DARK LOVER - J.R. Ward

ISBN:0-451-21695-4

Signet Eclipse

Genre - Paranormal, Vampire

HEAT - Mild to Medium

   Wrath is the only purebred vampire left in the world and he's out to avenge the death of his parents at the hands of Slayers, those who seek only to kill the vampires. When one of his most trusted warriors asks him to watch out for his half-human, half vampire daughter, Wrath hesitates, not wanting to take responsibility for Beth. When the warrior is killed, he knows he must usher the female into his world though she is unaware of her heritage.

   Beth is a headstrong reporter and when she's mugged on the way home, for the first time she realizes how truly helpless a woman can be. When a gorgeous man appears in her yard, she finds herself inexplicably drawn to him. Beth doesn't consider herself a sexual person though she cannot deny his appearance has sparked a restlessness within her body.

   With Beth survive her transition? Will Wrath ever accept the beautiful young woman now in his care?

   I can understand why J.R. Ward's books are popular. They are dark, deadly and sexy - what more could a vampire reader want? While I did finish the book, I have to admit that a) I did a lot of skimming and b) I had more than a few issues with this title.

   Darius is Beth's father and Wrath is very loyal to his warrior. Yes, when Darius asks Wrath to watch out over Beth, Wrath is very hesitant to do so. Yes, I understand he is a tortured soul, but would a man willingly go into battle and put his life into the hands of his friend, yet hesitate to fulfill what turned out to be a deathbed request? There were quite a few occasions that I found myself questioning the motivation of the hero.

   Beth, who was mugged, is suddenly going to accept a strange man dressed in leather in her backyard? I don't think so. She seemed to be rather aimless, for lack of a better word, and cardboard. It felt as if she were waiting her entire life for something worthwhile to happen. It felt incomplete to me.

   All in all, I thought DARK LOVER was entertaining. But if you're looking for a hot vampire romance, you might want to give this one a try. - Ana Thierry

   Now, twenty years later, Syn returns to Salem, Ohio, a grown woman in search of the truth. Life hasn't been easy for her but she's determined to reunite her family. Two things stand in her way, the townsfolk want nothing to do with her and then there's the handsome Chief of Police, Matthew Whitefeater.

   Matt is a no-nonsense kind of a man. The law is black and white and that's just the way he likes it. When Syn returns home, bringing with her a criminal record and more attitude than one woman should have, he starts hearing rumors of witchcraft and murder. Discounting the stories as some overactive imaginations, it wasn't until someone starts shoots up her home that Matt comes to realize that something just isn't right. But how does on go about investigating a closed case when most of the evidence is missing?

   Together they work to ferret out the truth about Victoria Angelov's death. Was it a murder or a police cover up? And just what happened to Syn's three sisters?

   I've long been an admirer of Wilder's work and this book is top drawer. Syn is a deep, complex character who has gone through the agonies of the damned and has come out on the other side. She embraces her faults acknowledges that they are a part of who she is and nothing to be ashamed of.

   I have only one word for the hero, Matt, and that's YUMMY. He's everything a woman would want in a hero, protective, intelligent, funny, commanding, in control and utterly sexy. His ability to accept and adapt to Syn's quirks will just make your heart sigh with delight.

   Winter's Daughter is the pinnacle of Wilder's career so far. It is an engrossing tale with twists and turns that left me speechless. Usually I have an idea what the ending of a book will be and this one caught me by surprise - I never saw it coming. If you are looking for a fast paced, spooky, paranormal read - run, don't walk to get Winter's Daughter, you won't be disappointed.

P.S. Matthew Whitefeather is the twin brother of Micah from Wilder's Tactical Series.

BLACKMAILED - Annmarie McKenna

ISBN - 978-1599982137

Samhain Publishing

GENRE - Contemporary Ménage

HEAT - SMOKIN'

   Brianna Wyatt is being blackmailed by her father. He wants a grandchild and a heir - if she doesn't follow through on his devious plans, he's threatened to put her mentally-challenged brother into a home. Brianna loves her brother and wants to do anything she can to keep him safe. Her father's plan is to for her to get pregnant by Cole Masters, a very wealthy and powerful man. While the thought just makes her ill, Brianna soon realizes she has absolutely no say in the matter.

  When Cole gets word of what Mr. Wyatt is up to, he knows blackmail is the game. Taking Brianna into his home, together they create a plan to thwart her father. What he doesn't take into account is that he wants her in his bed, in his life, and his long time ménage partner, Tyler Cannon, wants her as well.

   I've never read a ménage title before and this one was HOT. Truly, before now I couldn't quite wrap my brain around the idea of two men and one woman as I'm a pretty monogamous girl. Now I do understand... :)

  The plot is very contrived however, if you're looking for a good, sexy, escapist read, this book lives up to its reputation. It's hot, the men are sexy, Brianna is a little wishy washy, but with two hot men to take care of her - what does it matter. If you're looking for a smokin' hot read, BLACKMAILED by Annmarie McKenna is for you. - Ana Thierry

   Jay is caught off guard when the sexy Blaina arrives on his set. He tries to keep her at arms length but his lust won't allow him to keep his mind on the job and he makes a deal with her, on set they are professional and off the set all bets are off. When the strain of their secret relationship begins to take a toll, will Jay walk away or will he choose the delicious distraction of the woman he loves?

   Sexy, funny, fast paced - this book has it all. Blaina is hilarious - finally a woman at home in her own skin, and Jay is too sexy for words. Together the sparks fly in this engaging story. I highly recommend it! - Ana Thierry