Jax Garren

I was led to believe that this was a retelling of Beauty and the Beast – the title kind of gave me that idea – but frankly it wasn’t. The only thing this story has in common with the classic fairy tale is that Hauk is (a beast) ugly and Jolie is a beauty. That was rather disappointing.

Once I got over my disappointment, I actually enjoyed the story. Both Hauk and Jolie are likeable characters, even if they are somewhat cliché. Hauk is the big, protective military man with the weird black-outs and Jolie is the rich, wild girl filled with confidence and humor. They are great together and their relationship and interactions carry the story for me and makes it more than just ‘okay’. There aren’t that many secondary characters, but I have to mention the niece – she’s so funny!

The story is more or less pure action, even from the very first sentence and it was quite confusing at first, but I got used to the fast pace. The rescue mission is completely absurd and so is the supernatural element that shows up all of a sudden – but it’s fun none the less and I really liked it. There is one sex scene in the story, which I thought was really weird and could easily have done without.

Overall this story is raw entertainment; it’s stupid, fun, weird, exciting and filled with action. Most likely I’ll read the rest of the series and enjoy the quick entertainment they’ll bring. Perfect for a lazy day on the beach!
… (mehr)

Ms. Garren is one of my favorite authors - I adore Tales of the Underlight with Hauk & Jolie! - and when I learned she has written a M/M story, I just had to get my hands on it. She graciously provided me with an ARC which I immediately cracked open.

The book is a mix of romance (the M/M kind), battling a powerful supernatural evil, and quirky characters. It’s not the most fast paced book I’ve ever read but there’s no way I’d have stopped reading it. The romance is sweet, and I loved following along as Vince and Charlie struggled with both their joined past and how their relationship ended years ago, but also with their feelings toward one another now. They’re both hurt and confused but powerless against their emotions, and in the end love conquers all. Literally.

One of the obstacles in their way to a happy ever after is the fact that Vince is supposed to be sacrificed to an Aztec god. Everything in the story revolving around Aztec mythology was especially interesting to me. You often read books with Norse or Native American mythology involved in them, but Aztec, not so much. (Could be it’s just that I have managed to not stumble upon them, but still…) It felt very fresh and the route Ms. Garren chose for this book was interesting. Not even the longer, so often quite tedious explanations in regards to world building, were boring. And if you take a moment to read about her research into the subject at the end of the book, you'll notice she actually has put time and effort into it.

Out of the supporting cast I can’t not mention Emma and Cash. They were both really fun. Emma came off really positive and excited (all the baby bat talk had me chuckling), and I loved her straightforwardness. Cash holds some of the same straightforwardness as Emma, but what I really liked was his way of getting what he wants and remaining his charming self. After all, he got a house-human/-warder/-blacksmith and nobody was hurt.

All in all, Stripped with the Vampire was a really good start to a series and I’m looking forward to reading more. Next up, Emma and her baby bat, but what I’m even more eager for is Cash’s book. Will he get The One?


*** Review copy provided by the author.… (mehr)

"5 out of 5 stars, two friends and "soul mates" fight the biggest battle of their lives in order to win each other's heart, as well as, to defeat their enemy. This was an epic ending to a delightfully fun series!"

Read more of this review and a teaser here: rel="nofollow" target="_top">http://frommetoyouvideophoto.blogspot.com/2013/05/idolizing-in-tales-of-underlig...… (mehr)