Review: Taken By the Others

Reviewed by Jen
 

I am really enjoying this series! Taken By the Others picks up a few months after the events of book one, but despite the passage of time, the transition is a smooth one. Private investigator and reluctant badass Shiarra is doing her best to avoid the vampire she never wanted in her life. She is happy solving her small cases and spending time with her were-boyfriend. But it's only a matter of time before Royce is back --with a vengeance.

It seems an old frenemy of the ancient vamp is targeting Shiarra as a way to get to Royce.  A long time ago, Royce killed a woman he loved. Now Max wants to return the favor.  This was a little perplexing for me, since I don't entirely understand the depth of Royce's feelings for Shiarra. The interaction between Royce and Shia in the first book didn't seem enough for me to extend beyond attraction, but I can compartmentalize this and move on.

Shiarra has to decide who she can turn to in order to protect herself from Max's evil plans. Royce?  Her boyfriend Chaz? The White Hats?  She is definitely not strong enough to take him on herself... even with all the mojo she gets from her fancy belt.  Much of the story is spent revealing different facets of all the players in her life.  I liked going behind the scenes of the White Hats and meeting some of them.  Seeing the members as individuals instead of as a rabid, racist whole helped give that part of the world-building more depth. We're also seeing behind the curtain on some of Royce's vampire family.  I am intrigued my some of his peeps, especially Mouse.

But the real show is in the main characters. Shiarra is growing and questioning her own ideas and prejudices.  She is evolving into a better heroine. I like Chaz. It's hard not to root for him with his unwavering devotion to Shia.... though her feelings for him are a little murky to me as a reader.  Maybe that's the only way to keep that door firmly cracked open for something to happen with Royce.  I've got mixed feelings about him. But I like that he is sort of an enigma because it keeps things interesting.

I think my favorite thing about the book is Shia's voice. Jess Haines does such a great job of making me understand her; of making her so easy to relate to.  Between that and the great world building, it's just so easy to fall into these books! Can't wait to keep reading.

Rating: B+

Click to purchase: Amazon

  Taken By the Others

by Jess Haines

Release Date: January 1, 2011

Publisher: Zebra

Review: Consent to Love

Reviewed by Jen
 

I'm just going to come right out and say it. I did not enjoy this book. I've got a bit of a soft-spot for hot Native American heroes so the blurb on this really grabbed me, but once I started reading, it became quickly apparent that this was not the book for me.

The story follows an insecure and inexperienced barmaid named Ana as she meets and falls for Kane. The sexy and mysterious Native American lives on the nearby Lakota ranch. Their connection is instant, but neither can stick to their plan for a sexual relationship with no strings attached. In time, they both want more.

Sounds good, yes? Well, my problems started pretty much off the bat. Kane and Ana's eyes meet over a crowded room and there's a spark -- which could happen in real life. But in their very first conversation, things go over the top. From Ana begging, "Please don't break my heart." To "I'm almost afraid... of how I'm reacting to you. I've never had this instant attraction with anyone... like I want to hold on to you and see if all these feelings explode when we're together." This is after a few minutes in each other's company. And the melodrama continues.

Kane's Big Issue is whether the local townsfolk could accept an interracial relationship between him and Ana. He keeps on about how the Lakota are dirt to the white folks. And he fears that if he falls for Ana that it would mean he's turning his back on his people. The only thing Ana is concerned about is losing Kane, because he clearly is responsible for hanging the moon. She acts like an infatuated school girl in every aspect, except one: the sex.

Which brings me to my next big issue. I am very comfortable with adult language, but the way these sex scenes are worded does nothing for me. Like, "Her pussy juice dripped on the sheet and she squirmed, unable to lie still." Or "Moisture dampened her lower lips, dampening the path to her anus." This is not sexy. Dirty to be sure, but that's not the same thing. The author used the word "pussy" 35 times in 123 pages. And I'm not even going to get into how she rubbed herself off on the saddle he made her, except to say.. Who would want to ride on it after she slimed all over it?

Other random issues I had with the story included shallow characterization, especially in the secondary cast. And the fact it was impossible to track the passage of time. The only reference came at the very end of the book. Beyond that, I had no concept of how much time passed between events. Except that there didn't seem nearly enough of it to account for the overwhelming and utterly consuming feelings that these two shared.

I wish I could think of something positive to say. 2 stars? (At least I was able to finish it.)

*ARC Provided by NetGalley

Click to purchase: Amazon

Consent to Love

by Abby Wood

Release Date: April 2, 2012

Publisher: Carina Press