"Lover Avenged" by JR Ward

OMG.

I've just finished reading novel #7 in the Black Dagger Brotherhood series by JR Ward.

Can I say OMG again??

This book is awesome from page one until the very last in the book. JR has returned to her original writing style that she had in her first three (and her best) books. This book was all about relationships and the depth her characters go through. She had unfortunately strayed from her formula for "Lover Unbound" (one of her most anticipated books) and for "Lover Enshrined." Both were good reads, but lacked the intense volley that went back and forth between her troubled Brother and his intended. Had she written those two books according to her tried and true formula, they would have rocked the house. Don't get me wrong; they really were good reads, just not up to JR's usual snuff.

But man, did she redeem herself with "Lover Avenged."

I fell hard, hook, line and sinker for Rehvenge. The hardass, drug dealing Sympath is a totally awesome and worthy male. His love, Ehlena, is the perfect balance to his character. We find out that Rehv isn't such a badass after all, but only looking out for those he loves.

We get to see more interaction with Wrath and Beth ("Dark Lover," book #1), my beloved Vishous gets some page time, as well as John Matthew and Xhex. The love scenes sizzle as always. This book takes you on one hell of an emotional roller coaster ride...and it's thrilling all the way.

I don't want to reveal anything here, but if you haven't read the book yet, or even the series, DO! If you are a paranormal romance junkie like myself, you won't regret this wonderful world of vampires that JR has created. Her imagination and storyweaving will leave you pining for more.

Kudos, JR! A job well done!

What Happened to Spring?

OK.

I admit that I was tired of the cold weather and all ready to welcome Spring with open arms. The thought of starting my flowers in Jiffy Pots, planting my bulbs and planning my vegetable garden had me with a bad case of Spring Fever.

But, where did Spring go?

It's 90 degrees today (probably hotter, just haven't checked) and it's supposed to be in the high 80's all this week here on the East Coast.

WTF?

What happened to the nice, 70-degree weather that heralded Spring....the cool nights where you could have your windows open and let in all that nice fresh air? Who the heck decided to drop us smack-dab into Summer?

I am not ready for Summer.
My house is not ready for Summer.
My wardrobe is not ready for Summer.

Will someone please call back Spring?

TMS

Immortals After Dark Series

Just finished "Kiss of a Demon King" by Kresley Cole, the latest in her IMMORTALS AFTER DARK series.

WOW.

Her books have been pretty consistent, keeping to the overall story and allowing each individual storyline to stand on its own. Some series I find start off with great guns only to taper off into tepid installments where you get the feeling that the author was just filling time. Not so here, in my opinion.

"Kiss of a Demon King" is the story of the second Woede brother, Rydstrom, the true king of the demon world who was overthrown by Omort, the deathless. We've only had glimpses of Rydstrom in the previous books, always the level-headed, smart thinking demon with the broken horn. Boy, do we get an eye-opener here! His fated mate, Sabine, is his complete opposite: Self absorbed, self-serving and only out for what can further her own needs. She is his undoing and forces him to break his stoic world of order and rules.

This book is HOT from the beginning...Sabines consistant and torturous seduction of Rydstrom to try and force his vow from him is great and keeps you on the edge of your seat, turning those pages faster than your fingers can operate.

One of her best in the series, in my opion. My only criticism: The end was rushed. I think the conclusion could have been a little more drawn out, a little more descripitve as was the rest of the book. That not withstanding, this is an excellent read.

HOPPY EASTER ALL!

TMS

I'm In Love....

....with DAZ-3D. This is an awesome program....and one of their other products, Bryce, is just as awesome. I've been having loads of fun letting my creative beastie run wild all over my laptop with these programs. I've done renders of Darien, of King Albion's Keep (from the upcoming Daughter of the Air), and also renders of Toryn and Keirah, as seen in one of my earlier posts. Is it possible to become addicted to an art program? Um....yeah. *looks guiltily at the laundry piling up....dishes in the sink....* Well, perhaps I should break away once in a while....but here's why I like it so much:

King Albion's Keep

Darien with his Travel Orb

I've been having a blast with this stuff. To be able to depict visually what goes on in my head is amazing, even if it's not quiet exact to what I see in my mind's eye. (D's not too hard on the eyes, is he?)

On the reading front, just finished "Dark Desires After Dusk" by Kresley Cole. I love her Immortals After Dark series. They are wonderful, fun and sexy reads. Easily finished in a day or so. And because of how she ended Cadeon's story, I've of course, had to move right into Rydstrom's story: Kiss of a Demon King. Really great stuff....not a lot of overbearing detail to have to wade through. Just my cup of tea. You can visit her website at: www.kreslycole.com

OK. I'm off to play some more with my DAZ! Ciao!!

TMS

Midnight Breed Series

WOW. I just finished "Veil of Midnight," the last (latest) book in Lara Adrian's vampire series. I'm seriously hooked now...almost as much as I am for J. R. Ward's Black Dagger Brotherhood series. Like Ward's series, throw out all your pre-conceived notions of what a vampire story is. This is a tangible, believable world that exists along side the human race, but unknown to us. Her warriors are every inch the sexy, alpha males they should be, each with their own unique personality and troubles. Their females, the Breedmates, are each, strong and vunerable in their own ways.

If you haven't given this series a shot, you don't know what you're missing. I can't wait for the next book in the series, "Ashes of Midnight." Give it a nibble, you'll be glad you did!!!

TMS