Hot Spell contains stories from Emma Holly, Lora Leigh, Shiloh Walker, and Meljean Brook. Ever since I realized that I was missing some very critical information about Brook’s vampire Colin, I’ve been watching for this one. It’s a couple of years old now, though, so I had to order it from Amazon.
The first entry is from Emma Holly. Remember when I told you that I thought the historical world needed her more than the paranormal world does? Hmmm, I think I was right. This particular story just isn’t up my alley, although the right basics are there. You have a repressed noblewoman, a sexually super-charged “peasant” guy; subtle power exchanges in both directions, lush sensual writing, a decent mini-plot wrapping up with a love-will-conquer-all interracial romance… I dunno. I think the hero just didn’t do it for me. The paranormal, other-world element gives Holly some room to play, and I can see that the layer of creativity kind of juices up the story… but for me, it just didn’t work. I think this is a case where it’s just preference on my part.
Secondly, is my second Breed short story from Lora Leigh. Question for the hard-core fans: do the men all have “eatable lips”? Or is there some kind of streak of cannibalism in the mates they choose? I ask because so far the Leigh heroes are 4 for 4 with eatable lips. Personally I think that’s kind of weird. The first time, I thought, ooo, I kinda like that...By the fourth book I was waiting for it. Which, you know, isn’t right.
Other than that though, I actually liked this little story quite a bit more than the other one, and so far it might be my favorite Lora Leigh. (I’ve read two of the SEALs books and two Breed short stories). The Tarek character was definitely more likeable than Saban but I’m still having a little trouble with the mates-for-life premise.
Blood Kiss from Shiloh Walker cracked me up with the Romeo and Juliet references. Not a subtle lady, Ms Walker, with her Roman Montgomery and Julianna Capiet. The duo bob and weave through the politics of the two powerful but feuding families, and since it's a vampire spin, there's that sort of dying-but-not-really-dying bit, too. This is a romance, so there is a happy ending, and I was a little disappointed that no one had occasion to swear a pox on both their houses, but I suppose it would be boring to follow the formula too closely. Final note: very intrigued by the character of Mikhail. Adding Shiloh Walker to my 2009 authors if for no other reason than I need to read that story.
Review for “Falling for Anthony” coming up separately….
This little collection definitely rates high on the creativity scale, so if you’re looking for something a little different, this could fit the bill. Which for me, also makes it a little hit-or-miss by individual stories. I suspect this is a big YMMV (Your Mileage May Vary).
Have you reviewed Hot Spell on your blog? Feel free to post a link in comments or hit up Mr. Linky in the Antholopalooza intro post.
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2 comments:
The thing that gets me about Lora's books (and probably main reason I'm not a fan) is that her characters always rub me wrong. Dawn's Awakening physically hurt me to read. Eesh.
And the other thing and it cracks me up thinking about it, is the fact that she always uses the word rear when it comes to the butt. Rear just does NOT work for me, especially in an erotic love scene. Use ass, for pity's sake. LOL!
~Bridget (or Lady Of The Review...if you want to get technical). :)
Q: what's the difference between 'eatable lips' and 'edible lips'? *g*
'Hot Spell' was my first introduction to all the authors but Holly. Of all the stories, the one that captivated me was by Ms. Brooks. I am not a vampire person, but the writing was so powerful the story completely drew me in, led me to the author's website, and started me on her Guardian series - so, proof, I guess, that anthos really work to introduce new readers to unknown-to-them authors.
Of the other stories, I found the Holly one OK, and the other two unconvincing, in writing and in story. But I'd read more from both since it's not fair to judge by a single instance, and because these authors seem to have a lot of online fans and there must be a reason.
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