Review: GOOD OPENING BOOK- a little short, but packed full of action, magic and fun
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 03 26, 2011
NO SPOILERS or plot summaries. Recommendations included.HIGH LEVEL: Book 1 of an erotic, paranormal romance series that boasts a wide variety of fae creatures from Sidhe to vampires to leprechauns and dragons. Stories are fun and light, while also full of magic and heavily lusty sex. There is some lighter bondage and toy play. This is a short book, quick read, not quite completely satisfying, but definitely an intriguing start to a series that could be a TON of fun. (I've read book 2 and it's even better!)PLOT: Nice pacing with plenty of tension, but abruptly resolved. The plot managed to encompass not only the central couple, but also their family and introduced us to the greater politics of the magical world. I notice other reviewers thought there was too much plot for this to be erotica- I can't agree. I can't enjoy something that doesn't offer stakes greater than the central romance. This book offers both nicely. It was resolved too fast, though. It also suffered BIG TIME from First Book Syndrome where it spends too many of its short pages setting future books.CHARACTERS & ROMANCE: Leo and Ruby were both good characters and it was a sweet romance. Ruby was definitely the stronger of the two- it was nice to have a girl who was a more natural shape. I loved her smart mouth. Leo wasn't really developed enough, but still sexy. Their attraction was a little too fast, but still satisfying. The scene using the toys was a bit surprising though- not as well done as I've seen in other books. It kinda came out of left field, so I can see why other reviewers weren't thrilled with it. That kind of thing can be highly erotic when done properly, but it was a bit clumsy here. Aside from that, though, this was a strong romance- I really wanted these two to stay together. The plot worked nicely around them.BOTTOM LINE: Strong opening to a series. It gives a little bit of everything- sweet romance, funny characters, rich magical world, lusty sex, and plenty of action. It might have been better as a longer story, but overall I really enjoyed it.RECOMMENDATIONS:1. R.G. Alexander's steamy vampire/were/witch romance series:Regina in the Sun (Children of the Goddess)2. Vivian Arend'sTidal Wave: Forces of Nature, Book 1- a light, lusty read with frolicking dolphins3. Anya Bast'sWitch Fire (Elemental Witches, Book 1)- sweet, sexy para-romance with witches, demons and more4. Kresley Cole's adventurous  and intricate magical romance series (never mind the ridiculous title):A Hunger Like No Other (Immortals After Dark, Book 1)5. Jacquelyn Frank'sJacob (The Nightwalkers, Book 1)- demons, were, vamps and other fae finding their better halves in races that should be the enemy6. Larissa Ione'sPleasure Unbound (Demonica, Book 1)- demon centric romance series that sets up a demon-run hospital under a human city. Not as well written as the others.7. Sherrilyn Kenyon'sFantasy Lover- Dark Hunter series with shifters, vamps and Greek gods. The first book is not as good as the rest- it just gets better and better.8. Renee Michaels' sexually adventurous, but basic werewolf romanceHer Chosen Wolf: The Were Chronicles, Book 19. J.R. Ward'sDark Lover (Black Dagger Brotherhood, Book 1)- darker, more violent and incredibly intense vampire romance series. Vampires protect the world from evil. Vivid glimpses into the evil perspective as well.10. Lara Adrian'sKiss of Midnight (The Midnight Breed, Book 1)- also darker, more violent, but incredibly intense. Vampires protect the world from their evil brethren.