Review - Jennifer Ashley - Pride Mates - Book 1 (Shifters Unbound)

Book Description from Amazon.com

Publication Date: April 26, 2010

 

Collared and controlled, Shifters are outcast from humanity, forced to live in Shiftertowns. But waiting within are passions that no collar can contain...

Like most Shifters, Liam Morrissey has learned that trusting humans leads to no good. But when beautiful attorney Kim Fraser enters Shiftertown alone in order to prove her client's innocence, Liam's alpha nature leaves him no choice but to offer his protection.

Review

OK, so I just finished reading Pride Mates - book 1 in the "Shifters Unbound" series by Jennifer Ashley. The first book I have ever read of hers and I was not disappointed. The beginning of the book had me a little worried. I mean the shifters all wear collars, placed on them by humans; after humans learnt of their existence, 20 years ago. I like my heroes fierce and was definitely worried that he would be - well less than. Nothing could be further from the truth. Liam Morrissey is every bit the alpha, strong, protective and charming to boot. He's a feline shifter - the modern day animal - still savage and barbaric but existing in the trappings of society. Our heroine feisty lawyer Kim Fraser is his perfect match, she is brave, smart, tough enough to speak her mind and commands respect. The relationship between Liam and Kim developed gradually into it's eventual smoldering passionate climax (despite Liam being an idiot, not to worry Kim sets him straight). The story held my attention and I felt like I got a good sense of who they were and their heartfelt connection; all while Jennifer Ashley spins her engaging mysterious plot.

There's also an excellent support cast and the Morrissey men are awesome; from big daddy Dylan, Brothers Liam and Sean and their nephew Connor - this close-knit family unit of 4 tough men will infect you with their warmth. It's hard not to smile when you read about strong, affectionate men who would do anything for each other (except, Connor who can't wait to get a mate who will do the dishes for him :). Definitely 5 Star worthy, I devoured it in one sitting and I can't wait to get to the other books in this very promising series.

5 Stars = Up All Night

The next book in the series is about Sean Morrissey, can't wait to start reading - it should be great :)

Jennifer Ashley - Author Website

Christine Feehan - Carpathian/Dark Series

Christine Feehan - Often remarked as the "Queen of paranormal romance" you cannot consider yourself a fan of the genre without being a fan of hers. Name the accolade and she's probably received it (New York Times Bestseller etc.) and very authors enjoy a fan base as large as hers. Can you tell that I'm a total fan girl yet? - lol. Well I am;  my introduction to paranormal romance novels began with her and in my eyes, she can do no wrong. I believe that I have read practically everything that she has ever published and while I have not rated all her books at 5 stars, she has never gone below 3 stars and has never disappointed me. 

Anyone new to Christine Feehan, should of course start by reading her "Carpathian/Dark Series", in which she re-images the vampire lore. These Carpathians are heroes with very big, powerful, sharp TEETH and they are not afraid to use them. Theses guys are the ultimate alphas; suffering in their cold, emotionless world until they meet their "lifemates" - their only hope for light, color, passion and love.

It also never fails to delight and amuse me, to read about these all powerful ancient (caveman-ish) Carpathians being taken down a peg or two by their modern lifemates. Each tail is brilliant journey of struggles, danger, laughter and watching two people fall hopelessly in love. I highly recommend this series to everyone and I have every book (literally - on my bookshelf in print). Now while I may trade some books these are Forever On My Bookshelf  (FOMB).

See slideshow of Christine Feehan's Carpathian/Dark Series books (in reading order) with ratings and comments below.

CARPATHIAN/DARK SERIES LIST IN READING ORDER:

• BOOK #1: DARK PRINCE
  
• BOOK #2: DARK DESIRE
  
• BOOK #3: DARK GOLD
  
• BOOK #4: DARK MAGIC
  
• BOOK #5: DARK CHALLENGE
  
• BOOK #6: DARK FIRE
  
• BOOK #7: AFTER TWILIGHT: Dark Dream
  
• BOOK #7: DARK DREAMERS: Dark Dream
  
• BOOK #8: DARK LEGEND
  
• BOOK #9: DARK GUARDIAN
  
• BOOK #10: DARK SYMPHONY
  
• BOOK #11: THE ONLY ONE: Dark Descent
  
• BOOK #12: DARK MELODY
  
• BOOK #13: DARK DESTINY
  
• BOOK #14: HOT BLOODED: Dark Hunger
• BOOK #14: DARKEST AT DAWN: Dark Hunger
• BOOK #14: DARK HUNGER (Manga)
  
• BOOK #15: DARK SECRET
  
• BOOK #15 DARKEST AT DAWN: Dark Secret
  
• BOOK #16: DARK DEMON
  
• BOOK #17: DARK CELEBRATION
  
• BOOK #18: DARK POSSESSION
  
• BOOK #19: DARK CURSE
  
• BOOK #20: DARK SLAYER
• BOOK #21: DARK PERIL
• BOOK #22: DARK PREDATOR
• BOOK #23: DARK STORM

Christine Feehan - Author Website

My very first paranormal romance novel

Once was all it took and I was hooked. I was enjoying my usual Saturday morning in my local used book store. Looking for something new and interesting and there was "Dark Demon". The cover was interesting but what really got my attention was the sticker on the front that boosted "Specially designed for comfortable reading" - yup that got me (what can I say - I'm a curl up in bed reader lol ). Now this book is a part of a very long and complex series by one of the queen's of paranormal romance - Christine Feehan and just so happened to be book 16 of her phenomenal "Carpathians - Dark Series".

This book was such a breath of fresh air and a completely unique perspective on the vampire lore. I also consider myself, as someone of eclectic sensibilities and while I might enjoy romance - I love all the other genres too. Now, this book allowed me to experience, multiple genres in a fast-paced, hilarious, kick-ass ride. Let's just say that I missed a few meals that day and I literally did not move until I finished it.

 

  About the book from Amazon.com

Christine Feehan has worked magic on a legion of fans with her darkly thrilling Carpathian tales. Now she delivers the provocative tale of a female vampire slayer who proves as seductive—and mysterious—as the night dwellers she stalks…

For as long as she can remember, Natalya has been fighting demons: first in the form of childhood nightmares, then later, immortal creatures that kill and prey on the innocent—including her own twin brother. Whether Carpathian or vampire, she slays those who murder by night, and has no equal—until she is seduced by the very thing she considers her enemy…

A Carpathian who has seen nearly everything in his endless existence, Vikirnoff didn’t think he could be surprised anymore—until he faces a woman who rivals him as a vampire hunter. A formidable and gifted warrior in her own right, Natalya has a nature that is strangely familiar—yet alien—to his own. Who is this mysterious female who fears no one—not even him? Natalya could be the key to the survival of the Carpathians, but all Vikirnoff is certain of is that she is the key to his heart and soul…

5 Stars = Up All Night

Natalya is seriously impressive. She had me laughing out loud and feeling sorry for Vikirnoff; all while they both kicked-ass. She was not what he expected but exactly what he needs. Definitely, FOMB (Forever On My Bookshelf).

Read Chapter 1 on Author's Website

Reviews - My Rating System

The average 5 star system is a sooo boring. So here's what I propose - each category should have a meaning.

1 Star = Snooze-Fest

2 Stars = Puzzled 

3 Stars = Thumbs Up

4 Stars = On Your Lunch Break 

5 Stars = Up All Night 

Now in case I left you 'puzzled' (pun intended lol) and because I don't want 2 stars for this post, let me explain the system a little bit.
 

1 Star = Snooze-Fest

What's the worst thing that happens when you read an uninteresting book - that's right it puts you straight to bed aka Snooze-Fest and no matter how hard you try, you can never seem to finish reading it.

2 Stars = Puzzled

There are occasions where for whatever reason, one may try to continue with a book that is say ' not very exciting'. However, the author nonetheless leaves you simply feeling Puzzled, confused and bewildered. Maybe the plot made no sense, maybe the characters were unlikable, maybe the book just sucked, but you read the entire thing and that's enough to award it 2 stars.

3 Stars = Thumbs Up

Now you have the books that are good, not great. Definitely worthy of a Thumbs Up rating. The plot is good enough but it just didn't grab you and you forget it the moment that you finish reading it.

4 Stars = On Your Lunch Break

These are the really good books. Good plot, character etc. (see my post on "What makes a good paranormal romance novel?" - Link) - it has all the elements of a great story. Yet somehow you are able to put it down and go to sleep. Until the next day, when you anxiously whip it out On Your Lunch Break because you just cannot wait to get home to find out what happens next.

5 Stars = Up All Night

The exceptional stories. These are the ones that have you from the very first word. You'll miss a meal to continue reading and before you know it "you've been Up All Night"

What makes a good paranormal romance novel?

In order to earn 5 stars, I judge books on the following areas;

1.  Hero - My idea hero is the ultimate alpha. Brave, fierce, a little lost and surprisingly tender. What can I say I'm a sucker for a damaged man - who doesn't know he needs to be saved - so strong yet so weak. He can deliver the beat-down of a lifetime to the enemy yet be gentle to his woman right after. He will worship the very ground she walks on and be forever faithful to his love - yup what woman doesn't want that. Whatever frightening creature he may be, there is one woman who can tame the savage beast.   

2.  Heroine - She's no weakling. She will not let Mr. Big and Strong overpower her. She has a mind of her own and isn't afraid to use it. She will show Mr. Macho that the "June Cleaver's" of the world are long gone. She will demand respect, command attention and ultimately obtain undying adoration because of who she is. 

3.  Plot - Now I want to be entertained. I want mystery, suspense, action, drama, comedy, witty banter, serious ass whoopings, sexual chemistry that steams up the pages and of course breath-taking romance. 

4.  Villain - The bad guy aka Mr. Nasty. The best villains are the ones you pray never to meet in a dark alley. The ones where you scowl real hard whenever he/she appears, wish for ass-kicking powers so you can give them a beat-down and cheer triumphantly when they meet their demise. 

5.  Likeability/Emotional - quite simply, whether or not the author drew me into the story. Were my emotions engaged and did I feel for the characters? Every good story should touch me in some way and remain with me long after I have finished reading. Yup you got me - I want to be moved to tears, laugh out loud or at least giggle/grin like a crazy person. This is the final ingredient that ensures a compelling, poignant story that I often find myself going back to and which I deem worthy of FOMB (Forever on my Bookshelf) status.  

About This Paranormal Romance Blog

So I am an avid reader and I practically devour paranormal romance novels. My affair with them was a gradual evolution from the salacious "Mills and Boons" of my teenage years and began with my first bite of Christine Feehan and Sherrilyn Kenyon. I have never looked back. Alas since then, I have gone far and wide and discovered several other talented and exciting writers.

In fact it is that "far and wide searching" that has led me to create this blog. I mean "Amazon.com" only goes so far and a few other interesting sites, but they don't cater specifically to my needs. Meaning that I have to sift through to discover new leads and new books. Oh and don't get me started on the author websites - half of them are not even up to date with the author's latest work, much less the books that are coming soon *sigh.

Hence "SUPER-ELO (that's me by the way)" is here to the rescue *insert superhero theme music tan-ta-da-daa* Well - if I like the writing that is. I'll try not to write about or review works that I do not like, except in the cases where it's in a series by a author who I love but who for whatever reason - writes a crappy book. Again *sigh and fingers crossed that that doesn't happen too often.