราเท่านั้นที่จะแก้คำสาปได้ ดังนั้นนิคจึงไม่อาจปล่อยให้เธอตายได้ และแม้จะเสี่ยงต่อการลงโทษ เขาก็ตัดสินใจวางแผนพาเธอออกมา
และนั่นทำให้ทั้งนิคและเพตราถูกตามล่าจากทุกคน ทั้งคู่ต้องแข่งกับเวลาในการหาทางแก้ไขคำสาป ซึ่งสืบทอดตกมาตามลำดับของคนในตระกูลแลงค์ ในเวลาเดียวกันเซิร์จซึ่งถูกนิคจับขังเอาไว้ (เพื่อไม่ให้อาลวาดออกไปทำร้ายใคร) ก็เข้มแข็งขึ้นมาเรื่อย ๆ คำทำนายอันน่าหวาดกลัวกำลังจะเป็นความจริง
คนเพียงคนเดียวที่นิคคิดออกว่าอาจจะช่วยเขาได้ ก็คือพ่อมดจากในอดีต คนที่นิคเรียกว่าเพื่อน แต่เขากลับทรยศชายคนนั้น แต่ไม่มีทางเลือก นิคต้องกลับไปปารีสเพื่อตามหาพ่อมดคนนั้นให้เจอ ด้วยความหวังว่าจะช่วยลบคำสาปได้
เรื่องนี้ลงตัวมากกว่าเรื่องอื่นค่ะ ส่วนหนึ่งเพราะเราไม่ขัดใจในส่วนของตัวละคร เราโอเคกับทั้งนิคและเพตรา แม้จะผิดหวังเล็กน้อยที่เรื่องนี้กลายเป็นแนวพารานอมอลทั่วไป เราคาดหวังว่าเรื่องของนิค ทนายความจำเลยผู้เก่งกาจจะเป็นเรื่องในมุมมองของการต่อสู้ทางศาล แต่มันก็แค่การไล่ล่าต่อสู้กันไปเท่านั้นเอง
ในแง่นึงเรื่องนี้น่าสนใจตรงที่ไม่มีคนร้ายอย่างแท้จริง กระทั่งคนที่ตามล่าเพตราเองก็ไม่ใช่คนเลว พวกเขาเพียงแต่รับคำสั่ง และทำทุกอย่างเพื่อกำจัดภัยร้าย ซึ่งแน่นอนว่าอาจจะไม่ยุติธรรมต่อเพตราเท่าไหรนัก เธอไม่ได้ทำผิด แต่ต้องรับโทษเป็นความตาย เพียงเพราะสิ่งที่อาจจะเกิดขึ้น
อย่างไรก็ตาม การเขียนของคนแต่งทำให้เรารู้สึกเหมือนคนแต่งมองว่าคนที่ตามล่าเป็นคนเลว คือเราไม่ได้มองคนกลุ่มนี้ว่าเลวนะคะ เขาทำตามหน้าที่ ซึ่งในทางกลับกัน ถ้าโฟกัสอยู่ที่พวกเขา ก็อาจจะเป็นพระเอกก็ได้ (ที่ออกตามล่าปีศาจร้าย) นี่จึงเป็นการเลือกอย่างชัดเจน ถ้าเป็นกลุ่มพระเอกทำอะไรก็ดีไปหมด แต่ถ้าอยู่อีกฝ่ายก็ต้องเลวอย่างเดียว ทั้งที่จริง ๆ แล้วเป็นการกระทำที่ไม่แตกต่างจากกันเลย โดยเฉพาะ (สปอยล์) เมื่อพิสูจน์ได้ว่า คำทำนายนั้นเป็นจริง เซิร์จซึ่งควบคุมตัวเองไม่ได้ออกไล่ล่าสังหารสมาชิกสภาตายกันเรียบ ทำให้เห็นว่า การสั่งฆ่าเพตราก็ไม่ใช่การตัดสินใจที่ผิด (แม้จะผิดต่อเพตรา)
ปริศนาเกี่ยวกับคำสาปของเพตราทำให้เรื่องมีความน่าสนใจ สร้างความสงสัยให้เราอยากรู้ว่า มีที่มาที่ไปยังไง แต่สุดท้าย (สปอยล์) ก็รู้สึกเหมือนคนแต่งหาทางออกแบบง่าย ๆ แล้วก็สรุปเรื่องบังเอิญเกินเหตุ ไหงกลายเป็นเพื่อนเก่าของนิคเองที่เป็นต้นตอแห่งคำสาป ง่ายไปไหมเนี่ย
คะแนนที่ 63
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 11, 2012
If you haven't read the first two books, you most definitely should before diving into this one. Each book has its own focus, but there's an continuing storyline and and returning characters, and background info is essential to really getting the story. Infact, this book picks the story almost directly up from where When Pleasure Rules left it. Our band of heroes have escaped another adventure of danger and romance, but Petra Lang must now face the consequences of exposing her curse. The Alliance, governing body of the shadow world, has decided that Petra is too dangerous to live, and the story opens with her government-sanctioned execution.
I gotta say, absolutely love how this book kicks off -- I was instantly hooked and emotionally invested in Petra and her troubles. Which is great considering that we don't get a whole lot of intro to her character in WPR. Within just a couple of pages, the author totally convinces you to not just like Petra but to actually care about her.
The other quick hook here is Nick Montegue. Introduced from the very beginning in When Blood Calls, Nick has been a great asset to this series -- a nice change of pace from the supermacho toughness found in Luke and Rand. I like supermacho, I really do, but variety is pleasant, especially in manflesh. Of course, don't think that Nick is a prancing lightweight. As is nicely depicted in the book, he's a renaissance man (sort of literally, since he's a centuries-old vampire) who thinks as well as he fights. He and Petra are an excellent match, and I give the author all kinds of kudos for successfully creating believable -- and sexy, mustn't forget -- chemistry between characters.
As for the action-y bits, I enjoyed the pace of things. I was well-entertained the entire time I read this, never found a moment when I was bored or impatient with the plot. I wasn't all too impressed by the villain-esque characters, though. The primary bad guys, Alliance figures Dirque and Tariq, are pretty interesting but ultimately didn't work for me. There was a certain amount of depth missing from them, which did decrease the overall urgency of the conflict. With some books, even though you know there's going to be a Happily Ever After at the end, you experience a moment or two of doubt. That, just maybe, this time the bad guys will win. That wasn't the case, here. Still, everything was quite lively from start to finish, and there's absolutely nothing wrong with a relatively angst-free story every now and then.
One thing I particularly enjoy about this series is how the characters from previous books maintain a significant presence and continue to develop as the series progresses. It was a nice surprise to find the tension between Nick and Lissa had continued from the second book, and that Luke and Sara aren't down for the count now that they're happily mated. This is a fully-fledged series with plenty of thought put into making each book flow smoothly from the next. I will absolutely pick up the next book, When Pleasure Lies, when it hits the shelves -- bringing back Caris, the vampire-werewolf hybrid with a tough-as-nails attitude.
http://booknerdsbrain.blogspot.com/20...
I gotta say, absolutely love how this book kicks off -- I was instantly hooked and emotionally invested in Petra and her troubles. Which is great considering that we don't get a whole lot of intro to her character in WPR. Within just a couple of pages, the author totally convinces you to not just like Petra but to actually care about her.
The other quick hook here is Nick Montegue. Introduced from the very beginning in When Blood Calls, Nick has been a great asset to this series -- a nice change of pace from the supermacho toughness found in Luke and Rand. I like supermacho, I really do, but variety is pleasant, especially in manflesh. Of course, don't think that Nick is a prancing lightweight. As is nicely depicted in the book, he's a renaissance man (sort of literally, since he's a centuries-old vampire) who thinks as well as he fights. He and Petra are an excellent match, and I give the author all kinds of kudos for successfully creating believable -- and sexy, mustn't forget -- chemistry between characters.
As for the action-y bits, I enjoyed the pace of things. I was well-entertained the entire time I read this, never found a moment when I was bored or impatient with the plot. I wasn't all too impressed by the villain-esque characters, though. The primary bad guys, Alliance figures Dirque and Tariq, are pretty interesting but ultimately didn't work for me. There was a certain amount of depth missing from them, which did decrease the overall urgency of the conflict. With some books, even though you know there's going to be a Happily Ever After at the end, you experience a moment or two of doubt. That, just maybe, this time the bad guys will win. That wasn't the case, here. Still, everything was quite lively from start to finish, and there's absolutely nothing wrong with a relatively angst-free story every now and then.
One thing I particularly enjoy about this series is how the characters from previous books maintain a significant presence and continue to develop as the series progresses. It was a nice surprise to find the tension between Nick and Lissa had continued from the second book, and that Luke and Sara aren't down for the count now that they're happily mated. This is a fully-fledged series with plenty of thought put into making each book flow smoothly from the next. I will absolutely pick up the next book, When Pleasure Lies, when it hits the shelves -- bringing back Caris, the vampire-werewolf hybrid with a tough-as-nails attitude.
http://booknerdsbrain.blogspot.com/20...
August 19, 2016
Advocate extraordinaire, Nicholas Montague has exhausted his legal expertise against the PEC trying to free Touch, Petra Lang in this third series outing. Touching Petra's skin releases the daemon within except on a blue moon and that has happened to Sergeius in trying to save the shadow realm.
Though their lives too were spared, the PEC is afraid Petra could bring forth the ancient prophecy that she and Serge along with a third could bring down the PEC. To stop the prophecy, the PEC is willing to execute Petra even though she is human and not of their realm but Nick sees Petra as the key to restoring Serge to his former self as he snatches her from the clamps of death in a daring rescue.
Nick and Petra's star turn romance is fraught with outside pressure. Petra's brother is the only flesh she's touched besides her own and now that she's gone mist-y with Nick the blue moon can't come soon enough. Though still licking his wounds from the last woman that broke his heart, helping Serge keeps Petra close as they ease their way to the sexy times.
In a huge nod to series fans both previous star couples and the next hero of the series have meaningful overlapping threads here. Luke and Sara have their own battle happening with the PEC and Rand's feeling a bit insecure with his relationship with Lissa. Tiberius even grabs a chunk of spotlight for himself leading the charge to reclaim Petra for the PEC.
The gang's road to a cure for Serge takes this paranormal read through romance, action, adventure and suspense without being overly busy. This nicely paced read added more layers to the shadow realm and was full of fully fleshed characters that had chemistry in each setting. While each installment wraps perfectly, the series should be read in order previous characters and actions are referenced.
Rating:4.5stars
Though their lives too were spared, the PEC is afraid Petra could bring forth the ancient prophecy that she and Serge along with a third could bring down the PEC. To stop the prophecy, the PEC is willing to execute Petra even though she is human and not of their realm but Nick sees Petra as the key to restoring Serge to his former self as he snatches her from the clamps of death in a daring rescue.
Nick and Petra's star turn romance is fraught with outside pressure. Petra's brother is the only flesh she's touched besides her own and now that she's gone mist-y with Nick the blue moon can't come soon enough. Though still licking his wounds from the last woman that broke his heart, helping Serge keeps Petra close as they ease their way to the sexy times.
In a huge nod to series fans both previous star couples and the next hero of the series have meaningful overlapping threads here. Luke and Sara have their own battle happening with the PEC and Rand's feeling a bit insecure with his relationship with Lissa. Tiberius even grabs a chunk of spotlight for himself leading the charge to reclaim Petra for the PEC.
The gang's road to a cure for Serge takes this paranormal read through romance, action, adventure and suspense without being overly busy. This nicely paced read added more layers to the shadow realm and was full of fully fleshed characters that had chemistry in each setting. While each installment wraps perfectly, the series should be read in order previous characters and actions are referenced.
Rating:4.5stars
July 31, 2015
"When Wicked Craves" by J.K. Beck. Book 3 of The Shadow Keepers series.
I liked this book. Nicholas (Nick) and Petra are the main characters, both seen before in the previous books.
Nick is a vampire who also happens to be an advocate (attourney) in the preternatural world. Petra is a human but she also has some magic and she is cursed. Her curse makes her untouchable because any time she touches someone, or someone touches her accidentally, her touch turns them into a monster that kills indescriminately.
The plot of the book is pretty straight forward with Nick and Petra trying to find a cure for her curse while trying to stop a monster that she created in the previous book, Serge, who happens to be Nick's friend. Throw in the Alliance trying to kill Petra, her twin brother trying to save her and Nick and Petra falling in love and you have a pretty good story.
I liked pretty much everything about the book except for the romance between Nick and Petra. I just didn't find that they had a lot of passion. When they do "get together" (which yes, there's always a loophole to the no-touching curse), it was more than half-way through the book and personally, I found that part a little anti-climactic. But I did like them together as a couple.
The ending of the book was great! A lot of action and very fast paced with a twist that I didn't see coming.
I will continue to read this series.
I liked this book. Nicholas (Nick) and Petra are the main characters, both seen before in the previous books.
Nick is a vampire who also happens to be an advocate (attourney) in the preternatural world. Petra is a human but she also has some magic and she is cursed. Her curse makes her untouchable because any time she touches someone, or someone touches her accidentally, her touch turns them into a monster that kills indescriminately.
The plot of the book is pretty straight forward with Nick and Petra trying to find a cure for her curse while trying to stop a monster that she created in the previous book, Serge, who happens to be Nick's friend. Throw in the Alliance trying to kill Petra, her twin brother trying to save her and Nick and Petra falling in love and you have a pretty good story.
I liked pretty much everything about the book except for the romance between Nick and Petra. I just didn't find that they had a lot of passion. When they do "get together" (which yes, there's always a loophole to the no-touching curse), it was more than half-way through the book and personally, I found that part a little anti-climactic. But I did like them together as a couple.
The ending of the book was great! A lot of action and very fast paced with a twist that I didn't see coming.
I will continue to read this series.
May 28, 2016
İkinci kitaptan hatırlayacağınız insan-cadı karışımı Petra, dokunduğu herkesi yaratığa dönüştüren bir lanetten mustaripti. Elbette Gölge Dünyasının hükumeti buna asla hoş görü göstermeyecektir, zira yüzyıllardır var olan bir kehanete göre Dokunuş Lanetine sahip birinin yarattığı yaratık, onların yok oluşuna neden olacaktır. Ve Petra da en son Serge'yi dönüştürmüş ve arkadaşlarının ölümüne izin vermeyi reddeden Nick ve Lucius da onu bir yere kapatmayı başarmıştır. Geriye bir tek Petra'yı idamdan kurtarmaları gerekiyordur ki bu işi de Nick halletmiştir. Nick'in Serge'yi umutsuzca kurtarması için çabalamasına tanık olurken Petra'ya karşı duygularının nasıl geliştiğine tanık olacağız. Bu Nick açısından kötüdür, zira kızın ölümü ile Serge eski haline dönebilecektir, ama bunu en başta bilse idi Petra'yı da asla kurtarmayacaktır. Bu yüzden Petra da bu sırrı koruyabildiği kadar koruyacak, hem hayatta kalıp hem de lanetten kurtulmak için, çekiciliğine kapıldığı Nick'e sıkı sıkı tutunacaktır.
İkinci kitabın konusunu pek heyecanlı bulmamıştım ama bu son kitap hoşuma gitti. İlki kadar ilgi çekici bir konusu var. Kurgu güzel; dil akışkan. Genel olarak seriyi değerlendirmem gerekirse eğer 5 üzerinden 3 olan, ortalama bir kitap ama dediğim gibi idare eder, zaman geçirmek için iyi bir seri. Belki benden daha çok beğenirsiniz? :)
İkinci kitabın konusunu pek heyecanlı bulmamıştım ama bu son kitap hoşuma gitti. İlki kadar ilgi çekici bir konusu var. Kurgu güzel; dil akışkan. Genel olarak seriyi değerlendirmem gerekirse eğer 5 üzerinden 3 olan, ortalama bir kitap ama dediğim gibi idare eder, zaman geçirmek için iyi bir seri. Belki benden daha çok beğenirsiniz? :)
July 2, 2011
Out of the three books in the series to date, this was my favorite. I really liked all three and look forward to future books in this series by J.K. Beck. So with that on my mind I tried to understand what was it about this book that really got to me. I thought it might be the fact that we got to know Nicholas Montegue from the start and saw different phases of his personality, and I am sure that is part of it. But I really think it is just as simple as Nick is extraordinary ordinary guy, even if he is a Vampire.
Petra is also a major reason this book was my favorite. She is a victim of circumstances out of her control, she deals with it, but has her moments of weakness when it gets to her. She is strong and vulnerable and just plain normal.
The story itself works. It through me off a few times and I liked that. All in all the series is a sexy, dark, funny, realistic place to hang out for a while.
Petra is also a major reason this book was my favorite. She is a victim of circumstances out of her control, she deals with it, but has her moments of weakness when it gets to her. She is strong and vulnerable and just plain normal.
The story itself works. It through me off a few times and I liked that. All in all the series is a sexy, dark, funny, realistic place to hang out for a while.
September 8, 2013
Sooo..Petra has a family curse, her bro is fated to be her protector by their grandma. Petra can't touch anyone or they turn into a monster, she touched Serge and put on death row as she is a danger to the Shadow world.
Nicholas saves Petra so he can find a cure through her to save Serge. Serge is his friend you see. Her bro was trying to save her too.
Throw in a mad scientist, a blue moon and some perverted love and we have a great story.
My only issue: the climax. Seriously..all that build up and the climax was just BLAH. Felt rushed. She lost a major person in her life and not even a lil emotional meltdown!! She didn't even go to him and hold his dead body and wail..come on now..
Don't get me wrong, it was a happy ending but I was like..this is it!! A hundred more pages would of been great!!
Nicholas saves Petra so he can find a cure through her to save Serge. Serge is his friend you see. Her bro was trying to save her too.
Throw in a mad scientist, a blue moon and some perverted love and we have a great story.
My only issue: the climax. Seriously..all that build up and the climax was just BLAH. Felt rushed. She lost a major person in her life and not even a lil emotional meltdown!! She didn't even go to him and hold his dead body and wail..come on now..
Don't get me wrong, it was a happy ending but I was like..this is it!! A hundred more pages would of been great!!
February 11, 2011
A solid 4. GREAT read!
It had mystery and action and the two leads had hot hot hot chemistry. I believe there was only 1 sex scene but hey, she couldn't touch anyone w/o turning them into a horrible, flesh eating monster.
(except for blue moon, then all bets are off and she can touch whomever she wants) Wouldn't ya know! There was a blue moon during this book! lol
Nick was so delicious and Petra was a great match for him.
I'm really feeling bad for Serge. I hope he gets a great book and can't wait to read it if it's ever written.
This series definitly gets better w/ each book and the author seems to have found her stride. Just wish she put more sex in her books. The ones she writes are GREAT, just more of them. lol
It had mystery and action and the two leads had hot hot hot chemistry. I believe there was only 1 sex scene but hey, she couldn't touch anyone w/o turning them into a horrible, flesh eating monster.
(except for blue moon, then all bets are off and she can touch whomever she wants) Wouldn't ya know! There was a blue moon during this book! lol
Nick was so delicious and Petra was a great match for him.
I'm really feeling bad for Serge. I hope he gets a great book and can't wait to read it if it's ever written.
This series definitly gets better w/ each book and the author seems to have found her stride. Just wish she put more sex in her books. The ones she writes are GREAT, just more of them. lol
November 26, 2010
This book was a let down from the others in the series. We dealt with a lot of the political leadership and hierarchy in this book, which I normally love, but this time fell flat. Plus it seemed like every time we turned around there was a new conspiracy to be discovered. Nick and Petra were slightly interesting. I did feel sorry for Petra, with her curse she could only touch someone when a blue moon came around. She was so starved for human touch it nearly killed her. She just longed to have what we think of as a normal life and do normal things.
I hope with the next book the series bounces back.
I hope with the next book the series bounces back.
June 3, 2015
Petra Lang is cursed never to love. One touch of her skin unleashes the vilest demons. Sentenced to death by the Shadow authorities, who fear she’ll turn her curse against them, Petra is rescued by vampire advocate Nicholas Montegue. As their bodies merge and transform into mist, Petra feels an erotic longing.
Nicholas risked his own life to save Petra, yet he knows he can never give in to the explosive attraction he feels for her. But the deep yearning they share tempts them. Together, they must find a way to lift the curse. For only a love this strong has the power to overcome such monstrous evil.
Nicholas risked his own life to save Petra, yet he knows he can never give in to the explosive attraction he feels for her. But the deep yearning they share tempts them. Together, they must find a way to lift the curse. For only a love this strong has the power to overcome such monstrous evil.
November 11, 2010
Fantastic read! I won a copy of this book and told myself I would read the first two before I started it. Well, the book started whispering to me "read me, read me now". I hate reading books out of order, but I feared for my life! I am so glad I did read it. Even though I didn't know this world the author did an expert job of catching me up so I didn't feel lost in the series. I loved these characters and can't wait to find out more about them. I have already bought the first two and hope to start them soon. Great PNR read. Team Serge!!
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