nikkisreadingx's review against another edition
4.0
Bleeding Heart by Michelle Rowan; 1 star.
I did not read the first book for this series and I haven't read this author before. However, I hated this book so much, I will not be reading anything else in this series and I probably won't read this author. I have a love-hate relationship with 1 person POV, more hate than love, and this one really dug into why I hated it. The writing style and characterization told the story and showed nothing, not even the growing attraction between the two characters. It also repeated so many different 'realizations' that I couldn't wait for the book to be over.
Skin & Bone by Ava Gray; 3.5 stars.
I haven't read the books in this series and haven't read this author before and probably will look to change that. I really enjoyed this book. The characters were established well, the chemistry slowly building, but present, and a great pace, especially for a short story. My biggest criticisms for this on is that I have no love for the supporting cast. They seemed a little 2D, but that could be due to my limited reading of the series. It's also not a good one to read standalone. There's limited information to gleam, so I was floundering some to get an idea of what was going on.
Angel-Claimed by Jory Strong; 4 stars.
Good characters, really interesting plot, seriously interesting world. I am definitely interested in looking further into the series because there was just so much to play with. There was a wonderful balance of supporting characters that were well-fleshed out, but didn't take away from the main characters. The chemistry was definitely there and there were a lot of sex scenes. Thing is, they still didn't pull away from the plot so I definitely enjoyed it.
Primal Kiss by Lora Leigh; 4 stars.
I've read bits and pieces of this series throughout the different anthologies and this was the first one I read where I was a little lost at first. However, the further into the plot I got, the clearer everything became and for where in the overall series plot this book falls in, Leigh did a wonderful job giving out the needed information. Love the characters. Absolutely love them. I want to seem them in a full novel of their own. I really liked how they paired against each other and the chemistry between them was building as soon as the story started.
Overall, I recommend this anthology. Outside of the first story, I enjoyed what I read and they all do a great job of keeping to the same theme. There's something in this story for everyone and overall a great read.
I did not read the first book for this series and I haven't read this author before. However, I hated this book so much, I will not be reading anything else in this series and I probably won't read this author. I have a love-hate relationship with 1 person POV, more hate than love, and this one really dug into why I hated it. The writing style and characterization told the story and showed nothing, not even the growing attraction between the two characters. It also repeated so many different 'realizations' that I couldn't wait for the book to be over.
Skin & Bone by Ava Gray; 3.5 stars.
I haven't read the books in this series and haven't read this author before and probably will look to change that. I really enjoyed this book. The characters were established well, the chemistry slowly building, but present, and a great pace, especially for a short story. My biggest criticisms for this on is that I have no love for the supporting cast. They seemed a little 2D, but that could be due to my limited reading of the series. It's also not a good one to read standalone. There's limited information to gleam, so I was floundering some to get an idea of what was going on.
Angel-Claimed by Jory Strong; 4 stars.
Good characters, really interesting plot, seriously interesting world. I am definitely interested in looking further into the series because there was just so much to play with. There was a wonderful balance of supporting characters that were well-fleshed out, but didn't take away from the main characters. The chemistry was definitely there and there were a lot of sex scenes. Thing is, they still didn't pull away from the plot so I definitely enjoyed it.
Primal Kiss by Lora Leigh; 4 stars.
I've read bits and pieces of this series throughout the different anthologies and this was the first one I read where I was a little lost at first. However, the further into the plot I got, the clearer everything became and for where in the overall series plot this book falls in, Leigh did a wonderful job giving out the needed information. Love the characters. Absolutely love them. I want to seem them in a full novel of their own. I really liked how they paired against each other and the chemistry between them was building as soon as the story started.
Overall, I recommend this anthology. Outside of the first story, I enjoyed what I read and they all do a great job of keeping to the same theme. There's something in this story for everyone and overall a great read.
tomokizu's review against another edition
3.0
I don't know what I should think about this book. The only story I really enjoyes was the Breeds story by Lora Leigh. I didn't even like the Ava Gray story, even though I'm a big fan of her. I would not recommend this book, but that's a personal opinion.
Edit: I gave this book another chance and read it yesterday. Some of the stories in the book seem to have been a continuation of a story previously released. Due to that some of it was hard to follow, because I didn't know the stories and worlds created there. I actually stumbled around a lot in this book, had to reread parts and finally was able to figure out what the story was about. I do have to say that I'm still not a big fan of the book, but I enjoyed it more than I did the other time.
If you like Djinn/Angel stories check it out. If you're a Breed fan, do read it, because the story in here seems to be important for the continuing storyline. If you enjoy Dhampyr/Vampire stories you might take a peek, but be aware, that this is the continuing story of a novel and could be confusing. And if you like stories about a second chance, why not, grab it.
Edit: I gave this book another chance and read it yesterday. Some of the stories in the book seem to have been a continuation of a story previously released. Due to that some of it was hard to follow, because I didn't know the stories and worlds created there. I actually stumbled around a lot in this book, had to reread parts and finally was able to figure out what the story was about. I do have to say that I'm still not a big fan of the book, but I enjoyed it more than I did the other time.
If you like Djinn/Angel stories check it out. If you're a Breed fan, do read it, because the story in here seems to be important for the continuing storyline. If you enjoy Dhampyr/Vampire stories you might take a peek, but be aware, that this is the continuing story of a novel and could be confusing. And if you like stories about a second chance, why not, grab it.
brandiwyne4018's review against another edition
3.0
The only novella that I could understand was Lore Leigh's Primal Kiss and that's because I follow that series. When it comes to anthologies, I read them to discover new authors but this one I couldn't get with. I felt as if I was doing way too much work trying to figure out characters and make sense of it all. I think that novellas should be a bridge for the returning reader but also an entrace to new comers of the series or of the genre.
ciannait76's review against another edition
3.0
Bleeding Heart by Michelle Rowen: 4/5 Even though it is part of a series I got enough of the back story to enjoy it very much.
Skin and Bones by Ava Gray: 3.75/5 Another one that is part of a series but is very much stand alone too. You don't get confused about who is what and why. I just couldn't get into the characters very much. The story though was really good.
Angel-Claimed by Jory Strong: 2.25/5 I'm not sure if this was part of a series or not but I found myself skimming and skipping a lot to get to the end.
Breed 23 - Primal Kiss by Lora leigh: 4/5 I think this is one of the good breed stories after the last few that weren't so good. I hope she continues on the same path.
Total = 3.5/5
Skin and Bones by Ava Gray: 3.75/5 Another one that is part of a series but is very much stand alone too. You don't get confused about who is what and why. I just couldn't get into the characters very much. The story though was really good.
Angel-Claimed by Jory Strong: 2.25/5 I'm not sure if this was part of a series or not but I found myself skimming and skipping a lot to get to the end.
Breed 23 - Primal Kiss by Lora leigh: 4/5 I think this is one of the good breed stories after the last few that weren't so good. I hope she continues on the same path.
Total = 3.5/5
sewcialist_librarian's review against another edition
3.0
Interesting collection of stories. Nothing spectacular. In fact, this is series bait....just a way to further a series without a full book.
schomj's review against another edition
3.0
For me, the stand-out stories were by Gray and Strong, but they're both better if you've read previous books in their respective series.
Bleeding Heart by Michelle Rowen
Strong but vulnerable characters, interesting storyline, but the writing style didn't really work for me. I think it has something to do with the pacing of the dialogue, but I'm not sure. This is a normal reaction for me to Rowen's writing, though, so it might just be a taste/personal preference sort of thing.
Skin & Bone by Ava Gray
You'd definitely get more from this story if you've read others in the series, but it also works very nicely as a stand-alone. Mature characters dealing with plausible problems in ways that make sense (well, plausible in a paranormal reality, anyway). The romance was really sweet and makes me believe that Silas and Juneau have a future together, but if you're addicted to your clear HEAs, this might not do it for you.
Angel-Claimed by Jory Strong - I really liked this one, but I've been a Strong fan since her EC days. Both the plotting and the phrasing are dark and ornate; if you prefer things that are fairly straightforward, this might not appeal to you. (Unlike some other reviewers, I didn't find it at all confusing, but I have read a few other stories in the Ghostland series.) Finally, while I really enjoyed the push-pull in Addai and Sajia's relationship, if you dislike D/s elements in romance, this probably isn't going to be your cup of tea.
Primal Kiss by Lora Leigh - All the books in this series are kind of cracked out and have very little in the way of logical consistency, but this is the first story I've read in this series that I would call boring. I don't remember the characters because even when I was reading about them I didn't care about them. I'm not sure if I'm just burned out on the Breeds, but... this is the final nail in the coffin in terms of my willingness to read more of these.
Bleeding Heart by Michelle Rowen
Strong but vulnerable characters, interesting storyline, but the writing style didn't really work for me. I think it has something to do with the pacing of the dialogue, but I'm not sure. This is a normal reaction for me to Rowen's writing, though, so it might just be a taste/personal preference sort of thing.
Skin & Bone by Ava Gray
You'd definitely get more from this story if you've read others in the series, but it also works very nicely as a stand-alone. Mature characters dealing with plausible problems in ways that make sense (well, plausible in a paranormal reality, anyway). The romance was really sweet and makes me believe that Silas and Juneau have a future together, but if you're addicted to your clear HEAs, this might not do it for you.
Angel-Claimed by Jory Strong - I really liked this one, but I've been a Strong fan since her EC days. Both the plotting and the phrasing are dark and ornate; if you prefer things that are fairly straightforward, this might not appeal to you. (Unlike some other reviewers, I didn't find it at all confusing, but I have read a few other stories in the Ghostland series.) Finally, while I really enjoyed the push-pull in Addai and Sajia's relationship, if you dislike D/s elements in romance, this probably isn't going to be your cup of tea.
Primal Kiss by Lora Leigh - All the books in this series are kind of cracked out and have very little in the way of logical consistency, but this is the first story I've read in this series that I would call boring. I don't remember the characters because even when I was reading about them I didn't care about them. I'm not sure if I'm just burned out on the Breeds, but... this is the final nail in the coffin in terms of my willingness to read more of these.
laurla's review against another edition
Bleeding Heart by Michelle Rowen - Nightshade #1.5. A woman now carries a deadly drug in her blood. The drug turns vampires to ash with just a taste, but it is also slowly killing her, so she and her dhampyr ally are hoping to find a cure. connected to Rowen's new Nightshade series. "leave me, save yourself." "stop being a bad movie cliche and get on your feet. i'm not going anywhere without you."
Skin & Bone by Ava Gray - skin #2.5. When an earthquake hits in Ecuador, a man with much to atone for saves a woman caught under the rubble and finally finds someone who doesn't fear him, a woman who sees him as a hero instead of the monster he considers himself to be. - Connected to Gray's 'Skin' series. "are you going to judge me too? tell me i'm not serious enough? answer this: how does that HELP anything? how does misery make things better? i learned a hell of a long time ago that its better to decide to be happy - and pay attention here, make no mistake, happiness is a choice. if i choose to focus on all the terrible things in the world, then i might as well shoot myself because its not getting better. or i can take my pleasure where i find it. i refuse to live my life under a rain cloud, even if other people think i should." "but it wasnt as she'd feared. he didnt judge her for knowing what she wanted and going after it. nor did he condemn her because she liked sex and didnt care whether it always occurred in the confines of a committed relationship."
Angel Claimed by Jory Strong - Ghostland World #3.5. An immortal seeks to reclaim the woman he lost centuries ago, despite his dreams of how their reunion will play out, he will not simply force her to submit to his claim but will first help her to keep a vow to the vampire family she is bound to.
Primal Kiss by Lora Leigh - Breeds #23. Breed enforcer Creed is undercover protecting the daughter of one of the Breed's enemies, she's a potential pawn just waiting to be used by the Breeds or by their enemies to force her father's cooperation. But Creed's priorities may well be tested if as he has come to suspect she is his mate. breed series. "a spitfire with more courage than good sense sometimes."
Skin & Bone by Ava Gray - skin #2.5. When an earthquake hits in Ecuador, a man with much to atone for saves a woman caught under the rubble and finally finds someone who doesn't fear him, a woman who sees him as a hero instead of the monster he considers himself to be. - Connected to Gray's 'Skin' series. "are you going to judge me too? tell me i'm not serious enough? answer this: how does that HELP anything? how does misery make things better? i learned a hell of a long time ago that its better to decide to be happy - and pay attention here, make no mistake, happiness is a choice. if i choose to focus on all the terrible things in the world, then i might as well shoot myself because its not getting better. or i can take my pleasure where i find it. i refuse to live my life under a rain cloud, even if other people think i should." "but it wasnt as she'd feared. he didnt judge her for knowing what she wanted and going after it. nor did he condemn her because she liked sex and didnt care whether it always occurred in the confines of a committed relationship."
Angel Claimed by Jory Strong - Ghostland World #3.5. An immortal seeks to reclaim the woman he lost centuries ago, despite his dreams of how their reunion will play out, he will not simply force her to submit to his claim but will first help her to keep a vow to the vampire family she is bound to.
Primal Kiss by Lora Leigh - Breeds #23. Breed enforcer Creed is undercover protecting the daughter of one of the Breed's enemies, she's a potential pawn just waiting to be used by the Breeds or by their enemies to force her father's cooperation. But Creed's priorities may well be tested if as he has come to suspect she is his mate. breed series. "a spitfire with more courage than good sense sometimes."
michellecupboardmaker's review against another edition
A fairly typical short story collection. None really stood out. I brought it into the store.