Lothaire
Author: Kresley Cole
Publisher: Gallery Books
Published on: January 10, 2012
Review by: Diana M.(Paranormal Romance.com/SBLC)
I’ve been waiting for Kresley Cole to tell the Enemy of Old’s tale and we get it with LOTHAIRE. But I’m beginning to wonder if Cole is losing her touch with her Immortals After Dark series.
Her heroines and heroes used to be funny and goofy in an endearing way. Sure, her Alpha males are overbearing and oversexed but in previous novels she’s balanced that with humor, romance and loyalty.
Lothaire continues what I think is a disturbing trend in Cole’s IAD series. This is the second book in the series where the hero abuses the heroine, and I just don’t think that’s cool. (Remember how icky Declan was in DREAMS OF A DARK WARRIOR? See my review HERE.)
This time around, our heroine isn’t a supernatural but a mere mortal. Ellie — born and raised in Appalachia – is possessed by a horribly weirdo demon named Saroya and is desperately trying to get rid of her. Ellie is so strong that she can keep Sayora hidden deep within her, but not always. And when Sayora “rises,” she’s a bloody killer.
Our so-called hero thinks Saroya is his bride and is determined to help her survive by extinguishing Ellie’s soul. I am not going to even bother with the plot details here. Suffice to say, Lothaire only steps in to protect Ellie — to save Saroya. Yes, we finally find out what he needs that ring for — to get rid of the mortal’s soul — but funny thing is — he can’t find it. When the real Ellie is present, all Lothaire does is tell her how pitiful and horrible she is, and the mental abuse is so horrific that any woman in her right mind would never forgive this jerk. And that’s where I think Cole stumbles again — big time. While Ellie is smart and clever, Cole never gives her a fighting will to push Lothaire away. He takes everything away from her and she still loves him. It makes no sense.
There was nothing in this story to indicate why Ellie should even love Lothaire — even after he finally recognizes she is his bride. (Boy — what an arrogant dummy!) He did nothing. Made no sacrifice. He hated her. And he said it over and over again. He never gave her any choices.
And then poof! All is OK in lovey-dovey land? It just doesn’t work for me.
If this is how the rest of the books are going to be written — count me out. I can only hope when she tells Nix’s story that she returns to her old form and stops writing these gross, abusive stories.
Demons are a Girl’s Best Friend
Author: Linda Wisdom
Publisher: Source Books Casablanca
Published on: April 1, 2011
Reviewed by: Maria G.
In this book we meet Maggie O’Malley, a members of a special ops military Task Force called the Hellion Guard. Her team of various creatures from various dimensions and varied backgrounds have been tasked to protect a troubled teen who has been marked as an intricate part of a ritual that would potentially bring back a horrible being that’s sole purpose is to destroy humanity… the ritual was created by Ancient Mayans. Of course.
Maggie is also drawn to a half human/half demon named Declan. His stake in this situation has many levels, he owns the club that houses a portal for demons to walk through, his sister is a rare full demon-seer and he has fallen for the one person on the planet that has been called a demon-killer by his kind. Their relationship takes a turn once they start sharing dreams and visions and are forced to work together to save this marked girl and stop the ritual from ever taking place.
So, as you may or may not know, I tend to gravitate towards books that make me laugh out loud. I would rather have a good laugh, while going on this literary journey, than having to listen to the constant torment and regrets of characters and even if the books are phenomenal, they are still too taxing to read.
So, if you are like me, than you will love Demons are a Girl’s Best Friend. The characters dialogue is fast, sarcastic and hilarious. Ms. Wisdom’s Maggie is someone that we all know. She has thrown herself into work as a way to compensate for what is lacking in her life. Yes, she wonders if she will even meet the “one,” but thinks that a tall order of ice cream will satiate any need she might have. That is until she meets Decaln, he is not your average every day demon. Because on paper he may be one, but in reality he is everything Maggie has ever wanted. When she tries to keep him at arms length, he charges at her and over time she succumbs to his charms.
Now, there are cliches… like when Declan tells himself that, “She is mine.” But, her never pulls the ultra possessive card, which was nice. There is also a list of characters that you have to keep a list to keep track of. But, they add flavor to the story and give you a good idea of how adored and relied upon Maggie is.
My favorite moments in the book revolve around Maggie and her ward, Courteney. Having had a teen, those moments of trying to be on the same page with a kid and both defending them to the hilt and wanting to strangle them brings back a lot of cherished memories. I wish I had the power to lower the noise factor of an annoyed teen.
Overall, I really loved this book and recommend it as a fun beach read! Yes, I am thinking about Summer all ready. Stop it!
Next up for me is the second book in the series, A Demon Does it Better. Here is a little synopsis on that book:
A MADHOUSE IS NO PLACE FOR A CURIOUS WITCH… After more than a century, Doctor Lili Carter, witch healer extraordinaire, has returned to San Francisco and taken a job at Crying Souls Hospital and Asylum, where something peculiar and wicked his happening. Patients are disappearing, and Lil wants to know why. AND DOUBLY DANGEROUS FOR A DEMON… Lili finds herself undeniably attracted to perhaps the most mysterious patient of all-a demented but seriously sexy demon named Jared. What’s behind the gorgeous chameleon demon’s late-night escapades? Before long, Lili and Jared are investigating each other-and creating a whole new kind of magic.
She’s a mortal with dark powers…
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