Book Review: Beyond the Highland Mist

Beyond the Highland Mist

Highlander #1

By: Karen Marie Moning

Published by: Dell

Release Date: May 2007

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Audience: Mature
Source: Owned by Reviewer

You know, it is said that you never forget your first.

Well, Hawk was my first . . .

Highlander.

I have to admit I've never been one to swoon over the kilt-clad Highlanders. As far as the romance genre goes I usually stick with the paranormal romances and steer clear of the historical romances, BUT I love (okay, maybe I'm borderline obsessed with) Karen Marie Moning's Fever series. From the Fever Series lovers, I have heard mixed opinions about the Highlander Series by Moning. Feeling as if I was less than adequate to figure out all the mysteries in the Fever Series, I decided to see if any of the Highlanders would give me insight into the brilliantly twisted world Moning created in the Fever Series. If you are looking to compare the two series, you might want to stop right here. This is like comparing apples to oranges. Although, the plot in Beyond the Highland Mist is more complex than your typical romance, it's not comparable to the Fever series. I have found myself enjoying the Highlanders (Who wouldn't? They are overtly sexual guys in kilts WITH accents. Duh.) That being said-- I have still caught myself looking for clues to the Fever Series, and the Highlanders provide great insight into how Moning became one of the great romance writers. (I think I might have an author crush!)

Book Review: Eternal Rider

Eternal Rider

Lords of Deliverance #1

By: Larissa Ione

Published by: Grand Central Publishing

Release Date: April 1, 2011

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Audience: Adult
Source: Purchased by Reviewer

What can I say? I'm a sucker for a bad boy, and they don't come much badder than the Four Horseman of the Apocalypse. Ares is the first Horseman in Larissa Ione's Lords of Deliverance series, and I think it's best to start with dessert first.

A bad boy of biblical proportions? Can't be beat. Although, Ares is not as bad as he could be. His Seal, which prevents him from ushering in the Apocalypse (he embodies War ), could be broken by a lucky lady, Cara. Just kidding. The situation with Ares is dire as he struggles to protect his seal (that just sounds a little dirty, huh?), which in an obviously not too unfortunate event, has been left in the possession of a lonely mortal woman. Can I get an Amen? What single woman in her prime, and in her right mind, would ever be disappointed with that?

Well, Cara isn't so sure about this brash and distant stranger with whom she's been thrown into the most bizarre of situations. Ares is unsure as well, and that makes for one cranky Horseman. I love how the relationship between Ares and Cara develops. To see a mortal woman bring a Rider of the Apocalypse to his knees is good stuff. Larissa Ione has delivered another great series.

Summary of Eternal Rider from Goodreads:

They are here. They ride. The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse.

His name is Ares, and the fate of mankind rests on his powerful shoulders. If he falls to the forces of evil, the world falls too. As one of the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse, he is far stronger than any mortal, but even he cannot fight his destiny forever. Not when his own brother plots against him.

Yet there is one last hope. Gifted in a way other humans can't-or won't-understand, Cara Thornhart is the key to both this Horseman's safety and his doom. But involving Cara will prove treacherous, even beyond the maddening, dangerous desire that seizes them the moment they meet. For staving off eternal darkness could have a staggering cost: Cara's life.