The Goddess Series!

The Good, the Bad, and the Goddess

Harlequin UK, 2011.

I'm BACK! And I'm really excited to talk about all the lovely romance books I've been reading this summer. Firstly, I wanted to start with the "Goddess Series" by Aimée Carter. I picked this little series because I was really craving some Ancient Greek God action, and it seemed to deliver. On the cover, it had all of the ingredients for a seriously good teen fic, including some romance, some angst, some muscular gods and some crazy plot lines. So here, have the blurb from "The Goddess Test":

It's always been just Kate and her mom—and her mother is dying.

Her last wish? To move back to her childhood home. So Kate's going to start at a new school with no friends, no other family and the fear her mother won't live past the fall. Then she meets Henry. Dark. Tortured. And mesmerizing. He claims to be Hades, god of the Underworld—and if she accepts his bargain, he'll keep her mother alive while Kate tries to pass seven tests.

Kate is sure he's crazy—until she sees him bring a girl back from the dead. Now saving her mother seems crazily possible. If she succeeds, she'll become Henry's future bride, and a goddess.

See what I mean? It's got everything, it seems. Action, romance, teenage angst. And it starts off like most YA novels tend to: new girl, new school, really hot guy. However, this wasn't just the typical YA adult romance novel. I did feel like there was something different about this. Not just because it had a deeper themes to it, such as loss and acceptance, but the writing didn't make the story cliche or even repetitive. Overall, I really enjoyed the storyline. It was a good, engaging story that you wanted to read all the way through. I mean, I got through the three books during exam time (probably a bad decision) and in about a week. So my procrastination was obviously in full swing! And, that may or may not have been the reason why I enjoyed the series so much.

Mind you, there was some disappointments with the series too. For instance, the first novel, is all about how Kate is faced with so many tests in order to achieve the goddess status, while all the time trying to avoid perhaps certain death. However, she doesn't actually know when and where the tests happen. So, there's not much action on that front and it was slightly disappointing. But, there is action throughout the book, just not in the way you would expect.

As for the characters, Kate, to me, was quite an interesting character, even though she was totally fine with some random magical man, known as Henry, coming to her door with a supposed 'butler' and make her agree to potentially becoming his wife... you know, after her mother was taken into hospital... totally normal, right? Anyway, the character are indeed lovable, if sometimes quite aggravating with their decisions and motivations. However, ultimately, the connection between Henry and Kate is actually quite touching. He himself has issues with any relationships due to his ex-wife Persephone cheating on him and ultimately not loving him, and in turn that creates issues for Kate as the next potential Queen of the Underworld.

I really loved the landscape of the Underworld and the godly realms that Aimee Carter created. I thought they were equally fascinating. The idea that the Gods were created, but were not biological siblings, did slightly confuse me as it was never really mentioned other than a few times when Henry would insist that no God/Goddess was related to each other - even though, they shared the same adoptive parents, they could still marry and procreate with each other. Slightly confusing for me. Then again, that could have been because I was up to my eyeballs in exams. Who knows?!

To conclude, if there's any mythology lovers out there, this is a really good series to pick up and read in your spare time. It's light, fun and engaging - which sometimes I find, is better than some of the heavy 800 page reads!

Rating: YA, romance, mythology, sexy Hades (always a good shout)!

Post Feels: Content, happy, would read more if it involved more interactions with Henry and Kate.

Feminism and the Erotic Genre: Compatible or Not?

Am I a 'bad' feminist?

Firstly, this post is going to be a little different to what I usually do. The reason behind this is because I've been pondering this question for a couple of days now. And it all began with one comment from a friend of mine in regards to the matter of women in erotic fiction:

"They're just male playthings, aren't they?"

 As we both sat there, each in our separate rooms, separate lives, and separate ideas, we began to get into a discussion about my favourite genre through text. Now, don't get me wrong, both she and I are partial to the monthly rom-com and Doritos binge, but when we started discussing the portrayal of women in the erotic genre, we both had somewhat differing views. Of course, I knew to which series she was referring to when she made this very bold statement - the illusive ties, red rooms and overbearing contracts. Suffice to say, my dear friend (and just to let you know, she's still my dear friend) had only ever read that certain series. However, it got me thinking. Can our expectations of erotica ever fully assimilate into main stream feminism?

I, myself, align to being a feminist. And I'm proud to be one, however, I have always had the niggling doubt in my mind that my feminist ideology clashed with what I loved most: romance and erotic fiction. Was I actually a 'bad' feminist for even liking something which on the front can be seen as demeaning to my own sex? That, in the mainstream, portrays women as simple, unchallenged and ultimately weak and (in the very LARGE context) can advocate domestic violence when confronted in the harsh light of day. This can never be a good thing, surely? Domestic violence can never be condoned. And I would never say that we can give it leeway in fiction. The idea is monstrous. What I am saying is, however, that it is how the relationship between the characters is seen and most importantly written that is the key. From the get go, a reader must be able to indulge in their fantasies with these characters, but there must always an understanding of consent within erotic fiction. Notably, between the characters engaging with each other on those pages and the reader/writer relationship. It is down to the author to make these lines clear. If they aren't clear then we as readers and budding writers too, will get our lines blurred - and we all know, that's never a good song idea.
There have been numerous stories about the rise/mainstreaming of erotic fiction and the decline of female worth. Certainly, it would not take you long to scroll through any social media site to see a article labeling erotic fiction as bad or regressive. Perhaps that is why erotic fiction has always been something to hide, to sneak a peak at in the back section of Waterstones, or even curl up on the sofa to and indulge ourselves, alone, on a Saturday night?

As my friend had pointed out, in very basic terms, society does not always see such sexual exploration as good or even right in some contexts. Yes, erotic fiction is now, as you might say, "out-of-the-closet" but does that stigma still carry weight?

I think it does. There is something secretive and naughty about sexual exploration in our society that does not fit with reality. In some sense, the idea that erotic fiction and feminism cannot work together is very dogmatic.The idea of a single stream of feminism itself is dogmatic. We should be free to express our own sexuality and experiences in any form. And, even if I am called a 'bad' feminist, or even if someone does not agree with me, then I will still subscribe to the erotic fiction genre. Not because, I think women are 'male playthings' but in fact, quite the opposite. To base your idea of a certain aspect of fiction on one badly written and, should I say, boring set of books is limiting your scope of learning. Erotic fiction for me, is about the freedom of openly expressing yourself as not only, a sexual being, but as a women too. Many of the female leads in such works, are not the meek and mild characters that society thinks they are. No, in fact, many of these women (thought up by both women and men) are inspiring, independent and alluring. These are not the weak female leads, and to even characterise them as 'feisty' or 'untamed' does them and their authors a discredit. They arr as real as you and me. They think, they feel and they know who they are. In some ways, the author is just there as a scribe to their lives.

Many times I've read author's interviews where they say the characters formed themselves: almost like they were living beings. But, perhaps this is beside the point. What I wanted to discuss in this post was the fact that, no, I do not believe I am a 'bad' feminist because I love the witty repartee of the erotic genre. No, in fact, I think the erotic genre gives us something - as humans - that allows us to explore our own beings and our own sexuality freely, without the Big Brother eye of society looming over us. It allows us to express a part of our identity that is fundamental to how we are and now we act, feel and think. 

Beauty and the...Demon?

If anyone out there knows me, they will know that I adore Beauty and the Beast. It's one of my all time favourite stories, so it was no surprise that when I found out about the debut novel from Rosamund Hodge, Cruel Beauty, I jumped to buy it. In fact, I was so excited that I finished the thing within a day. That left me with a £11 deficit in my bank account and a heavy heart when I turned the last page.

Cruel Beauty, by Rosamund Hodge

My own copy (and hedgehog bedding)

Rating: Teen - scenes of moderate violence, gory etc., teeny romance, mystery, classic love tale. 

Post Feels: I've already started to re-read it!

Blurb:

Since birth, Nyx has been betrothed to the evil ruler of her kingdom-all because of a foolish bargain struck by her father. And since birth, she has been in training to kill him.

With no choice but to fulfill her duty, Nyx resents her family for never trying to save her and hates herself for wanting to escape her fate. Still, on her seventeenth birthday, Nyx abandons everything she's ever known to marry the all-powerful, immortal Ignifex. Her plan? Seduce him, destroy his enchanted castle, and break the nine-hundred-year-old curse he put on her people.

But Ignifex is not at all what Nyx expected. The strangely charming lord beguiles her, and his castle-a shifting maze of   magical rooms-enthralls her.

As Nyx searches for a way to free her homeland by uncovering Ignifex's secrets, she finds herself unwillingly drawn to him. Even if she could bring herself to love her sworn enemy, how can she refuse her duty to kill him? With time running out, Nyx must decide what is more important: the future of her kingdom, or the man she was never supposed to love...

Many people had super-hyped this novel from the get go. Most of the reviews I had read raved about it (which made me even more hungry to get my hands on it) and some were...um...not so favourable. Suffice to say, I ignored them. However, one thing did stick out for me - there's a love triangle. Now, I normally don't care for love triangles within romance novels. I very much a stick-to-the-first-guy-you-read-about kinda girl, as we all know most of the time the first guy (I'm using that in the non-gender binary sense) the protagonist bumps into is normally the love interest. Honestly, give it a shot. Most romance novels have that pattern. Anyhoo, there's two things about love triangles is that 1) it's plain indecisive - pick a person and stick with them. It would save so much more hassle for the reader and wouldn't make them endure the same monologue of 'Do I?' or 'Don't I?'. And 2) it makes me more inclined to skip read certain parts of the story in which I find dull, usually the bits that doesn't have my favourite love interest in. Oops.

And so, this is why I started to skip certain bits of Cruel Beauty... again, oops. Personally, I knew where the story was going and the whole love triangle bit didn't bother me as much, but I think the characterisation of Shade, one of the love interests was slightly...well...dull. He was a bit of a wet blanket. Moping around like the shadow he was and simply being all doom and gloom. To be fair, he was a prisoner in a massive castle for about 900 years, but still my point stands. All in all, I didn't skim read that much, however it was at the beginning and I didn't get the whole 'luurve' vibe from Nyx and Shade. But, Nyx and Ignifex... there was a whole lotta tension going on there. Dayyymmn.

But, I'll leave that for you guys to enjoy on your own time.

As much as I loved the book in the end, it did take me a little while to get into it. I mean the entire world was so fascinating and I would have loved it if we got to explore a little bit more of that universe, however Hodge did a really amazing job a incorporating mythologies into the reality of the book. It was truly a really enjoyable read when it came to certain aspects of the writing. However, the only reason I think the beginning was so difficult for me was because I found some of the relationships, particularly with Shade and Nyx slightly forced. It was around page 70 that Nyx felt she was 'in love' with Shade the shadow and in all honesty, it felt sort of rushed to me and could have been expanded. It wasn't until 150 pages in that things really got going for me. Albeit because of a certain Gentle Lord and his sliver tongue. He was very enjoyable indeed. Nyx too was a very complex character with her own motivations which I really, truly enjoyed. She progressed throughout the book and was flawed to begin with which I often find intriguing in a character. There are so many books in which the female lead is often too perfect or too bad-ass, and in this, Hodge got the balance just right. I thoroughly enjoyed seeing the world of Arcadia through Nyx's eyes - of course, there were times when I questioned her actions and felt that the character development was somewhat forced to progress the story and fit it into the classical tale of Beauty and the Beast, but overall I really did enjoy this read. It had been so long since I had read a really good fantasy/romance and I'm really glad I spent my money on this one.

So, go on, splurge a little and buy yourself a hardback version of Cruel Beauty!

Is it a bit late to say 'Happy New Year'?

So far, my schedule has been humped and I haven't had too much time to write reviews until now! Luckily, I have been able to read in the time I've been away and I have two lovely, heart-warming books on the line up for you. These two came in a 3 for £10 bundle on Amazon, which have some seriously feelgood fiction up for grabs right now. Click here to see the full range!

Firstly, we have The Vintage Girl by Hester Brown. 

Quercus UK cover, 2014

Rating: M - chit-lit, light and happy

Post feels - Content with life

Blurb:

When Evie Nicholson is asked to visit Kettlesheer Castle in Scotland to archive the family heirlooms, she jumps at the

chance. Evie's passion for antiques means that, for her, the castle is a treasure trove of mysteries just waiting to be uncovered.
But in each heirloom lies a story, and in the course of her investigations Evie stumbles upon some long-buried family secrets. Add handsome, gloomy heir Robert McAndrew and a traditional candlelit gala to the mix, and Evie's heart is sent reeling with an enthusiasm that may just extend beyond the
Kettlesheer silver...  

Now, I'm pretty sure this has been published under 'Swept Off Her Feet' too, however, I just bought my copy and the seemingly new cover and name seems to be a change of publisher. The picture on the left is the most recent publication. The change is understandable if you read the book. In my opinion, the old cover doesn't really relate to the story, as most of the dancing is nearer the end. 

I really enjoyed this quick read with likeable and real characters. I'm always drawn to books with quirky settings and people to match and The Vintage Girl certainly delivered. The story itself is all about Evie and her obsession with all things old, tatty and historical. She particularly likes coffee stained photographs of lacy weddings and the lives which they represent, much to her antique dealer boss's dismay. At the beginning of the novel, we meet Evie who's job is already in jeopardy and when the opportunity to go to Kettlesheer Castle in the Scottish borders, she jumps at the chance. Imagine the historical possibilities! And Evie does imagine...a lot. She has an overactive imagination. From fancying unattainable men my favourite past time to recreating the steps and actions of the old Lady of the Manor, Violet, Evie is certainly a likeable character. 

However, this book is jam-packed with them: Alice, Evie's over-organized, control-freak of a sister, Fraser, Alice's lovely and dutiful tweed wearing boyfriend and Evie's secret crush, but also the people of Kettlesheer, from the nosy neighbours to the debt ridden owners of the castle and their anti-clutter son, Robert... 

Browne really gets it right with the spirit of the community and family in this book which really gets your feeling warm and fuzzing just thinking of it. Of course, its not a book for long drawn out plot lines, instead its short and snappy, aiming to give the reader as much satisfaction that it's 352 pages can offer. There's romance, history, nosy neighbours, and handsome heroes - everything you need from a chic-lit book. So, how about you grab that cup of coco and sit with your feet up and dive into the world of Hester Browne and see how you like it?

I promise you won't regret it.

 

Next up! 

 

It's The Oyster Catcher by Jo Thomas. 

Headline Review, 2014

Rating: M - sea, rain and warm fuzzing feeling! y

Post feels - "Where's my passport, I'm off to Galway!"

Blurb:
Dooleybridge, County Galway. Population: 482 (or thereabouts). The last place Fiona Clutterbuck expects to end up, alone, on her wedding night. But after the words 'I do' have barely left her mouth, that's exactly where she is - with only her sequined shoes and a crashed camper van for company.

One thing is certain: Fi can't go back. So when the opportunity arises to work for Sean Thornton, the local oyster farmer, she jumps at the chance. Now Fi must navigate suspicious locals, jealous rivals and a wild, unpredictable boss if she's to find a new life, and love, on the Irish coast. And nothing - not even a chronic fear of water - is going to hold her back.

Join Fi on her romantic, unpredictable adventure as she learns the rules of the ocean - and picks up a few pearls of Irish       wisdom along the way...


Now, I have literally just finished this book just last night and lets just say, I slept like a milk-filled baby. I felt so warm and happy after reading The Oyster Catcher that I'm actually considering blowing everything off and running away to Galway! You know when a book comes along and you just instinctively know that you're going to love every minute of it? Yes? Well, that was me with The Oyster Catcher. I knew instantly. That, my friends, is what we call 'the book of love' don't kill me because of that terrible pun!. Anyhoo, it was just what I needed on a cold, snowy Glaswegian night to cheer me up and transport me to a happy place in my head. 

The Oyster Catcher follows Fiona Clutterbuck, a.k.a Fi English, who after having the worst wedding of the century, she jumps into the first car she can find and manages to end up crashing it in a small oyster farming town, Dooleybridge. Like any off-the-beaton-track town, it's slightly rundown due to the lack of oyster farming in the area and full of nosy locals wondering who and why this mysterious women in a jumper and tatty gown has just landed on their doorstep. I was honestly surprised that for a bunch of loveable but inquisitive bunch they weren't more suspicious of Fi and her arrival in town, but perhaps for the sake of a story, the locals were tamed slightly. Enter Sean Thornton, local oyster farmer looking for an out of town blow in to be a Girl Friday. With no money and no home, Fi takes the job and begins working for the tempestuous oyster farmer. However, there is one hiccup - Fi is terrified of water. So with nosy locals, oyster pirates, jealous rivals and a two love sick donkeys to contend with its a miracle Fi even finds her footing, let alone love. 
 

I would definitely give this book a shot if you happen to see it. It's not only written precisely and easily, but the story is lovely and utterly heartwarming. I know it's going on my bookshelf, waiting for those cold, winter nights when I need a cozy story to get me through the night.

Neander..what?

 The Clan of the Cave Bear

This week's book is first in the Earth's Children series, The Clan of the Cave Bear by Jean M. Auel. I know this one is a bit of an oldie (and I'm not just talking about the cro-magnon characters) and I had always been aware of Auel's prehistoric series from various Amazon recommendations and so forth clogging up my dashboard, but, as a archaeology student, I was always reluctant to read them fearing that for the entire book I would be pointing out out-dated concepts and flaws in the science. However, it wasn't until a very good friend of mine (and fellow archaeologist) demanded that I give it shot.  

*shout out to Maggie*

Bantam Cover, 2011

So, why don't I give you some stats?

Rating: M - death, violence, animal killings, distressing scenes and those damn emotional feels. 

Post feels - Noooooooo. Need more.

What's the plot you might ask?


A natural disaster leaves the young girl wandering alone in an unfamiliar and dangerous land until she is found by a woman of the Clan, people very different from her own kind. To them, blond, blue-eyed Ayla looks peculiar and ugly--she is one of the Others, those who have moved into their ancient homeland; but Iza cannot leave the girl to die and takes her with them. Iza and Creb, the old Mog-ur, grow to love her, and as Ayla learns the ways of the Clan and Iza’s way of healing, most come to accept her. But the brutal and proud youth who is destined to become their next leader sees her differences as a threat to his authority. He develops a deep and abiding hatred for the strange girl of the Others who lives in their midst, and is determined to get his revenge.

So, here I am. And how happy I am that I took my friend's word for it. Although there isn't a lot of romance in this first one, there is an amazing story of a young human's journey through the Last Ice Age. It's a story of self discovery, heartache, family and love. And, god damn it, it gets your right in the gut. At times I found it difficult to read - Auel is brilliant at writing distressing scenes which makes the audience relate easily to the character suffering. But, there was also times that I had to re-evaluate my own modern perspective. Although, I don't agree with some of Auel's male-hierarchy dominated world in which she places the Neanderthal clan, it makes the reader leave their modern attitudes at the front cover and really feel the constricting and dangerous nature of the book and world. However, if I could give one criticism - and I don't think its that harsh - it would be this: do not take this work of fiction as reality. We cannot know and we don't have the evidence for Auel's society - Neanderthals are complex and beautiful people, who created amazing tools and works that were on par with modern humans at that time. Try not to think that Auel's representation of Neanderthal society as a primitive, male dominated and female suppressing one, as truth. Evidence shows that homo sapiens and Neanderthals were pretty much intellectual equals in terms of tool production and art. Therefore, we cannot know what it was like and we can only speculate on their society. So, please, don't take this representation as fact and please, try not to judge them too harshly. They were people, just like me and you.

And, after my little prehistoric moral rant, I'll get back to the writing. Obviously in fiction, the realm of reality is always pushed and the idea of Neanderthals having a collective conscious might be far fetched, but in the bounds of fiction, the idea actually seems to work in favour of showing Ayla as an outsider. I was also thankful that Jean M. Auel hadn't just jumped to the conclusion of humans-slaughtered-everyone-in-their-path storyline. Honestly, my relief was tangible when I realised that A LOT of research had been placed into this work. For example, the lack of vocal ability that Neanderthals are thought to have, was played out and acted beautifully in the book. 

Not only that, but the journey that Ayla struggles through is truly beautiful. You follow her from being a small, chubby five year old girl wandering naked after a disastrous tectonic shift, to a blooming woman, watching as she faces perils and emerges herself into a culture which is not her own. Ayla is a perfect character, full of innocence, defiance, gall and intelligence. She instills fear, pride and hatred into the tribe causing a number of interesting relationship dynamics which never let your eyes wander from the page. Even after 500 pages, you'll crave more. Not only from Ayla, but from the secondary characters Auel writes perfectly into the story. Each come alive throughout the book, painting strong images across the page of their love, their hate, their loyalty and their fierce pride in their home.

All in all, it's a fantastic beginning to an already widely known and read series which makes you never want to leave Auel's clan.

Halloween Treats Part 2

Halloween Treats Part 2!

Back with some Halloween treaties for you all. I'm going to continue the Lords of Deliverance Series in this post, but please, if you have any requests just leave me a comment and I'll get around to reviewing. And if they're Halloween-y then, I better pull me socks up!

Okay, so where were we?

3# - Lethal Rider 

UK cover

And he is lethal indeed! 

Rating: M - mature themes, sexually explicit, questionably moral interactions and violence. 

Post Feels: ALLL THE BABIES!

Blurb:

They're here. They ride. The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse.

Born of a match between good and evil, four siblings stand between hell's minions and everything they want to destroy. They are the Lords of Deliverance, and they have the power to ward off Doomsday...or let it ride...

LETHAL RIDER

Thanatos, the most deadly Horseman of the Apocalypse, has endured thousands of years of celibacy to prevent the end of days. But just one night with the wickedly sexy Aegis Guardian, Regan Cooper, shatters centuries of resolve. Yet their passion comes with a price. And Thanatos must face a truth more terrifying than an apocalypse-he's about to become a father.

Demon-slayer Regan Cooper never imagined herself the maternal type, but with the fate of the world hanging in the balance she had no choice but to seduce Thanatos and bear his child. Now, as the final battle draws closer and his rage at being betrayed is overshadowed by an undeniable passion for the mother of his child, Thanatos has a life-shattering realization: To save the world, he must sacrifice the only thing he's ever wanted-a family.

 Okay, so I can't really spoil the last book for you... but the blurb kinda does that for you unfortunately. We have Thanatos, aka Death, who is somewhat of a sweetie wrapped in a delicious layer of tattoos which he uses to summon death spirits - or they are the spirits (I was never too sure). After some seriously questionable activity from baby mama Regan Cooper, which may or may not break his seal, Thanatos looses his virginity and now, he's going to be a father. Impending Apocalypse and imminent responsibilities are about to hit Thanatos in the gut. Scary stuff right? 

So, we pick up with 8 months after the previous books events and Regan is very much pregnant...and Thanatos is frozen in hell. Lovely. Regan fears over both her life and the baby's due to some devious machinations that have placed Thanatos there (not that she know that!). And rightly so, Thanatos escaped and finds out about all the baby duties to come. However, Thanatos has luckily always wanted a family but has never been able to, since he feared his virginity was his agimortus. Yay, sex all around! However, now they have learnt that the baby is his agimortus and the weapon to destroy the Horseman's dastardly brother, Pestilence. 

The interaction between Thanatos and Regan is actually rather sweet and you get some major bump-hand action which is always welcome in romance novels. Regan however is uncertain in keeping the child. Her background isn't the happiest one and she's determined that she will be a terrible mother. That decision to give a child away, even in this realm of fiction, is always a hard thing to write about and I can honestly say there where times when I actually got upset about the possibility. There's major character development here which is always a pleasant thing to see. 

Thanatos and Regan's relationship is actually probably my favorite out of the series. Its definitely one that both the characters have to develop through and come to terms with. Plus, with the added pressure of parenthood on the horizon it gives a really interesting dynamic to the couple's relationship. 

I don't want to give too much away with this one. SOOO many things happen in this book that it's hard to write about it without giving too much away. But, overall, Lethal Rider is jam-packed full of great action scenes, the occasional love scene and tonnes of pre-apocalyptic fun that its definitely not to be missed! 

4# - Rogue Rider

UK cover

 I wonder which Horsemen this is about...?

Rating: M - traumatic scenes, violence, sexually explicit and major hot guy alert. *Caution: rippling chest muscle*

Post Feels: WHYYYYY?

Blurb: 

The prophecies were there but no one listened. Until now. 

They are the Lords of Deliverance and they have the power to ward off Doomsday - or let it ride. Jillian Cardiff came to this remote mountain town to forget the demon attack that almost killed her. She rescues a gorgeous stranger who has no memory of anything other than his name.

 Technically this is the last of the Horsemen's stories, however there are an extra two Lords of Deliverance novels (which I have yet to read) that focus on their Watchers. I shall be reading them soon, but I can't really comment on them right now. So anyway, back to Reseph/Pestilence. 

This is a toughie to review because its the last in the series and you can't give away the plot! So I'm going to make it brief, but trust me, you need to read it just for the ending! Heaven above. That left me wanting more so much that it hurt. 

Okay, so we have Jillian Cardiff, a self proclaimed loner after a horrible demon attack in a car park one night. Jillian wears the scars of her attack both physically and emotionally. Now, she lives in the middle of nowhere, relying on little to survive except her gun and Chevy. Jillian doesn't tend to trust people, apart from her best friend, and so, when a random naked NAKED!!! man turns up, face down in the snow outside her cabin, Jillian is forced to confront the world again. 

Annnnnnd, that's all I'm giving you.

  

Trust me, you'll thank me later! Overall, this book gives a great partial send off to a great series. It's full of all the great puns, witty characters and full on action that Ione always delivers. That, as well as some amazing chemistry between the two main characters. Definitely worth a read over the wintry season! 

 READ THEM ALLLLLLL! :D

Here's Larissa Ione's website if you want to check it out here

Kilts Galore!!

Outlander

The 'Outlander' Series, UK covers

Right now I am loving the Outlander Series by Diana Gabaldon. I'm currently in the middle of the series, just starting on 'Voyager'  but I thought I would review the series nevertheless. There's something about the world Gabaldon builds up and describes that is utterly breathtaking; from bonny highland mountainous terrain of Scotland to the high society dinners of France, Gabaldon creates a world in which anything is possible.

All in all, there's several books in the series. I unfortunately only have three so far help me I'm poor, and there are currently 8 in the series! So I better get reading!

Rating: M - includes mature, sexuality explicit scenes, graphic scenes of violence, includes rape and torture.

Post-read feels: NEED MORE. 

So whats the premise?

Claire Randall is leading a double life. She has a husband in one century - and a lover in another.

In 1945, Claire Randall is back from the war and reunited with her husband on a second honeymoon in Scotland. Innocently she walks through a stone circle in the Highlands, and finds herself in a violent skirmish taking place in 1743. Suddenly she is a Sassenach, an outlander, in a country torn by war and by clan feuds.

A wartime nurse, Claire can deal with the bloody wounds that face her. But it is harder to deal with the knowledge that she is in Jacobite Scotland and the carnage of Culloden is looming. Marooned amid the passion and violence, the superstition, the shifting allegiances and the fervent loyalties, Claire is in danger from Jacobites and Redcoats - and from the shock of her own desire for James Fraser, a gallant and courageous young Scots warrior. Jamie shows her a passion so fierce and a love so absolute that Claire becomes a woman torn between fidelity and desire, and between two vastly different men in two irreconcilable lives.
  

I can say wholeheartedly that Claire is one of the few heroines that I actually admire or would want to be. She's a strong character that knows her own mind and can truly look after herself. As a WWII veteran nurse on the front line, she knows danger, death and loss all too well. She's also adaptable. When she becomes stuck in 1843, Claire has to make some hard decisions and choices which would possibly leave her old life behind, but she doesn't mope about it, she holds her head high and carries on with a wartime mentality that should be admired. It is also that experience which enables her to play 19th century Scottish politics so well. For a modern Englishwoman in the politically unstable Scottish Highlands, she does really well to keep herself alive. That is Claire's main goal - to survive.

Now, enter Jamie Fraser. Redheaded, hot-blooded, kilt wearing Scotsman. He sounds like the stereotypical historic figure, however, there's nothing typical about Jamie Fraser. He's an outlaw in his own right, stubborn as a mule when it comes to physical punishments, caring and protective, but he also gives Claire the freedom she desires as a modern woman. Hallelujah. There's something refreshing about Jamie - he has an almost childlike innocence about it that although he's been beaten, whipped and arrested by Redcoats, Jamie never seems to give up being all in all happy. He laughs when there should be no laughter, he's joyous when there's no hope of joy. And that's what makes him a great character. He's not the almighty 'Alpha male' types of heroes you see in other novels. He's sweet, innocent and caring but that in no way, shape or form diminishes his masculinity.

One of my favourite examples: 

"When I woke, I was trussed up in the wagon wi' the chickens, jolting down the road toward Fort William."
      "I see," I said quietly. "I'm sorry. It must have been terrible for you."
      He smiled suddenly, the haze of fatigue gone. "Oh aye. Chickens are verra poor company, especially on a long journey." 

(Chapter 4: I Come to the Castle, pg. 90)

 The love scenes are, as always, beautifully written. From the awkwardness of first touches, to the undiluted passion in the Scottish countryside, Gabaldon writes each scene with an emotional understanding and superiority that makes the characters actions leap out onto the page and grasp you in an intense focus that your eyes won't lift from the page until its done. In all, Gabaldon understands her creations, she knows their wants, their needs, their dislikes and their thought processes so thoroughly that the love scenes are, quite honestly, unbelievable. For a writer, it shows high caliber when you can write a explicit scene so beautifully, that the reader hardly knows their own thoughts, but instead is so focused on the characters that they can't see anything beyond them.  

In the course of the first book, Jamie and Claire face hardships and traumas that any other couple in that period would have broke down over. But not them. Jamie and Claire are stronger with each other, no matter what they face. There are some harrowing scenes and stories that honestly turned my stomach while reading it, however, they are written so well and orchestrated so carefully, that they really make you feel the raw emotion in each line. I truly love Gabaldon's writing. Each time I open one of her books I'm right in the middle of the story, smelling the scent of heather rolling on the hills, seeing the MacKenzie dinner hall alight with candles and music, and watching her characters, seeing their movements in detail, focusing on their expressions and how they interact. It's a truly magnificent series that should not be missed. Again, what's good about Gabaldon is the amount of historical research she invests in her writing. As a history student, you can tell Gabaldon has done some serious research in order to make the world as real as possible. This also includes, the Scottish Gaelic translations. I double checked them with a native Scottish Gaelic speaker I know, and although they aren't completely correct, they are certainly close. Depending on which copy you buy, the translations have been altered, as presumably she'd been notified of the small -- tiny -- errors in the grammar. Just shows you how dedicated she is to the books, Gaelic is difficult to follow let alone write in!

Jamie and Claire from the Starz series, 'Outlander'

ALSO!

So please, do give this series a try. It's an excellent read. But also, after you enjoy the books, check out the TV series, 'Outlander'. Its fairly new and its currently on a mid-season break so you guys have plenty of time to read the first book before it airs, but it's well worth the watch if you loved the books. It's extremely true to the books!

Here's Diana Gabaldon's official website if you want to check out more...

Halloween Reads!

Halloween Time!

Since the season of Trick or Treat is upon us, I thought I'd share with you some Halloween reads, which will get you in the mood for some romantic scary time. 

 I would like to point out the 'Lords of Deliverance' Series by Larissa Ione. If you have ever read her 'Demonica' series, then this little series is a spin off from the original series, so you'll be familiar with the characters. Set around the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse trying to save the world from the impending battle between Dark and Light (what can be more halloweeny than eternal doom?!), the Lords of Deliverance series are the perfect reads to get you through the cold autumn nights and right up until Halloween. As there's four siblings, there's four books. Ares, Limos, Thanatos and Respeh.

Let's start with 1# - Eternal Rider.

This is the US cover, the UK cover is a bit different...

Rating: M - mature themes, sexually explicit and violent. 

Post Feels: craved more! 

Blurb: 

They are here. They ride. The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse.

His name is Ares, and the fate of mankind rests on his powerful shoulders. If he falls to the forces of evil, the world falls too. As one of the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse, he is far stronger than any mortal, but even he cannot fight his destiny forever. Not when his own brother plots against him.

Yet there is one last hope. Gifted in a way other humans can't-or won't-understand, Cara Thornhart is the key to both this Horseman's safety and his doom. But involving Cara will prove treacherous, even beyond the maddening, dangerous desire that seizes them the moment they meet. For staving off eternal darkness could have a staggering cost: Cara's life.

DUN DUN DUNNNN! Now, if that isn't a good blurb, then I don't know what is.

Okay, so Ares. Obviously named after the God of War - or maybe he IS the God of War - is a hulk of  a immortal man, who is the First Horseman of the Apocalypse and has a craving for all things bloody, violent. Let's just say, you won't like him when he's angry. The first book essentially starts with Ares in a lovely, quaint Demon brothel - yup, a demon brothel.  Says it all really. 

   Now we have Cara. She's cute, she's sassy and has some crazy power that makes her super-friends with about every animal she touches thanks to some bonding time with a Hellhound called Hal. And no, definitely not in that way. Because of the bond with Hal the friendly Hellhound, Ares gets pushed into the scene. Not to mention the meddling of some angels place a could-possibly-end-the-world apparatus called the agimortus into Cara means a whole lot of trouble for Ares and his siblings. 

The way Ione writes is and always will be fun. Her writing is punchy, funny and straight to the god damn point, that sometimes the language makes you flinch. However, its also realistic. There have been too many books over the years that make their characters sound stuffy because of their choice of language. They all sound like they've stepped straight out a Sherlock Holmes novel, when actually, they're in the 21st century fighting some sort of mythical being - in the 21st century, there's bound to be a few choice words thrown into the equation. Ione makes her writing real, but it also shows off the personalities of the characters she's chosen to voice. And after all, isn't that the whole idea of writing?

  

Now, the romance. Both Ares and Cara have had a bad time of it. Ares is a damaged immortal, dreading ever making an emotional connection with a sock, let alone a person of the opposite sex. He's been hurt, his life has been torn to shreds over the millennia that he doesn't want to love or commit. Tough cookie eh? Cara, however, has had a string of terrible men lead her on and she's only now allowing herself to emotionally open up and figure out her life. Cara's is a lovely story of belief and finally finding something that you didn't expect to find. *sobs* Cara is the balm to Ares wounds. And likewise, he unleashes a part of her that she's never been able to have before.

So the sex/love scenes are good? You may ask. Well, if you count some rather adventurous scenes upside down pinned against a tree and some mind-blowing orgasms on Cara's part - then yes. Yes it is. Like always Ione delivers on the smut. Taking her time to really get into the finer details and make the most unimaginable things seem imaginable. They are beyond the realm of steamy and go straight into the halls of unforgettable.

Even though Eternal Rider has a majority of dark scenes and undertones, the chapters which are lighthearted are well worth it. Ione manages to blend fantasy, love and despair all into one to create a couple who you know would last til the end of time, and beyond. 

2# - Immortal Rider

UK Cover

Rating: M - mature themes, some sexually explicit content and violent (again). 

Post Feels: uuuuuuuugghhhhhhhh

Blurb:

The prophecies were there but no one listened. Until now. They are the Lords of Deliverance and they have the power to usher in Doomsday . . . or prevent it.
Sexy, powerful and immortal, Limos is on a crash course with destiny. She's been marked as Satan's bride and her jealous fiancé wants her all to himself. The only way this Horseman can keep herself - and everyone else - safe to keep her distance. But not even Limos can save herself from the secrets she's kept . . . or resist the seductive allure of one very brave human.
Arik Wagner knows the saying 'love hurts' better than most, yet he never thought stealing a kiss from Limos would land him in hell. Literally. It takes all his military training to survive the demon torture, but once he's topside, Arik realises that the agony has just begun. With the Apocalypse looming and Satan demanding his bride, will Arik and Limos surrender to the dark desire smouldering between them? Or will giving in to their passion unleash hell on earth?

Now, where to start?  I love Limos. Not only is she a bloody badass, she's also not always thinking about her beau, Arik. She isn't a heroine who thinks about men constantly, which is somewhat of a relief. Plus, she's got the End of the World to think about. That's pretty important. Anyway, Limos once her seal is broke would be Famine - unlike her brother Ares, she's drawn to all things hunger. Her fiancé, Satan (but not Lucifer, interestingly enough) wants Limos to turn into Famine, but Limos isn't quite ready to be the blushing virgin bride to Satan's evil kingdom. 

  

Arik Wagner (great name) works for the sometimes oppositing, sometimes not organization for the Aegis, who are meant to keep the Horseman's seal intact - bad luck for them really because (this isn't a spoiler) one of the seals has. Reseph's. ANNNYHOOOO... Arik fancies Limos and Limos fancies Arik and then one night two and two add to four and they kiss. Arik lands in hell. And all things go pair shaped. In all honesty, as much as I love Limos and the other Horsemen, Arik annoyed me to no end. I wouldn't say he was the best choice for Limos...but if it was either him or Satan, I'd probably make the same choice. Arik reminded me too much of those guys from Jersey Shore - he was all hair gel and no substance. But, if that's what my girl Limos wants then that's what she can have. As for the love scenes, it's somewhat lacking, but what it lacks it makes up for in raw emotional intensity that Ione writes so well. 

However, Larrissa Ione never really disappoints with her writing. The pace of the book was brilliant and it never stopped. I was never bored or fed up with a particular scene, although Arik talked too much for me. (But, as you know, I just have a person grudge against him. Even though, you know, he endures months on end tortures just for Limos, I still can't like him. It's like I'm overprotective reviewer, or something....weird.) The action scenes were amazing and left me clinging to the pages of my book for dear life! There's an intense moment half way through the book, that even now, when I'm reading it, I can feel my heart speeding up with adrenaline. To have an effect on the reader in that way is definitely a credit to Ione. Not only did the book centre around Limos and Arik like all of Ione's couple centric books, but you also get in touch with some familiar faces and some new ones too. Not to mention the major cliff hanger that Ione ends on, which I can still not get over!

All in all, this series is a really good way to kick off the world. It was the first series I read from Larissa Ione and it got me reading many more of her writings after completion!

For the next two reviews of the Lords of Deliverance Novels, stay tuned!