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Christine A. (965 KP) rated Only Ashes Remain (Market of Monsters #2) in Books
Jun 8, 2021
I was provided with a complimentary copy of this book so I could give an honest review. The opinions are entirely my own, and any quotes are taken from the ARC and may be different in the final published copy.
Only Ashes Remain by Rebecca Schaeffer is the second novel in her Market of Monsters series. To give a fair review, I read the first book, Not Even Bones. I will review the first book, but this review concerns only Only Ashes Remain.
After Nita escaped and destroyed the black market, she just wants to be left alone. When a video of her abilities appears on the dark web, she knows she must go on the offensive. With the help of Kovit, Nita starts to take revenge on the person who sold her to her kidnappers. With everyone searching for her, Nita needs to do whatever it takes to stay alive and free.
Even though I enjoyed the first book, I discovered I needed a break before reading the second. Once I did begin reading this, I found I enjoyed this more than the first book. This book could be read as a stand-alone novel, but reading the first book would enhance this one.
This story is darker than the first, but it is a fun read since the writing makes you feel for all of the characters, including Kovit.
A third novel, When Villains Rise, was published in 2020.
This 200-word review will be published on Philomathinphila.com.
Only Ashes Remain by Rebecca Schaeffer is the second novel in her Market of Monsters series. To give a fair review, I read the first book, Not Even Bones. I will review the first book, but this review concerns only Only Ashes Remain.
After Nita escaped and destroyed the black market, she just wants to be left alone. When a video of her abilities appears on the dark web, she knows she must go on the offensive. With the help of Kovit, Nita starts to take revenge on the person who sold her to her kidnappers. With everyone searching for her, Nita needs to do whatever it takes to stay alive and free.
Even though I enjoyed the first book, I discovered I needed a break before reading the second. Once I did begin reading this, I found I enjoyed this more than the first book. This book could be read as a stand-alone novel, but reading the first book would enhance this one.
This story is darker than the first, but it is a fun read since the writing makes you feel for all of the characters, including Kovit.
A third novel, When Villains Rise, was published in 2020.
This 200-word review will be published on Philomathinphila.com.
Merissa (13575 KP) rated Little & Lethal (Little Paws Haven #2) in Books
Jul 28, 2024
LITTLE & LETHAL is the second book in the Little Paws Haven series, and I feel it would definitely help to have read the first one.
Cosmo is a little who loves colouring in. He also has another side that most don't know about. Nomad and Harley have been mates for years, although Harley was always insistent there was a third out there for them. When they first see Cosmo, all three know, but Cosmo isn't having it. He's been alone for too long to trust anything at face value.
While I thoroughly enjoyed this story, I didn't connect with it as I did with the previous book, and I don't know why. As individuals, there was nothing wrong, and as a group, it all worked, but... there was just something for me that didn't pull me in as I liked.
I am hoping the third book will be about Bash and Romy - after all, Rhino shifters aren't that common, and I always love reading about different shifters.
If you are a fan of either of these authors, then I definitely recommend this book. I have never read a bad book by these authors, so I think this may be a case of "It's not you, it's me!"
** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Jul 19, 2024
Cosmo is a little who loves colouring in. He also has another side that most don't know about. Nomad and Harley have been mates for years, although Harley was always insistent there was a third out there for them. When they first see Cosmo, all three know, but Cosmo isn't having it. He's been alone for too long to trust anything at face value.
While I thoroughly enjoyed this story, I didn't connect with it as I did with the previous book, and I don't know why. As individuals, there was nothing wrong, and as a group, it all worked, but... there was just something for me that didn't pull me in as I liked.
I am hoping the third book will be about Bash and Romy - after all, Rhino shifters aren't that common, and I always love reading about different shifters.
If you are a fan of either of these authors, then I definitely recommend this book. I have never read a bad book by these authors, so I think this may be a case of "It's not you, it's me!"
** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Jul 19, 2024
Debbiereadsbook (1608 KP) rated Playing the Game (Love Goals #2) in Books
Oct 18, 2025
lots of communication issues between these two!
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian, I was gifted my copy of this book.
This is book 2 in the Love Goals series, and I think it would help to read book 1, Playing for Keeps, before this one. Not strictly necessary, but more a personal recommendation .
I liked book 1, but I liked this one more!
I'm perhaps being picky, and for that I'm sorry but the book feelings are strong with this one!
So, here's the thing. I did like this more than book 1. I found the romance lacking in book one, was here, to some extent. The fact that Jonas and Adam choose to hide their relationship, made it difficult but that was their choice. The emotional connection is deeper, but Lord, is there a lot these guys didn't talk about! I get why for some things, but Adam's news?? He should not have kept that from Jonas.
I loved the new guys, not just Jonas. Tito and Noah are going to be a force to be watched, but not together. I have a feeling that Tito is putting on a front, and Noah is deeper than he lets on. Edi, too although he's not new, but he's fighting an internal battle to please his dad and his team. Not sure who is winning right now though!
I'm looking forward to Noah's story, he is next, but his significant other?? Not sure who that is yet!
creeping up to . .
4 stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
This is book 2 in the Love Goals series, and I think it would help to read book 1, Playing for Keeps, before this one. Not strictly necessary, but more a personal recommendation .
I liked book 1, but I liked this one more!
I'm perhaps being picky, and for that I'm sorry but the book feelings are strong with this one!
So, here's the thing. I did like this more than book 1. I found the romance lacking in book one, was here, to some extent. The fact that Jonas and Adam choose to hide their relationship, made it difficult but that was their choice. The emotional connection is deeper, but Lord, is there a lot these guys didn't talk about! I get why for some things, but Adam's news?? He should not have kept that from Jonas.
I loved the new guys, not just Jonas. Tito and Noah are going to be a force to be watched, but not together. I have a feeling that Tito is putting on a front, and Noah is deeper than he lets on. Edi, too although he's not new, but he's fighting an internal battle to please his dad and his team. Not sure who is winning right now though!
I'm looking forward to Noah's story, he is next, but his significant other?? Not sure who that is yet!
creeping up to . .
4 stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
Joe Goodhart (27 KP) rated Black Hammer, Vol. 1: Secret Origins in Books
Nov 30, 2020
I just wanted to preface this with this: I was recommended BH Vol 1 by a co-worker (as well as a Good Reads user). At the time, I was reading something else, but filed it away mentally for later. Two sales on Comixology, and I pass on both. However, a recent Dark Horse sale spoke to me, and I bought Vols 1 (as well as 2), and Issue #12 (which is not included in the two tpbs).
The series pays more than enough clever homage to the Silver Age heroes. Barbalien bears more than a passing resemblance to J'onn J'onz in the DC Universe, while Golden Gail shares notable similarities to Shazam, or Captain Marvel, also from DC. However, despite the similarities, Jeff Lemire's intent is purely nostalgia and respect, nothing resembling fan service by any means!
Despite aspects of the series that clearly apply to the superhero genre, this series anything but a typical superhero book. Instead, we are presented with a dark (and I mean DARK, like you'll want a milkshake or some Insomnia Cookies after you are finished reading it) tale that is very much about the people who embody the heroes in the series. There are a lot of human struggles and internal issues, all dealt with in a well-written manner, the end result of a series created out of love for the comic heroes of old.
Jeff Lemire is swiftly becoming one of my favorite writers. I got sucked in with his recent new series, GIDEON FALLS, and then now this. I know everyone else has been a fan for the longest time, but regardless, I consider myself a fan now, too! :)
As praise as I am throwing Lemire's way, I also need to throw some to Dean Ormston, the series' A-MAZ-INGLY talented artist! His art suited Lemire's ideas and concepts, rendering them in a way that further supported the tribute to the Silver Age that this clearly was. I glad Ormston remained the artist, as it helped to maintain continuity without breaking the mood.
In closing, I just want to say a big thank you to Baxter for the recommendation and thank you to Comixology and Dark Horse for the sale! My new found love of this series is now forever owned to you both, as well as Msrs. Lemire and Ormston! THANK YOU!!
The series pays more than enough clever homage to the Silver Age heroes. Barbalien bears more than a passing resemblance to J'onn J'onz in the DC Universe, while Golden Gail shares notable similarities to Shazam, or Captain Marvel, also from DC. However, despite the similarities, Jeff Lemire's intent is purely nostalgia and respect, nothing resembling fan service by any means!
Despite aspects of the series that clearly apply to the superhero genre, this series anything but a typical superhero book. Instead, we are presented with a dark (and I mean DARK, like you'll want a milkshake or some Insomnia Cookies after you are finished reading it) tale that is very much about the people who embody the heroes in the series. There are a lot of human struggles and internal issues, all dealt with in a well-written manner, the end result of a series created out of love for the comic heroes of old.
Jeff Lemire is swiftly becoming one of my favorite writers. I got sucked in with his recent new series, GIDEON FALLS, and then now this. I know everyone else has been a fan for the longest time, but regardless, I consider myself a fan now, too! :)
As praise as I am throwing Lemire's way, I also need to throw some to Dean Ormston, the series' A-MAZ-INGLY talented artist! His art suited Lemire's ideas and concepts, rendering them in a way that further supported the tribute to the Silver Age that this clearly was. I glad Ormston remained the artist, as it helped to maintain continuity without breaking the mood.
In closing, I just want to say a big thank you to Baxter for the recommendation and thank you to Comixology and Dark Horse for the sale! My new found love of this series is now forever owned to you both, as well as Msrs. Lemire and Ormston! THANK YOU!!
Rachel King (13 KP) rated Awakened (House of Night, #8) in Books
Feb 11, 2019
The book opens with Zoey, Stark, Aphrodite, and Darius still on the Isle of Skye. Several factors are adamant about keeping Zoey and Stark there, from their romance to Sgiach's sudden change of perspective about keeping the Isle a secret. All through the book I get the feeling that Sgiach is not as trustworthy or pure of intention as the reader is led to believe, but I imagine that will be a subject for a future book.
Fairly early in the book, a death occurs - I won't say who - but it feels a bit like an author's attempt to cull an entirely-too-long cast list. I have felt for awhile that there were too many characters in this series to keep track of all of them in a single book, but even with the random death occurring every so often, many of the characters are almost non-existent in this book.
I really like the character Rephaim and what the authors are doing with his sub-plot. He has much potential for growth in personality and maturity, and he brings a more adult element to what often feels like a very immature series. I was thrilled with how Nyx helps him at the end, as it shows him that good has its own rewards. His presence has forced Stevie Rae to grow up and make decisions that have a great impact, too. Normally Stevie Rae can be quite annoying, but around Rephaim I like her.
Neferet is of course, beyond revolting. Everything she does makes me want to hurl the book across the room - from her posturing around Kalona and Rephaim, to her false guilt at the funeral, to her simpering over the white bull. Her character is actually my strongest clue that the authors are good at what they do. Only a well-written character can elicit the kind of strong emotion that Neferet brings out in me. They do a good job of showing how the soul-sucking darkness is driving her to madness, even to the point of always underestimating what Zoey and Nyx are capable of. I may be delusional, but I still think that Kalona can be saved from this darkness, even though it's obvious that Neferet can not. His actions seem to be driven by bitterness and a hunger for what is denied him, rather than evil for the sake of evil.
I do love that the authors found a way to continue using Heath in the plotline, as he was always so good for Zoey and probably the only "normal" person in the cast list of supernaturally-gifted beings. He likely will have a long way to go with the direction the authors are taking him, but I imagine I'll keep reading this series through to the end - whenever that is.
Many of the same problems that I had with the series early on still persist - such as sickly-sweet teenage lingo, the condensed time frame of each book, and too many characters with too little time. I find myself wondering which parts of the books are written by which author, as the writing style seems to change sporadically.
I was actually both relieved and saddened by the death at the end, first that it was not someone else dying, but also how it will affect Zoey. Beyond that, there are simply too many characters for me to be emotionally-attached to all of them. So on to the next book - Destined (House of Night Novels).
Fairly early in the book, a death occurs - I won't say who - but it feels a bit like an author's attempt to cull an entirely-too-long cast list. I have felt for awhile that there were too many characters in this series to keep track of all of them in a single book, but even with the random death occurring every so often, many of the characters are almost non-existent in this book.
I really like the character Rephaim and what the authors are doing with his sub-plot. He has much potential for growth in personality and maturity, and he brings a more adult element to what often feels like a very immature series. I was thrilled with how Nyx helps him at the end, as it shows him that good has its own rewards. His presence has forced Stevie Rae to grow up and make decisions that have a great impact, too. Normally Stevie Rae can be quite annoying, but around Rephaim I like her.
Neferet is of course, beyond revolting. Everything she does makes me want to hurl the book across the room - from her posturing around Kalona and Rephaim, to her false guilt at the funeral, to her simpering over the white bull. Her character is actually my strongest clue that the authors are good at what they do. Only a well-written character can elicit the kind of strong emotion that Neferet brings out in me. They do a good job of showing how the soul-sucking darkness is driving her to madness, even to the point of always underestimating what Zoey and Nyx are capable of. I may be delusional, but I still think that Kalona can be saved from this darkness, even though it's obvious that Neferet can not. His actions seem to be driven by bitterness and a hunger for what is denied him, rather than evil for the sake of evil.
I do love that the authors found a way to continue using Heath in the plotline, as he was always so good for Zoey and probably the only "normal" person in the cast list of supernaturally-gifted beings. He likely will have a long way to go with the direction the authors are taking him, but I imagine I'll keep reading this series through to the end - whenever that is.
Many of the same problems that I had with the series early on still persist - such as sickly-sweet teenage lingo, the condensed time frame of each book, and too many characters with too little time. I find myself wondering which parts of the books are written by which author, as the writing style seems to change sporadically.
I was actually both relieved and saddened by the death at the end, first that it was not someone else dying, but also how it will affect Zoey. Beyond that, there are simply too many characters for me to be emotionally-attached to all of them. So on to the next book - Destined (House of Night Novels).
Merissa (13575 KP) rated Reece (The Hawks #5) in Books
Aug 15, 2022 (Updated Aug 15, 2023)
I'm just not ready for it to be over. It's not, is it? Please tell me there's more to come!
REECE is the fifth and final book in The Hawks series, and I'm not emotionally ready for this series to be over. It just can't be! 😭 There is still so much I want to know. And I love the world they have built/are building. It simply can't be over!!!
Okay, so moving past my emotional breakdown, what can I say about this book? Reece has been a character that has tugged on my heartstrings from the very beginning, but I only knew part of his story. Now I know it all and yep, it broke my heart. Ms Roberts has a way of transferring emotions onto the page (or screen) that is second-to-none. I love how she draws me into the characters, learning what makes them tick, their foibles, and their quirks. Daena is strong, certainly stronger than she thought she was. She had a harsh lesson to learn, but learn it she did, and she won't make the same mistakes twice.
This book is full of action and suspense. Andred is clever, but will Daena and Reece figure out his game plan before hundreds die? I won't say as I don't want to inadvertently give anything away. I will say I couldn't put the book down, completely hooked on the story.
This whole series has been a fantastic world to visit, full of love, loyalty, and found family. I'm just not ready for it to be over. It's not, is it? Please tell me there's more to come! I may just have to return to the beginning and read it all again, just to tide me over.
Do I recommend it? Oh, hell yes!!! But do yourself a favour, and start at the beginning! Tristan will thank you for it! Or maybe Kaden will if you go right back. Personally, I'd start with Kaden to get the full experience.
** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Aug 12, 2022
Okay, so moving past my emotional breakdown, what can I say about this book? Reece has been a character that has tugged on my heartstrings from the very beginning, but I only knew part of his story. Now I know it all and yep, it broke my heart. Ms Roberts has a way of transferring emotions onto the page (or screen) that is second-to-none. I love how she draws me into the characters, learning what makes them tick, their foibles, and their quirks. Daena is strong, certainly stronger than she thought she was. She had a harsh lesson to learn, but learn it she did, and she won't make the same mistakes twice.
This book is full of action and suspense. Andred is clever, but will Daena and Reece figure out his game plan before hundreds die? I won't say as I don't want to inadvertently give anything away. I will say I couldn't put the book down, completely hooked on the story.
This whole series has been a fantastic world to visit, full of love, loyalty, and found family. I'm just not ready for it to be over. It's not, is it? Please tell me there's more to come! I may just have to return to the beginning and read it all again, just to tide me over.
Do I recommend it? Oh, hell yes!!! But do yourself a favour, and start at the beginning! Tristan will thank you for it! Or maybe Kaden will if you go right back. Personally, I'd start with Kaden to get the full experience.
** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Aug 12, 2022
Debbiereadsbook (1608 KP) rated Surprise Delivery (Hearts and Health #5) in Books
Mar 25, 2018
the warm and fuzzies are back!
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarain, I was gifted my copy of this book.
This is book 5 in the Hearts and Health series, but you don't need to have read the other books. I first met Eric in the first book I read, which was book 2, because I still haven't got round to reading book 1 yet! Casper pops up in book 4. All stand alone stories, with connecting characters based in and around the hospital in Ashe, Kansas. But you should! Cos, you know, warm and fuzzies, people! Warm. And. Fuzzies.
Cos that's what I'm loving about this series! That feeling it gives, when two guys finally give in to their feelings. When they get over their hang ups. When they give up the guilt that has been eating them alive and just LOVE on each other! I live my life through books like this!
Casper does all his adrenaline junkie stuff as a way to connect with his dead boyfriend of 5 years. Eric is married to his job, because his real husband left him. When Eric's 16 year old niece turns up at his door, pregnant and thrown out of her home, the two men are thrown together. Casper pulls at Eric to live a little, and Eric pulls at Casper to just slow down a bit.
Expect some roller coaster emotions from Casper here, as he deals with his self inflicted guilt. He struggles to let Kage go, and he struggles to talk to Eric, which in turn leads to some roller coaster emotions from Eric, although not quite as painful reading. I bawled my eyes out for them both!
Paul and Zane play a part, Paul especially for Eric dealing with the Board and budgets, makes Eric see, really SEE what's going on in the ER and it's Paul who makes Eric begin to think that maybe, just maybe, there is life OUTSIDE of this hospital. He just needs the push that Paul, Olivia and Casper give him. Trent and Xavier pop up too, but only briefly.
I loved this book, I read it in one sitting. I can't wait for more books in this series, but I'm wondering which way things will go now. Especially with what Eric, Paul and Trent have to decide to do. I don't really care whether future books will be based in the hospital or elsewhere, I just want and need more of these guys!
5 Warm And Fuzzies stars!
**same worded review will appear elsewhere**
This is book 5 in the Hearts and Health series, but you don't need to have read the other books. I first met Eric in the first book I read, which was book 2, because I still haven't got round to reading book 1 yet! Casper pops up in book 4. All stand alone stories, with connecting characters based in and around the hospital in Ashe, Kansas. But you should! Cos, you know, warm and fuzzies, people! Warm. And. Fuzzies.
Cos that's what I'm loving about this series! That feeling it gives, when two guys finally give in to their feelings. When they get over their hang ups. When they give up the guilt that has been eating them alive and just LOVE on each other! I live my life through books like this!
Casper does all his adrenaline junkie stuff as a way to connect with his dead boyfriend of 5 years. Eric is married to his job, because his real husband left him. When Eric's 16 year old niece turns up at his door, pregnant and thrown out of her home, the two men are thrown together. Casper pulls at Eric to live a little, and Eric pulls at Casper to just slow down a bit.
Expect some roller coaster emotions from Casper here, as he deals with his self inflicted guilt. He struggles to let Kage go, and he struggles to talk to Eric, which in turn leads to some roller coaster emotions from Eric, although not quite as painful reading. I bawled my eyes out for them both!
Paul and Zane play a part, Paul especially for Eric dealing with the Board and budgets, makes Eric see, really SEE what's going on in the ER and it's Paul who makes Eric begin to think that maybe, just maybe, there is life OUTSIDE of this hospital. He just needs the push that Paul, Olivia and Casper give him. Trent and Xavier pop up too, but only briefly.
I loved this book, I read it in one sitting. I can't wait for more books in this series, but I'm wondering which way things will go now. Especially with what Eric, Paul and Trent have to decide to do. I don't really care whether future books will be based in the hospital or elsewhere, I just want and need more of these guys!
5 Warm And Fuzzies stars!
**same worded review will appear elsewhere**
Rachel King (13 KP) rated At Grave's End (Night Huntress, #3) in Books
Feb 11, 2019
I find it funny that with all of the vampire books I have read over the years, I still have not tired of the theme. In this third book in the Night Huntress series, Jeaniene Frost continues to make life interesting for Cat and Bones and friends by adding a little magic to the mix, specifically from the legendary Cleopatra's daughter-turned-vampire, Patra, who also happens to be Bones's grandsire-turned-partner, Mancheres's wife. Life as a vampire only becomes more convoluted for Cat as Bones gains a few new abilities, and Cat learns why vamps are not allowed to practice magic. When they learn that Patra has sent "the grave" after Bones, I had visions of horror movies dancing in my head - and I was not that far off in my guesses. Since I am not a fan of this particular fad in fantasy fiction, I was glad that Frost depicted these paranormal creatures so horrifically.
One of the elements that I also like about this series is the humor - which Frost delivers in the form of Cat's mother, who embraces the circumstances of Cat and friends' protection with surprising relish. Without spoiling this juicy tidbit, I will say I laughed out loud when I read about the change in Cat's mother.
On the flip side, when anguish hits Cat hard, I felt her pain more than I expected to, even though I harbored doubts about what had really occurred. The emotion that Frost conveys in this section of the plot feels as real as if I felt the same loss as Cat.
There are many other interesting tidbits in the book, such as what almost occurs with Tate - and the result, Juan's decision, as well as the truce that develops between Annette and Cat. This is why I love series - side characters get more plot time, subplots can continue to mature, and I don't have to leave the imagined world behind just because I closed the book! I can't wait for the next book, Destined for an Early Grave (Night Huntress, Book 4).
One of the elements that I also like about this series is the humor - which Frost delivers in the form of Cat's mother, who embraces the circumstances of Cat and friends' protection with surprising relish. Without spoiling this juicy tidbit, I will say I laughed out loud when I read about the change in Cat's mother.
On the flip side, when anguish hits Cat hard, I felt her pain more than I expected to, even though I harbored doubts about what had really occurred. The emotion that Frost conveys in this section of the plot feels as real as if I felt the same loss as Cat.
There are many other interesting tidbits in the book, such as what almost occurs with Tate - and the result, Juan's decision, as well as the truce that develops between Annette and Cat. This is why I love series - side characters get more plot time, subplots can continue to mature, and I don't have to leave the imagined world behind just because I closed the book! I can't wait for the next book, Destined for an Early Grave (Night Huntress, Book 4).
Caffeinated Fae (464 KP) rated Falling for the Beast in Books
May 5, 2019
**I Received this book in exchange for an honest review**
Falling for the Beast is the second novella in the “A Modern Fairy Tale Duet.” I rated the first book, Beauty and the Professor, 3 1/2 Caffeinated Stars, and though there were some faults, I was excited to continue on in the series. I love Skye Warren as an author & I’m a huge fan of Beauty and the Beast, so I really thought this duet would be perfect for me. Unfortunately, I really did struggle with this series.
Going into part two, I was hoping for more character development but I never really got that. The characters though likable were not my favorite. I liked that both characters were open and honest with each other, but I also struggled with their relationship. It seemed that every time there was a conflict it was solved by sex. Don’t get me wrong, sex is fantastic, but it shouldn’t be used as the sole way to resolve a conflict.
Something else that struck me as weird and out of place was being blindsided by specific characteristics. We have the entire first novella where PTSD isn’t really mentioned, and then, we’re hit with him having PTSD nightmares. It was a little off-putting to me that we’re just now learning about his nightmares. The same thing can be said about him “holding back” his need for rough sex.
Though I had a few things that I didn’t like about his novella, I had some stuff I loved. I really liked that Blake always had Erin’s back. He constantly wanted to be there for her and supported her in whatever way he could. I loved that though they both had insecurities, their relationship wasn’t one of them. They both were willing to fight for what they had & shut down some of the antagonists in this book.
Even though this book wasn’t perfect, I did enjoy it. I do recommend reading some of Skye Warren’s latest books instead of this series. You can tell that her writing has grown & improved since this book was first released. One of my personal favorites of hers is Prisoner.
Falling for the Beast is the second novella in the “A Modern Fairy Tale Duet.” I rated the first book, Beauty and the Professor, 3 1/2 Caffeinated Stars, and though there were some faults, I was excited to continue on in the series. I love Skye Warren as an author & I’m a huge fan of Beauty and the Beast, so I really thought this duet would be perfect for me. Unfortunately, I really did struggle with this series.
Going into part two, I was hoping for more character development but I never really got that. The characters though likable were not my favorite. I liked that both characters were open and honest with each other, but I also struggled with their relationship. It seemed that every time there was a conflict it was solved by sex. Don’t get me wrong, sex is fantastic, but it shouldn’t be used as the sole way to resolve a conflict.
Something else that struck me as weird and out of place was being blindsided by specific characteristics. We have the entire first novella where PTSD isn’t really mentioned, and then, we’re hit with him having PTSD nightmares. It was a little off-putting to me that we’re just now learning about his nightmares. The same thing can be said about him “holding back” his need for rough sex.
Though I had a few things that I didn’t like about his novella, I had some stuff I loved. I really liked that Blake always had Erin’s back. He constantly wanted to be there for her and supported her in whatever way he could. I loved that though they both had insecurities, their relationship wasn’t one of them. They both were willing to fight for what they had & shut down some of the antagonists in this book.
Even though this book wasn’t perfect, I did enjoy it. I do recommend reading some of Skye Warren’s latest books instead of this series. You can tell that her writing has grown & improved since this book was first released. One of my personal favorites of hers is Prisoner.
Kyera (8 KP) rated Hunting Prince Dracula in Books
Feb 1, 2018
Hunting Prince Dracula is the second book in the Stalking Jack the Ripper series, which is a fantastic Victorian-era forensics mystery that takes its readers on a harrowing journey with its main characters. In Hunting, Audrey Rose and Thomas travel to Romania to study at one of Europe's foremost schools on forensic science. Although they expected to examine cadavers, they never thought the bodies would belong to victims of a killer in the midst of their spree.
I found the plot of Hunting Prince Dracula to be more enjoyable than its predecessor, Stalking Jack the Ripper. There was a new cast of supporting characters which brought a depth to the storyline that wasn't as prevalent previously. There were more characters that had been introduced and developed that you formed bonds with or questioned their intentions - could they be the killer or the next victim?
By far my favourite aspect of the series was the Holmes/Watson-esque relationship between Thomas and Audrey Rose. Thomas' quips and barbs were the most enjoyable parts of the book, despite his sometimes rakish manner. He was my favourite character in both the first and second book. It was nice to see his emotional development over the course of the novel as he had previously been hiding that aspect of himself.
Audrey Rose continues to monologue incessantly in her head, both chastizing herself profusely for her feelings and reliving the events of Stalking Jack the Ripper. It is clear that she is suffering from a traumatic event, but is unable to determine how to deal with it. It was interesting to see her attempting to cope, yet sometimes falling prey to fits of her imagination as she was unable to process the events completely. Stalking pushed Audrey Rose in ways that she was not equipped to deal with and her struggle throughout the book feels authentic.
I felt that the mystery was very well done and the culprit wasn't obvious from the first few pages, rather you questioned everything up until the very end. Our heroes conclude the story with the news that they will be traveling once more and Escaping from Houdini in the third book in this series.
I found the plot of Hunting Prince Dracula to be more enjoyable than its predecessor, Stalking Jack the Ripper. There was a new cast of supporting characters which brought a depth to the storyline that wasn't as prevalent previously. There were more characters that had been introduced and developed that you formed bonds with or questioned their intentions - could they be the killer or the next victim?
By far my favourite aspect of the series was the Holmes/Watson-esque relationship between Thomas and Audrey Rose. Thomas' quips and barbs were the most enjoyable parts of the book, despite his sometimes rakish manner. He was my favourite character in both the first and second book. It was nice to see his emotional development over the course of the novel as he had previously been hiding that aspect of himself.
Audrey Rose continues to monologue incessantly in her head, both chastizing herself profusely for her feelings and reliving the events of Stalking Jack the Ripper. It is clear that she is suffering from a traumatic event, but is unable to determine how to deal with it. It was interesting to see her attempting to cope, yet sometimes falling prey to fits of her imagination as she was unable to process the events completely. Stalking pushed Audrey Rose in ways that she was not equipped to deal with and her struggle throughout the book feels authentic.
I felt that the mystery was very well done and the culprit wasn't obvious from the first few pages, rather you questioned everything up until the very end. Our heroes conclude the story with the news that they will be traveling once more and Escaping from Houdini in the third book in this series.