Once upon a time…the Blood Sorcerer vanquished the kingdom of Elden. To save their children, the queen scattered them to safety and the king filled them with vengeance. Only a magical timepiece connects the four royal heirs…and time is running out.…
As the dark Lord who condemns souls to damnation in the Abyss, Micah is nothing but a feared monster wrapped in impenetrable black armor. He has no idea he is the last heir of Elden, its last hope. Only one woman knows—the daughter of his enemy.
Liliana is nothing like her father, the Blood Sorcerer who’d cursed Micah. She sees past Micah’s armor to the prince inside. A prince whose sinful touch she craves. But first she has to brave his dark, dangerous lair and help him remember. Because they only have till midnight to save Elden
My Thoughts
After my disappointment with Lord of the Vampires I had no intentions of reading/listening to this book, but when the reviews were coming in, and they were
so full of enthusiasm and praise I began to look forward to its release on
audio.
I was a little apprehensive to jump back into this series, especially when
this is the last book.
I should have never doubted for one minute Ms. Singh's’s ability and talent. She’s a
master at Romance and the development of strong characters; she’s brilliant at
delivering a story that grabs you with intense emotions and an avid sensuality
that only comes when the protagonists are perfectly matched, or is it perfectly
written? In any case, the story thoroughly worked.
This book had the flavour of The Beauty and the Beast, but Ms. Nalini gives
it a perfect spin, beginning with one crucial difference; Liliana-the heroine
is no beauty, but what she lacks in that department she makes out with courage
and valor.
Despite a lifetime of torture at her fathers’ hands( in some of the most
unimaginable ways), Liliana has survived
with her soul intact.
In secret, she’s been sharpening her
own magic, all in anticipation to the time when she’s able to locate Micah.
Micah is the Fourth royal heir to the Elden kingdom and Liliana plans to help him recover his memory with the
hope that he will bring the once and for all destruction of her evil father,
and by that securing the survivable of the Elden.
Micah, who has no memories of his past or that he is the heir to the throne
of Elden; has lived a solitary existence as the Lord o the Abyss- and is at this point a feared beast-like of a man,
but now has a new prisoner in his dungeon, an intriguing little creature that
has dared to looked him in the eye (I loved! that part).
And so their story begins, and with so many tender, hot,
emotional, and suspenseful moments, the book won’t let you go until it’s over.
This delightful story was delivered with perfection by a
new-to me narrator, Isabelle Gordon.
I LOVED her rendition of the story and characters; she fleshed
out their personality with their perfect traits.
Liliana’s soft but at the same time strong and full of
determination voice, came across clearly, and her despair during the moments
with her father, were truly felt.
Micah, was the perfect combination of tenderness, abruptness
and authority that didn’t make him sound like a Neanderthal.
Ms. Gordon beautifully captured every mood in the story;
there was no doubt of her father’s evil, the darkness as well as the light
moments were perfectly conveyed.
All in all a 5 star performance. I’m looking forward to more books narrated by Ms.
Gordon.
In this highly-anticipated new novel, Diana Gabaldon brings back one of her most compelling characters: the unforgettable Lord John Grey - soldier, gentleman, and no mean hand with a blade. Set in the heart of the eighteenth century, Lord John's world is one of mystery and menace. Diana Gabaldon brilliantly weaves together the strands of Lord John's secret and public lives.
My Thoughts
Although I’m not a giant fan of the Lord John series, I was thrilled
when I found out that the next book in the series was going to be about Jaime.
I adore the Outlander series, and the review of this audiobook
is going to be strictly from a die- hard fan of Jamie and Claire; for all you
that don’t know who Jaime and Claire are, I highly recommend the book, “The
Outlander” to get acquainted with one of the most epic couples in a romantic
novel.
Jamie’s life as Jacobite paroled prisoner of war comes
suddenly apart with the appearance of Tobias Quinn, an Irishman and a former
friend from the Rising, whose passion for the Stuart Cause still as alive as
ever, and he has a Plan. A particularly dangerous idea, involving Jamie Fraser
and an ancient relic of the Irish kingship—the sacred cup of the Druid King.
When Lord John Gray
discovers damming documents pointing at the corruption of an English officer
that contains a mysterious message left in “Erse,” the tongue favored by
Scottish Highlanders. Lord John, who oversaw Jacobite prisoners when he was governor
of Ardsmiur prison, thinks Jamie may be able to translate.
Lord John’s brother, unbeknownst to him, sends for Jaime to help
with the translation of the document- and to ask him to assist his brother with
the apprehension of the officer in question.
Soon Lord John and Jamie are reluctant companions on their
way to Ireland, where amidst the danger they begin to depend on one another.
During this time, the
foundation for their friendship it’s formed. If you are like me, and are dying
to know what transpired during Jamie’s time as a paroled prisoner, and how the relationship
between these two gentlemen was formed, this is going to be a terrific
read/listen.
I loved every single of Jamie’s chapters; the mystery, adventure
and characters were a clear reminder of why I love Diana Gabaldon. The writing
is as unimpeachable as ever; she’s brilliant at transporting you to the world
she crafted so accurately based on that time in history, and the perfect
narrative lets you experience every emotion from the characters as well as from
the setting.
Let me be clear, if you are an Outlander fan, this novel is
not to be missed.
OK….This is when it gets difficult- if you are an audio fan
of the Outlander series no doubt you accustomed to the magnificent performance
of Jamie by Davina Porter. I can easily anticipate your disappointment when you
first listen to Rick Holm’s voice and interpretation of Jamie, but in my case
after a few chapters of listening I was just delighted to be savoring the superb
writing style of Ms. Gabaldon, and despite the unusual rendition of Jamie's
point of view, I still managed to enjoy the book tremendously.
Jeff Goodman does an admirable Job with Lord John’s point view- in
fact I wish he would have narrated the entire book, I liked his interpretation
of Jamie a lot more than I did Mr. Holms,
My advise; listen to the sample first, and if you can deal
with Jaime’s different tone, you won’t be disappointed with this novel.
Can a pirate learn that the only true treasure lies within a woman’s heart?
“Charming” Mickey O’Connor is the most ruthless river pirate in London. Devastatingly handsome and fearsomely intelligent, he clawed his way up through London’s criminal underworld. Mickey has no use for tender emotions like compassion and love, and he sees people as pawns to be manipulated. Yet he’s never been able to forget the naive captain’s wife who came to him a year ago for help—and spent one memorable night in his bed...talking.
Widowed Silence Hollingbrook is impoverished, lovely, and kind--and a year ago she made a horrible mistake. She went to a river pirate for help in saving her husband and in the process made a bargain that cost her her marriage. That night wounded her so terribly that she hides in the foundling home she helps run with her brother. Except now that same river pirate is back...and he’s asking for her help.
My Thoughts
From the moment, Mickey O’Connor was introduced in the first novel of the series (Wicked Intentions) I knew his story was going to be a good and enjoyable read/listen, but what I never imagined was the intensity on my enjoyment.
The first encounter between Silence and Mickey was full of potential for a great romance; although their meeting was not in the best of circumstances, (they hardly ever are) it was full of energy and the type of chemistry that demanded their own story.
Little Mary, who has become the apple of Silence‘s eyes has been taken by no other than that dreadful Pirate, Mickey O’Connor. Silence, in her efforts to bring her back will agree to Mickey’s demands to take up residence with him.
Their time together sets the stage for a lovely romantic tale full excitement, mystery and an off the charts sensuality that will keep you dreading the conclusion of the novel.
As alpha characters go, Mickey O’Connor is one the best I’ve ever had the pleasure of read/listen to in a Historical Romance, and now holds a secured place among my favorites - along side of Jericho Barron (Fever series) Curran (Magic series) and Jaime (Outlander series) is he in illustrious company or what?!
It takes quite the hero to join that elite list, but Elizabeth Hoyt delivered a character worthy of such of placement. Mickey's character is full of depth and mystery. His tortured past (I know…..Overdone, but it works here) Sexiness, self assuredness and the strong sense of compassion under the villain’s image he so expertly displayed moved him right up my scale.
With the perfect combination of confidence, feistiness and vulnerability, Silence Hollingbrook, is the ideal complement an counterpart to Mickey. In this novel we see her nicely come into her own - becoming the kind of heroine that is always pleasant to read/listen to about.
Besides the fantastic romance the story has a nasty villain that adds to the drama and anticipation.
The small advance to the next book is promising a fantastic follow- up. The revelation of the Ghost of ST. Giles’s identity is the biggest teaser to for next novel, and one that I'm definitely looking forward to.
All in all, the hot,slowly but beautifully developed romance, (just the way I like them) the suspenseful plot, witty dialogue and fantastic characters, made this entry a terrific read and listen, and one that I highly recommend to all Romance listeners.
I had included a link to my favorite review from a fellow bloggers that provided a more detailed description of the plot.
Narration
Although is not apparent in the first few minutes of the audio book, Ashford MacNab is the perfect reader for these novels, her soft, un- imposing voice and easy British accent lends the right tempo to bring these novels to life.
I can’t deny I would have preferred a deeper tone for the portrayal of Mickey’s character, but the excellent performance of his tone and different accents was convincing enough for the enjoyment of the story.
The careful attention giving to each character is clearly evident with the obvious distinctions between them all.
The overall sense of anticipation, darkness and mystery are nicely conveyed without neglecting for a moment the intense sensuality of the novel.
Ultimately, this is another excellent listen from Hoyt and MacNab, and one of my top 10 of 2011.
Zachary Bronson has built an empire of wealth and power, but all London knows is not a gentleman. He needs a wife to secure his position in society -- and warm his bed in private. But one alluring, unexpected kiss from Lady Holly Taylor awakens a powerful need within him beyond respectability.
An exceptional beauty whose fierce passions match Zachary's own, Holly always intended to play by society's rules, even when they clashed with her bolder instincts. But now a dashing stranger has made her a scandalous offer that does not include matrimony. Should she ignore the sensuous promise of a forbidden kiss...or risk everything to follow her heart to a place where dreams begin?
Reviewed by Lisa Kay
The 2000 paperback publication has long been one of my favorite Lisa Kleypas books and I can see the hero, Zachary Bronson, as the archetype for so many other Kleypas heroes to come: a rough, self-made man with endless determination to get what he wants, and he wants Lady Holland Taylor. (Talk about a man in pursuit!) Only here he is set in an era where dukes ruled the day and he is, alas, without anything approaching a title. But that is not deterring him. One of my favorite early scenes is between Zachary & Holly:
“I suspect if someone were drowning in quicksand, you would extort all manner of promises before throwing him a rope.”
He shrugged philosophically. “My sweet, that's the entire point of having the rope.”
Needless to say, I was a tad worried about listening to it via audio, but my fears never took flight. Rosalyn Landor does a great job of bringing this book to life; her narration is spot on for Lady Holly ー and the scene-stealing little Rose, Holly’s button obsessed daughter. Ms. Landor’s voice is more than acceptable for the large, rough, masculine Bronson. Even her gasps during the love scenes are perfectly paced.
Marchesa Marianna Florenzi, by artist Heinrich Maria von Hess, 1824
While not the sexy, sumptuous red evening gown that devilish Zachary commissions to entice the widow, Lady Holly, into making her entrance out of her extended mourning, the above may be one he has designed later in winter, when he wants to keep her safe and warm. The background could depict the entrance to the garden, where the delicious epilogue takes place. (While ZB has no taste in architecture, his gardens are beautiful.) Plus, the face and expression on this model, with her secret smile, are what I envision when I think of Kleypas’ shy, patient, heroine who is the epitome of a gentle lady seduced by a dangerous rogue.
