Paranormal Romance & Urban Fantasy discussion

I'll start:

Kresley Cole IAD Book 1

I did like the characters and writing stlye. It was my first time reading her, but about half way in I didn't like how she kept switching back to the family or coven or whatever. I like for a story to have (at least the first book in the series) just one solid story line. Minor plots are fine like encountering someone and maybe saying why they are in the picture. I liked the chemistry between the main characters and wanted to continue but it was really confusing for me to try and follow what everyone's goal was. I am not as familiar with vampire, faery, witch paranormal romance so wheh author's throw out characters and I really can't follow the "history" given b/c it's not something I know. I hope I made sense. I know IAD is a popular series. I wonder if some people could explain what the storyline is, not just why they like the series.

Almost done reading Blood Ties by Jennifer Armintrout and I liked the first book in the series (there are 4) just fine and all, until the second book. She put in secondary characters' stories where there were none of those in the first book. Had it been that way, then I wouldn't have minded but I really didn't care about these secondary characters' lives or their causes. The book was about vampires but then she throws in werewolves and lupins and I don't care much about werewolves. I'd have preferred it if she didn't do the switcheroo and have us read the secondary characters but alas, she didn't. I'm almost done and it was a decent read, although I hear the ending will leave me like WTF?

A Darker Crimson, by Carolyn Jewel, the fourth in the Crimson City series.

I realise being part of a series can make some sort of confusion acceptable, but this was beyond that. The world(s) were poorly constructed on the whole and felt like flimsy sets. There were creatures and items and technology etc that were never explained yet referenced to with weird terminology. It's like details were thrown in solely for the sake of having details, but without adding anything to the novel on the whole and really only confusing me further!

The characters also felt stereotyped and lacked depth, though I liked the heroine and her romantic hero - but these are not unusual flaws in romance. I barely was able to finish it, though, bc of how much I disliked the book and how slow I found it, even though the writing style was decent.

I don't know if it's the series or the writer (each book has a different author) - I do have another in the series on its way to me.

Kenjii, never read any of the Song of Ice and Fire series by George RR Martin if you're bothered by subplots! I do agree in a romance they're a bit out of place.

Hi Kenjii. Well...it's no surprise that I loved this series since I started a group devoted to it LOL.

Although A Hunger Like No Other is the first book in the IAD series, Kresley Cole wrote a short story that introduces the series in the anthology Playing Easy to Get. I didn't read the story so when I first started Hunger, I didn't have a clue what the Valkyrie were so I had to look it up on the internet! When I finished the book I discovered there was a glossary in the back. DOH! I guess it never occurred to the publisher to put it in the front of the book.

The other characters in this first book are important because they all play a role in the subsequent books. I think if you keep reading, it will start to make more sense. You might want to read the short story just to get some background on the world she's created.

I hope you'll continue with the series because it's really great and just keeps getting better.

I hate when the author builds sexual tension between two characters and then keeps stringing us along...FOREVER! They have several "close encounters" but they never "do the deed". Kresley Cole does this in her books but there is finally a pay off and it's really worth the wait. Sometimes I wanted to throw the book against the wall before they finally got it on but at least it eventually happens. I especially hate when you're left hanging at the end of the book and you have to wait for the next book to see if they ever really get it on. Sookie and Quinn was an example of that and then when they finally did have sex, there was no real description of it and I felt cheated. Don't get me wrong, I love my Sookie, but OMG I just wanted them to go to bed already! And don't get me started on the first time between Bella and Edward. WTF? They went in the water together naked and then they wake up in bed the next morning? What happened? Where's my big payoff??!!

Lori: I always said I wished I got more into IAD b/c I did like the writing, the series was off to a great start. I will take your adivce and read the prequel. For now I have a few other series to finish and eliminate others if I don't like them. Hehe. Keep posting. Love to hear your thoughts.
=),
Kenjii

I love Cole's IAD series, but did not find it difficult to follow. Also, my glossary is in the front of the book, not the back. You must have a different edition Lori. Her heroines kick butt; her plots are exciting; her characters grow throughout the course of the book; and she's great at building sexual tension, then delivering the goods. A definite favorite of mine.

I think I've come to the conclusion that I dislike Sherrilyn Kenyon. I find her characters underdeveloped and her writing juvenile and stilted. Especially the dialog. Fantasy Lover was an interesting concept, but poorly written. I expect a 30 year old psychiatrist to sound like a well-educated professional, not a high schooler.

Her short story in Playing Easy to Get was crappy too. The main characters had just met, and barely knew each others first names, and they jump into bed together?? Who does that?? Her heroines are kind of wimpy as well, which is a pet peeve of mine.

I've had Night Pleasures laying around for almost a year, and have never even though of picking it up because I'm so put off by the other two works of hers that I've read.

I just recalled a series (or just the first book really) I disliked. The Black Dagger Brotherhood Bk 1

It was a rec. based on the fact that I had not read any vamp romance and alot of people seemed to like this one. I don't recall the exact turn-off about this book but I keep pushing myself to read a bit more "b/c it was so popular" and I wanted to see what the fuss was about. It wasn't even about enjoying the characters, writing, or story. I would give IAD another chance once I read more about the background of the creatures they kept refering that I knew nothing about.

I did read the glossary to BDB but I didn't even get far enough into the story for that to make sense.

In a vamp story, what I've liked so far is:

For the vamp to be myserious and and with one look burn you with lust.

The feeding during sex wasn't SO bad...

Mature vamps. B/c they have alot of power and have alot of history, alot of things have happened in thier lifetime.
=),
Kenjii

Kenjii, I wasn't a huge fan of the first book either, but I saw enough potential to give the next book a shot, and as the books moved from couple-centered to involve character development in a more general context, as in characters growing and learning from events outside the romance plot, I liked each better than the last.

@Lori

I know what you mean about building the sexual tension and then not giving us the payoff. I just finished Faefever by Karen Marie Moning (3rd book in her "fever" series). While I absolutely adore the heroin, Mac, she needs to hop into bed (or on the table, the floor, I'll even take the car) with Jericho Barrons before I go completely insane. Interestingly enough, just the hint that they might be getting it on soon has kept me awake all night reading those books! LOL

But to be honest, I do really enjoy the mystery/story line, too.... I'm just craving that one thing even more ;)

Heather...you're so funny. I'm experiencing the same thing with Anita Blake right now. I think I'm on the last book in the series though that doesn't contain any sex. From what I understand, beginning with the next book, she suddenly becomes a sex machine. I just can't understand how she can resist the two yuumy guys who want her. A hot sexy werewolf and a drop dead (no pun intended) gorgeous vamp?!! I just shake my head a lot and say WTF?

Don't worry, Lori... she more than makes up for it.... (gets all flushed just thinking about it) lol

Yes the building up of sexual tensions is definitely on my top list a prime example is the Mercy series by Briggs. I just wish Mercy and Adam would get it on already. The cliff hangar at the end of book three was a "OMG HOW Could SHE DO THAT TO ME!" and apparently from reading chapter one of book 4. It's going to be more sexual tension.

I just read the Mercy series and was thinking the same thing. At the end of book three I was pretty sure they were finally getting there...but then the first chapter of book four made me think it will take a few more months..or books.

I think I'm on the last book in the series though that doesn't contain any sex. From what I understand, beginning with the next book, she suddenly becomes a sex machine.

Lori, the first book with any sex is "Killing Dance", book 6. She only has sex with one person in book 6, one person in book 7, and one person in book 8. There is no sex at all in book 9. It's largely Edward's book.

Book 10, "Narcissus in Chains", includes multiple sex partners. Until that book, all you have is the romantic triangle between Anita, Richard, and Jean-Claude.

Personally, I'm glad I "caught up" with the series before I wandered into groups talking about the books. I was never spoiled so many books into the future. I read the first 10 books in a row before finding the online communities. And, since the 10th book was the first with any substantial change in style, there wasn't such a negative attitude at the time. (Not saying you have a negative attitude, mind you, just that people who dislike the books have passed on this misconception of the later books in the series.)

new_user: I may re-consider BDB as I know it is popular for a reason. It must be good right? I am re-considering IAD by Kresley Cole as well b/c once I have a better understanding of the paranormal beings they keep refering to (that I did not understand before) I'll enjoy the book more. I did so love the chemistry between the werewolf and the vampire.That was INTENSE. I can see how Cole likes to build the tension. But I also like the world she created. I was just not understand the creatures. As with J R Ward and BDB. I wasn't to much understanding the concept, so I was put off. I will re-consider though, and not totally write off either series. That is what I like about having these posts. To get opinions not just "how can you NOT like..." lol.
=),
Kenjii
PS Sometimes good/bad reviews aren't enough for me.

Kenjii, just like you, my start with book Ward's BDB and Cole's IAD was rocky.

I picked up Dark Lover (1st) and Lover Awakened (3rd) at a library sale. Wasn't even a PNR fan then. Read the first few chapters of Dark Lover, and put it away. One bored day, I picked it up and read it again, this time mildly interested, and started to invest some emotions to the different characters and finished it. Then, I decided to read Lover Awakened, (I know I did not read the series in order), and boom, I just love Z and the brothers. As soon, as I was done, I have to get in the car and go hunting for the rest of the series and consider myself now a fan. I think I reread the series several times now, and has started to understand and appreciate Dark Lover now.

As for Cole's IAD, I read the first story in that anthology "Playing Easy to Get." If I used that as a basis for what the series holds, I would probably have not continued on. But reading other readers raving about the series, I picked up the first full book, and though I was not really impressed by the blurb, I read it, and find that I enjoyed her quirky characters and love the humor and light-heartedness in the book. Except for the last book (Cadeon's book) and the upcoming one (Rdystrom's book), I have to say, I don't like all the blurbs for the other books. However, somehow Cole was able to turn it around once I get into reading the books themselves.

Jennifer, I rarely say this, but I agree with you when it comes to Sherrilyn Kenyon. I know she has a large fan base, and many readers rave about her. Still I have read three books out of her Dark Hunters series, but somehow I cannot get into it. There just seem to be something missing. I keep thinking I should go back and try again, but with too many authors and series to try..I guess, it will be a while.

Yz: I do like Sherrilyn Kenyon. I guess I found her at the right time in my PNR reading time. I hadn't really found an author I was a big fan of. If you consider each of her (Dark Hunter) characters for what they represent. Basically a souless shell of a person that has a second chance at life, with the outer wrapping of the life of a Dark Hunter, then it's easier to digest. No one on this earth will have the perfect pitch througout an entire series, esp one that stretches 20 plus books long. To have the consisancy and imagination to keep the Dark Hunter world interesting enough to continue the series this long is something I can't explain. I read about 7 books in a month trying to catch up before her latest one came out. But there is that old "love em or hate em" line to use when there's no other way to put it. Put her on the back burner, but don't write her off. She has created a one of a kind world. Not many authors have what she does with the characters and world she's created and it's worth reading, I think. In trying to whiddle down my massive TBR pile, I would re-read the Dark Hunter series. That's how much I like to revisit that world.

I look forward to giving IAD and BDB another chance. I have over 200 books on my TBR pile (sometimes I order more but quickly read them in a day and they end up on my swap pile before long) so it'll be some time before I get to them. But I have def changed my mind and opinion about them.
=),
Kenjii

Heather, I completely agree about Faefever. We're into the 3rd book of a 5 book series and Mac and Jericho haven't done the deed. Frustrating!

On another note: I just read Prey by Melina Morel and I have to say I didn't like it at all. Mainly because the writing is so incredibly BAD. The premise was interesting, but the characters are "in love" after knowing each other a week, the love scenes are just corny, and the dialogue between the characters is so bad I feel like I'm watching a bad B (or C, or D) movie. I probably shouldn't have even finished the book, but I really hate to give up. I think in the hands of a better author this could have been a good story.

Heather - you said it all! I'm so frustrated with Mac and Jericho I could scream! The back and forth between these two is enough to drive someone insane... I'm willing to take it anywhere as well, as long as we get some action finally! Get on w/ it already! (Or should I say, get IT on already!!) ;)

LOL, at least I know I'm not alone!!! :D

I echo many of the comments placed here. I, too, tried really hard to like Sherrilon (sp?) Kenyon, but simply could not. I chalked up disliking the first two books of the series as her being a new writer. I read 4 more books of her before I decided that I just disliked her. I knew what I was supposed to be feeling for the characters, and I recognized when she was trying to be romantic or dramatic or angst filled but I just was not engaged with any of the characters at all.

As for Kresley Cole, I am still on the fence about her books. I like that the heroines are strong, but they seem to be the type of strong where they just deny attraction/love/the hero, which gets tiresome.

Meanwhile, I love Mercy Thomspon because I feel Briggs explains Mercy's hesitation really well. According to Briggs website, the sexual tension between Mercy and Adam should be resolved in book four, for which I am incredibly grateful!!

I don't understand why more authors don't write romantic partnerships, such as the one between Eve and Roarke in the "In Death" series. Eve and Roarke are the first ones that come to mind, although those characters are larger than life and I wouldn't mind a series where the characters, aside from being paranormal/futuristic in some way, just have a regular relationship where they act as partners for each other. My hope is that this is how the Mercy Thompson series ends up being.

Does anyone know of any series where that is the case?

Jay: I am not sure what your question is. Partners as in a team and lovers? I've not finished Any given doomsday by Lori Handeland but she seems to be giving her leads the partnership they don't want but are going to need to survive.

From the series I've read most recently

Warriors of Posiden Alyssa Day
psy-Changling Nalini Singh

both leads had to work together in order to complete the process of the courtship. it wasn't just about them meeting and liking each other. I don't know if this is what your talking about exactly...
=),
Kenjii

I think what Jay means, in addition to the partnership idea, is a whole series based on one couple. Most PNR series focus on a new couple in every book, and then they have their happily ever after and you don't hear from them again; at least not much. But it can be interesting to read a romantic series where the leads stay in the same relationship the whole time, working together. It's a different challenge to a writer to keep the same relationship interesting over the course of a series.
I can't think of many series like that, although I'm probably not as well versed in the genre as a lot of people in this group. One that comes to mind is Jeaniene Frost's Night Huntress series. Only two books so far, the third is due out in December, but I have really enjoyed it. It's a first person PNR/urban fantasy series dealing with vampires, the lead has the same love interest the whole time, and they work as a team to fight their enemies. It's really interesting and well written, and the relationship between the two is exciting. I highly recommend it.

I think Rachel Caine's Weather Warden series would probably fall under that "paranormal partners fighting together" theme, although the first book is dedicated to forming the starring duo.

Lynn Viehl's Darkyn series sort of applies. The main couple from the first book continues to play a significant role throughout the rest of the series. Each book brings a new couple together as well, but the first couple is intertwined and integral to the plot of the series. Their relationship continues to grow and change, and they face challenges. It's a great series, and I highly recommend it.

Ok oh ic. Thanks for explaining that to me. if I come across any like that I'll post that here. Only one that comes close so far that I can think of are the Riley Jensen Gaurdina series by Keri Arthur.
=),
Kenjii

Maybe it's just the edition I'm reading but there is a HUGE continuity error in and it's bugging the daylights out of me. In Shane was SHOT, not stabbed...remember the smoking hole in Jason's coat? Now the first couple of chapters of Feast of Fools keeps talking about Shane being stabbed and it is making my head hurt. I know how hard it is to keep the continuity of a long series...I just finished writing book 7 of a ten book series. I've had to go back and change things in books to match up. I've mapped all the books...14 pages of just timeline mapping...so I know how tough it is, but this is a splinter in my finger while I try to read the book. I wasn't entirely sold on the series in the first place (I know, why read four of them if I don't really like them...I got through to Bullet by Laurel K. Hamilton before the stuff I didn't like about the first book got annoying enough to stop me from finishing the 19th), but an error like this one is enough to make me want to throw the book (not a good idea since it's on my phone lol).
/rant

Shari wrote: "Maybe it's just the edition I'm reading but there is a HUGE continuity error in and it's bugging the daylights out of me. In Sha..."

That is funny... I only remember Shane being stabbed. Are you sure someone else wasn't shot? lol. I haven't read it in awhile, so I guess the story is fresh on your brain :)

It seems like a lot of people do not like the whole "built up sexual tension" thing, but I seriously hate when the authors have the two main characters get busy to fast. It takes the anticipation out of the whole relationship. I don't want to be reading about a married couple (because that is pretty much what happens to the relationship after sex is intoduced to quickly), I want to read about people aching to be near one another. In the Morganville Vampires, I feel Shane and Claire's relationship is boring now that they've been doing the deed... lol

Yeah, I just finished it yesterday and immediately started Feast of Fools.
Page 131 "There was a sharp, loud sound, and the smell of something burning, and Claire stared stupidly at the wisp of smoke rising from Jason's coat pocket. There was a hole in the leather.
It wasn't until the bat hit the pavement with a noisy rattle, and Shane collapsed to his knees, that she realized there was a gun, and Jason had fired it. And Shane had just been shot."
I had to go back and look...I'd have felt bad if I'd been wrong lol. :)

Jeanine wrote: "It seems like a lot of people do not like the whole "built up sexual tension" thing, but I seriosly hate when the authors has the two characters get busy to fast. It takes the anticipation out of t..."
Yeah, I think once the deed is done, there needs to be some other conflict/tension introduced or the relationship stagnates.

Shari wrote: "Yeah, I just finished it yesterday and immediately started Feast of Fools.
Page 131 "There was a sharp, loud sound, and the smell of something burning, and Claire stared stupidly at the wisp of sm..."

Now that you mention it, I do remember that. Wow! That's actually a pretty big mistake for a book written by a big published author... Maybe I do have a chance, after all. I am going to find out who her publishers are.. lmao jk.

:). I'm with you there lol. I'm sure it was an editing problem more than a writer problem anyway.

Shari wrote: ":). I'm with you there lol. I'm sure it was an editing problem more than a writer problem anyway."
I don't know. An editing problem would be more like a grammatical situation, right. This is all on the writer.. lol Not that I am judging. I am having my friend read my book right now (the first book I've ever written) and she will text me and let me know the most ridiculous mistakes I have made. I'm always thinking to myself, "am I that stupid?"
I know I'm not, it's just writing a book is hard work. Sometimes we writers get so caught up in our own head, we don't know what comes out on the computer screen.

Jeanine wrote: "Shari wrote: ":). I'm with you there lol. I'm sure it was an editing problem more than a writer problem anyway."
I don't know. An editjg problem would be more grammatical situation, right. This is ..."

Absolutely! I know I get wrapped up in things...sometimes to the point that I lose my train of thought or I think I wrote something that I didn't actually put it in the book, only in the notes.

Shari wrote: "Jeanine wrote: "Shari wrote: ":). I'm with you there lol. I'm sure it was an editing problem more than a writer problem anyway."
I don't know. An editjg problem would be more grammatical situation,..."

I think it happens to even the best, at least that's what I like tot tell myself. The error you noticed in the Morganville Vampire's series is proof of that :) Gives me a little more hope... lmao

Jennifer wrote: "Lynn Viehl's Darkyn series sort of applies. It's a great series, and I highly recommend it."

Huzzah!


Yz the Whyz wrote: "Jennifer, I rarely say this, but I agree with you when it comes to Sherrilyn Kenyon. ."

Hehe. Good to see you're still not a DH lover, Yz. I also am still completely without love for the series.