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Magnus Pack #3.5
When He Was Bad
Two of paranormal romance's bestselling authors combine their extraordinary talents -- and set the pages on fire with an after-dark anthology -- featuring Alpha males so hot, so wild, and so bad, they may just be the best you've ever had...
A pair of scorching shapeshifter romance novellas by two of the genre’s hottest New York Times bestselling authors:
Shelly Laurenston's Miss Congeniality
Cynthia Eden's Wicked Ways
*-*
From Shelly Laurenston -- Miss Congeniality (Magnus Pack, #3.5; Pride, #0.75; Smith's Shifter World, #3.5)
It's those damn stockings that get me every time. They have this sexy little line down the back and I can't help but stare at her legs -- constantly.
And you'd think she'd be all over me like every other female in the Seattle area.
I'm young, good looking, and one day I'll be Alpha Male of my family's Pack.
But Professor Irene Conridge acts like I don't even exist. How is that possible?
Now she's got enemies coming out of the woodwork and I have to protect her.
Why?
Because that's the kind of man I am. Yes, I am that amazing.
Of course, it doesn't hurt that while I work to secure her safety, she'll be hanging out at my house. That's hours -- days even -- that I've got Professor Irene Conridge -- right where I want her.
*-*
From Cynthia Eden -- Wicked Ways
I'm too dangerous for her.
I know it -- but I can't get my sexy new neighbour out of my head.
When I hear her scream one night, the absolute last thing I expect to see is Miranda Shaw -- star of my hottest fantasies -- being attacked by a vampire!
Now the undead jerk is after her, and I am the only thing standing between the beautiful lady and a killer who just won't stop.
Well, too bad for him, because that vamp has just made the worst mistake of his afterlife -- he's tangled with a former FBI agent, who is also a jaguar-shifter of considerable power ...
Sparks fly between Miranda and me -- despite her reluctance -- but she's so busy watching out for the vamp, that she won't see me closing in on her -- not until it's too late -- and I'm about to show her just how wild I can get ...
Is she ready for the feral intensity of my animal state?
A pair of scorching shapeshifter romance novellas by two of the genre’s hottest New York Times bestselling authors:
Shelly Laurenston's Miss Congeniality
Cynthia Eden's Wicked Ways
*-*
From Shelly Laurenston -- Miss Congeniality (Magnus Pack, #3.5; Pride, #0.75; Smith's Shifter World, #3.5)
It's those damn stockings that get me every time. They have this sexy little line down the back and I can't help but stare at her legs -- constantly.
And you'd think she'd be all over me like every other female in the Seattle area.
I'm young, good looking, and one day I'll be Alpha Male of my family's Pack.
But Professor Irene Conridge acts like I don't even exist. How is that possible?
Now she's got enemies coming out of the woodwork and I have to protect her.
Why?
Because that's the kind of man I am. Yes, I am that amazing.
Of course, it doesn't hurt that while I work to secure her safety, she'll be hanging out at my house. That's hours -- days even -- that I've got Professor Irene Conridge -- right where I want her.
*-*
From Cynthia Eden -- Wicked Ways
I'm too dangerous for her.
I know it -- but I can't get my sexy new neighbour out of my head.
When I hear her scream one night, the absolute last thing I expect to see is Miranda Shaw -- star of my hottest fantasies -- being attacked by a vampire!
Now the undead jerk is after her, and I am the only thing standing between the beautiful lady and a killer who just won't stop.
Well, too bad for him, because that vamp has just made the worst mistake of his afterlife -- he's tangled with a former FBI agent, who is also a jaguar-shifter of considerable power ...
Sparks fly between Miranda and me -- despite her reluctance -- but she's so busy watching out for the vamp, that she won't see me closing in on her -- not until it's too late -- and I'm about to show her just how wild I can get ...
Is she ready for the feral intensity of my animal state?
352 pages, Paperback
First published June 1, 2008
420 people are currently reading
3030 people want to read
About the author
Shelly Laurenston
45 books7,893 followersOriginally from Long Island, New York, Shelly Laurenston has resigned herself to West Coast living which involves healthy food, mostly sunny days, and lots of guys not wearing shirts when they really should be. Shelly Laurenston is also The New York Times Bestselling author G.A. Aiken, creator of the Dragon Kin series. For more info on G.A. Aiken's dangerously and arrogantly sexy dragons, check out her website at www.gaaiken.com.
Pseudonym G.A. Aiken
Pseudonym G.A. Aiken
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 423 reviews
August 6, 2019
If you know me then you know I can't and won't let a Cynthia's book go unread. Plus this one was on sale for 1.99$ so I couldn't let the opportunity pass. So here we are.
Cynthia Eden.
Wicked Ways.
4 stars.
Heroine: Loved the heroine, she was a fighter.
Hero: gone from the moment he met the heroine.
I just love books like this. Give me an strong a$$ heroine with a good protective hero and I'm done.
No OW drama.
No pushing away.
Some OM drama.
The only thing I will complain is the lack of epilogues in Cynthia's books. For once I wish I would get a couple with babies. I love when the book ends with them being married and with them having babies. Maybe one day I would get that?
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Shelly Laureston.
Miss Congeniality.
3.5 stars.
Heroine: 3.5 stars.
Hero: -1 stars. See below.
Not safe. (At least for me.)
OWs drama.
I liked the heroine in this book.
She was brutally honest, they called her weird, detached and a bitch but she was actually a good heroine just because she wasn't dropping her panties and getting wet for the hero doesn't make weird or a bitch, it makes her smart.. She knew the hero for 7 years and he has been pursuing her since but he didn't stop screwing OWs so she didn't want to become a notch in his bed post.
She didn't like sex, she said the act itself was nasty, swapping fluids was disgusting, I was laughing because I don't think I have ever heard a heroine said that to the hero.
Here's some of the quotes from her to the hero
“Fascinating.” “Am I?” “No. You’re not. But the fact that a grown man would growl over garter belts is fascinating. I’m sure the psychology department would find you a fascinating test study.”
“Do you know how many germs are in the human mouth? I’d be better off kissing an open sewer grate.”
Fine. Just get it over with quickly. I have a lot of work to do. And the fact that you’re breathing my air annoys me beyond reason.”
“You have that demeanor. I imagine you probably like it when the virgin tells you, ‘Ow! You’re too big. Please, we have to stop!’ And you say”—she lowered her voice several octaves to match Van Holtz’s—“‘ Don’t worry. I’ll make it good for you, sweet little virgin girl.’”
"Weakness. She detested weakness."
“The problem is, Van Holtz, I detest sexual intercourse. I don’t mean I don’t enjoy it. Or I’ve had bad experiences and the thought of it makes me uncomfortable. I mean, I detest it. I find the whole passing back and forth of bodily fluids repulsive. And I’m not talking merely semen. I mean sweat and saliva.” She grimaced and it clearly wasn’t forced. “The number of germs passing between two people during those moments would boggle your mind. Besides, I really hate sweating. And I hate being distracted. Because one should pay attention when involved in intercourse, I’ve found past partners noticed when I wasn’t and they were always so offended. Anyway, depending on who I’m with at the time, that could be anywhere from ten minutes to an hour where I’m forced to focus on the needs of one person and, to be quite honest, there are much more important things I should be doing.”
Nope... I didn't find her weird, I found her refreshing. Here's is someone who didn't actually give a crap about the hero. She was superior to the hero. She was a child prodigy. She was smart and she was awesome just because she didn't show her feelings doesn't make a bitch. And after she slept with him she dismissed him and went on dates. I was cheering for her. Lol
Hero: was a disgusting manwhore to the nines. He pursued the heroine relentlessly for 7 years but he still slept with OWs. After he marked her because it was the only way he could saved the heroine from being killed by hyenas but let me tell you first she fought him, she even stabbed him..
He couldn't stop thinking about her so he went to one of his FB, kissed her hard, he wanted to f*cked her and he would have if the OW had let him but she didn't. At least she had the decency of saying she would never f*ck someone else's mate and she wasn't going to start now.
And after they slept together (btw it was right after he tried to sleep with the ow) there was no other for him and the only good thing he got going on for him was that he was protective of her.
So overall I liked the heroine but hero was a piece of shit to me.
Cynthia Eden.
Wicked Ways.
4 stars.
Heroine: Loved the heroine, she was a fighter.
Hero: gone from the moment he met the heroine.
I just love books like this. Give me an strong a$$ heroine with a good protective hero and I'm done.
No OW drama.
No pushing away.
Some OM drama.
The only thing I will complain is the lack of epilogues in Cynthia's books. For once I wish I would get a couple with babies. I love when the book ends with them being married and with them having babies. Maybe one day I would get that?
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Shelly Laureston.
Miss Congeniality.
3.5 stars.
Heroine: 3.5 stars.
Hero: -1 stars. See below.
Not safe. (At least for me.)
OWs drama.
I liked the heroine in this book.
She was brutally honest, they called her weird, detached and a bitch but she was actually a good heroine just because she wasn't dropping her panties and getting wet for the hero doesn't make weird or a bitch, it makes her smart.. She knew the hero for 7 years and he has been pursuing her since but he didn't stop screwing OWs so she didn't want to become a notch in his bed post.
She didn't like sex, she said the act itself was nasty, swapping fluids was disgusting, I was laughing because I don't think I have ever heard a heroine said that to the hero.
Here's some of the quotes from her to the hero
“Fascinating.” “Am I?” “No. You’re not. But the fact that a grown man would growl over garter belts is fascinating. I’m sure the psychology department would find you a fascinating test study.”
“Do you know how many germs are in the human mouth? I’d be better off kissing an open sewer grate.”
Fine. Just get it over with quickly. I have a lot of work to do. And the fact that you’re breathing my air annoys me beyond reason.”
“You have that demeanor. I imagine you probably like it when the virgin tells you, ‘Ow! You’re too big. Please, we have to stop!’ And you say”—she lowered her voice several octaves to match Van Holtz’s—“‘ Don’t worry. I’ll make it good for you, sweet little virgin girl.’”
"Weakness. She detested weakness."
“The problem is, Van Holtz, I detest sexual intercourse. I don’t mean I don’t enjoy it. Or I’ve had bad experiences and the thought of it makes me uncomfortable. I mean, I detest it. I find the whole passing back and forth of bodily fluids repulsive. And I’m not talking merely semen. I mean sweat and saliva.” She grimaced and it clearly wasn’t forced. “The number of germs passing between two people during those moments would boggle your mind. Besides, I really hate sweating. And I hate being distracted. Because one should pay attention when involved in intercourse, I’ve found past partners noticed when I wasn’t and they were always so offended. Anyway, depending on who I’m with at the time, that could be anywhere from ten minutes to an hour where I’m forced to focus on the needs of one person and, to be quite honest, there are much more important things I should be doing.”
Nope... I didn't find her weird, I found her refreshing. Here's is someone who didn't actually give a crap about the hero. She was superior to the hero. She was a child prodigy. She was smart and she was awesome just because she didn't show her feelings doesn't make a bitch. And after she slept with him she dismissed him and went on dates. I was cheering for her. Lol
Hero: was a disgusting manwhore to the nines. He pursued the heroine relentlessly for 7 years but he still slept with OWs. After he marked her because it was the only way he could saved the heroine from being killed by hyenas but let me tell you first she fought him, she even stabbed him..
He couldn't stop thinking about her so he went to one of his FB, kissed her hard, he wanted to f*cked her and he would have if the OW had let him but she didn't. At least she had the decency of saying she would never f*ck someone else's mate and she wasn't going to start now.
And after they slept together (btw it was right after he tried to sleep with the ow) there was no other for him and the only good thing he got going on for him was that he was protective of her.
So overall I liked the heroine but hero was a piece of shit to me.
August 30, 2010
This anthology contains 2 stories with one point in common: the hero is a shifter and the heroine is human. Surprisingly, I enjoyed both stories - a rare event when it comes to anthologies.
I'm not going to write a plot summary of any of the stories because the book description is pretty accurate. Plus, these are short stories and there isn't much more I could add without revealing the whole tale.
Miss Congeniality by Shelly Laurenston (4 stars)
I was ready to ditch SL's book for good because I didn't really like the previous books in the Magnus Pack series, but I decided to give her another chance thanks to MelissaB's gentle encouragement. Now I'm glad I did, because this story was a lot of fun. Van was a manwhore - or a shifterwhore, I don't know how to call him - and Irene was an emotionless being - I don't feel right calling her a person - but they were a hoot together. This turned out to be a very funny and entertaining read and I'm ready to give SL's Pride series a try.
Wicked Ways by Cynthia Eden (4 stars)
This was my 1st read by CE and I liked it. The story starts with a bang and the action (in and outside of the bedroom) is non-stop after that. Cain and Miranda were likable, the sex scenes were hot and I finished the short story believing they were in love (and not simply in lust). I need to have a look at the Midnight series, as they're supposed to be even better.
Note: The book description makes you think these stories are written in 1st person POV, but that's not the case. I was more than glad with that, because I take 3rd person POV over 1st person POV anytime, anywhere.
I'm not going to write a plot summary of any of the stories because the book description is pretty accurate. Plus, these are short stories and there isn't much more I could add without revealing the whole tale.
Miss Congeniality by Shelly Laurenston (4 stars)
I was ready to ditch SL's book for good because I didn't really like the previous books in the Magnus Pack series, but I decided to give her another chance thanks to MelissaB's gentle encouragement. Now I'm glad I did, because this story was a lot of fun. Van was a manwhore - or a shifterwhore, I don't know how to call him - and Irene was an emotionless being - I don't feel right calling her a person - but they were a hoot together. This turned out to be a very funny and entertaining read and I'm ready to give SL's Pride series a try.
Wicked Ways by Cynthia Eden (4 stars)
This was my 1st read by CE and I liked it. The story starts with a bang and the action (in and outside of the bedroom) is non-stop after that. Cain and Miranda were likable, the sex scenes were hot and I finished the short story believing they were in love (and not simply in lust). I need to have a look at the Midnight series, as they're supposed to be even better.
Note: The book description makes you think these stories are written in 1st person POV, but that's not the case. I was more than glad with that, because I take 3rd person POV over 1st person POV anytime, anywhere.
May 27, 2010
Surprisingly, I actually liked the Laurenston story. I didn't like another book of hers I tried awhile ago but I found this one funny. I work with a lot of smart, socially inept people so the heroine amused me. I didn't particularly like either of the leads but they were funny.
The Cynthia Eden story was okay, I liked her Midnight series better.
The Cynthia Eden story was okay, I liked her Midnight series better.
July 19, 2016
Review for "Miss Congeniality":
I enjoyed the short story. I love the fact that the heroine is a tight up lady who knows how to put the hero in his place and the additional bonus that the hero is so much fun to read. The chemistry between the two is obvious and I laughed out loud to some scenes in the book.
4 stars
Review for "Wicked Ways" :
Although the heroine and the hero is usually my cup of tea, I was a bit bored later in the story. I'm not sure why my focus just went haywire but it's not as good as Miss Congeniality.
3 stars
July 22, 2013
Brilliant, duo story collection from the wonderful Shelly Laurenston and Cynthia Eden.
Miss Congeniality
I have been hanging out to read the almost prequel story of Van Holtz and his mate.
Based in eighties, but at no stage did I feel like I was immersed in the time, this story was hilarious. The characters, like all of Shelly's books are totally original and I just lap them up.
Even though it was a short, I didn't feel like I missed out on anything or that it was rushed. It was just a fantastic, sexy shifter story with a bit of mystery and a lot of humour. Totally satisfied.
Wicked Ways
This book starts off with action and continues that way all through until the end.
We start off with Miranda being attacked by her Date....who just so happens to be a psychotic serial killing vampire. Miranda had no clue. She is saved by her super hot next door neighbour, Cain, who just so happens to be a shifter....once again Miranda had no clue.
We are immediately pulled into the full paranormal world that Cynthia Eden has in so many of her exciting books. I am only new to her stories, but I am never bored. There are refreshing, even though they have your standard paranormal creatures, the world is fresh along with the characters.
The connection, romance and sexy times are there too!
If you are looking for some good short paranormal romances from two of the best authors in the business, give When He Was Bad a go.
Miss Congeniality
I have been hanging out to read the almost prequel story of Van Holtz and his mate.
Based in eighties, but at no stage did I feel like I was immersed in the time, this story was hilarious. The characters, like all of Shelly's books are totally original and I just lap them up.
Even though it was a short, I didn't feel like I missed out on anything or that it was rushed. It was just a fantastic, sexy shifter story with a bit of mystery and a lot of humour. Totally satisfied.
Wicked Ways
This book starts off with action and continues that way all through until the end.
We start off with Miranda being attacked by her Date....who just so happens to be a psychotic serial killing vampire. Miranda had no clue. She is saved by her super hot next door neighbour, Cain, who just so happens to be a shifter....once again Miranda had no clue.
We are immediately pulled into the full paranormal world that Cynthia Eden has in so many of her exciting books. I am only new to her stories, but I am never bored. There are refreshing, even though they have your standard paranormal creatures, the world is fresh along with the characters.
The connection, romance and sexy times are there too!
If you are looking for some good short paranormal romances from two of the best authors in the business, give When He Was Bad a go.
July 3, 2013
This book contained two short stories combined into one book by two different authors. The first in the book was a somewhat continuation of the Magnus Pack series. It was actually like a prequel, as it went back to the 80's and told how Doctor Conridge and Niles Van Holtz met. I loved Van Holtz. He was charming, sexy, and determined. The good Dr. was just okay for me. She seemed a little Miki-ish, but where I really liked Miki, Conridge lacked in.....personality,....ummm, maybe more social skills... I don't know. I give her credit she was a quirky character but I just found myself struggling to connect with her as much. However, the story was interesting enough but was just so short I felt like when I was really starting to get into it, it ended.
The second story was about shifters vs vampires. I actually really liked this story. Miranda goes out on a date with a man she had been chatting with online for a while, but when she gets home he attacks her and bites her neck. Luckily for Miranda her new neighbor next door has exceptional hearing and hears her scream. Once the vamp gets loose, Cain insists Miranda stays with him for protection. Miranda had never known about the supernaturals wondering around so at first she's in denial, but finally she comes to terms with it. Cain had planned to get to know the beautiful new neighbor but now that he has her under his protection him, and the animal in him are both struggling wanting to make her his now. He just has to catch this Vampire first. I was surprised how much I really like this story. Cain was smoking hot. A jaguar shifter,...yum!! Who knew? Of course, the story was way short and just like the first one, I felt like I was just getting into it and it ended.
The second story was about shifters vs vampires. I actually really liked this story. Miranda goes out on a date with a man she had been chatting with online for a while, but when she gets home he attacks her and bites her neck. Luckily for Miranda her new neighbor next door has exceptional hearing and hears her scream. Once the vamp gets loose, Cain insists Miranda stays with him for protection. Miranda had never known about the supernaturals wondering around so at first she's in denial, but finally she comes to terms with it. Cain had planned to get to know the beautiful new neighbor but now that he has her under his protection him, and the animal in him are both struggling wanting to make her his now. He just has to catch this Vampire first. I was surprised how much I really like this story. Cain was smoking hot. A jaguar shifter,...yum!! Who knew? Of course, the story was way short and just like the first one, I felt like I was just getting into it and it ended.
March 27, 2011
Miss Congenaility by Shelly Laurenston
These are a few quotes I liked, there are many many great lines but there are the ones I remembered to hightlight!
She's odd because she's brilliant." He motioned to the exit where the female had disappeared." At this moment, she's dicusiing things you and I could never even comprehend."
~~
"I absolutely could create a lightsaber
"You could not create a lightsaber."
"I could too. It's all a science."
"I thought being a Jedi was mystical?"
Irene snorted "Mystical, my butt. It's all about science."
**************
Van hitched her up higher, pushing her hard against teh wall to hold her steady.
"This one's gonna be fast, doc" he warned her. "But I'll make it up to you."
"Do me a favour, Van Holtz. Stop talking. You keep reminiding me you're in the room."
****************
"Why don't you just admit it," he said on a sigh. "Admit you love me and my perfectly proportioned cock. nd there's nothing you love more than its life-giving elixir."
"Life-giving elixir?"
"Well what would you call it?"
"That over salted fluid I can't get the taste of out my mouth but that you keep insisting I swallow."
********
"...I've also caught you chasing you own tail so excuse me if I'm not ready to sign you up for a think tank just yet."
"Is nothing sacred between us?" he demanded. Then added against her ear, "Besides it was haressing me again."
These are a few quotes I liked, there are many many great lines but there are the ones I remembered to hightlight!
She's odd because she's brilliant." He motioned to the exit where the female had disappeared." At this moment, she's dicusiing things you and I could never even comprehend."
~~
"I absolutely could create a lightsaber
"You could not create a lightsaber."
"I could too. It's all a science."
"I thought being a Jedi was mystical?"
Irene snorted "Mystical, my butt. It's all about science."
**************
Van hitched her up higher, pushing her hard against teh wall to hold her steady.
"This one's gonna be fast, doc" he warned her. "But I'll make it up to you."
"Do me a favour, Van Holtz. Stop talking. You keep reminiding me you're in the room."
****************
"Why don't you just admit it," he said on a sigh. "Admit you love me and my perfectly proportioned cock. nd there's nothing you love more than its life-giving elixir."
"Life-giving elixir?"
"Well what would you call it?"
"That over salted fluid I can't get the taste of out my mouth but that you keep insisting I swallow."
********
"...I've also caught you chasing you own tail so excuse me if I'm not ready to sign you up for a think tank just yet."
"Is nothing sacred between us?" he demanded. Then added against her ear, "Besides it was haressing me again."
September 22, 2023
I only read The Shelly Laurenston story.
Which was ehhhhh. While in the main series I love Niles and Irene, in this, their love story, I just didn't believe it.
Which was ehhhhh. While in the main series I love Niles and Irene, in this, their love story, I just didn't believe it.
May 6, 2022
4 stars for the first book which is a nice and amusing little morsel.
Boo 2 I honestly cannot remember.
Acquired via KU.
Boo 2 I honestly cannot remember.
Acquired via KU.
May 20, 2008
OK, it's really more like 3.75 stars...
This book includes two stories. A very funny story written by Laurenston back in the 80s and a new one by Eden. If you don't or can't remember the 80s, Laurenston's story might not be as funny, but I did enjoy it. It is, however, more romance than erotica.
Miss Congeniality by Laurenston
Irene is a prodigy biophysicist. She considers her greatest asset to be her brain and everything else in her life is just what she does to use that brain. She is socially inept, wardrobe challenged, and can't understand why anyone would want to have sex...much less a relationship.
Van will be Alpha of his pack one day and his life is just as he likes it. Money to burn, sex on demand, and no real responsibilities. Now if he could just stop fantasizing about Irene.
Wicked Ways by Eden
Miranda can sure pick 'em. After dumping her second fiance, she tries to be selective...and ends up with a date who bites her neck with some wicked long fangs and tries to drain her!!
Cain hasn't been able to get his new neighbor out of his lustful thoughts. When he saves her from a vampire, he decides she's obviously open to some interspecies dating.
Eden's story is hot, hot, hot. I want a Cain of my own!!
This book includes two stories. A very funny story written by Laurenston back in the 80s and a new one by Eden. If you don't or can't remember the 80s, Laurenston's story might not be as funny, but I did enjoy it. It is, however, more romance than erotica.
Miss Congeniality by Laurenston
Irene is a prodigy biophysicist. She considers her greatest asset to be her brain and everything else in her life is just what she does to use that brain. She is socially inept, wardrobe challenged, and can't understand why anyone would want to have sex...much less a relationship.
Van will be Alpha of his pack one day and his life is just as he likes it. Money to burn, sex on demand, and no real responsibilities. Now if he could just stop fantasizing about Irene.
Wicked Ways by Eden
Miranda can sure pick 'em. After dumping her second fiance, she tries to be selective...and ends up with a date who bites her neck with some wicked long fangs and tries to drain her!!
Cain hasn't been able to get his new neighbor out of his lustful thoughts. When he saves her from a vampire, he decides she's obviously open to some interspecies dating.
Eden's story is hot, hot, hot. I want a Cain of my own!!
November 26, 2014
If I were to rate the Laurenston book on its own, it might get two stars. I generally enjoy Laurenston's writing, even when I don't care much for the characters. In Miss Congeniality, once again the hero is the saving grace. I knew of Van, of course, from Laurenston's other books, but reading about him younger made me understand him a bit better. Irene, however, was so frigid and set in her ways that she just bored me.
Unfortunately, the Cynthia Eden story deserves nothing more than to be set on fire. I can't even describe the writing using known adjectives, so I'll just let it speak for itself.
"It felt like she'd been living most of her life on the sidelines, watching others live and take chances.
Now it was her turn.
Cain lifted his hand. 'Then let's go, baby, and I'll show you a whole new world.'
Of blood and death."
"A woman's scream. His mom had screamed like that. Just before his asshole father had stopped her screams forever."
Yeah. It's like that. "Baby" is not an endearment that usually bothers me, but Cain used it on Miranda so much that I wanted to vomit. And it's a novella. I hate to think how many times Eden could fit it into a full-length novel.
Unfortunately, the Cynthia Eden story deserves nothing more than to be set on fire. I can't even describe the writing using known adjectives, so I'll just let it speak for itself.
"It felt like she'd been living most of her life on the sidelines, watching others live and take chances.
Now it was her turn.
Cain lifted his hand. 'Then let's go, baby, and I'll show you a whole new world.'
Of blood and death."
"A woman's scream. His mom had screamed like that. Just before his asshole father had stopped her screams forever."
Yeah. It's like that. "Baby" is not an endearment that usually bothers me, but Cain used it on Miranda so much that I wanted to vomit. And it's a novella. I hate to think how many times Eden could fit it into a full-length novel.
July 28, 2010
Miss Congeniality by Shelly Laurenston. Loved, loved, this story. Irene is a professor at a college Van Holtz is a wealthy contributor to who has been attracted to her for 7 years, for no good reason. He saves her one night and in order for her not to be executed "marks" her thinking, he'll just let her go on her way. She's a clueless academic who says what she thinks, so it's all extremely funny. There's this part where she meets his uncles and aunts and they ask her to play Risk. She tells them they better not because "You will lose, gentlemen. I will destroy your lands, take your women, ravish your men, and make your children my slave labor. I will own every castle, house, and farm that is within my reach. I won't be satisfied until I own all of it and you. I will destroy you gentlemen ... and I don't think you can handle it. . . . I hope you're a sobber." Loved this whole scene. And when they finally marry, her maid of honor starts ahead of her, she counts to 10 quickly and almost passed her several times. I love Irene. Such a great character. 5 stars for this story.
Wicked Ways by Cynthia Eden. Miranda goes on a date with a man she met on the internet. He's actually a vampire and is trying to kill her when her next door neighbor Cain busts in and stops him. I wanted to like this story, but it's like pieces were missing. Cain is attracted to Miranda, but it doesn't seem like a "mate" thing. However, he keeps going on about how she's his now. Even the sex scenes were a little boring. I think this is the first time I've read this author. I'm giving this story 2 stars.
I'm going to give this book 4 stars most because of Shelly Laurenston's story, which I loved.
Wicked Ways by Cynthia Eden. Miranda goes on a date with a man she met on the internet. He's actually a vampire and is trying to kill her when her next door neighbor Cain busts in and stops him. I wanted to like this story, but it's like pieces were missing. Cain is attracted to Miranda, but it doesn't seem like a "mate" thing. However, he keeps going on about how she's his now. Even the sex scenes were a little boring. I think this is the first time I've read this author. I'm giving this story 2 stars.
I'm going to give this book 4 stars most because of Shelly Laurenston's story, which I loved.
July 23, 2010
I picked this one up purely for Shelly Laurenston's tale, Miss Congeniality -Irene's story whom we met in Go Fetch!. In some ways she can be compared to Miki in that book but she is different in one particular aspect: Irene is clinical, analytical and insanely logical in the way she approached everything, even sex!
Science is Irene Conridge's whole life and she has difficulty in understanding emotion and social interactions. She's very much like Dr. Temperance Brennan in the TV show, Bones. She doesn't actually like sex, until she's had it with the wonderful Niles Van Holtz, who ultimately turns her into a sex fiend!
Again, this was a brilliant story from Laurenston who's incredibly talented in making me laugh long and hard at her characters and their predicaments. I highly recommend her books to everyone who needs a good chuckle and a decent storyline.
As for Eden's short story, it was good enough but largely forgettable. I felt sympathy for Cain considering his past rejection due to his "beastly" nature and was happy he found peace with his new neighbour after hunting and destroying her serial killing vampire date from hell.
Science is Irene Conridge's whole life and she has difficulty in understanding emotion and social interactions. She's very much like Dr. Temperance Brennan in the TV show, Bones. She doesn't actually like sex, until she's had it with the wonderful Niles Van Holtz, who ultimately turns her into a sex fiend!
Again, this was a brilliant story from Laurenston who's incredibly talented in making me laugh long and hard at her characters and their predicaments. I highly recommend her books to everyone who needs a good chuckle and a decent storyline.
As for Eden's short story, it was good enough but largely forgettable. I felt sympathy for Cain considering his past rejection due to his "beastly" nature and was happy he found peace with his new neighbour after hunting and destroying her serial killing vampire date from hell.
April 2, 2011
This review is only for Miss Cogeniality
I've read that short story twice, you'd think I'd eventually get to Cynthia Eden's story, right?
Even though this is Magnus Pack 4, it really takes place in the past. We met Irene Conridge and Niles Van Holtz in Go Fetch!, where they were already married, mated and had kids. But this is how it all started.
She was a bit like Miki in a way, except even more awkward around people, and I liked that Niles had been circling her for years, never making a move.
Niles doesn't believe that marking a female will make her his forever, and he won't be able to be with other females. Boy is he in for a surprise! He offers to mark her to save her life and shortly thereafter discovers that he can't be without her. As all Van Holtz (if you read her Pride series, you know more of the men in that family) he's pushy, he thinks he should always get his way. I love that his pictures keep showing up in her house, at the university, so cute. He's also patient with her. And he's HAWT! Oh, is he hot!
This was fun, easy, quick read, very enjoyable and had me laughing.
I also like that it sets the stage in a way for anyone starting to read the Pride series. However, I would love to see this series continue!!!
I've read that short story twice, you'd think I'd eventually get to Cynthia Eden's story, right?
Even though this is Magnus Pack 4, it really takes place in the past. We met Irene Conridge and Niles Van Holtz in Go Fetch!, where they were already married, mated and had kids. But this is how it all started.
She was a bit like Miki in a way, except even more awkward around people, and I liked that Niles had been circling her for years, never making a move.
Niles doesn't believe that marking a female will make her his forever, and he won't be able to be with other females. Boy is he in for a surprise! He offers to mark her to save her life and shortly thereafter discovers that he can't be without her. As all Van Holtz (if you read her Pride series, you know more of the men in that family) he's pushy, he thinks he should always get his way. I love that his pictures keep showing up in her house, at the university, so cute. He's also patient with her. And he's HAWT! Oh, is he hot!
This was fun, easy, quick read, very enjoyable and had me laughing.
I also like that it sets the stage in a way for anyone starting to read the Pride series. However, I would love to see this series continue!!!
April 25, 2009
One great read, Shelly Laurenston's Miss Congeniality, and one good read. Cynthia Eden's Wicked Ways.
Miss Congeniality stars Irene Conridge and Niles Van Holtz who were introduced in her screamingly funny Go Fetch. No, you don't HAVE to have read it before Miss Congeniality - but if you've read Go Fetch you will definitely WANT to. It's the story of Irene [no people skills and frighteningly intellectual:], and the Alpha shifter who is everything she's not [physical, wealthy, and charming:]. And you know what they say about opposites...
Wicked Ways is a good read but has a different feel. The shifter hero saves the heroine from a crazed vampire attack - which is complicated by the heroine not believing in vampires OR shifters... It becomes even worse when they find out the villain is apparently a serial killer. Heroine volunteers to be 'bait' so they can catch the vamp, hero vows to make sure she lives through the experience and kill the vampire... The road to their 'Happily Ever After' is a real bumpy ride...
Magnus Pack
1. Pack Challenge (2004)
2. Go Fetch! (2004)
3. Here Kitty, Kitty! (2005)
Miss Congeniality stars Irene Conridge and Niles Van Holtz who were introduced in her screamingly funny Go Fetch. No, you don't HAVE to have read it before Miss Congeniality - but if you've read Go Fetch you will definitely WANT to. It's the story of Irene [no people skills and frighteningly intellectual:], and the Alpha shifter who is everything she's not [physical, wealthy, and charming:]. And you know what they say about opposites...
Wicked Ways is a good read but has a different feel. The shifter hero saves the heroine from a crazed vampire attack - which is complicated by the heroine not believing in vampires OR shifters... It becomes even worse when they find out the villain is apparently a serial killer. Heroine volunteers to be 'bait' so they can catch the vamp, hero vows to make sure she lives through the experience and kill the vampire... The road to their 'Happily Ever After' is a real bumpy ride...
Magnus Pack
1. Pack Challenge (2004)
2. Go Fetch! (2004)
3. Here Kitty, Kitty! (2005)
June 23, 2010
I only read Shelly Laurenston's stroy here.
I liked it a lot better than the rest of the Magus Pack serious. Yeesh, those other heroines were annoying.
The heroine here was suppose to be a bitch too ... but she came across more "intensely academic" and insecure, which allowed me to understand why she was socially inappropriate most of the time.
I want to read Jackie and Paul's story (supporting characters in this book) - now that seems like an entertaining short story. What we know is that she finds him passed out in the middle of the street after a concert, brings him home because she can't leave him there. The next morning they are having a heart to heart over coffee. And we know they have rambunctious sex that leads to Jackie being more outwardly happy. We also know Paul is nice to the roommate and really loves Jackie.
I want a story to fill in the blanks.
A plus would be that Jackie doesn't seem to be a bitch. Does Shelley Laurenston only write heroine's that are huge, annoying bitches? They all were in this series and that is why I won't be picking up another Laurenston book unless it's Jackie's story.
I liked it a lot better than the rest of the Magus Pack serious. Yeesh, those other heroines were annoying.
The heroine here was suppose to be a bitch too ... but she came across more "intensely academic" and insecure, which allowed me to understand why she was socially inappropriate most of the time.
I want to read Jackie and Paul's story (supporting characters in this book) - now that seems like an entertaining short story. What we know is that she finds him passed out in the middle of the street after a concert, brings him home because she can't leave him there. The next morning they are having a heart to heart over coffee. And we know they have rambunctious sex that leads to Jackie being more outwardly happy. We also know Paul is nice to the roommate and really loves Jackie.
I want a story to fill in the blanks.
A plus would be that Jackie doesn't seem to be a bitch. Does Shelley Laurenston only write heroine's that are huge, annoying bitches? They all were in this series and that is why I won't be picking up another Laurenston book unless it's Jackie's story.
April 20, 2013
Two stories in this book...
Miss Congeniality by Shelly Laurenston~ 5 Stars!
I loved this story! Shelly Laurenston makes shifter lovin sexy and fun. We have a classic tale of opposites attract here.
Professor Irene Conridge PhD is well, Sheldon, from "The Big Bang Theory". A child prodigy, brutally honest, unemotional, scientific to a fault, mean as hell and socially retarded. It's hard to imagine Sheldon as a female, but it can be done :) Enter Niles Van Holtz, an arrogant, womanizing, sexy, soon to be Alpha werewolf who is determined to get the Ice Queen beneath him. Oh, the interactions between these two are hilarious. She says or does something Sheldonish and he just kind of pats her on the head and bulldozes things to go his way. He totally manages her and it works. There is an actual story here, but the real prize is the love affair. I strongly recommend this book for at least that, if nothing else.
Wicked Ways by Cynthia Eden~ 3 stars
I don't have much to say about this one. It was a typical PNR. You have insta-love, which I don't care for, hot shifter sex, which I do, a villain, conflict and a HEA. It was good, but not great.
Miss Congeniality by Shelly Laurenston~ 5 Stars!
I loved this story! Shelly Laurenston makes shifter lovin sexy and fun. We have a classic tale of opposites attract here.
Professor Irene Conridge PhD is well, Sheldon, from "The Big Bang Theory". A child prodigy, brutally honest, unemotional, scientific to a fault, mean as hell and socially retarded. It's hard to imagine Sheldon as a female, but it can be done :) Enter Niles Van Holtz, an arrogant, womanizing, sexy, soon to be Alpha werewolf who is determined to get the Ice Queen beneath him. Oh, the interactions between these two are hilarious. She says or does something Sheldonish and he just kind of pats her on the head and bulldozes things to go his way. He totally manages her and it works. There is an actual story here, but the real prize is the love affair. I strongly recommend this book for at least that, if nothing else.
Wicked Ways by Cynthia Eden~ 3 stars
I don't have much to say about this one. It was a typical PNR. You have insta-love, which I don't care for, hot shifter sex, which I do, a villain, conflict and a HEA. It was good, but not great.
July 18, 2019
I absolutely love this series ! I kept postponing reading this story, because..just because.. no valid reason as such..
And then recently I just gave it a chance. And while I am a huge fan of Miki, Irene Conridge is soooo amazing!! I mean, what a character. Just the way I like ! And may I add what a thorough wolf Niles Van Holtz is.. makes it all good.. Loved the chemistry !!
I guess the characters were more effective for me than the story. She is clueless and he is determined. A chance situation leaves her in his care, exactly what he wants. It was refreshing reading their relationship progress. So satisfying this book.
I have loved each book in this series. But my 5 stars are purely for Irene Conridge.. Such a pure character!
And then recently I just gave it a chance. And while I am a huge fan of Miki, Irene Conridge is soooo amazing!! I mean, what a character. Just the way I like ! And may I add what a thorough wolf Niles Van Holtz is.. makes it all good.. Loved the chemistry !!
I guess the characters were more effective for me than the story. She is clueless and he is determined. A chance situation leaves her in his care, exactly what he wants. It was refreshing reading their relationship progress. So satisfying this book.
I have loved each book in this series. But my 5 stars are purely for Irene Conridge.. Such a pure character!
February 24, 2022
Read "Miss Congeniality" by Shelly Laurenston and thought it was hilarious. I had always wondered how Van Holtz and Irene got together. It was hilarious. Irene reminds me a lot of Miki from GO FETCH I love Shelly's writing.
I have never read anything by Cynthia Eden and am not into vampire books. My love for vampires was ruined by Twilight.
I have never read anything by Cynthia Eden and am not into vampire books. My love for vampires was ruined by Twilight.
December 16, 2022
Technically, I only re-read the first story, Miss Congeniality. It's a novella in the Magnus Pack series, and of course it's hilarious.
March 30, 2018
I love Van and Irene. Irene is sassy and Van is just a mess.
June 16, 2022
First story was good but the second, I just couldn’t get through fast enough.
First 4.5 stars
Second 3.0
First 4.5 stars
Second 3.0
February 20, 2015
Howling or Purring, these 'Furry' Bad boys are oh so good
I just recently discovered Laurenston and her shapeshifter romances, which have humor, heat, oh-so-alpha males, and females who are strong, sexy and even more dangerous than the males. Her heroine here, though human this time, was very original. It was fun to see the almost robotic ruthless ice queen, Irene -- who was so cerebral and lacking in her social interactions that she has to think carefully before she acts to come up with an acceptable emotional response -- turn to a puddle under hero wolf-shifter Van's sensual assault. I also enjoyed seeing Van squirm when in "marking" Irene to save her life he discovers the hard way that `marking' a woman isn't just a quaint old wolf shifter tradition. Instead, much to his surprise and dismay, he finds himself really and truly hooked to a woman that wants nothing to do with him and his rampant libido, and he's tied forever to a woman that hates sex and thinks it's a germy waste of time. Van's pursuit and eventual capture of Irene was also good, even though Van and his courting style did feel pretty familiar -- his attitude and steamroller approach to dating reminded me very much of Smitty's in Laurenston's previous book. Maybe it's a wolf "thing". -- added 9/2009 Now that I've read Laurenston's earlier pack books, it was fun to see that Irene and Van had parts there.
But even though I bought When He Was Bad for Laurenston's contibution, it was Eden's that ended being my favorite of the two stories. In Eden's story, Miranda's sexy new neighbor comes to the rescue when her date with the awesome guy she found on the internet turns into a brush with death at the fangs of a vampire serial killer. But Miranda savior is also more than he seems, there is an almost unbelievable reason for his sensual feline grace and animal magnetism. I liked the way that school teacher Miranda comes quickly to grips with her new view of the world and finds the courage to not only pursue her attraction to the sexy Sam, but to also take on her vamp attacker and make sure that he doesn't get an eternity to indulge in his lethal sadistic hunt. But what I really loved about Eden's story, was that the way Eden portrayed her hero jaguar-shifter Sam - Sam really had the feel of someone who was not quite human and someone who was often more animal than man.
I definitely recommend When He was Bad, even if you don't normally like anthologies, both authors pack a lot of romance in this shorter space with a nice balance of steam and story. If you like Laurenston's contribution here you might also want to check out The Mane Event (Pride, Book 1)with Lionshifter Mace and The Beast in Him (Pride, Book 2) with wolf-shifter Smitty, and I'll be looking for more of Eden in Everlasting Bad Boys.
I just recently discovered Laurenston and her shapeshifter romances, which have humor, heat, oh-so-alpha males, and females who are strong, sexy and even more dangerous than the males. Her heroine here, though human this time, was very original. It was fun to see the almost robotic ruthless ice queen, Irene -- who was so cerebral and lacking in her social interactions that she has to think carefully before she acts to come up with an acceptable emotional response -- turn to a puddle under hero wolf-shifter Van's sensual assault. I also enjoyed seeing Van squirm when in "marking" Irene to save her life he discovers the hard way that `marking' a woman isn't just a quaint old wolf shifter tradition. Instead, much to his surprise and dismay, he finds himself really and truly hooked to a woman that wants nothing to do with him and his rampant libido, and he's tied forever to a woman that hates sex and thinks it's a germy waste of time. Van's pursuit and eventual capture of Irene was also good, even though Van and his courting style did feel pretty familiar -- his attitude and steamroller approach to dating reminded me very much of Smitty's in Laurenston's previous book. Maybe it's a wolf "thing". -- added 9/2009 Now that I've read Laurenston's earlier pack books, it was fun to see that Irene and Van had parts there.
But even though I bought When He Was Bad for Laurenston's contibution, it was Eden's that ended being my favorite of the two stories. In Eden's story, Miranda's sexy new neighbor comes to the rescue when her date with the awesome guy she found on the internet turns into a brush with death at the fangs of a vampire serial killer. But Miranda savior is also more than he seems, there is an almost unbelievable reason for his sensual feline grace and animal magnetism. I liked the way that school teacher Miranda comes quickly to grips with her new view of the world and finds the courage to not only pursue her attraction to the sexy Sam, but to also take on her vamp attacker and make sure that he doesn't get an eternity to indulge in his lethal sadistic hunt. But what I really loved about Eden's story, was that the way Eden portrayed her hero jaguar-shifter Sam - Sam really had the feel of someone who was not quite human and someone who was often more animal than man.
I definitely recommend When He was Bad, even if you don't normally like anthologies, both authors pack a lot of romance in this shorter space with a nice balance of steam and story. If you like Laurenston's contribution here you might also want to check out The Mane Event (Pride, Book 1)with Lionshifter Mace and The Beast in Him (Pride, Book 2) with wolf-shifter Smitty, and I'll be looking for more of Eden in Everlasting Bad Boys.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 18, 2014
(Dec) Miss Congeniality: 4* I read this years ago - one of my first SL stories I think. I loved it then and loved it now! Irene is a typical SL heroine - cold, bitchy, funny without realizing it. Van was funny, sexy, clueless and just a lot of fun. Not her best story, I still found this one enjoyable and like to go back and reread it every so often. I liked it wsa well when Irene and her family appear in Miki and Conal's story.
Wicked Ways: 3* I think this is the first (and one of only a couple of) Cynthia Eden story I've read. I liked it, but didn't love it. Cain and Miranda were a nice couple, but the story seemed too repetitive for such a short story. I did like the mysterious vamp who showed up towards the end but I don't know if he ever got his own story - if so I would read it.
Wicked Ways: 3* I think this is the first (and one of only a couple of) Cynthia Eden story I've read. I liked it, but didn't love it. Cain and Miranda were a nice couple, but the story seemed too repetitive for such a short story. I did like the mysterious vamp who showed up towards the end but I don't know if he ever got his own story - if so I would read it.
October 13, 2013
Favorite book
July 3, 2013
I enjoyed finding out about the doc and Van, plus I loved the 80's flashbacks!!
February 12, 2021
Miss Congeniality - 5 Stars
Ok, yep I definitely needed this story. I have been curious about Irene's story for awhile. She's been such a fun side character in the later books in the greater series. I love the feisty little human. She's a genius and she takes no flack from anyone. She has little patience for stupid and will fight for herself. I always enjoyed her relationship with her mate too. Niles is totally an alpha male, but he absolutely appreciates all sides of his mate's incredible brain. I think he loves that the only one who sees more than her cold side his himself.
Wicked Ways - 3 Stars
This was interesting, but the insta-love with out a lot of character development fell a little short for me. Miranda's thrown into a world she never knew existed when she finds herself targeted by a vampire and protected by a jaguar shifter. As much as I liked Miranda and Cain as a couple I wanted a little more development of the world and how everything worked together, which can be hard in a short. I think the story probably also suffers some from being paired with a Shelly Laurenston story since I adore her books so much. Still if this was to be the start of or part of a series I would look to read more and see how things developed in a longer story.
Ok, yep I definitely needed this story. I have been curious about Irene's story for awhile. She's been such a fun side character in the later books in the greater series. I love the feisty little human. She's a genius and she takes no flack from anyone. She has little patience for stupid and will fight for herself. I always enjoyed her relationship with her mate too. Niles is totally an alpha male, but he absolutely appreciates all sides of his mate's incredible brain. I think he loves that the only one who sees more than her cold side his himself.
Wicked Ways - 3 Stars
This was interesting, but the insta-love with out a lot of character development fell a little short for me. Miranda's thrown into a world she never knew existed when she finds herself targeted by a vampire and protected by a jaguar shifter. As much as I liked Miranda and Cain as a couple I wanted a little more development of the world and how everything worked together, which can be hard in a short. I think the story probably also suffers some from being paired with a Shelly Laurenston story since I adore her books so much. Still if this was to be the start of or part of a series I would look to read more and see how things developed in a longer story.
July 4, 2020
How did I miss this book?!?!?! Okay, anthology. Whatever. Somehow, I did. "Miss Congeniality" - I'm a big fan of Laurenston's Pack series, with Nils Van Holtz and Dr. Irene Conridge playing secondary roles. Getting to see how they met and Nils managed to "catch" the doc despite his best intentions had me laughing out loud. Totally 5 stars.
"Wicked Ways" - I've not read Cynthia Eden. Her worldbuilding is interesting and I like her characters but I just didn't get "into" the story. It was a good listen. 3 stars
Also, 5 stars to Nick Toren for his narration, which gives this book a 4.5 from me.
February 17, 2022
I was going to give it 4 stars just so Ms Laurenston doesn't get a big ol' head... but I can't. It's a novella - it says so right there in the foreward (or somewhere near it) , so it's short and sweet, and it's charming, adorable, funny... I loved it. Having read the Magnus series and then reading this, it's interesting to go into the Wayback machine and see Niles van Holtz and Irene Conridge in their youth (she's...24-25?). Even more direct and terrifying than she is in later iterations, it's funny to watch their courtship - neither of them really want to have to deal with this (even though each is affected by the other). The government drama is scary and hysterical. With the Pride/Magnus series I just strap in and enjoy the ride - and this is no different. Charming and delightful. Cheered me right up. The epilogue is a nice touch, too!
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February 19, 2018Only read Cynthia Edens book and it was meh
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