Story Behind the Story: Amid the Winter Snow Anthology with Jeffe Kennedy

Timing can become a funny thing when writing a series, particularly for those of us who don’t extensively pre-plot. I kind of have an idea of where the overall arc is headed, but the specifics often escape me until I actually write the story. 

It’s like I know I’m driving from Seattle to New Orleans. I know I’ll have to cross the Rocky Mountains at some point, so there’s that. And I went to college in St. Louis, so that’s always a good place to stop. I have old friends there, which means I might end up staying extra days. Those secondary characters have a way of luring one off the schedule.

My story in AMID THE WINTER SNOW is a novella that takes place in between THE PAGES OF THE MIND and THE SHIFT OF THE TIDE. And it happens concurrently with THE EDGE OF THE BLADE. That’s the other interesting thing about The Twelve Kingdoms and The Uncharted Realms books: because each story is from a different hero or heroine’s exclusive perspective the story goes with them. This was a simple scenario at the beginning of THE MARK OF THE TALA, the book that started it all, because the point-of-view (POV) heroine, Andi, was with her sisters and the plot centered entirely on the events taking place in and around Castle Ordnung.

But soon the sisters were separated, and then each went on her own adventure, in different places, at different times. Still, the original trilogy happened sequentially, with the chronological story handed from Andi to Ami (THE TEARS OF THE ROSE), then to Ursula (THE TALON OF THE HAWK). After that, however, with each new character and the growing complexity of the overall arc and everyone’s contribution to that, the timelines began to overlap.

When Thea Harrison asked me if I’d like to be part of her midwinter holiday anthology, I knew the story I wanted to write. All along I’d known, via hints dropped by other characters, that Ami and Ash had gone to Windroven for the winter. And they’d taken the twin prince and princess with them. This is how I find things out in my stories. Not because I plan them, but because the characters tell me. The problem is, everyone knew there might be a dragon beneath the volcano at Windroven, which made them going there—with the heirs, no less—an exceedingly bad idea.

All the elements for Thea’s concept were there: midwinter holiday, snow, fantasy, romance. All I needed to do was figure out why they went there!

I was also deep into writing THE SHIFT OF THE TIDE, and I knew that part of Zynda’s quest was going to Windroven to deal with the dragon. Because Ursula was worried about it. I ended up having to pause that story and write THE SNOWS OF WINDROVEN, so I could figure out what happened there before Zynda arrived.

The other interesting piece of this is that THE SNOWS OF WINDROVEN revisits Ash and Ami’s love affair—which makes it the only time (so far) that I’ve added onto one of the main tales. This story switches to Ash’s POV, which made a difference, and I think it filled in a crucial piece. Of all the romances, Ami and Ash’s remained the most tenuous. They both have so many issues and conflicts that resolving everything so they can be happy together will take a long time.

But nothing like a little peril and being snowbound to force a couple to confront their problems, eh?

This story also let me spend a little more time with the young prince and princess, Astar and Stella, or Willy and Nilly, as they’re dubbed. All along I’ve had a story in mind for when they grow up. We might get there someday!

Amid the Winter Snow

Authors: Grace Draven, Thea Harrison, Elizabeth Hunter, Jeffe Kennedy

December 12, 2017

454 pages

As the snows fall and hearths burn, four stories of Midwinter beginnings prove that love can fight its way through the chillest night… 

The Darkest Midnight

by Grace Draven
The mark Jahna Ulfrida was born with has made her a target of the cruel and idle all her life. During the long, crowded festivities of Deyalda, there’s nowhere to escape. Until a handsome stranger promises to teach her to save herself…

The Chosen

by Thea Harrison
In her visions, Lily sees two men fighting for her tiny country’s allegiance: the wolf and the tiger, each deadly, each cunning. One will bring Ys chaos and death, one a gentler path—but she’s destined to love whichever she chooses. The midwinter Masque is upon them, and the wolf is at her door…

The Storm

by Elizabeth Hunter
When her soul mate died in a massacre of the half-angelic Irin people, Renata thought she’d never feel happiness again. She’s retreated to the snowy Dolomites to remember her hurts—until determined, irrepressible Maxim arrives to insist on joy, too. And before she can throw him out, they discover a secret the Irin have to know…

The Snows of Windroven

by Jeffe Kennedy
As a blizzard threatens their mountain keep, the new Queen Amelia of the Twelve Kingdoms and her unofficial consort Ash face their own storm. Ash knows a scarred, jumpy ex-convict isn’t the companion his queen needs. But when a surprise attack confines them together in their isolated sanctuary, the feast of midwinter might tempt even Ash into childlike hope…

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About the Author:

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Jeffe Kennedy is an award-winning author whose works include novels, non-fiction, poetry, and short fiction. She has been a Ucross Foundation Fellow, received the Wyoming Arts Council Fellowship for Poetry, and was awarded a Frank Nelson Doubleday Memorial Award.

Her award-winning fantasy romance trilogy The Twelve Kingdoms hit the shelves starting in May 2014. Book 1, The Mark of the Tala, received a starred Library Journal review and was nominated for the RT Book of the Year while the sequel, The Tears of the Rose received a Top Pick Gold and was nominated for the RT Reviewers’ Choice Best Fantasy Romance of 2014. The third book, The Talon of the Hawk, won the RT Reviewers’ Choice Best Fantasy Romance of 2015. Two more books followed in this world, beginning the spin-off series The Uncharted Realms. Book one in that series, The Pages of the Mind, has also been nominated for the RT Reviewer’s Choice Best Fantasy Romance of 2016 and won RWA’s 2017 RITA® Award. The second book, The Edge of the Blade, released December 27, 2016, and is a PRISM finalist, along with The Pages of the Mind. The next in the series, The Shift of the Tide, will be out in August, 2017. A high fantasy trilogy taking place in The Twelve Kingdoms world is forthcoming from Rebel Base books in 2018.

She also introduced a new fantasy romance series, Sorcerous Moons, which includes Lonen’s War, Oria’s Gambit, The Tides of Bàra, and The Forests of Dru. She’s begun releasing a new contemporary erotic romance series, Missed Connections, which started with Last Dance and continues in With a Prince.

In 2019, St. Martins Press will release the first book, The Orchid Throne, in a new fantasy romance series, The Forgotten Empires.

Her other works include a number of fiction series: the fantasy romance novels of A Covenant of Thorns; the contemporary BDSM novellas of the Facets of Passion; an erotic contemporary serial novel, Master of the Opera; and the erotic romance trilogy, Falling Under, which includes Going Under, Under His Touch and Under Contract.

She lives in Santa Fe, New Mexico, with two Maine coon cats, plentiful free-range lizards and a very handsome Doctor of Oriental Medicine.

Jeffe can be found online at her website: JeffeKennedy.com, every Sunday at the popular SFF Seven blog, on Facebook, on Goodreads and pretty much constantly on Twitter @jeffekennedy. She is represented by Sarah Younger of Nancy Yost Literary Agency.

Book Review: Shadow's End: A Novel of the Elder (A Novel of the Elder Races Book 9) by Thea Harrison

Shadow's End: A Novel of the Elder (Book 9)  
By: Thea Harrison
Paranormal Romance
Pages: 295
December 1, 2015

Berkley
 

For Beluviel, consort to the Elven High Lord, and Graydon, gryphon and First Sentinel of the Wyr, even the slightest desire for each other is forbidden. But two hundred years ago, after a desperate play to save Beluviel’s stepson left them indebted to the cruel Djinn Malphas, they found their fates inexorably linked together—and the hunger between them growing too strong to ignore…

Two centuries later, with their debt to Malphas coming due, Beluviel and Graydon realize that, if they are to stand any chance of saving their souls, they must once again work together—this time more closely than ever before. But every moment they spend with each other brings them nearer to losing something even more vital—their hearts…

Find the whole series: amazon

One of the great things about Thea Harrison's books is that you can read them in any order you like. Sure, going in actual order would probably help but you don't need to. She writes each story with enough back history to get the new reader hooked, while not making it feel like a rerun for the longtime followers. I like this. I think most people might as well, this way you can jump right in and get down to the paranormal fun!

Shadows End spans over a couple hundred years which follows the timeline of two long-lost lovers. Talk about waiting for the man of your dreams? Beluviel and Graydon wait sooooo damn long just for small interactions spread out over the years. You find out why one sexy night ends up costing them dearly for many many moons. The buildup was incredible, though the story never hits a dragging moment. Nicely timed writing, with colorful characters keep the pace moving right along.

Tons of action, like most of the installments in this saga. Each new book takes you on an adventure. The worlds you get to visit as a reader are chalked full of vibrant almost lifelike descriptions. Plus, romance readers will NOT be disappointed one bit. The lust between these two gets smoking hot and muscled alpha heavy! 

I recommend this one to anyone who loves a romatic adventure and meeting many of the awesome characters throughout the paranormal lore!

Getting 4 and 1/2 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.

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 Book Review: Night's Honor by Thea Harrison

Night's Honor 

A Novel of the Elder Races book 7

By: Thea Harrison 

Paranormal Romance

304 Pages 

Plot: 

On the run from her former employer, Tess knows that she’s vulnerable on her own amongst the Elder Races. That’s why she decides to audition to become the human attendant of a powerful Vampyre of the Nightkind demesne. But while her position affords her the safety she seeks, her protector turns out to be more than she bargained for.

The right-hand man of the Nightkind King, Xavier del Torro is both terrifying and alluring. While his true nature frightens Tess, she can’t ignore the appeal of his innate sense of integrity and self-restraint. Thrown into Xavier’s world, Tess must quickly learn to navigate the dangers—both to her life and to her heart. But the biggest threat comes from her own past… 

I've been reading Thea Harrison books for a while now and not much in the paranormal world is as well written as her Elder Series. However, this latest installment left me wanting a little more bite to my PNR and whole lot more action. 

Set to the pace of the San Francisco Bay Area backdrop, I loved the concept of using two characters who may normally be overlooked. A plain kinda average gal without the usually tall and kickass frame, paired up with a male of normal stature on the slender side. It was both refreshing and unexpected, yet equally appreciated! 

I truly believe more stories should have this element of reality. We can't all be A-list body types, and that includes me! But, we can all read about being heros in stories and living that fantasy through the pages. 

While the story itself lacked that normal kapow-punch I've come to associated with Thea stories, it was rounded out by an interesting concept. I had yet to realize the amount of time and dedication one must give over to a vampyre protector. This concept of wanting to become one of the household was eye opening. The pledge taken by both sides in this situation, encompassing the good and the bad. 

Tess and Xavier have a soft burning kind of interaction going on. The back and fourth play was not as steamy as you may read about in other romances, but rather was tender and kind. Don't let that kindness be fooled for weakness though! Xavier is a deadly vamp and not to be messed with, some folks though have to find that out the hard way! 

Overall, I liked this instatement in the series. While it was not what I would have expected, it was nice to see a whole new side to this saga and writing style for the author. 

Getting 4 Sheep 

KD 

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