Books We Love (Or Not)

In this urban fantasy set in modern-day California, half-Japanese interior designer Eve Hollis is a happy atheist with a normal life, until a steamy encounter in a stairwell with a familiar stranger transforms her into a Mark, a supernaturally-gifted hunter who’s drafted into working as a demon-slayer for a distant God. Her problems worsen when she learns the sexy stranger in the stairwell is Abel, brother to the dangerous drifter who broke her heart years ago—-who turns out to be Cain…as in, THAT Cain. Pulled between the warring brothers, Eve will need all her strength, her smarts, and her supernatural powers to stay alive, before the Infernals she’s chasing come after HER.

This was a very entertaining and well-written urban fantasy. Day’s vivid and imaginative world revolves around a complex hierarchy of angels and archangels, demons, fairies, and shapeshifters hidden among clueless mortals. (And yes, the appendix for deciphering the bureaucracy of Heaven comes in handy.) The action is fast and furious, Eve makes a likable hero despite her toughness, and the sex—with both heroes—is steamy. In addition, the author does a nice job handling the unusual love triangle among Cain, Abel, and Eve. Within a crowded paranormal/urban fantasy market, the complex angel/demon worldbuilding and the Cain and Abel aspect stand out. The story continues in EVE OF DESTRUCTION and EVE OF CHAOS, both of which are available now.

This paranormal Gothic romance is set in coastal Victorian England. All her life, psychic Gemini Andrews has hidden her uncanny ability to see and channel ghosts from her superstitious community. When she stows away on sexy Captain Deverill Jansen’s ship in her quest to stop a killer, Gemini finds she can’t conceal either her presence or her secrets from Dev.

This story has all the elements to satisfy a lover of classic Gothic romance—a dark and dangerous hero who’s rumored to be a killer, a haunted heroine in jeopardy, lots of fog and spooky atmosphere, and a real Jack the Ripper-style killer who’s stalking Gemini’s sisters. For anyone who’s curious about this shadowy sub-genre of historical romance called the Gothic, a la the style of Bronte’s JANE EYRE but with a paranormal twist, this story and others in St. Giles’ series are good ambassadors for the genre. Not for the reader who’s looking for a light, sparkling read, but it’s a wickedly good escape all the same. If the thought appeals, take a look and let me know what you think!

Happy reading from
Xenia

Xenia is delighted to report that she has spent her entire weekend happily buried in this book! I do like so much this marvelously imagined series, an alternate history with fantasy elements which takes a look at what the Napoleonic wars might have been like—-with dragons!

A brilliant cross between Jane Austen and Anne McCaffrey, THRONE OF JADE is the continuing epic of British naval captain William Laurence and his extraordinary Chinese Celestial dragon Temeraire. In the first book of the series, HIS MAJESTY’S DRAGON, the pair unexpectedly bonded when Laurence’s ship rescued the dragon’s egg from Napoleon’s clutches on the verge of hatching. In this sequel, the outraged Chinese demand the rare dragon’s return, but Temeraire will only oblige if Laurence is permitted to accompany him to China. During their long ocean voyage and subsequent adventures in Canton and Peking, the machinations of Imperial political factions result in several increasingly bold assassination attempts against Laurence. Temeraire and his beloved companion must find out who wants Laurence dead, and find a way to persuade the Chinese Emperor that this foreign barbarian and his rare Celestial dragon belong together.

While submerging myself in this delightful read, I paid particular attention to the author’s voice–which does indeed have strong overtones of Jane Austen, and it’s marvelous to me that a series written in this style can achieve such broad commercial success. Both main characters are highly appealing, and the affectionate bond between them is powerfully endearing. Once again, the original, well-researched and executed scenes of naval warfare with dragons steal the show. Think what the movie “Master and Commander” would have looked like, if crossed with The Dragons of Pern! There is a great deal to praise in these heartening novels.

I would recommend this series to lovers of Jane Austen, military (particularly naval) history, fans of Anne McCaffrey and other complex, dragon-inhabited fantasy worlds. These books are a completely unique reading experience! In this reader’s humble opinion, you won’t find any other stories out there which are even remotely like them.

This is a fast-paced paranormal romance set modern-day Zaire. CDC virus hunter Rikki Kinn is doing humanitarian aid work in Africa when she discovers a natural reservoir of a lethal virus that is being weaponized by a criminal cartel. When the cartel tries to kill her, sexy bodyguard/shapeshifter Amiri is hired to protect her, and must confront his own demons and dark past in the process.

I LOVED the multicultural aspect of the romance, the fact that he’s African (Kenyan), which is very hot. Amiri was an exotic and effective hero. Of course, I loved the premise and the biological weapons aspect (those of you who know Xenia’s other life will understand why!) I loved the setting in the jungles of Zaire, and the heroine’s grit and smarts.

I am over the moon these days about Marjorie Liu in general. I’ve read several of her books, and never been disappointed. It’s a very fresh take on the paranormal romance, and her stories stay on my keeper shelf.

I’d recommend this fast, sexy, grabby book to fans of paranormal and action romance. There is some violence and strong language, but it’s necessary to the plot and these characters. A very appealing story with a hint of darkness.

This book is an interesting example of a new trend in the romance market which I’ve heard several editors mention at recent conferences–the historical romance with paranormal elements. Set in Victorian London, this is the story of Lusinda Havershaw, who descends from a mythical Russian race gifted with invisibility when the moon is out. When she is caught pilfering by driven intelligence operative James Locke, he insists that Lusinda’s gifts be devoted to espionage for the Crown. While teaching her the tricks of the trade, the two fall in love. They’ll have to work together to overcome an enemy who wants to use Lusinda for his own dark purposes.

This is one of the first “historical paranormals” I’ve read. The blend was about 80% historical, and 20% paranormal, centered around the heroine’s ability to become invisible. The worldbuilding associated with the Russian race of Nevidimi (which, Xenia can tell you, means “invisible") was well done. The paranormal element gave this story freshness in the often-explored Victorian setting.

I’ll need to read quite a few more of these “historical paranormals” to ensure a basic understanding of this new sub-genre, but I’m giving serious thought to tackling a Tudor-set historical romance with paranormal elements for my next project!

This book is a good choice for readers who enjoy sensual historical romance set in the Regency or Victorian periods, and who don’t mind a paranormal element with their romance. The story has no graphic violence or strong language.