The Prince and the Single Mom [Magic and Love 1] (Siren Publishing Classic) [Kindle Edition]

The Prince and the Single Mom [Magic and Love 1] (Siren Publishing Classic) [Kindle Edition]

Morgan Ashbury (Author)

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Kindle Price: $5.99 includes free international wireless delivery viaAmazon Whispernet

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

Catharine Jones knows all about smooth talking hunks. Believing in one brought her heartache -- but also her precious son, Jamie. Since then, she's kept to herself, determined that no other man is ever going to use then discard her. Phillip De La Croix isn't just another hunk. Aside from being a pediatrician, he's the youngest son of Boisdemer's reigning king. The moment he meets Catharine and her son, he's sunk. But can he convince Catharine to believe in happy-ever-after, with him? Hannah Jones has never had an affair in her entire life! But then, she's never met a man as intriguing as Alex Cross. Soon, she opens her heart and her body to Alex. Alex has been coming to this resort for years, but has never been tempted before meeting Hannah. Against the rules of chivalry, however, he fails to tell Hannah one important fact: he is the king of Boisdemer. Their fairy godmothers have their work cut out for them.

Sensuality Rating: SCORCHING
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Length: Novel (45,000 words)

5 Kisses: "The Prince and the Single Mom is a charming story by Morgan Ashbury. I love the fairy tale feel of the story and the fairy godmothers. Catharine has been so hurt by a man in the past that her response to Phillip takes her by surprise. Phillip is the perfect hero! He sweeps Catharine as well as her son off their feet. I loved the way he doesn't disregard her child. Hannah and Alex's love affair is a wonderful addition to the story. They share true passion and caring and their love scenes are very poignant. The Prince and the Single Mom is a wonderful read I highly recommend!" -Tara Renee, Two Lips Reviews

4.5 Stars: "The Prince and the Single Mom is a sweet fairy tale that confirms the power of love. I enjoyed both Catharine and Hannah's stories. Catharine became a single mom at a very early age and is skeptical of men. I love that Philip is patient with her and anticipates her concerns. He's wonderful with her little boy, interacting with him as one would expect a father to do. The love scenes between them are steamy and the ending will melt your heart. I loved the way Ms. Ashbury wrote Hannah's story. She's a young widow who decides to throw caution to the wind and have an affair that will last her a lifetime. The interaction between Hannah and Alex is superb with great dialogue and sexual encounters. Hannah's story does not conclude at the end of this book, which makes me hope that in books two and three of the series, Ms. Ashbury will continue with Hannah and Alex's tale. I definitely will be returning to the Kingdom of Boisdemer in the future for other stories in this new series." -Claudia Orpik, Just Erotic Romance Reviews

4 Angels: "Catherine is a lovely heroine and Phillip is truly 'Prince Charming'. These two are just spectacular together. Their chemistry is spot on, with lots of tender moments. Catherine's hesitation to embark on a relationship is understandable, and Phillip's ability to sway her will win the heart of readers. He is such a yummy hero, it is not hard to understand Catherine's capitulation. Hannah and Alex's story begins in this book but is not resolved. Hannah and Alex are the respective parents of Catherine and Phillip. This is a mature couple, and their story is just as compelling as their children's. The dialogue between them is sizzling. Hopefully, the author will present more of their story in the upcoming books in this series. The Prince and The Single Mom is an enchanting romance with fairytale aspects to the story. The author has done a great job weaving her storylines together. It contains plenty of eroticism and romance. This reader looks forward to the next book in this series." -Susan T, Fallen Angel Reviews

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Product Details

• Format: Kindle Edition
• File Size: 419 KB
• Publisher: Siren Publishing (November 21, 2007)
• Sold by: Amazon Digital Services
• Language: English
• ASIN: B000ZLMD9K

 

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

The Prince and the Single Mom, September 10, 2008

By M. Nix "Joyfully Reviewed" -

This review is from: The Prince and the Single Mom [Magic and Love 1] (Siren Publishing Classic) (Kindle Edition)

Single mother Catherine Jones and her young son (Jamie) are accompanying her mother (Hannah) on a trip to the kingdom of Boisdemer, which Hannah won. This is really the first time that Catherine has let loose and had some fun since she was duped by Jamie's father. She is enchanted by the man who is helping Jamie on the horse, during a horse-riding outing from the resort. She is intrigued by his looks as well as his demeanor. Though when she finds out he is a real life prince she is not so sure anything can come of the spark they seem to feel. Can Phillip convince her that she is meant to be a Princess and that he loves her son?
Hannah is drawn to the older handsome man (Alex) she sees across the room. She is not sure she ever felt a fluttering her stomach over a man before. But, she takes a chance, as she is on the vacation of a lifetime, and decides to do more than just a little sailing on his boat. While both of their feelings for each other grow ,Alex is also `digging a deeper hole for himself' you see he has forgotten one important thing in his dealing with Hannah. He has forgotten to tell her he is not really mild mannered Alex Cross, he is actually King Alexander.
The two fairy godmothers that are trying to get these two couples together definitely have their work cut out for them in this story.
The Prince and the Single Mom is the fantastic start of a series of stories by Ms. Ashbury featuring the modern day kingdom of Boisdemer and princes, kings, and a fairy godmother or two. For those who don't believe in fairy godmothers anymore you should read this story and it just might change your mind. Ms. Ashbury does a wonderful job with the romance between Kate and Prince Phillip, including how Jamie would be a strong part of any relationship and Phillip's acceptance of him could make or break a relationship. Additionally, Hanna and Alex's romance shows the reader that just because you are more than forty does not mean you are dead. The author did a great job in planning out the story so that both plot lines worked together and even fed off each other in places. She additionally made the reader see how important it is to tell the truth and even lies of omission may someday come back to bite you. I found The Prince and the Single Mom a fun contemporary romance.

Fire and Ice: Vampire Slayers, Volume 2 [Kindle Edition]

Fire and Ice: Vampire Slayers, Volume 2 [Kindle Edition]

C.S.Wolfe (Author), MiaRose C. J. Schaal Smith (Illustrator)

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Kindle Price: $11.99 includes free international wireless delivery via Amazon Whispernet

 

 

ditorial Reviews

Product Description

The adventures of Carmen and Adrian continue. She’s the secret vampire society’s protector and slayer, and he’s a powerful vampire leader and 2nd in command. They struggle with their undying love for each other as they battle enemy slayers, vampires, and repeated attempts on their lives. Carmen tries, with difficulty, to conform to their rules, which makes her more aware that even though she’s a slayer and a council member, in a lot of ways she’s still considered a 2nd class citizen for being human. On a trip to England, Carmen learns that not all vampires have embraced a more modern way of fitting in with humanity. The vampires there still adhere to the old traditions… where most of the legends originated. They feel modern vampires are crass and impure. Her frightening encounters with one vampire in particular, show Carmen not all are interested in embracing the help of slayers and consider them abominations that should be destroyed. Sci-fi fantasy. PG13 for Romance,Horror
SLIVERTHORN PRESS REVIEW
Once again, author C.S.Wolfe brings us into the fantastical world of the Secret Vampire Society, where her main characters Carmen and Adrian fight forces determined to keep their love apart; the same forces that threaten their very existence.
Carmen is now entrenched in the Society's vampire culture and Adrian is second in command in the hierarchy, almost guaranteeing her safety, as once again the forces of fortune are wreaking havoc around them. Even though she is secure in her abilities as a slayer and is trusted by most in the Society, she will face the grave challenges of being human among vampires.
As they travel to the old country, Carmen will realize not all vampires embrace our modern society. She will find they hold on tightly to the old traditions, and are willing to destroy those who would challenge that view. In the middle of this is Adrian who is now torn between protecting the woman he loves and his loyalty and responsibilities to the Society.
The beauty of the characters, that C.S. Wolfe creates, is their complexity. They are not flat characters. These are not your every day vampires, and although they have the ability to walk in the day, they still hold to the traditional view of vampires.
The book, full of mystery, adventure, betrayal, and romance, is rated PG-13, making it accessible to teens. And C.S Wolfe creates an incredibly self reliable female character in Carmen. An artist and a woman who is not afraid to follow her heart, she is strong and smart, and many times ends up saving, instead of having to be saved.
In this, her second novel in the Fire and Ice series, C.S. Wolfe does a stellar job at presenting a heart wrenching love story told through believable, in-depth characters. You will want to believe the tale she weaves, the tale of the secret society of vampires.
- Silverthorn Press with Corbin Silverthorn

Product Details

• Format: Kindle Edition
• File Size: 1347 KB
• Publisher: booksurge; 1 edition (November 9, 2009)
• Sold by: Amazon Digital Services
• Language: English
• ASIN: B002YQ2JE8

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

LOVE THIS SERIES!!!!, February 16, 2011

By T. Hollenbeck (Michigan) -

Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?)

This review is from: Fire and Ice: Vampire Slayers, Volume 2 (Kindle Edition)

I absolutely Love this book, along with volume 1. I can not wait for volume 3 to come out. I am in my mid 30's a mom of 2 and loved the twilight saga books and movies. I have not been able to find anything I've liked even half as much as Twilight until this series. I love how the author writes. You can actually envision these characters. I love the passion Adrian and Carmen have for each other. I could not put this book down.

As Great as the First,

By Cynnie -

Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?)

This review is from: Fire and Ice: Vampire Slayers, Volume 2 (Kindle Edition)

I did not think it was possible for a Series to continue and be as great as the first Volume. Again, I could not put the book down once I started it. I took it to bed with a light to read by. I enjoyed the Twilight Saga, but in my opinion this Series of books beats them hands down. I can actually envision these characters. I love the passion between Adrian and Carmen along with the problems they face with one being a Vampire and the other human. I cannot wait to read the 3rd in the series. Again Ms. Wolfe has outshone herself. Please keep the series going!

Blood & Fire 2: Blood Curse [Kindle Edition]

Blood & Fire 2: Blood Curse [Kindle Edition]

Mychael Black (Author)

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Kindle Price: $5.99 includes free international wireless delivery viaAmazon Whispernet

 

 

 

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

Jason Summerfield has finally found the man of his dreams -- Greek vampire Julian Kristados, and together, they’re enjoying life in Julian’s mansion on the outskirts of Atlanta, Georgia. Jason’s still going strong with his metal band, Firestarter, and they’re developing a big following throughout the area. Along with the fame, though, Jason has also garnered the attention of a stalker.
When the stalker’s attentions turn mysterious and potentially deadly, Julian seeks the advice of a friend, fellow vampire Gabriel Walsh. They discover the truth behind the stalker, but will they get to Jason in time to save him from forced repayment of an ancestor’s debt?

 

Product Details

• Format: Kindle Edition
• File Size: 68 KB
• Simultaneous Device Usage: Unlimited
• Publisher: Changeling Press, LLC (October 16, 2009)
• Sold by: Amazon Digital Services
• Language: English
• ASIN: B004OR1SYM

 

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars The saga continues...., July 14, 2011

By

Vixen (Crescent City, CA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Blood & Fire 2: Blood Curse (Kindle Edition)

This is the 2nd installment in the Blood & Fire series and it's a good one. The characters gain more depth and the storyline truly pulls you right in. Although you can read it on it's own, I would recommend reading the first book as it will give you better insight. Anxiously awaiting the next book in this series!

 

I greatly enjoyed Blood Curse and can't wait for the next installment in the bloody fantastic Blood and Fire series., June 23, 2011

By M. Nix "Joyfully Reviewed" -

This review is from: Blood Curse: Blood & Fire, Book 2 (Audible Audio Edition)

Pyrokinetic singer Jason has found the love of his life: undead vampire Julian. Things couldn't be going better for Jason, except for the fact that he's attracted a stalker. At first he ignores the creepy packages from the mystery person, but when he gets a potentially dangerous gift, Jason knows he has to tell Julian. What Julian and his friend, fellow vampire Gabriel, discover is that Jason's stalker is more deadly than any of them could have imagined. He's out to have a blood debt fulfilled and the only blood that will do is Jason's.
Vampires and curses and stalkers - oh my! Mychael Black's Blood and Fire series gets even more exciting with Blood Curse. Jason and Julian are back and hotter than ever, their love and lust for one another making Blood Curse sexy as hell. I loved getting to know the two men better and it was a joy to see their relationship grow. Add in a heavy dose of danger with Jason's stalker and Blood Curse zips along at a rapid pace, taking readers (or listeners, as it were) on one hell of a thrill ride. In addition, Blood Curse introduces a new vampire, Gabriel, who intrigued me immediately.
Blood Curse is the second story in the Blood and Fire series, but it can be read (or listened to) as a standalone. I greatly enjoyed Blood Curse and can't wait for the next installment in the bloody fantastic Blood and Fire series.

 

This was awful, July 3, 2011

By W. Spencer (Alexandria, VA, United States) -

This review is from: Blood Curse: Blood & Fire, Book 2 (Audible Audio Edition)

This has to be the worst book I have ever downloaded from Audible; it is only surpassed in its poor writing and narration by the first installment of this series. I purchased both because they were so cheap, and totally regret that move. The writing is immature and forced. The m/m written so badly it's embarrassing to listen too. The narrator sounds like a bombastic radio announcer slumming-it for the money; the accent's so poorly done they sound cartoonish. Don't be a fool like me; save your money or credit for something better than this trite book/series.

Kiss Me, I'm Irish (Time For Love) [Kindle Edition]

Kiss Me, I'm Irish (Time For Love) [Kindle Edition]

Bella Street (Author)

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Kindle Price:$2.99 includes free international wireless delivery via Amazon Whispernet

 

 

 

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

Emily Musgrave is heading a direction she never wanted to go in Regency England--namely a convent to turn her from her waywardness. But it's more loneliness than rebellion that motivates her to escape her certain fate.
Liam Jackson is going nowhere fast in modern-day Tennessee. Playing his Dobro in seedy bars and backward dives along with his fiddling sister, Tinker, is doing nothing for his music career--and even less for the dark places in his soul.
Pixie mischief can not only change time-lines, it can change hearts. Because sometimes a girl just needs a little magic in her life.

 

From the Back Cover

In 1830, Emily Musgrave is heading to a convent for misbehavior. In modern-day Tennessee, Liam Jackson is playing his Dobro in seedy bars. It's doing nothing for his career and even less for the dark places in his soul.
Pixie mischief can not only change time-lines, it can change hearts. Because sometimes a girl just needs a little magic in her life.

 

Product Details

• Format: Kindle Edition
• File Size: 448 KB
• Simultaneous Device Usage: Unlimited
• Publisher: Firefly Press (April 19, 2011)
• Sold by: Amazon Digital Services
• Language: English
• ASIN: B004XD1ZYK

 

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

By Diane Moody (Kingston Springs, TN United States) -
This review is from: Kiss Me, I'm Irish (Time For Love) (Kindle Edition)

I loved this story! Bella Street has told a tale spanning many centuries as her main character, feisty Emily Musgrave of Cornwall, takes an unexpected trip to the future. Plopped smack dab into the middle of a quick getaway scene with singer Liam Jackson and his quirker sister Tinker, Emily faces a whole new world . . . and all that comes with it. From riding behind Liam on a roaring contraption called a "motorcycle" to modern conveniences like hot running water and laundromats, Emily tags along with the unusual siblings as they make their way to Nashville and all the promises of Music City. But secrets revealed put the three at odds, even as a few other "appearances" by those from the past pop up here and there. This would make a GREAT movie, complete with a Celtic/blue grass soundtrack! Bring it on!

Love this story!, April 30, 2011

By Kinley Baker -

This review is from: Kiss Me, I'm Irish (Time For Love) (Kindle Edition)

Kiss Me, I'm Irish is light paranormal at its best. I couldn't help but fall for Liam. He immediately drew me in and made me want to root for him. Tinker is an awesome, modern character who contrasts the heroine, Emily, perfectly. Emily is a wayward young lady from Regency England. Thrown into modern life, her journey is one of self-discovery. She's a great heroine who keeps it pretty cool despite the time traveling, pixies and Liam. This story has plenty of twists. It was a fun read that made me laugh, smile and keep reading until the very end. I'd recommend Ms. Street to anyone looking for a great time travel romance.

Fast paced, clever and funny! Unputdownable!, May 11, 2011

By

Clare Havens "Clare Havens" -

This review is from: Kiss Me, I'm Irish (Time For Love) (Kindle Edition)

Bella Street has done the near impossible task of taking someone from a previous era and put them in the present day and made their voice and behaviour completely authentic without sounded cliched or forced in any way. I can only imagine the amount of research Bella had to undertake to write so knowledgeably about times gone by! This book is fast paced, clever and funny! I didn't want it to come to an end!! I highly recommend it!

The Short Second Life of Bree Tanner: An Eclipse Novella (Twilight Saga)

The Short Second Life of Bree Tanner: An Eclipse Novella (Twilight Saga) (Hardcover)

  Stephenie Meyer (Author)

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Product Description

Fans of The Twilight Saga will be enthralled by this riveting story of Bree Tanner, a character first introduced in Eclipse, and the darker side of the newborn vampire world she inhabits. In another irresistible combination of danger, mystery, and romance, Stephenie Meyer tells the devastating story of Bree and the newborn army as they prepare to close in on Bella Swan and the Cullens, following their encounter to its unforgettable conclusion.

 

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Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #7 in Books
• Published on: 2010-06-05
• Released on: 2010-06-05
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Hardcover
• 192 pages

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Customer Reviews:

Dead in the Family (Sookie Stackhouse, Book 10)

Dead in the Family (Sookie Stackhouse, Book 10) (Hardcover)

Charlaine Harris (Author)

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Product Description

The #1 New York Times bestselling Sookie Stackhouse series- the basis for HBO(r)'s True Blood-continues!
After enduring torture and the loss of loved ones during the brief but deadly Faery War, Sookie Stackhouse is hurt and she's angry. Just about the only bright spot in her life is the love she thinks she feels for vampire Eric Northman. But he's under scrutiny by the new Vampire King because of their relationship. And as the political implications of the Shifters coming out are beginning to be felt, Sookie's connection to the Shreveport pack draws her into the debate. Worst of all, though the door to Faery has been closed, there are still some Fae on the human side-and one of them is angry at Sookie. Very, very angry...

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Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #3 in Books
• Published on: 2010-05-04
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Dimensions: 1.18" h x 6.30" w x 9.28" l, 1.17 pounds
• Binding: Hardcover
• 320 pages

Features

• ISBN13: 9780441018642
• Condition: NEW
• Notes: Brand New from Publisher. No Remainder Mark.

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Customer Reviews:

“Mixed Feelings”,
Review Date : May 4, 2010
Reviewed By :  TSouth "tsouth" (Indiana) -

This review is from: Dead in the Family (Sookie Stackhouse, Book 10) (Hardcover)

Was DITF a good read? Yes. Is it my favorite book of the series? No.
I think after reading Dead and Gone I expected a lot more to come out of DITF. I thought that I would see more of Bill and Sookie working on their relationship. Be that as friends or more. I expected a great deal about Sookie and Eric. I thought that Alcide would play more of a role especially after Tray. I even thought Quinn might show back up. While we got some answers about Eric and Sookie several more were brought to the surface. Bill and Alcide were just glazed over essentially and Quinn was never mentioned. This booked seemed unfinished almost as if it were a stepping stone to the next book.

Several plot lines were introduced bought not resolved. This book could have been magnificent but it wasn't.

The problem I have with this book is that I can't sit here and tell you what BIG thing happened. Several little things were brought about, but no big climax. The story flowed nicely but if felt like it was just a normal Sookie day sitting out in the sun waiting for something bad to happen. While I appreciate that Sookie needs time to recover the story lacked momentum.

As a reader I feel that I've waited a year and I didn't get the fix I needed. It's almost as if my book was missing 200 or so pages. The story I received was nice but I keep looking for the next part.

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“All in the "family"”,
Review Date : May 4, 2010
Reviewed By : E. A Solinas "ea_solinas" (MD USA) -

This review is from: Dead in the Family (Sookie Stackhouse, Book 10) (Hardcover)

"Dead in the Family" has a very appropriate title -- all sorts of family members pop up, and not just for Sookie. Charlaine Harris still can whips up a pleasant warm Southern vibe for her not-so-urban fantasies, but unfortunately this latest novel isn't quite up to her usual standards: it's basically a mass of fluffy in-between storylines that rarely go anywhere.

Just after Amelia leaves for New Orleans, Sookie's cousin Claude appears at her home and asks to move in with her, since he's a lone fairy who needs the presence of another. Bill is suffering from silver poisoning AND depression, and Sookie has to find a "relative" who can help him. And Eric has some family issues as well -- his maker Appius Livius Ocella shows up on Sookie's doorstep, along with his "son"/lover Alexei.

To make matters worse, unidentified fairies and weres have been crossing Sookie's land,, and it also turns out that there's a dead body buried back there. And it's not Debbie Pelt's. Now Sookie must unravel the secrets plaguing the supernaturals around her, or there might be even more deaths.

"Dead in the Family" feels like Charlaine Harris wrote half-a-dozen short stories, ripped them apart at the seams, and then sewed them back together. There's no central plot to this book, just a mass of fluffy subplots woven loosely around each other. And some of the stories don't really have much point to them, so the book feels cluttered and fragmented.

The saving grace is that some of those subplots ARE interesting, mainly the ones that develop the characters -- the whole subplot involving Bill and the elderly Caroline Bellefleur is quite sweet and touching, and it should be interesting to see where Harris takes the religious/political pressure on the weres. And the typically bloody climax is a pretty shocking, gruesome one, if a bit slapdash.

But Sookie's characterization is very shaky in this book -- Harris zooms through her entire recovery from being TORTURED in ONE CHAPTER (ARG! Cop-out!), and initially she seems so aggressive that it feels like she's channeling Anita Blake. Fortunately she gets steadier and sunnier after the first few chapters, and it's intriguing to see her various family members interacting with her -- fae, were and telepathic human.

And there's some much-needed development given to the sexy, devil-may-care Claude (it's very cute when he's goofing around on the playground with Hunter), as well as new insights into Bill and Eric's lives and families (both living and undead).

"Dead in the Family" is all about the family ties, but it feels like Charlaine Harris just whipped together a bunch of short story ideas rather than writing a cohesive plot. Better luck next time.

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“Excellent Addition”,
Review Date : May 8, 2010
Reviewed By : Penny (Houston, Texas) -

This review is from: Dead in the Family (Sookie Stackhouse, Book 10) (Hardcover)

Make no mistake -- this is not a perfect book, but as it gets much more right than wrong and is much more in keeping with the earlier Sookie novels in tone, I give it the full 5 stars. There are spoilers herein, so beware!

What it gets right: Eric, Sookie gets her moxie back (mostly), Eric gets even more complex character development, the progression in Eric and Sookie's ability to express their love for each other, Bill getting his own Happily Ever After in such an unpredictable but welcome way to tie up his storyline, the return of some of the humor that endeared the early books to so many fans, the deepening friendship between Pam and Sookie, Jason maturing and acting the part of big brother for once, Claude's protectiveness of Sookie, and the more leisurely pacing overall.
I have long been a fan of Eric/Sookie, and I was definitely pleased with how things progress between them in this book. The mutual admissions of love were lovely (from Eric: "When my eyes open, I think of you, of every part of you" and "If this is not true love, it's as close as anyone gets"). It seems that Sookie is less and less concerned about the blood bond and is now acknowledging to herself and Eric that her feelings are as genuine as his. They laugh, banter, flirt, argue (and make up!), support each other, share emotions and secrets, express their love and protect each other fiercely.

I must say that I was surprised in reading the more negative reviews to see how many were penned by professed Eric/Sookie fans, who were lamenting the lack of sizzle and romantic tension. It seems to me that there is still sizzle between them, but the sexual tension is naturally tamped down to some extent now that the chase is over and they have settled into a relationship. I think Ms. Harris is attempting to show us what Eric and Sookie would be like as a couple leading their day-to-day lives, if they stay together. This is something many fans have long wanted, and I want to go on record as saying "Bravo!"

I absolutely loved the way that Ms. Harris gave Bill his own happiness -- it was such a unique and unpredictable plot twist (in my eyes anyway). Pam, as always, is hysterical with her dry humor and her sly teasing of Eric and Sookie.

It was a very welcome change for Sookie, albeit changed in some fundamental ways over the course of the series, to be more herself in this book. The characterization seemed so off in the previous novel, and I was glad to see it all back on-course with this one. One of the funnier moments was when Pam, looking disgusted at needing to relay this information on, tells Sookie that Eric says he is proud of her (for her part in a fight she and Pam end up in). I also welcomed Sookie starting to ask herself some hard questions about what she truly wants from life and what being a human or turned into a vampire might mean for her. We fans know that Ms. Harris has promised that Sookie will never be a vampire, but Sookie doesn't know this of course. So, it was good to finally see her debating the questions of aging vs. immortality (although with all these vampires dying a final death in Harris' novels, immortality is looking like it's not all it's cracked up to be!), having children and the fact that most vampires she knows were turned in the prime of their life.

Now, what did it get wrong? Well, I do agree with the reviewers who think the book suffered from lack of a cohesive driving plot line. It did feel more episodic than the other novels, but again, I thought the previous novel had far too many plot lines going on. The pacing was good for this one, but it lacked momentum and/or a central organizing plot. Ms. Harris did say that it wasn't until she finished the book that she identified the one unifying thread was the subject of family bonds.
Despite the news that Ms. Harris has at least two continuity editors reading the drafts (not to mention the publisher's paid editing staff), there are still lots of consistency errors and glitches. They were not as distracting in this novel, admittedly, but I do wonder why this many pairs of eyes are not catching some of these problems at the outset.

My biggest substantive complaint centers around the planned side-trip to Sam's brother's wedding. I wish Sookie would just tell Sam what she was thinking: that when she agreed to go, she and Eric were not in a solid relationship but now they are. But, as it seems this is the point of a novella coming out this winter, it looks like it is going to happen. So now I just have to assume that Eric was somehow persuaded to be in favor of this trip to family wedding with Sam. I'll be anxious to see how that all plays out.

Finally, I think many reviewers may not be aware that Harris was attempting to answer some fan questions from her site's boards and from signings in the early sections of this book. To those who weren't aware of what she was doing, it's easy to see how they might be confused by the "checklist" tone and by some of the information included as an aside here and there.

If Ms. Harris were reading this, I would say thank you for such a great novel, I thoroughly enjoyed the read! I also would suggest that she tell her publisher that she won't write to a deadline any longer. I think that the strain of putting out one Sookie book every May, in addition to her other writing and commitments like touring and conventions, is showing. Speaking as a huge fan of her work, I would much prefer to wait longer for the next books and have them be stronger works for having the extra time.