Must-read romances: 'Blood Assassin,' 'Ignite,' 'Storm Clouds'
Blood Assassin by Alexandra Ivy
What it's about (courtesy of Zebra):
Out of the shadows …
At six-foot-three and two-hundred-fifty pounds, Fane is a natural born guardian. A flawless mix of muscled perfection and steely precision, he has devoted years of his life to protecting a beautiful necromancer. But after she found love in the arms of another, Fane has been a warrior adrift. He swears allegiance only to the Sentinels. And no woman will ever rule his heart again ...
Into the fire …
Not only a powerful psychic, Serra is that rare telepath who can connect to minds through objects. When the daughter of a high-blood businessman is kidnapped, Serra agrees to help. But when she stumbles onto a conspiracy involving secrets sects and ancient relics, her life is in mortal danger--and Fane is her only hope. Is the warrior willing to risk his body, his soul, and his heart, for Serra? Or will one last betrayal destroy them both?
Why you should read it: In this second Sentinel book, we have the steamy unrequited chemistry between Serra (a psychic) and our poor hero, Fane, who is purposeless after being pledged to a woman who no longer needs him. You don't have to read the first book in the series (Born in Blood), but I do recommend it. Serra and Fane are in a tough place for this "case." I did feel as though Fane really let himself go after Serra only because she was in mortal peril, but then again Serra is just as pig-headed and stubborn as he is, so we know their courtship will be … passionate! This is my favorite series by Alexandra Ivy because it is darker. There are a lot of different undercurrents running through the book and series, and I become engrossed in the characters. I want a Sentinel myself, and let me tell you, I cannot WAIT for the Mave and the head Sentinel to really finally combust (rubs hands gleefully). If you want steam, action, hurt and power, find your favorite Sentinel!
What Alexandra Ivy has to say …
Where did the idea for the Sentinels come from?
Alexandra: It was born out of my love for comics (yes, I'm a total geek :)) I love X-Men and the Avengers and Batman ... etc. The only thing lacking for me was a steaming-hot romance. So the Sentinels is X-Men with sex!
What are you currently working on now?
Alexandra: I'm starting a new romantic suspense series with Zebra publishing. ARES Security follows the stories of five former soldiers who were held as POWs in Afghanistan. Returning to the states they start a security firm in Houston. The first book, Kill Without Mercy, will be released next year.
Favorite line from Blood Assassin?
Alexandra:
"The only woman allowed to touch me is you."
Ignite by Sara B. Larson
What it's about (courtesy of Scholastic Press):
Murder, abductions, and forbidden romance abound in this thrilling sequel to Sara B. Larson's acclaimed YA debut, Defy.
Alexa remains by the newly crowned King Damian's side as his guard, ever committed to helping him rebuild Antion and reclaim the hope of Antion's people, despite continuing to harbor a secret love for him. However, when another threat to Damian and his kingdom emerges, and blame is cast on their newly forged allies from Blevon, Alexa knows things are not what they seem. With the fate of her nation hanging in the balance once again, will Alexa be able to protect her king and uncover the true enemy -- before it's too late?
Why you should read it: I enjoyed Defy and Alex, and was curious as to what was in store for her and Damian. Ignite is better than Defy, and I read through it in a single sitting. Alex is so strong: She loves Damian but doesn't want him to choose the wrong woman to be queen. The intrigue is really thick in this book, and there are secrets within plots and people. You should definitely read Defy before Ignite, but all the characters grow so much in the second installment. I did not like Vera. I thought it was obvious what she was doing, and she's lucky I was not Alex. I also enjoyed the growth of Rylan. While the love triangle isn't as pushed forward as it was in Defy, Rylan is still such an interesting character that I want to see more about him. Overall, I can't wait to see what book three has in store for Alex. I've also downloaded the audio book, because the narrator, Rebecca Mozo, has an interesting accent.
What Sara B. Larson has to say …
How do you keep the air of intrigue and mystery surrounding Ignite?
Sara: I think the key is to try and be genuine in the way you reveal what's truly going on: What would the characters really think, say and do? It's been tricky but fun to find the balance in how much to reveal and how much to hold back in both Defy and Ignite. There are so many secrets and twists and political maneuverings in both books!
What are you currently working on?
Sara: I'm currently working on preparing for Ignite's launch parties and signings, and I will be participating in a two-week blog tour that started Dec. 29! I also have a couple of different projects I'm in different stages on, including the final book in the Defy trilogy, but I can't elaborate on any details yet. Stay tuned for exciting announcements that I think fans of the Defy series will be very happy about soon!
Favorite line from Ignite?
Sara:
"What was so urgent that I risked your wrath by showing up alone in your chamber?"
Storm Clouds by Lacy Danes
What it's about (courtesy of Samhain Publishing):
Before there can be fire, there must be air…
Like his brothers, Ilmir is a dragon born by blood magic. Unlike them, he has an unrelenting thirst for human blood. His one and only scruple: he will never bite a woman he loves. It would kill her, and her loss would drive him mad.
Yet over the years, a young girl he once rescued and brought to the Isle has grown into a woman who occupies too much of his mind and heart.
On her name day, Astrid makes her two most heartfelt wishes: to experience the delights of the city, and to bring the vexing Ilmir back to the Zir family fold. As her wishes drop from her lips, lightning cracks and she discovers she is a weather witch—one in need of serious training to control her powers.
But her goal to redeem Ilmir is fraught with peril, for her deep need to learn the magical language not only awakens the dragon's passion, it creates a perfect storm of danger that could cost the life of the man she loves.
Why you should read it: This is an interesting series for me. I'll admit at first that the language and narration can be a bit stilted, but I read it as if it were a Regency (which it sort of is), with the "proper" ladies and gentlemen, and the narrative seemed to become more smooth. I've been waiting for Astrid's story because of Ilmir. He kills, and while he's a bit sad that that is how he is, he makes no apologies. And the two together? I loved reading the scenes between them — who shall pretend to be the least affected as their steam grows? This is a fun series for dragon lovers who want a bit of "proper" narrative with paranormal elements thrown in. I feel for each brother and enjoy their mates, whom fate has decreed would be theirs.
What Lacy Danes has to say …
Why do you like writing dragons?
Lacy: I have always been drawn to dragons. Several cultures have different versions of dragons and what they mean. I love the magic, the links to the elements, and how regal they seem, yet several cultures have images of dragons playing with each other, the elements or even pearls. When writing dragons, I get to pull from all of those beliefs and make some up of my own.
What are you currently working on?
Lacy: I am currently working on two stories. The first is the final story in the Dragon's Fate Series about Ferrous. The second is a book that I have been working on for a while and hope to finish this year. It has owls and jackals in it.
Favorite line from Storm Clouds?
Lacy:
"I am not going to make excuses or tell lies to make you or anyone feel better," he said in a steely whisper. "I am what I am."
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Jessie Potts, also known as Book Taster, adores books in all forms. She also does reviews for RT Book Reviews magazine and works in the submissions department at Dreamspinner Press. You can follow her on Twitter (@BookTaster).