Book Review: Midnight's Kiss (A Novel of the Elder Races book 8) by Thea Harrison

Midnight's Kiss (Elder Races #8)

by Thea Harrison

Mass Market Paperback, 290 pages
May 5th 2015 by Berkley Sensation
In the latest Novel of the Elder Races, two souls who have long buried their passions are about to be consumed…

Ever since their scorching affair ended years ago, Julian, the Nightkind King, and Melisande, daughter of the Light Fae Queen, have tried to put the past behind them—and distance between them. But when a war breaks out between Julian and Justine, a powerful Vampyre of the Nightkind council, they find themselves thrown together under treacherous circumstances…

Kidnapped as leverage against Julian, Melly is convinced that her former lover won’t be rushing to her rescue. But when Julian gives himself up to save her, they both end up Justine’s captives. Armed only with their wits and their anger, Melly and Julian must work together to escape. But will they be able to ignore their complicated history, or will the fiery passion that once burned them blaze again? 

You know when you can relate to so many aspects of a character in a book? How crazy/weird that is? That it doesn't matter that the characters are made up? That deep down, it's just people. Loving and hating one another? That was me, through this whole book I felt like I was reading a retelling of years of my life and the relationship I'm in. It was crazy and refreshing all at the same time.

Prison breaks and zombie vampires are running around the underground streets of San Francisco. I would have loved it if Thea might have thrown in a few Kurt Russell via Big Trouble in Little China zingers, but that's okay. Just knowing that vampires are roaming around my area, like I always suspected anyway, was thrilling enough. I've been to every street in this story and roamed around each town across my Bay!

Now the story itself, having my own deja vu moments aside, was pretty epic and thrilling. Julian, the vampy King, has been Taken (Only Liam Neeson can find him!) and down in the bowels of the SF underbelly he's trapped in a cell. This dude is all kinds of alpha sexy, viscous, protective and man does he have some issues! Plus back stock on more issues and overstock on even more issues! You need some issues, he's got the hook up.

Now to stir the pot is his ex love fling Melly. She's a Princess with bite, pampered but willing to go the distance and dig in for some butt kicking if the situation calls for it. I liked her a lot. She's strong but not roid-rage strong, a woman who cares but will be honest in her pursuit. Melly is one gal I enjoyed reading about.

The first two thirds of this story were great. Emotional situations, action, romance, fighting and drama all wrapped up in one nifty bow. But the last third of the book gets a tad too redundant for my tastes. Fighting the nemesis, again, more rescue and then more fighting...parts of this story could have been cut out. Political parties fighting and I really had no idea why and didn't care too much to find out.

But that last part aside, this was another great edition to this shining saga. Well thought out plots, believable characters and situations that grabbed me from the pages and sucked me right into the story. If you like PNR not just done well but done right, then get in this one!

4 Sheep

KD

About the Author:

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New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling author Thea Harrison resides in Colorado. She wrote her first book, a romance, when she was nineteen, and had sixteen romances published under the name Amanda Carpenter. She took a break from writing to collect a couple of graduate degrees and a grown child.

Thea writes in a variety of genres, including the award-winning paranormal Elder Races series and the Game of Shadows novels, and is currently at work on various new projects in sci-fi fantasy, paranormal and contemporary romance.

She adores animals and currently resides with two small dogs that have very large personalities.

Sheep Novella Review: Dragos Takes A Holiday by Thea Harrison

Dragos Takes A Holiday 
A Novella of the Elder Races 
By: Thea Harrison
Paranormal Romance 
90 pages
The Bermuda Triangle. Pirates. The Peanut. What could possibly go wrong?

Dragos Cuelebre needs a vacation. So does Pia, his mate. When the First Family of the Wyr head to Bermuda for some much needed R&R, it's no ordinary undertaking - and no ordinary weekend in the sun. Between hunting for ancient treasure buried beneath the waves and keeping track of their son, Liam—a.k.a. Peanut, whose Wyr abilities are manifesting far ahead of schedule—it’s a miracle that Pia and Dragos can get any time together.

They're determined to make the most of each moment, no matter who tries to get in their way. And did we mention pirates? 

This was a fun, very short yet sweet novella for fans of the Elder Races saga. Dragos, Pia and the new baby take off for some fun under the sun. Every dragon leader needs a little holiday from the constant demands of his race. If any couple deserved some alone time, it's this pair! 

How can a dragon say no to a shiny treasure hunt? He can't! So this family vacation adds a little adventure in the sea, finding some bling! But things take a turn for the worst, after the trio encounter some rivals also wanting the booty for themselves. And these thugs will do anything to possess it. 

But a dragon is not one to be messed with. Poking the beast with a stick is never, in any scenario, a good decision to make. 

This was an adventurous read that's filled with just enough action and steamy romance to quench my thirst. I loved every page of it! 

Getting 4 and 1/2 'beach blanket quickie' Sheep
KD

Q&A with Thea Harrison / Book Review + giveaway

Today we have PNR author Thea Harrison doing a little Q&A for you. The latest release in her Elder Dragon series, Kinked, comes out Nov 5, 2013. You get a chance to win a copy at the end! Don't forget to check out a review of Kinked at the end also.

Q: What is one of your favorite Myths/legends to write about?

A: When I started to write my reply to this question, I realized it wasn’t going to be a simple or easy answer! I’ve had so much fun with the world building in the Elder Races series. It’s almost impossible to pick just one.
I really enjoyed taking the Oracle of Delphi and putting it into a modern context for Oracle’s Moon. When I turned my attention to the witches’ demesne in Louisville, I wanted to make sure it felt as rich and developed as the rest of the world building I’d done for the other demesnes and mythological creatures. That story was fun for a lot of reasons, because I also really enjoyed building the Djinn society based on Middle Eastern legends.

Another favorite has been developing the Elves, in Lord’s Fall and continued in Kinked. And a third was when I created my own version of Vampyres in Serpent’s Kiss. I have two more Vampyre stories that I’m dying to tell. When I get excited about a story, it’s hard to wait for the right time to tell it!

Q: You've been gifted (or cursed) with the ability to shift into another form by a witch. What kind of shifter are you and why? (All creatures, including mythological, apply.)

A: Awesome question! I think I have two answers for that one. If it was a gift, then I think it would have to be something winged and strong. I think there’s something to be said for being as fearless as a harpy, although I’m quite sure I wouldn’t win any popularity contests!

If the ability was a curse and meant to be nasty, the witch would probably turn me into my phobia—a spider! That would be the meanest, nastiest thing anybody could ever do to me!

Q: Since Aryal is a harpy and considered an immortal Wyr, how did you approach her character development in order to make her believable and someone that readers can identify with?

A: I’ll be honest, I was worried about writing Aryal. I really didn’t want to compromise her identity. Aryal has strong emotions but no real morals in the abstract sense, no true compulsion to do what is right for its own sake. She’s abrasive and dangerous… And I had to figure out how to also make her sympathetic.

My first decision was to not be in a hurry to write her story. I wanted to take the time to show her character from a couple of different points of view. The reader first sees Aryal from Pia’s perspective in Dragon Bound, but then in Storm’s Heart I was able to show Aryal from Tricks’ point of view, someone who loved her. I also wanted to make sure that humor came into the mix. Still, the real test came when I sat down and actually started writing Kinked. Then I had to get close enough to her to write her as a main POV character. It helped that I had so many established relationships and characters to work with—such as Grym, Dragos and Graydon—and the world-building in place. With that in place, I could concentrate on developing Aryal herself. I’m very grateful to my editor Cindy Hwang for providing such a supportive platform to write Kinked.

Q: Do you have an Elder Race Bible to help keep your facts start? If not, how the heck do you keep your facts start? 

A: So far I’ve had two things in my favor—I’ve got a bit of a freakish memory for detail when it comes to writing, and I also have fantastic beta readers who are good at spotting issues. Still, the world has become big and complicated enough that I’ve got someone working on a series bible right now. It’s over a hundred pages by now and should be done by the end of the year.

Q: Who was the harder character to write Aryal or Quentin and why?

A: Neither character was as hard as I had feared they would be when I started Kinked. Still, Quentin was easier. I felt more confident writing his character, and I felt the stakes were pretty high on getting Aryal’s character right.

Q: Was there anything about Aryal that surprised you as her story unfolded?

A: I think I probably had the same experience as a writer that several readers have had so far in reading the book—I was surprised at how much I ended up liking and enjoying her. I wouldn’t want to rush out and befriend a real-life Aryal, but I think she’s pretty cool between the pages, and I’m really looking forward to writing more about her.

Q: In the event of an apocalypses (zombie, alien, solar flare or 4 horsemen) which of your characters would you like to team up with?

A: I would absolutely like to team up with Dragos—as long as I was someone he valued, otherwise he might ditch me in a heartbeat.

Q: What is next for the Elder Race series?

A: I’m now contracted for books 7-9, so I’m writing Graydon’s story which will be released around August of 2014. The main characters have also been decided for books 8 and 9, and I’m eager to get to those stories!

I also wrote a self-published project, a novella entitled Dragos Takes A Holiday, which releases November 25th. I loved spending time with Dragos and Pia, and their little son Peanut gets his POV debut.

It’s been a pleasure to visit with you. Thanks for having me!

Kinked (Elder Races #6)
by Thea Harrison
Two opponents must confront the cause of their obsessive fury in the latest Novel of the Elder Races…

As a harpy, Sentinel Aryal is accustomed to dealing with hate, but Sentinel Quentin Caeravorn manages to inspire in her a burning ire unlike anything she’s ever known. Aryal believes the new Sentinel to be a criminal, and vows to take him out as soon as the opportunity arises. But the harpy’s incessant wrath has pushed Quentin to the limit, and forces him to make a deadly vow of his own.

To put an end to the conflict, Dragos, Lord of the Wyr, sends them on a reconnaissance mission to the Elven land of Numenlaur. Forced to work together, Aryal and Quentin’s mutual antagonism escalates. Each fight draws forth more passion—culminating in an explosively sexual confrontation. But when their quest reveals real danger, Aryal and Quentin must resolve their differences in ways beyond the physical, before the entire Wyr is threatened.

SHORT REVIEW
Kinked, is exactly what the title says. It's Kinky. With that kink comes some darkness from both lead characters. It gets a bit rough and raw at times, taking you down the twisty path of pleasure/pain. 

For me, it was a little too much. I like wild and rough Alpha bed-play,  but pain is not my bag. 

The meat of the story itself is pretty good overall. Well written, thought-out and takes you on that reading adventure. 

The series, as a whole, has me locked in for the long haul. I would have personally been ok missing this one BUT I love the writing style and characters too much to pass on any edition in the saga. 

Was not my cup of Chai tea, but it may be yours!  

Giving this one 3 Sheep
Katie

About the Author:

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New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Thea Harrison is the pen name for Teddy Harrison. Thea has traveled extensively, having lived in England and explored Europe for several years. Now she resides in Colorado. She wrote her first book, a romance, when she was nineteen and had sixteen romances published under the name Amanda Carpenter.

She took a break from writing to collect a couple of graduate degrees and a grown child. She experienced waitressing as a teenager, has worked as an activist for a non-profit consumer rights organization, has been a receptionist, an office manager, a penniless graduate student, a director of development and research, and a single mom. Her graduate degrees are in Philanthropic Studies and Library Information Science, but her first love has always been writing fiction.

Her paranormal Elder Races series began May 3, 2011 with Dragon Bound, which won RT Book Review’s Book of the Year Award, and the Romance Writer’s of America RITA in the paranormal romance category.

She adores animals and currently resides with two small dogs that have very large personalities.

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Sheep Book Review: Oracle's Moon by Thea Harrison

Oracle's Moon, by Thea Harrison, is the fourth novel in the Elder Race Saga. Things get back on track after a little fumble from book 3, Serpent's Kiss, now THIS book showcases why I love the Elder Race so much!

Plot:

When Grace Andreas's sister, Petra, and her husband are both killed, Grace inherits the Power and responsibilities of the Oracle of Louisville, as well as her sister's two young children--neither of which she is prepared for. Then Khalil, Demonkind and Djinn Prince of House Marid, decides to make himself a part of the household both as guardian and counterpoint to Grace's impudence towards the Elder Races.

Our latest addition to the saga brings everything that I've come to love about Thea's writing back to the series. This amazing author has the ability to create such authentic characters I'm somehow amazed these guys and gals can't just leap off the page. Although that would be pretty frighting really, but since they can't I don't have to worry about tracking down a witch to get the latest protective spell on my home.

Khalil, a Prince among the Demonkind, won me over from the start; this guy has it all and a backpack full of tricks he's glad to whip out at any time. He's the total package with the tortured hero past, "I don't really care, but please hold me! No wait don't!" attitude going on. When this guy falls in love he falls hard and with his soft spot for kids he's quickly become my new sex dream fantasy. Yeah, I said it and I won't apologize! (Sorry Dad lol) With the ability to turn into any shape/form and transport to any destination, which btw would save a ton of money on airfare, Khalil brings it all to the table in his pursuit of the human Oracle, Grace.

After losing her sister in a horrible car crash, Grace is now the sole guardian to her sister's two small children. At the age of 23 this gal not only has to take on the role of Mom but she's also the new Oracle for all of Demonkind. It's a hefty plate this young gal has to lug around but she doesn't complain, cry and whine about it, or give up and run away. Feisty, snarky and ready to kick butt! I loved Grace as our female lead, no other gal could have held a candle to our heroine standing side by side with Khalil. She may be a mortal human but don't let that fool you. I loved her so much I was actually sad this story ended at 313 pages. Easily this book could have been 100 pages longer and I probably still would have wanted more.

No grammar errors that I could catch which I can't say enough how much that means to a reader. A plot-line I could truly get behind and an entertaining book that left me laughing out loud and emotional the next. And romance! I won't say more on that subject because it'd be spoiler ridden. Everything you could want or need is right under your fingertips waiting to be read. If you've yet to start this saga get a move on it but start from book one and work your way up. This saga deserves that much and while you can pick up from here you won't have the same emotional investment.

Getting 4 and 1/2 'fly me to the moon' Sheep

KD

Sheep Book Review: Storm's Heart by Thea Harrison

Storm’s Heart, by PNR author Thea Harrison, is the second novel in her Elder Race saga. Alpha entertainment from beginning to end, Storm’s Heart takes this fantastical world to the next level with page after page of sinful delight!

Plot:

Able to wield thunder and lightning, wyr sentinel Tiago Black Eagle has ruled the skies for centuries. His massive build and thunderous power make him one of the wyr's best weapons. And he's the one sent to protect Tricks, heir to the Dark Fae throne, when she's almost assassinated in Chicago. Soon Tiago and Tricks will fall prey to the stormy hunger that engulfs them-a passion that will shake the very foundation of all the worlds.

I started this series last year with book one, Dragon Bound, and immediately fell into a fast lust-based obsession. After such a promising start I was hoping for another hit, and our second story in the saga brings the heat and entertainment I’m now going to expect from Harrison. Such an extremely enticing world has been created for the reader to feast upon (seconds please!) that I ended up devouring this book with such ferocity that before I knew it the end was near and I wanted more! More!

Our lead characters this time around were two polar opposites, both equally engaging and demanding in their own rights. Tiago, once a god among civilizations in years past, has the power to control thunder and lighting with his Wry abilities and can take the form of a massive bird of prey. He’s all alpha male and sexy body-builder wrapped into a golden sun-kissed bow. How could you not fall in love this man? He’s finger-licking good at what he does: kicking butt!

Tricks is coming off a two hundred year hiatus; after the vicious murder of her family Tricks left the Dark Fae court to find refuge in the Earth realm amongst the Wry kind. Her new family has to come to terms with the little pipsqueak now stepping into the role of Queen to her demon kind. Designer tastes and girly fro-fro is what this gal loves. She may be short and petite but Tricks is made of spunk! With assassination attempts coming her way from all sides Tiago is tasked with keeping this little gal safe from those who want to see her dead.

The drama builds to epic levels as the two set out to get to the bottom of a deep rooted deception. Along the way the coals of lust get some stoking and things start to really heat up! There's also humor galore that had me laughing out loud. From beginning to end this book has all any PNR reader could want, I’m loving this series all the more and looking forward to starting the next book right after I finish this review!

If you’re looking for a fantasy that will take you on one heck of an entertaining ride that’s littered with juicy males and adventure then you’ll want to check out this series!

Getting 4 and ½ 'Throwing water in your face' Sheep

KD

Dragon Bound, mixed emotions but serious potential!

Dragon Bound, by author Thea Harrison, is the first novel in her The Elder Races series. After reading this novel I ended up having mixed feelings about this story. I REALLY liked certain elements of the story while other parts just grated my nerves. I shall try and explain...

Plot:

Half-human and half-wyr, Pia Giovanni spent her life keeping a low profile among the wyrkind and avoiding the continuing conflict between them and their Dark Fae enemies. But after being blackmailed into stealing a coin from the hoard of a dragon, Pia finds herself targeted by one of the most powerful–and passionate—of the Elder Races.

As one of the most feared and respected of the wyrkind, Dragos Cuelebre cannot believe someone had the audacity to steal from his hoard. Never mind the embarrassment that the thief succeeded. When he finally catches the thief, Dragos spares her life. He decides to claim her as his own to further explore the strange desire they’ve ignited in one another.

Dragos is basically the leader of his people; some see him as a god others see him as a beast. Based on his strength and personality it's very possible he is both. Dragos is a tall dark and very handsome man that can also turn into a dragon. Definitely someone you don't want to upset. But for me, he seemed to get upset a lot and randomly fly off the handle. He's super obsessive, overly jealous beyond being just possessive and pretty much needs to be enrolled in anger management classes asap. He's used to getting what he wants when he wants it immediately, and Pia is someone he can't control.

From the beginning I really liked Pia, feisty and full of spunk she grabbed me but she also had some major issues going on. Snarky dialog throughout the book was great, but the drama between these two started to give me a headache by the end of the story. Houston we have a problem and it's communication. These two constantly misconstrued just about everything the other was doing or saying like an old Abbot and Costello sketch. Blah. After the umpteenth time this happened it started to get really old.

On the positive side, and there is a lot of positive, the action was amazing. You are taken on an truly epic adventure from our world to the Other, and the author does a GREAT job keeping the reader in all the action. Loved it. Some amazing romance was going on as well, and I got my fill on details! You won't be disappointed in this area. ;) I liked the aspect of Names holding power in this series, and the author is very clever about leaving the reader in suspense. Dragos's trusted team of hotties are fun characters to read about as well, and I can see so much potential for this series with all his boys. I can't wait. Book 1 for me was a bit rough, but I hope as this series grows so will each character. This series is definitely worth a read, just proceed with caution.

I would also like to point out that the "Queen of the Vampires" lives in San Francisco, and really who else could the author be speaking about? lol. My name is spreading far and wide people. ;)

***SPOILER ALERT***

I waited for Dragos to say I Love You...and he never did! How messed up was that?! Really bugged me.

Getting 3 and 1/2 Gryphon Sheep

KD