Whiskey & Wry, Sinners #2 (GLBT)

Whiskey and Wry by Rhys Ford
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Oh, Rhys Ford did not just do this to me! The ending, that ending was...was AAAAAARGH!! Now I'll be waiting on pins and needles and probably stalking her blog for any news about the next book. Okay so I would've done it anyway because I just completely ADORE this series, but I'm just going to go crazy with the waiting. Anyhoo, my attempt at a review.

Learning about Damien's life was beyond heartbreaking and so I felt this paramount happiness that he found Miki, that they found each other in that alley. These boys have gone through so much, watching their fighting will and indomitable spirit is awe inspiring. So I'll admit that what I really wanted to get to was the reunion between Damien and Miki; when it happened, I wanted to wallow in it until I was all pruny (actually read that scene like 3x >.<).

Sionn, heck Kane and the whole Morgan clan too just make me feel warm and safe. Knowing Damien was readily welcome to this boisterous and protective brood, just had me grinning like an idiot-which most likely creeped out the people at the laundromat. So it goes without saying that I thoroughly enjoyed the heck out of this story, Rhys Ford doesn't pull punches when it comes to peeling the layers of her characters. Their pain becomes your pain, but so do their joys, and their personal triumphs. She takes me to the darkest, most painful places yet I can't help but follow; but still, that ending, that was so not fair.

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Wolf at the Door (GLBT)

Wolf at the Door by K. Drew
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This had a 'classic horror' feel to it. The author's prose just had me riveted (well, whenever life didn't get in the way and I could actually sit down and read). Much like Brad Pitt (Louis) in the film Interview With a Vampire, I pictured Nick recounting the events that led him to and then transpired in Blackwood. Rich in detail and dark in it's history, this is the kind of tale that just haunts you. With a strange sort of morbidity I felt compelled to continue reading, knowing that this was no sweet romance and even sort of expecting it not to have any sort of happily ever after.

It was hard to root for Sebastian and Nick, particularly with the bloody ties that Sebastian has with Lilith. Even after the events that unfolded I wondered how it would all work out. While the ending was good, it still left me with a sense of sadness at the price these two had to pay for their own happiness and just what kind of future they would have.

A very engrossing and dark romantic story.

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Burden (GLBT)

Burden by Annmarie McKenna
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Nice satisfying read. Liked the characters, particularly the Bobs (Keegan's nicknames for them really made me laugh)-though they didn't get enough screen time. A case of insta-love between the MCs but still felt believable, the chemistry is there. As for the danger they find themselves in, I got an idea who was involved pretty quickly yet that didn't diminish my interest in the story. Would've liked Brennan's case fleshed out a little more as well as the other players implicated but overall I was caught up with the guys. It's fun to imagine how Keegan will deal with recovery in the company-or more like at the mercy of Cujo, King Kong, Godzilla, and Jaws (the Bobs).

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Cold Company (Marnie Baranuik 'Between the Files' story)

Cold Company by A.J. Aalto
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

3.5

It was fun discovering this little short as I was a little antsy and wondering when I would get another dose of Harry and Marnie. Marnie goes on the hunt-ahem-in the search for a missing woman and the 'possible' vampire involved in her disappearance.

Marnie's talents, along with Wes' and Harry's assistance, uncover a woman that has been almost irrevocably damaged and broken. Rachel's existence is about survival, about having the courage to even make it out of her bedroom. Her terror is crippling, yet it's admirable that she fights for every little step she makes forward.

Marnie and Co. soon discover Rachel's monster is all too human and if they don't get to Rachel in time, her tenuous hold on life will be lost.




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