Laila Blake

Reviewed by: Rabid Reads.

I've rarely seen an author stick with the same couple throughout a Paranormal Romance series, and even though Moira & Owain’s HEA wasn't 100% resolved when BY THE LIGHT OF THE MOON concluded, it had still reached a point that I was satisfied with. In this installment readers reconnect with the love struck duo who are now on the run because of their taboo mating, and although I enjoyed a number of aspects of this story, as a whole I found it somewhat lacking in the excitement department. I liked learning more about the heroine's origins, the fae elements were fascinating, and Laila Blake's werewolves are undoubtedly smexy, however three quarters of this novel revolved around the protagonists bumbling their way through the woods which was... boring. As a result, A TASTE OF WINTER didn't quite live-up to this series' debut.

Due to publications issues, the time elapsed between the first and second installments was pretty significant, so I was happy that the author gave me ample opportunity to refamiliarize myself with the characters, and her LAKESIDE universe. I liked that we got to peek-in on Maeve, Moira's mother, and gain a better understanding of her coloured past. She and her daughter have something in common in that they both fell in love with an off-limits male, but that's where their similarities ended because Maeve's tale is as far from happily-ever-after as you can get. Her character had to make some really tough decisions, and sacrifice her own romance for her children's safety; I had previously doubted her motivations, however that's no longer the case. I was also pleased to discover that not all of Blake's fae are evil.

The chemistry between Moira & Owain was one of the high points of book 1, and I enjoyed this element even more the second time around. My main complaint about the previous installment was the lack of bedroom action, so I was thrilled that the author poured on the steam in this latest addition. The couple underwent an interesting role reversal too because the Blaidyn gets captured, is severely injured, and the heroine is forced to not only save his werewolf hide, but also nurse him back to health. This showed great character growth on Moira's part, she's come a long way from the soft noblewoman she started out as in BY THE LIGHT OF THE MOON. That being said, after a while this shift got old, I missed Owain's alpha maleness, and the one-the-run story line grew rather tiresome after 150+ pages.

Once the POV shifted to Rochmond's castle, things got a lot more interesting. I disliked Brock/Brody in the first novel, but in this one I downright hated him! The author succeeded in creating a loathsome villain while also weaving in some gripping fae politics, it's just too bad that this aspect wasn't at the center of the plot. I'm sure you're all familiar with changeling lore, however Blake added a unique twist which was downright freaky. I wasn't overly fond of Iris in the previous book, but her character definitely redeemed herself in this tale. Niamh's intentions still remain unclear, and I confess that I'm not exactly sure how this trilogy is going to end. Two babies are born, one of evil and one of light, but unless some major time jumping happens I can't see how either of them will determine the fate of LAKESIDE.

A TASTE OF WINTER had some pleasing elements, and Laila Blake's writing continues to delight, but as a whole it was borderline filler.… (mehr)

I was generously provided an e-book copy of this book from the author. Thank you!

My first impression was "Oh boy, a lovely introduction, but slow, slow, slow". Unfortunately there were two downsides to this book:

1. I wasn't a fan of the main character. She had little substance... other than her unique qualities.
2. I don't think Fairies or Fae are a subject I am interested in. I'm not sure if it was True Blood or reading Shakespeare that ruined them for me...

The novel begins with Moira being led back inside by her guards from a night of frolicking around the castle that is run by her father. While the descriptions and style of writing were intriguing, it just didn't go anywhere for me. I thoroughly enjoyed the writing style. It's very relaxing and feels like I'm reading a good book. However, there was something missing for me in this particular story.

Moira is fascinated by the moon and enjoys sneaking off every night to be outside and in touch with nature. I loved that part. I understand the feeling. Unfortunately, I lost touch with the book after her character descriptions repeatedly described her as childish in nature and looks. When a Blaidyn, or a werewolf, Owain is introduced to watch over her on her nightly escapades her descriptions don't change and the romance falls flat because of this.

Besides the awkward romance with a Blaidyn, there was a betrothal to a controlling human who is from another part of the island and a fae story that were discretely introduced through just about every other chapter. I felt it was unique because of all of the hinted connections, but I can't decide if it was the fact that I didn't connect with any of the characters, they didn't fit well enough into Moria's life, or because each one of those chapters did feel like they were just character introductions. I felt a little confused and bored at times.

The ending left us with a HEA and enough background to this new world that the next story will be a new chapter in Moira's life. Hopefully with her a bit older.

Even though the overall story was good, the individual elements were severely lacking in quality. However, I would recommend it to anyone that loves unique fae stories that create a new world with complicated relationships, but I will be staying away from magical elements and childish young female characters in adult novels for quite a while because of this.… (mehr)

See my blog (link in my profile) for a little note on the subject of reading/reviewing an indie published novel.

My Review:

I was generously provided an advanced e-book copy of After Life Lessons from the Authors/Publisher. This has no affect on my review process.

After Life Lessons was a romance story, first and foremost. If you are looking for "brains" and romance like I was, be forewarned that while this does include a fair amount of zombie violence- it wasn't what I was expecting.... and that's a good thing. It tackled issues that one might face given the chance of survival in this situation.

In the beginning we find Emily and her son Song walking along the snow covered road virtually on the brink of freezing to death. They find a gas station to hide out in as a last attempt to stay alive. This is where we meet an intimidating stranger, Aaron, who later becomes Emily's love interest. What I found so unique about this story compared to other adult romance novels I have read was that there was no instant attraction. Emily's feelings for the stranger and his interaction with her son and his inevitable involvement in their lives (because there was no one else around) was believable. With the small "adventures" they had on the road trying to survive the elements their relationship grew slowly. Emily's past unravels throughout the story all while she finds out information little by little on her companion, Aaron and what it means to be alive in this new world.

I found Emily a little bit aggravating. At times she was so trapped in the past; she was fretting about things that ultimately didn't matter. I know this was a complicated romance (with brilliant growth), however, Emily caused problems with her constant anxiety over her dead fiance. Major problems. Her attitude almost caused all of their deaths and she was all over the place with her emotions afterwards; apologizing and then causing bigger problems for herself and Aaron later on. Her actions were believable, yet I didn't feel that they were entirely appropriate for an apocalypse, especially with a young son to watch over.

When Emily wasn't fretting over "real-world" issues rather than "gone-to-shit world" issues she was a clever character. Her slow-burning romance with Aaron was adorable and believable. She was able to bug him enough throughout their "adventures" to have him fall in love with her and unveil his secrets. Aaron was a strong male character-non violent and caring with a military past. Perfect for an apocalyptic romance, I think.

The writing kept the story going at a nice pace, the story wasn't too predictable, and I found myself caring for the characters despite their shortcomings.

The ending was entertaining. Everything happened so fast. I really appreciated it after such a low zombie count. I am looking forward to reading the next installment. I want to know what happens next... and if I have predicted what might happen for the future of Emily, Song, and Aaron!… (mehr)

There are some great cookies out there, am I right? But we all know that some…say, an oatmeal cookie…go from being a standard sugar fix to a mouth-watering treat with just the right addition of a little somethin’-somethin’. Whether you prefer raisins or chocolate chips in that oatmeal is up to personal taste (by now you should be well aware of where my vote is cast), but without one or the other, it’s just another cookie. That’s where I found myself while reading After Life Lessons by Laila Blake and L.C. Spoering. It was more than oatmeal, but it didn’t hit the chocolate high I was looking for.

The opening pages of this NA zombie romance immerse the main character, Emily, in a blinding snow storm, trying to find shelter before the elements—and the undead—catch the hapless pair of mother and son. There is no question the two emerging authors of this novel get things off to a gripping start. And once our co-tagonist, Aaron, shows up to lend a hand, the trio continue to find themselves in perilous situations that rival that other tasty storytelling treat on TV, The Walking Dead.

Once the action subsides, however, the authors try a new slant on the genre by adding the recipe variable of sexual situations. If you’re up for that variation, no worries, but it’s the conversations between the co-tagonists that turn things into a bland mix. Aaron and Emily would start a conversation that would turn monosyllabic ending with one or the other walking away in a huff, but…er, why? The dialogue bordered on bland, and I found myself two or three bites into a chapter where I would have to stop and say, “What the hell did I just eat?” There was way too much narrative spent on Emily hung up on a lost love in a world that didn’t leave time for those kind of parameters any more.

Luckily, that’s right around when the zombies would come back into the fray, and all was engaging in the story again. This cookie isn’t for the palettes of those easily offended as the recipe contains considerable variables (see above), but it’s worth sitting down to enjoy with a glass of milk all the same.… (mehr)