Tag Archives: Christine Feehan

Fire Bound by Christine Feehan – Review & Giveaway

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Fire Bound by Christine Feehan – Review & Giveaway

 

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Fire Bound
Sea Haven series – Book #5
by Christine Feehan
Release Date: 4/26/16

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Description:
Flame-haired Lissa Piner is a skilled glass blower whose delicate gift conceals a burning inner strength that can destroy as exquisitely as it can create. Commissioned to design chandeliers for a string of luxury hotels, her remarkable skills have taken her to Italy. But Lissa’s real mission there is a secret. For her entire life has been a lie, leading to a chance to avenge a terrible wrong.
 
Enlisted as her bodyguard is Casmir Prakenskii, a trained assassin living off the grid. In Lissa, he sees a kindred spirit—something unexpected and wicked, mysterious and sensual. But more than desire is about to bring them together: because both of their pasts cry out for revenge. And for two people with this many secrets, this much passion, and this many enemies, someone is bound to get burned.

 

Review:

Fire Bound by Christine Feehan is the 5th book in her Sea Haven/Sisters of the Heart series.  I always loved Sea Haven and the Drake Sisters. Now Sisters of the Heart has inched up to be my favorite current series for Christine. 

Lissa Piner is our heroine in Fire Bound.  We learned in the last book, that Lissa is very protective of her other 5 sisters, something Gavril noticed that resembled the way he and his brothers acted.  Lissa is heading to Europe to sell glass designs that she creates. She tells her sisters that if all goes well, she will bring some good money to help on the farm.  But Lissa, has been hiding in America with her sisters, to protect her identity, as she secretly has been trained by her uncle to be an assassin.  Lissa’s parents were murdered years before, and her uncle took care of her, until he wanted her to be safe and sent her to the States.  Now Lissa’s real reason for going to Italy is to kill two people who betrayed their family. 

Casmir Prakenskii has been called by Gavril to Sea Haven and told to follow Lissa to protect her.  It doesn’t  take long for Lissa to realize that the man who has just started working as a guard for her uncle, is a Prakenskii. Her 4 sisters have all married Parkenskii’s and Lissa knows this man is for her, but she is determined to keep him at a distance, since she has a job to do and she wants no relationships.  Of course, it doesn’t take long for Casmir to win and seduce Lissa.  The chemistry and sex between was scorching, and they made a great couple together, as lovers and as fighters.  Casmir will protect Lissa with his life, but recognizes she is a kindred spirit who has also suffered heart wrenching childhoods.  He cannot stop LIssa from doing what she must do to get her revenge against those who betrayed her and her family, so he joins with her.  Casmir does have a lot more experience, and he will be the one who will suspect that there are more betrayals that Lissa will have to face. 

Rather than tell too much more, I will say this was a wonderful exciting thriller, where both Lissa and Casmir life will be in danger many times, with the revelations revealed breaking her heart even more. As I said the relationship between them was wonderful, as Casmir found his mate, something he never thought he would ever find, and he treated Lissa with so much love.  I have complained in Christine’s other books about her overdoing all the sex scenes and the abusive men.  In Fire Bound, the sexual scenes were a lot, especially in the second half, but Casmir was so caring and loving, and I fell in love with both of them as a couple.  Most important, the story led the way, and was wonderful, keeping us on the edge praying for their survival.  Sea Haven/Sisters of the Heart remains a series by Christine Feehan that I enjoy thoroughly, unfortunately I worry that the next book will be the last, as it is now Blythe’s turn as the 6th and final sister.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

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Christine’s publisher is offering a paper copy of FIRE BOUND to ONE (1) lucky commenter at The Reading Cafe.

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Dark Promises (Dark Series #29) by Christine Feehan-Dual Review & Giveaway

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DARK PROMISES (Dark Carpathians #29) by Christine Feehan-dual review and giveaway

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DARK PROMISES
Dark Series #29
By Christine Feehan
Genre: adult, paranormal,erotic, romance
Release Date: March 15, 2016

Dark Promises

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO /

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date March 15, 2016

Gabrielle has had enough of battles, of wars, of seeing Gary Jansen, the man she loves nearly lose his life when it isn’t even his fight. Once he was a gentle and very human researcher. Now he’s a fearless and lethal Carpathian warrior with the blood of an ancient lineage coursing through his veins—a man Gabrielle still needs and desires and dreams of with every breath she takes. All she wants is a life far away from the Carpathian mountains, far from vampires and the shadows cast by the crumbling monastery that hides so many terrible secrets. But Gabrielle soon learns that promises made in the dark can pierce the heart like a dagger.

And she isn’t the only one in search of answers in the corners of the unknown…

Trixie Joanes has come to the Carpathian mountains in search of her wayward granddaughter, fearing that she has been lured there by something unspeakable. Instead, Trixie has stumbled into the path of a desperate man and a woman in love and on the run. And they’re all fated for the lair of a mysterious ancient with revenge in his soul and the undying power to make bad dreams come true.

•••••••••••••

Sandy’s Review:

DARK PROMISES is the twenty-ninth installment in Christine Feehan’s adult DARK paranormal romance series focusing on a community of supernatural beings known as the Carpathians. Two ancient warriors will find their mates, and two psychic human females will struggle with their new life.

SOME BACKGROUND: All Carpathian males, must find their lifemates before they turn vampire or greet the dawn. Without a lifemate, the males no longer see in color, feel pain or experience emotions. A lifemate is the light to their dark. She is the keeper of his heart and the keeper of his soul. As the unmated Carpathian male ages, the darkness begins to envelope his soul.

At the onset of the story line we revisit the relationship between Gary and Gabrielle –once human, but now both have been converted to Carpathian due to fatal circumstances. As their wedding hour draws near, Gary soon realizes that to claim Gabrielle as his lifemate is something he is unable to do……

Told from several third person points of view DARK PROMISES tells the tale of two ancient Carpathian males-close to turning, Aleksei and Fane have been secluded along with several other warriors in a monastery in the Carpathian Mountains. As they approach the end of their supernatural existence, these warriors find themselves on the verge of turning vampire or greeting the sun. The monastery is the last line of hope for a once proud group of Carpathian men.

Aleksei will be awakened when he ‘hears’ the cries of his fated female as she comes to realize that everything she had hoped for in her life has come crashing down. Aleksei is an ancient who demands obedience and respect, and in this his lifemate will struggle with the arrogance and dominance of the Carpathian male. The former human female Gabrielle is unprepared for the Carpathian lifestyle, a failing that falls upon the Carpathian race. The $ex scenes are aggressive, seductive and provocative- Aleksei is a male who likes to discipline his mate during $ex;. Aleksei is initially abusive towards his new lifemate which is a recent, ongoing issue with many of Christine Feehan’s leading males (in all of her series), but like all Carpathian males, he will come to see that his lifemate is the light to his soul, and his initial treatment was questionable and dishonorable.

Fane is another ancient who will find his lifemate in the guise of an American vampire hunter-Trixie Joanes-Teagan’s (Dark Ghost #28) grandmother-and a woman who is a bit of a snarky, spitfire with attitude to spare. Unlike Aleksei, Fane welcomes his lifemate’s idiosyncrasies, and the couple easily adapts to one another’s emotions. I did have a bit of an issue with the explanation as to her age and fertility, but I leave that up to Christine Feehan to explain this one to the reader!

DARK PROMISES is a story rich in sexually graphic details, but to be fair there are TWO couples who find their happily ever after, and each is given some page time to build up their new found relationships. Christine Feehan’s story lines have always traversed a path of erotic fantasy, and DARK PROMISES is no different. The characters are varied and colorful although Gabrielle’s personality and persona are fragile and weak. The romances are passionate and energetic.

Christine Feehan has, once again, ‘tweaked’ the Carpathian backstory and lifestyle to suit her most recent adventures into the Carpathian Mountains. At one time NO male could be converted, let alone be imprinted with the ritual words of the lifemate vows. There is also an issue with Gary’s conversion that sees a development that Mikhail and Gregori never saw coming; and the latest trio of women introduced to the Carpathian world combine their own psychic powers enabling them to help the ancient warriors. With the conversion of two males and the difficulties of addressing the new complication, the series premise has been modified to allow for another change in direction to the story lines.

 

Barb’s Review:

Dark Promises by Christine Feehan is the 29th book in her Dark series. As this story started, it was about two people we have been following for a long long time: Gabrielle and Gary. Though when they first met and fell in love, they were human, and now both have been converted to Carpathian. Early on, we can see Gabby’s unhappiness in all things Carpathian, and her plans on making Gary walk away with her when they are married. She can see a change in him since he was converted, but she is determined to marry him and pull him away from the Carpathian world.

When the time comes to for Gary to do the lifemate words to bond Gabby, he senses something is not right between them; something is standing in their way. This is where we get thrown for a loop, and at the same time I have to admit, I became upset, enough to stop reading this book. We have known Gabby a long time, and when she is brutally pulled away by another Carpathian male; it was disturbing. This man is her lifemate, and in the current fashion of macho abusive men that Christine is so fond of lately, he treated her horribly, so much so I was disgusted. Poor innocent sweet Gabby. Why do this to her?

I kept reading, and in time Alexsei who has become Gabby’s lifemate, begins to calm down and eventually throughout the story, she will fall for him. She will accept that Gary is truly a friend that she depended on, not a lifemate for her. There is also the story of Trixie, who is Teagan’s (last book heroine) grandmother, who will also find her lifemate.

There was an interesting storyline, involving all the Carpathian men who are living in the monastery, as they are all near the end and extremely dangerous. The three ladies will try to help them, and that part was an interesting twist for the future.

Except for the early part of the story, and the latter part, which was nice, the rest of the book was mostly sex scenes. Christine Feehan has always had steamy sex in her books, but in the last few books the sex becomes more dominant and the story becomes the background. I enjoy steamy sex scenes in romances, but I prefer the story to lead.

I loved this series, as at one time this was my top favorite, and loved Christine’s writing. But a lot has changed in the last few books, with more abusive men, who in the beginning you have a hard time liking; and the overall exciting story, which is missing. Sadly, after 29 books, I am considering not reading this series anymore. But there are so many recurring characters that I love that still holds me, so time will tell if it will keep me here.

Copy provided by Publisher

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The Reading Cafe and Christine’s publisher are offering a hard cover copy of DARK PROMISES to ONE (1) lucky commenter at The Reading Cafe.

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Spider Game (Ghostwalkers #12) by Christine Feehan-Review and Giveaway

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SPIDER GAME (Ghostwalkers #12) by Christine Feehan-Review and Giveaway

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SPIDER GAME
Ghostwalkers #12
by Christine Feehan
Genre: adult, contemporary, paranormal romance
Release Date: January 26, 2016

Spider Game

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date January 26, 2016

The Cajun dive in the middle of the godforsaken swamps wasn’t exactly Trap Dawkins’ idea of fun. But the GhostWalker wasn’t there for a good time. He was looking for her. Cayenne. It’s where she found her victims. Poor suckers. Then again, who wouldn’t want to leave a place like this with a woman like her?

It’s not Cayenne’s fault. Locked up, experimented on and never knowing kindness, she was bred this way—with a heart of pure venom. Trap understands her. He survived his own dark past and he shares her desire for getting even. But now Trap’s greatest danger is Cayenne herself. Because what’s inside her is hard to control—especially when it’s aroused by a lover as reckless as Trap.

••••••

REVIEW: SPIDER GAME is the twelfth installment in Christine Feehan’s contemporary, adult GHOSTWALKERS paranormal, romance series focusing on an elite group of ‘genetically enhanced’ men and women known as the Ghostwalkers. These ‘supersoldiers’ are part of an unauthorized government experiment performed by Dr. Peter Whitney-a man tantamount to evil incarnate. This is Dr. Trap Dawkins, and Cayenne’s storyline. Trap and Cayenne were first introduced, along with a new team of Ghostwalkers, in Viper Game (Ghostwalkers #11). SPIDER GAME can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty.

Told from several third person points of view including Cayenne and Trap, SPIDER GAME continues to focus on the dangerous experiments of Dr. Peter Whitney. Cayenne is considered a failure; an experiment gone horribly wrong and, along with Wyatt Fontenont’s children (Viper Game #11), was tagged for extermination. Rescued by Trap and Wyatt, Cayenne found herself alone without any food, clothing or a place to live. To stay alive, Cayenne resorted to some unethical tactics in order to survive in the Louisiana Bayou. When Trap discovers that the Cayene is the woman ‘made’ especially for him, he sets out to ‘trap’ his wayward mate but in doing also brings the hunt for Cayenne to his front door.

Cayenne is a Ghostwalker with enhanced special abilities brought about by ‘spider DNA’. Cayenne is a dangerous soldier whose training saw the death of many Ghostwalker Teams, and the potential for many more. Trap is a billionaire researcher; an inventor whose past has threatened to destroy once again. It is the nature of the male Ghostwalker to provide, protect and be all alpha male when his female is threatened by an outside source but Trap’s over protective nature leaves something to be desired.

The secondary and supporting cast includes Wyatt and Trap’s new team of genetically enhanced soldiers including Malachai, Mordichai and Ezekiel Fortunes; Jo and Draden. There are a few cameo appearances ( and several mentions of) by earlier Ghostwalkers including Gator and Flame, Lily and Ryland, and of course, Nonny who is everybody’s loving grand-mere. Violet Smythe’s return and her ambitions for the vice-presidency sets up some revealing information and the potential for a more dangerous mission for all of the Ghostwalkers.

But….there comes a time in every author’s career where a change in direction is needed or required; where the long quiet muse has finally awakened some dormant need in many authors to push the boundaries of the character to a dark and dangerous abyss that borders on a free fall of questionable choices, and in this SPIDER GAME has fallen into the dangerous area of questionable actions and behavior of the leading hero. This is also true of most of Christine Feehan’s series-the amount of abuse, graphic violence, and aggression towards women is elevating at an exponential rate, and her heroes are the perpetrators of much of the abuse.

In SPIDER GAME, Trap is an over protective alpha male but his actions towards his mate borders on abusive. His bi-polar emotional and physical outbursts would give anyone whiplash. When a beloved series by a favorite author crosses over into a territory where mental, emotional, physical and sexual abuse is hidden behind the proclamation of love and protection, it is time to question the author’s motives: From where did this anger come? To whom is it directed at? And why is the target always the women or female lead? Trap Hawkins is NOT a likeable hero; he tries to justify his actions at every opportunity but he comes across as a controlling, jealous, and abusive pr*ck. This is not romance or romantic; this is not love or even akin to anything near love; this is all about power and control. At times, there were scenes of questionable consent that bordered on sexual assault, and for a powerful heroine she took it without question or a fight. An abuser hides behind and uses ‘love’ to justify his actions and Trap Dawkins tries to justify his actions as a need to protect. Cayenne has been tortured, experimented upon, and abused for years by scientists all in the name of the ultimate weapon of destruction, and her ‘freedom’ forces Cayenne from one abuser to another (from the proverbial frying pan into the fire)-this is NOT the love of a protective male but the need to control; to break the will of an injured animal that must succumb to the abuse in order to survive.

SPIDER GAME is a sexually graphic story line with scenes of questionable consent and graphic acts of power and control. In the past, some of Christine Feehan’s male leads (especially in the Dark Series) have ‘forced’ their females into a mating, bordering on rape and sexual assault, but the frequency of abusive situations is increasing, and I am having a difficult time looking past the act and seeing a potential, positive outcome for these story line heroines. Many readers become one with the story, with the leading hero or heroine to experience the ultimate fantasy romance but when romance becomes abuse, perhaps it is time to find another hero (or series) with whom to fall in love.

Copy supplied by the publisher through Netgalley.

Reviewed by Sandy

 

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Wild Cat (Leopard People #8) by Christine Feehan-a review

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WILD CAT (Leopard People #8) by Christine Feehan-a review

Wild Cat

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO / The Book Depository / BAM

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date November 24, 2015

A simple request for Siena Arnotto: deliver a gift to her grandfather’s friend. One look at Elijah Lospostos, hard-bodied and stripped to the waist, and Siena succumbs to a feline stirring she never felt before, and to Elijah’s reckless and pleasurable demands. But when that pulse-throbbing moment ends in the murder of an unexpected intruder, Elijah accuses the shaken and confused Siena of setting him up.

Then Siena discovers the truth of her Leopard heritage, of the secrets in her grandfather’s inner circle, and the sinister plot of revenge that has put her in jeopardy. When Siena’s grandfather is assassinated, she realizes the only man she can trust is Elijah. Now as her Leopard rises from within, Siena and Elijah share not only an animal instinct for survival—but a desire so raw and wild it may be the only thing that can save them.

••••••••••••

REVIEW: WILD CAT is the eighth installment in Christine Feehan’s contemporary, adult LEOPARD PEOPLE paranormal, erotic romance series. This is Elijah Lospostos, and Siena Arnotto’s storyline. WILD CAT can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Several of the previous storyline couples and characters have secondary and supporting roles throughout the story.

Told from dual third person perspectives (Elijah and Siena) WILD CAT follows Siena’s introduction into the world of Leopard shifters. Raised by her elderly grandfather at the Arnotto winery estates, Siena has always had the protection of several of her grandfather’s guards, but every once in awhile Siena is sent on a solo mission to deliver wine to a few of her grandfather’s ‘close friends and associates’. What Siena never knew is that she was a distraction to her grandfather’s competition, and Siena played right into the hands of her grandfather’s games. When her latest mission finds Siena delivering a case of wine to the man who has called to her heart for over ten years, Siena soon discovers that entering into a relationship with Elijah Lospostos is one of the most dangerous and humiliating situations she could ever have imagined. Siena has also attracted the interest of her grandfather’s right hand man, and the danger to Siena is dark and fatal. There is a war between the Leopard families, and each ‘familia’ is willing to kill for power, control and territory.

All of Christine Feehan’s male characters (especially the Leopards) are dominant and controlling, and Elijah is more controlling than most. His relationship with his men, and Siena is aggressive, and Elijah will humiliate the woman who will one day be his mate-Siena will never forget the humiliation and hurtful words that spewed from Elijah’s mouth, and in this Elijah knows that he has far to go to earn the trust of his future mate.

Siena is unaware of her Leopard heritage, and enters into a world that promises death, pain and the possible loss of her individuality and freedom. A relationship with Elijah promises secrets and the fear of the unknown, especially as it pertains to Elijah’s business affairs and his role within the Leopard community. Siena easily accepts the existence of the Leopards without the usual denial and need to run from her life. The world building continues to focus on the Leopard’s struggle to survive in the human world; their need to dominate and control; and the search for a compatible female to carry on the shifter lines.

The relationship between Elijah and Siena is a constant push and pull. Elijah must be in charge at all times but Siena isn’t willing to acquiesce to Elijah’s demands-both in and out of the bedroom. The $ex scenes are numerous, aggressive, erotic and intense but there is no denying that Elijah has fallen in love with Siena Arnotto.

The secondary and supporting characters include Jake and Emma; Eli and Cat; Evan, Joaquin and Tomas Estrada, Drake Donovan, and Joshua Tregre. We are also introduced to several of Siena’s grandfather’s guards including Alonzo-a man who has promised to protect Siena with his life; and Paolo-a dangerous Leopard who wants Siena for himself.

WILD CAT is a sexually graphic and aggressive erotic storyline with abusive and violent situations especially as it pertains to the female characters. I have mentioned in several previous reviews that Christine Feehan’s storylines have become more violent towards the female characters-abuse, rape, torture, assault, and with WILD CAT the trend continues for both the leading heroine and a secondary character. Siena will suffer at the hands (paws) of another Leopard, and her emotional psyche will be assaulted by the man with whom she has fallen in love. Christine’s males have always been alpha and aggressive but it is the females who are suffering an uptake in violence and abuse. The real world is not perfect and neither are the world’s of Christine Feehan’s paranormal series. But not to focus on too much negativity, WILD CAT does brings with it some of Christine Feehan’s original writing style from the early days of the Leopard series-I found myself looking forward to revisiting old friends and familiar names. Welcome back to the world of the Leopards.

BONUS: WILD CAT contains a quick peek at the next Ghostwalker installment-SPIDER GAME #12-featuring Cayenne and Trap, and the backdrop of the NOLA Bayou. But I want to address the number of previous storyline characters who have yet to have their story told. So many GW Teams and male Ghostwalkers were introduced in the earlier novels, but Christine Feehan continues to add new names and characters, focusing on a different direction for the series. I am beginning to wonder if any of the original team members will ever have their stories told.

Copy supplied by the publisher through Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy

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Dark Ghost by Christine Feehan – Dual Review & Giveaway

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Dark Ghost by Christine Feehan – Review & Giveaway

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Dark Ghost
Carpathian series – Book #28
by Christine Feehan
Release Date: September 1, 2015

Dark GhostAmazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo / BAM

Description:
He wasn’t civilized or tame. He had his own code and he lived by it.

Monk. Bounty hunter. Vampire slayer. Andre Boroi has spent centuries battling the undead, holding out against the dark with honor. But now, gravely wounded by master vampire Costin Popescu, Andre will be easy to track—his spilled blood marking the killing trail for Popescu and his hungry band of underlings. Andre’s only chance is to disappear into the gray mist of the Carpathians. To wait. To hope.
 
She had a healing touch and a scent that was his lifeblood.
 
In the mountains in search of a precious crystal, geologist Teagan Joanes suddenly finds herself hunted by those she once trusted. Then she comes across the warrior—wounded, wanting and irresistible. Andre has been craving her for an eternity: his lifemate. Her warmth envelops him. Her scent pulsates. And with every beat of her heart, Teagan surrenders to a passion she can’t possibly comprehend.
 
Now they are bound by destiny, but is it enough to keep them safe from a stalking, relentless darkness that threatens to swallow them alive?


Barb’s Review:

Dark Ghost by Christine Feehan is the 28th book in her Carpathian series. I thought Dark Ghost was a good story, but I did have mixed feelings; a major part of my feelings is that as I have said before, the old style seems to be missing. Other then the Skyler/Dimitri trilogy, which I did enjoy, the last few books have been a disappointment to me.

Dark Ghost was somewhat better, but still very reminiscent of the other later books. I have been waiting a long time for Andre’s story, and I really liked him a lot. Teagan is our heroine, and I liked her too, but did have mixed feelings with her too.

The story begins with Andre knowing he is getting closer his end, to meet the dawn. He goes underground to heal from major injuries fighting a master vampire, whom he hurt badly, but did not kill him. While he rests underground, Teagan, who is a healer, finds herself in danger, from a friend whom she trusted. Running away, she hides in a cave, and begins to search for a stone that she feels with help cure her grandmother. She comes upon an injured Andre, and uses her healing ability to cure many of his injuries. Much to his shock, Andre know this young woman is what he has been searching for all his life; the woman who will save him….his lifemate.

What follows is a story of a Carpathian hunter, who finds his love and his color/emotions back after centuries; a young woman, who can’t resist the alpha male who showers her with adoration, as well as possessiveness; danger in the Carpathian mountains from both humans and vampires. Most of all it the sexual relationship between Andre and Teagan.

What did I have mixed feelings about? Andre was great, but finding his lifemate and turning her so fast, did not really sit well with me. Teagan was very independent, and they fought  from from the start. But throughout the book she kept going back and forth to fight Andre or hopelessly devour him. So many times she changed her mind.  Just about 85% of the book took place in the Cave. (Reminded me of Dominic’s story). Not enough action, though I did enjoy the parts that Andre taught Teagan how to fly and her other powers. That was fun.  Sex, sex, sex and more sex. I like my steamy romances, but not when it over powers the story.

I thought Dark Ghost was better than many of the other recent books in this series, but Christine Feehan has taken this from a paranormal romance suspense with steamy sex to more of an erotic romance storyline.

 

Sandy’s Review:

DARK GHOST is the 28th installment in Christine Feehan’s adult, paranormal romance DARK (Carpathian) series focusing on a supernatural species known as the Carpathians. This is Carpathian Andre Boroi, and American climber Teagan Joanes’s storyline. DARK GHOST can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty.

SOME BACKGROUND: All Carpathian males, must find their lifemates before they turn vampire or greet the dawn. Without a lifemate, the males no longer see in color, feel pain or experience emotions. A lifemate is the light to their dark. She is the keeper of his heart and the keeper of his soul.

Told from third person point of view DARK GHOST finds our hero Andre in a fight for his life. A master vampire has targeted Andre, and their latest battle results in a struggle for survival. While Andre lies healing in the ground in the Carpathian Mountains, he will be awakened by the voice of his lifemate-Teagan Joanes-a woman he never knew existed until she was pulled to the very cave where Andre went to repair the damage inflicted by the master vampire. What ensues is Andre’s struggle to understand the mind of the modern woman, and the hunt for the person responsible for attacking his lifemate prior to her appearance in the cave.

DARK GHOST is a slow building story where the growing relationship between Teagan and Andre is the central focus of the storyline. Our couple is secluded in a healing cave in the Carpathian Mountains for most of the book, and there is very little outside influence or external conflict-the majority of the conflict bookends Teagan and Andre’s time in the Mountain cave. That’s not to say there wasn’t any contention; Teagan is a modern woman who refuses to acknowledge Andre’s need for control, and his over protective he-man attitude. She is unaware of the danger that searches for her new lifemate, and with it comes the struggles between a man used to the old ways, and a woman whose feminist ideology doesn’t allow for the give and take in a new, unexplored, supernatural relationship.

For fans of the series you may notice some changes over the last few storylines. The Carpathian claiming verse is longer with additional lines and content; to offer blood freely between two Carpathians now comes with longer prose and text; and Christine Feehan’s storylines are more violent towards women-there is the overriding issue of rape and torture that seems to be directed at many of the female characters-primary, secondary and supporting. I am not sure why the change of attack and the propensity for such anger, but it is something that I have noticed throughout the last few installments. I also had an issue with repetition (as a constant reminder) and redundancy–it was all too familiar from previous storylines.

DARK GHOST sees another ancient Carpathian saved from eternal damnation as the undead. Finding one’s lifemate brings with it the return of emotions, colors and feelings that have been lost for hundreds if not thousands of years. Andre’s endless cycle of hunting the vampire has the additional intensity of protecting his lifemate while he battles the friends who have chosen the dark side. Christine Feehan’s DARK/Carpathian series brought me back into the supernatural genre of vampires and immortals. Here’s hoping that many of the ancients previously introduced in the series find their lifemates before too long.

Copy supplied by the publisher through Netgalley.

 

Giveaway-Blue:Black

Christine’s publisher is offering a papercopy of DARK GHOST to ONE(1) lucky commenter at The Reading Cafe.

1. If you have not previously registered at The Reading Cafe, please register by using the log-in at the top of the page (side bar) or by using one of the social log-ins.

2. If you are using a social log-in, please post your email address with your comment.

3. Please LIKE and Follow Christine Feehan on Facebook

4. Please FOLLOW The Reading Cafe on TSU

5. LIKE us on FACEBOOK and then click GET NOTIFICATION under ‘liked’ for an additional entry.

6. FOLLOW us on Twitter for an additional entry.

7. Please FOLLOW us on GOODREADS for an additional entry.

8. Giveaway open to USA only.

9. Giveaway runs from September 2-6, 2015

 

 

 

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Edge of Darkness Anthology by Christine Feehan, Maggie Shayne & Lori Herter-a review

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EDGE OF DARKNESS Anthology by Christine Feehan, Maggie Shayne & Lori Herter-a review

Edge of Darkness

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO / The Book Depository/ BAM

ABOUT THE BOOK : Release Date August 4, 2015

Dark Crime by Christine Feehan

Blaze knows who killed her father and she has merciless plans for payback. Until a phone call from a seductive stranger pleads with her to wait. Retribution is in his blood, too. Now, he and Blaze will be united in the blood of the guilty. Tonight, vengeance is theirs.

REVIEW: DARK CRIME is the latest installment (26.5) in Christine Feehan’s CARPATHIAN paranormal romance DARK series and reads like a full length storyline. This is Carpathian Maxim Volkov and bar owner Blaze McGuire’s storyline. DARK CRIME can be read as a stand alone (with some difficulty) but if you are not familiar with Ms. Feehan’s DARK series some background information may be necessary for cohesion and familiarity with the Carpathian history. The storyline takes place in Chicago, Illinois.

Christine Feehan introduces several new characters to her series with Maxim and Blaze’s storyline. Maxim is an ancient, who along with his fellow Carpathians Tariq Asenguard and the triplets- Mataias, Lojos and Tomas- find themselves on the hunt for a master vampire whose minions are wreaking havoc with business owners, the homeless and missing children. Blaze and her best friend Emeline are the vampire’s next intended victims.

DARK CRIME is an erotic paranormal romance with scenarios of graphic violence involving women and children, as well as the usual vampire blood shed, death and destruction. The $ex scenes are provocative and erotic-another ancient Carpathian has found his lifemate following hundreds of years of no emotions and no color; the romance is very quick to build and easily accepted by the storyline heroine; the revelation of the master vampire brings with it a former enemy who has made a pact with the devil.

Sadly, I do have an issue with Christine Feehan’s lack of originality when it comes to her storyline character’s names. This has been a major bone of contention for me throughout all of her series as well as using the same names between series e.g. Stefan has been used 3 times in the DARK series, as well as in 3 of her 4 other series. Duplication of names and their derivatives is a constant in the DARK series: Matias twice; Matt /Matthew 4 times; Henry and derivatives 4 times; John 4 times; Paul 4 times; Peter 4 times; Robert or Roberto 5 times; Tom/Thomas 5 times; and the list goes on). Maxim is a name that has been used twice in the DARK series for major characters-once for an ancient Carpathian-Maxim Malinov- who turned vampire and was killed, and now with Maxim Volkov in Dark Crime. The duplication can lead to confusion, especially with the similarity between surnames as well.

•••••••••••••••••••

Dead by Twilight by Maggie Shayne

Bloodsuckers may be an accepted minority but one of them is getting away with murder. Until a female vamp teams with a mortal detective to end the killing spree. Now the night belongs to them—and so does every pleasure and danger lurking in the shadows.

REVIEW: DEAD BY TWILIGHT is Maggie Shayne’s latest novella in her Wings in the Night: Reborn paranormal, romance series. This is vampire/cop Chloe Madison, and Officer Shepherd Daniels storyline that focuses on the formation of the Vampire Crimes Unit and the hunt for a rogue vampire on a killing spree throughout the town.

Chloe is a reluctant vampire; turned on the night of her senior prom in 1955; and a woman who refuses to be a predator in a world where vampires are at the top of the proverbial food chain. When Chloe and Shep are tasked with investigating a series of killings by a rogue vampire, Chloe knows that to reveal her true nature would mean the end to her career and a potential target on her head.

Maggie Shayne invites the reader into her entertaining world of vampires with a little bit of humor and romance; mystery and suspense. The storyline covers about 24-48 hours in the life with a prologue that looks at Chloe’s initiation into the world of vampires and blood.

•••••••••••••••

Cimarron Spirit by Lori Herter

While excavating an Anasazi ruin, archeologist Annie Carmichael uncovers the resting place of a centuries-old vampire who finds in Annie the liberating mate he has longed for. But how much is Annie expected—or willing—to surrender for the man she now desires?

REVIEW: CIMARRON SPIRIT is part 1 of Lori Herter’s paranormal Cimarron Series. This is five hundred year old vampire Rafael de la Vega, and archeologist Annie Carmichael’s story-a story of forbidden love with a slight love triangle premise.

Annie is an archeologist who has been excavating an ancient Anasazi site near Phoenix, Arizona but what Annie uncovers is nothing short of unbelievable. While living and digging on Brent Logan’s ranch, Annie finds herself torn between what is safe, and what it is she wants. Rafael de La Vega, Brent’s closest neighbor and the man with whom Brent has been in a legal tug of war, is a vampire who calls to Annie’s heart.

CIMARRON SPIRIT introduces the major characters of Lori’s Cimarron series, Rafael’s history, his years as a lone vampire, and his need for Annie Carmichael. Annie is a divorcee who was about to settle down with a man she did not love until Rafael showed her what it was like to be a part of his world.

CIMARRON SPIRIT is part one in Lori Herter’s paranormal Cimarron romance series and thusly ends rather abruptly without explanation. To read about what happens to our storyline couple Cimarron Secrets –part 2-will be released August 7, 2015.

•••••••••••••••••••

EDGE OF DARKNESS looks at three distinctively different writing styles from three paranormal romance authors. Feehan and Shayne offer up works from existing series, while Herter introduces a new series about vampire Rafael de la Vega. Christine Feehan’s DARK CRIMES is infinitely more detailed, and sexually graphic with scenarios of violence against women and children; Shayne and Herter barely touch upon the sexual aspects of their storylines.

I will admit my interest in this anthology has everything to do with Christine Feehan’s DARK CRIMES-a series I have been reading for a number of years. Shayne and Herter’s novellas add some quick, light reads for those that enjoy a little bit of paranormal romance without the sexually erotic factor.

Copy supplied by the publisher

Reviewed by Sandy

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Earth Bound by Christine Feehan – Review & Giveaway

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Earth Bound by Christine Feehan – Review & Giveaway

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Earth Bound
Sea Haven #4
by Christine Feehan
Genre: adult, contemporary, paranormal, romance
Release Date:July 7, 2015

Earth Bound June 15Amazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo / The Book Depository / BAM

Description
After escaping from a cult, Lexi found refuge with her sisters on the farm that more than sustained her body—it nurtured her soul as well. But she never forgot the terror she left behind or the always present fear that the cult would find her again, and claim her. Then her nightmare came true.

Lexi was discovered and threatened—only to be suddenly saved by a stranger. He is Gavriil Prakenskii, and he’s awestruck by the woman he’s rescued. She is destined for him. He can feel it in his soul. But how can Lexi find happiness with a man steeped in secrets and shadows, one intimately acquainted with violence, and whose very love could be the death of them?

 

Review:

Earthbound by Christine Feehan is the 4th book in her wonderful Sea Haven/Sisters of the Heart series. Except for the Dark Blood trilogy, I have been a little disappointed with Christine’s recent additions to her other series. But I am thrilled to say that the Sea Haven/Sisters of the Hearts remains simply a fantastic read, as this is the Christine Feehan that I have always loved. Earthbound was a fabulous read and Lexi and Gavrill were a sensational couple. The romance between them was beautiful to watch, as their love grew out of the depths of darkness. Did I say I love this series?

Lexi is our heroine, she is an earth elemental, and she is the youngest of the sisters who live on the farm they built in Sea Haven. Though all of the sisters bonded together, each having some kind of tragedy that originally brought them together, it is Lexis who is the most damaged. When she was 8 years old, she was kidnapped and tortured as part of cult. She managed to escape into the witness protection program, ending up in Sea Haven with her new family of sisters, but her fears of being found remain strong, causing her panic attacks.

When someone does find her, it will be Gavrill, another one of the Prakenskii brothers who will rescue her. For those who may not know this series, the Prakenskii’s are violent and dangerous men, who were trained as children, and forced to kill for their government. One by one (each book) they arrive in Sea Haven to find their mate, and peace. They are all the brothers of Ilya, our hero in the Drakes Sister, who happens to be the baby brother.

Gavrill strikes fear even to his brothers, as he is totally dark, but it will be Lexi who will help heal and open up his heart to feelings he has never felt before. At the same time, Lexi is also badly flawed, and Gavril will slowly help her get past her terrorizing childhood.

This was a wonderful story, filled with suspense, excitement, family bonding, and a romance that pulled strongly on our heartstrings. Finally Christine has given us a fabulous story, with a super cast of characters, as well as steamy sex that becomes part of the story, not the whole story. But most of all, both Gavrill and Lexi were great together. I love d his protectiveness toward her, how sweet and gentle he was, and his love for Lexi. As tough as he was, it was a joy, as we watched how caring he was to Lexi, being very patient.   The exciting climax with all of them together was great. I loved Earthbound and look forward to the next book. Thank you, Christine Feehan for this wonderful story.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

Giveaway-Green/Gold

Christine’s publisher is graciously offering a paper copy of EARTH BOUND to ONE (1) lucky commenter at The Reading Cafe.

1. If you have not previously registered at The Reading Cafe, please register by using the log-in at the top of the page (side bar) or by using one of the social log-ins.

2. If you are using a social log-in, please post your email address with your comment.

3. Please LIKE and Follow Christine Feehan on Facebook

4. LIKE us on FACEBOOK and then click GET NOTIFICATION under ‘liked’ for an additional entry.

5. LIKE us on Twitter for an additional entry.

6. Please FOLLOW us on GOODREADS for an additional entry.

7. Please FOLLOW us on TSU for an additional entry.

8. Giveaway open to USA only

9. Giveaway runs from July 7 to July 10, 2015

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Cat’s Lair (Leopard Series #7) by Christine Feehan-Dual Review and Giveaway

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Cat’s Lair (Leopard Series #7) by Christine Feehan-Dual Review and Giveaway

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Cat’s Lair
The Leopard Series #7
by Christine Feehan
Release Date: May 5, 2015
Genre: adult,contemporary, paranormal, erotic romance

Cat's Lair

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO / The Book Depository

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date May 5, 2015

Cat Benoit has finally escaped the past—and the man who was the source of her nightmares. She’s off the grid, underground but watchful, and creating a new life for herself in Texas, far from the torrid dangers of her native New Orleans. She’s safe. He’ll never find her this time. Cat has to believe that. It’s the only thing keeping her sane.

Yet she can’t escape the attention of Ridley Cromer, the instructor at the martial arts dojo where Cat takes lessons. She arouses the animal in Ridley—and something feral comes to life when their body heat rises. Cat is in no position to let her guard down with anyone, especially someone who could be endangered by her past. But Ridley has secrets of his own—secrets only Cat would understand. If she dares to trust him.

••••••••••••••

Sandy’s Review

NOTE: If you haven’t read CAT’S LAIR, there is a slight spoiler in my review as it pertains to the true identity of our leading hero.

REVIEW: CAT’S LAIR is the seventh installment in Christine Feehan’s adult, contemporary Leopard People paranormal romance series focusing on a species of Leopard shifters. This is leopard shifter/ DEA agent Eli Perez (aka Ridley Cromer) and female leopard shifter/barista Cat Benoit’s storyline. Cat’s Lair can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from previous storylines is revealed where necessary.

Told from dual third person perspectives CAT’S LAIR follows the building relationship between two leopard shifters –Eli Lopez and Cat Benoit. Cat is a female leopard shifter who is just entering the Han Vol Dan (leopard females first ‘turn’ and sexual maturity) and a woman in hiding; she is on the run and her whereabouts have been discovered by not only law enforcement and the DEA, but by a man who is determined to claim Cat as his own. Enter Ridley Cromer/Eli Lopez, a man who has promised Cat his protection but it comes at a cost.

The relationship between Cat and Eli is one of instant attraction but Eli was reluctant to reveal his true identity in the early stages of their romance. Cat has a difficult time trusting anyone, especially men, and in this Eli has reinforced Cat’s belief that no man can be trusted. The sexual side of their relationship is aggressive. Eli is a man who demands submission both in and out of the bedroom; he is a controlling and domineering alpha male bordering on abusive; there is very little humanity remaining in Eli’s persona. All of the Leopard males are dominant, and their sexual needs are over the top but Eli’s actions screamed emotionally damaging and dangerous. A majority of the storyline focuses on the sexual aspect of their relationship-very erotic in nature but not necessarily provocative and alluring. The threat against Cat was introduced in the early stages of the storyline than never materialized until near the end-in this, the main focus followed Eli’s need to control; his obsession with and dominance of Cat; their sexual relationship; and waiting for Cat’s first shift. There is plenty of ‘Kitten’ calling throughout the entire story.

We are re-introduced to Jake and Emma Bannaconni, and their children Kyle and Andrya (Burning Wild #3) as well as Leopard shifters Elijah Lospostos, Joshua Tegre and Trey. Cat’s coworkers and self defense teacher play a small role in Cat’s life-one that does not go unnoticed by the man on the hunt for Cat.

Speaking of characters and names, Christine Feehan has a habit of duplicating names between series and sometimes within the same series. Our leading man is Eli Lopez and earlier in the series ( and in Cat’s Lair) the reader was introduced to Elijah Lospostos-two very similar names that can lead to confusion for some. When I first read a small bit about CAT’S LAIR I had hoped it was Elijah’s story but discovered that not to be the case. I am happy that we have finally left the Bayou and Christine has returned to some of the earlier characters and locations. Elijah and Joshua need their own happily ever afters. Elijah’s story will be told next in WILD CAT –Leopard People #8-November 2015

CAT’S LAIR is a sexually aggressive, paranormal storyline. The premise, action and adventure, and the search for Cat’s ‘stalker’ take a backseat to Cat and Eli’s sexual relationship. In recent books, Christine Feehan appears to be focusing on the erotic nature of the relationships more than the building of a story; the storyline is almost forced into the background and secondary to the $ex, dominance and need to control.

If you are a fan of Christine Feehan’s LEOPARD PEOPLE series, you will enjoy CAT’S LAIR-especially revisiting some of her earlier characters like Jake and Emma.

Copy supplied by the publisher.

Reviewed by Sandy

 

Barb’s Review:

Cat’s Lair by Christine Feehan is the 7th book in her Leopard People series. We meet Cat Benoit our heroine, at the start. She is a loner, keeps few friends, and works as a barista to make ends meet. We know she is running from someone, as she is always on guard and ready to run at a moment’s notice. Cat lets her guard down a bit when she meets Ridley, an instructor in the martial arts dojo where she trains.  

In a short time, Cat feels betrayed, as Ridley is not who he says he was. He is an undercover agent looking for the man who she is running from. She runs away, fearing that Rafe, the villain, will now find her and kill anyone who helps her.   But it is Eli (formerly Ridley) who finds her and brings her to a safe place to hide. Cat finds it hard to trust anyone, especially Eli, whom she had let herself begin to fall for. We learn fast that Eli is a Leopard shifter, as is Rafe. Eli can tell that Cat is also a shifter, though she has not turned as of yet, but she is very close to her Han Van Dol (the time when her leopard comes out).

I have mixed feelings about this book. I love this series by Feehan, and this story started very well, catching my attention fast. I liked Cat, and her instincts for survival. At first, I did like Ridley and how he was sweet and nice to Cat.   But a third of the way into the book, it changed a lot for me. As the storyline of hiding from Rafe continued in the background, the romance between Eli and Cat escalated. I felt the middle of the book was majority sexual, which overtook the story. I also was not crazy about Eli, though he did seem to care strongly for Cat, he was way too demanding, arrogant and unbending towards Cat. Later in the book, you can tell how deeply in love he was with Cat, trying to fight off his need to rule. The race to the finish was exciting, when they come face to face with the enemy and the danger escalated. The middle part of the book reminded me so much of Dark Peril, from the Dark series, where the story became the background.

I thought this storyline started and ended well, but I do prefer my books to have more story, action, excitement, suspense, fun, and a nice romance with steamy sex. But I felt Cat’s Lair was more erotica then I liked. I also feel that Feehan for whatever reason creates some her of her more recent heroes, even if they are flawed, to be mean, domineering and unlikeable for much of the book, and treat their woman as sex slaves.Overall, I enjoyed the storyline, really liked the heroine,  and to see some of the characters from the past books.

 

 

Giveaway

The Reading Cafe and Christine’s publisher are offering a paper copy of CAT’S LAIR to ONE (1) lucky commenter at The Reading Cafe.

1. If you have not previously registered at The Reading Cafe, please register by using the log-in at the top of the page (side bar) or by using one of the social log-ins.

2. If you are using a social log-in, please post your email address with your comment.

3. Please LIKE and Follow Christine Feehan on Facebook

4. LIKE us on FACEBOOK and then click GET NOTIFICATION under ‘liked’ for an additional entry.

5. LIKE us on Twitter for an additional entry.

6. Please FOLLOW us on GOODREADS for an additional entry.

7. Please FOLLOW us on TSU for an additional entry.

8. Giveaway open to USA only

9. Giveaway runs from May 4-8, 2015

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