Customer Reviews

Playing Easy to Get

5 star:		(35)
4 star:		(22)
3 star:		(22)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(5)

 

 

The Anthology "Playing Easy to Get" is one of the better anthologies out there. All three contributing authors have gifted the reader with some alpha yummy hero's and paired with feisty heroines. The end result...one hot entertaining read!

Sherrilyn Kenyon's "Turn up the Heat" is one fun read. Allison spends her days cleaning up aisle "whatever" in her local Wal-Mart. When her friend suggests that she should enter a contest where the winner can live out her favorite romance novel she at first scoffs...ya like she's ever going to win anything. But, she does and the second she sets eyes on Vince...she knows her life will never be the same. Vince is on the run from "the family" they want him dead, and he's rather attached to the concept of living to see another day. So when his best friend from childhood saves his bacon and finds him a safe place to hide out he's all for it...that is until he sees Allison getting off the plane. Now staying one step ahead of the bad guys is not his only priority. Now he has to keep a lid on his lust. Will he be able to do this or will this bad boy finally give in?

Jaid Black's "Hunter's Oath" is the story of Sofia. She's just been bride napped by one scary looking cabbie. She's alone in life now since her brother was recently killed in active duty. She's wondering what life has to hold for her now. Well she should have been careful what she questioned. Because now she is going to live underground in a lost Viking world as the bought bride of Johen Stefsson for the rest of her life. But, will this be as bad as she thinks it will or has she just found her hearts desire?

Kresley Cole's debut paranormal read "The Warlord Wants Forever" Myst is a Valkyrie with a problem...she's the forever bride of a vampire. Now lets just forget the fact Valkyrie's and Vampires don't mix...ever...she happens to be attracted to him. Wroth is everything she's been taught to hate. Will she be able to put a lifetime's teaching behind her and accept her fate as this handsome vampires bride or will she let pride and family get in the way?

All three of these short stories are yummy! Now readers should keep in mind...these are not full-length efforts but the author have made the most out of the word count allotted them. Ms. Cole's debut paranormal effort is very good and I look forward to reading her next book. It goes without say that Ms. Black and Ms. Kenyon know their stuff. Ms. Kenyon offers readers another BAD book and Ms. Black's Viking story...hot, hot, and hot. For a quick but very entertaining read...look no further. You won't find so much talent in one book very often.

Since the stories have been summarized very well in the two spotlight reviews, I'll just say what I thought of each one.

Turn Up the Heat by Sherrilyn Kenyon

I never thought that I would see the day when a Sherrilyn Kenyon story was the worst in a collection, but in this case it's true. Turn Up The Heat is another story about Sherrilyn Kenyon's BAD series, without having the agents at the forefront of the story. I didn't care for this story, but I'm not a big fan of the BAD series as a whole. It seemed to me that the way Allison and Vince fell in bed together was a bit too easy, and the gun-toting, trash-talking girl she eventually morphed into is nothing like the heroine we were set up for in the beginning. In my opinion, Turn Up the Heat wasn't the best way to begin this collection, but the other two stories more than make up for its faults.

Hunter's Oath by Jaid Black

Hunter's Oath was a surprisingly erotic and enticing tale. Johen seemed the perfect husband, well besides the whole kidnapping thing. He was a total alpha male on the outside, but he fairly melted around Sofia, which was just about the sweetest thing in the world. I completely understood Sofia's refusal to succumb to having her life stripped from her and her identity removed, but I also admired the way she was willing to put these things aside in her quest for love. I enjoyed this story much more than I thought I would, and am interested to see if Jaid Black has any other stories about this Underground Viking world.

The Warlord Wants Forever by Kresley Cole

I am a huge fan of Kresley Cole's Immortals After Dark series, so this story is the reason I even picked up the collection. Luckily, it did not disappoint. The IAD series is full of take-charge women, and strong, passionate males and when the two get together sparks fly off the page. I've read the two other books in the series, A Hunger Like No Other and No Rest for the Wicked, but I never got an idea of Myst as anything but a submissive, meek Valkyrie who must have just fallen in love. After reading this story, I know that was not the case. Myst fought Wroth tooth and nail for her freedom and autonomy, but in the end true love won out. I'd definitely recommend this story as the best in the collection, and if you like it I'd suggest checking out the other IAD stories.

I bought this book becuase the leading author in this anthology was Sherrilyn Kenyon.

What a disapointment!

Someone must have forgot to "Turn Up The Heat" as the title indicates becuase the story is stone cold. To tell you the truth I was so bored by it I started it and didn't come back for six months. I love Kenyon's Dark Hunter books, but her BAD series (which this book falls under) doesn't really do it for me. I do have a faint hope that it will get better.

The second story "Hunters Oath" by the "Queen of Steam" Jaid Black also left a lot to be desired. I loved her "Death Row" trilogy, but, much like Kenyon, I find her new seires lacking. The idea of a society of Vikings living under the Alaskan wilderness was far fetched, but I warmed up to the idea. The concecept of woman being abducted from above ground and being auctioned off to the highest bidding man was interesting and would probably fulfill a few feminine fantasies, but that wasn't the problem with this story. It was the simple fact I did bot feel an ounce of heat from the two characters. Yes, the sex scenes were erotic, but not well written. Instead of description she just threw in a few raunchy words to pass for passion. Plus, in both sex scenes the herion was drugged up on a powerful aphrodisiac. There isn't much emotional pull or flying sparks, but somehow, twelve chapters later, they're in love.

Kresley Cole, the author unknown to me, dazzled me the most. "The Warlord Wants Forever" was a memorable re-reader and the only reason this anthology remains on my book shelf. It is the first in the "Immortals After Dark Series" and one of my all time sexy favorites. The hero, Wroth, is a tempting mix of domineering warrior and wicked lover. A three hundred year old vampire who has never drank blood and has known nothing but war, in both his living and undead lifetimes, Wroth lives only to help his vampire king restore his crown. That is until he finds a red headed vixen locked in the dungeon of an overthrown castle. The two are attracted to eachother, but when the king order his to torture information out of her he discovers that the little "Fey" looking creature is actually a powerful immortale Valkyrie...and his bride, the only woman that could stir his sexual desires and make his heart beat again. The only problem is after his trying to torure her she is a little mad and leaves him in an "engorged" sexual state...for five years. When he finds her his intentions are to drag her away from everything she knows and take away her freedom. She resists and things get hot...I mean throw away the thermometer hot. Things get even more interesting when Wroth comes in possesion of a gold chain that makes the strong willed Myst do whatever he wants. Myst is one of the most interesting chacters I've read in a long time. She is a two thousand year old warrior with a big heart disguised as a dizzy, slightly crazy slut. Her banter with Wroth is funny, and you do wonder through the book how crazy she is until her past is revealed and you gain respect for the saucy heroin.

In my opinion this one story alone is a great reason to buy this book. And do keep a close eye on this author. There are two more books out in this series (Immortals After Dark) and I highly recommend them. Cole's writing is fresh and she very diffrent from the thousand other voices in this genre and huge breath of fresh air.

I'm a fan of the Immortals after Dark series so I bought this book mainly for the story of Myst the Coveted by Kresley Cole. It was pretty good. It's a short story so obviously couldn't be as involved as Emmaline's or Kaderin's stories - but it was not a disapointment. If you like KC's series it's a must buy as it fills in a lot of the blank spaces about the Forebearers and their place in the Lore. The only thing that wasn't clear was the full truth of Myst's "chain" - its power and place over her seemed a bit vague.

Sherrilyn Kenyon's story was entertaining, too. I've never read one of her BAD stories as I prefer the Dark Hunters but it didn't disappoint. It was fast-paced and full of action - if a bit far-fetched. But hey...this is escapist literature.

The down side to this book was Jaid Black's Story. In my opinion it was just plain STU-PID. Ancient Vikings living in an underground nation of that size in Alaska undetected by modern satellite, seismic and geologic equipment? Alaska? Where they are constantly looking for gold and oil? Come on! The idea for the whole culture was preposterous. It reeked of a cleaned up, less pornographic, less amusing, less believably inventive, earthly version of her Trek MiQ'an Series. At least the TM Series gets you interested in what happens to the characters and (even though I have serious issues with the psychology behind this series) you want to know what happens next. This story just left me with an incredulous grimace and a snort.

So, on the whole, I'd give Ms. Kenyon and Ms. Cole 4 stars for their stories and Ms. Black gets a 1. So on the average I give this one a 3. If you're an Immortals fan - get it. But if you're luke-warm towards Ms. Cole then just get it at the library otherwise it wouldn't be worth the money.

This is a wonderful collection of highly sensual laden and sweetly sinful stories from three extremely accomplished authors.

TURN UP THE HEAT by Sherrilyn Kenyon - Kenyon gives steamy and exciting story with a Cinderella heorine meets a `bad boy' on a fantasy island. Allison is the winner of a `live the novel' romance contest that lands her on a dream island, complete with major `stud muffins' and one darkly dangerous hunk who is hiding out from the mob. Attraction between the two sizzles and between bedroom gymnastics and dodging bullets these two create spontaneous combustion! HOT!

HUNTERS OATH by Jaid Black - Inconsolable over the loss of her brother Sofia didn't pay much attention to the roads the cab driver took while plowing thru the snow to catch a plane back to Tampa. Too late she discovered that she'd been kidnapped and brought to a secret underground `otherworld' where she is auctioned off on the marriage block. Having been given a powerful aphrodisiac by the guardian of the `outsider brides', Sofia couldn't help the `itch' that her new husband, the seven foot warrior Johen is only too willing to take care of. Once the drug wore off, Johen himself becomes the aphrodisiac that convinces Sofia to stay. Romantic and sizzling!

THE WARLORD WANTS FOREVER by Kresley Cole - `Myst the Coveted' is an immortal Valkyrie who considers vampires and other such ghouls her mortal enemy. Nikolai Wroth, a warlord general is a vampire who recognizes Myst as someone special. At first he didn't know just what exactly she was until just before he'd lost her. It then took him another five years to capture this very special Valkyrie. Their battles would be ferocious and their lovemaking exquisite as Wroth fought to convince Myst that she was fated to be his `forever bride'. HOT & SPICY!

I've read Kenyon before and she definitely knows how to heat things up with her BAD boy series; Jaid Black was brand new for me and my,oh my, I do plan plan to look her up in the future. I've read great historical fiction from Ms Cole before and with this debut effort into the paranormal genre she has proven herself equal to the task. The reader won't be disappointed in availing themselves of this exceptional trio of short but extremely titillating stories. These are `smoking'!

buy it. You'll see. It's worth every penny. very hot, very intense and a lot of fun.

Sherrilyn Kenyon's "Turn Up The Heat" is every woman's fantasy. Unlike most of Sherrilyn Kenyon's other novels, this story is about a young woman from a poor background working at walmart. Allison is not your everyday type of girl that she thinks she is. Meeting an old friend brings her an opportunity of a lifetime with the encouragement to go for it. Little does Allison know what is about to take place. Sherrilyn Kenyon brings to life the raw male masterpieces, tropical paradise and enough action to make even the sainted of us envy. The author has really Turned Up The Heat in this novella.

Jaid Black's "Hunter's Oath" is a nice concept of the Viking race. The idea of bride hunters was a little barbaric but actually fits with the overall theme here. Jaid Black has brought us a slice of heaven with this novella. Kidnapped, held captive, sold like the common slave to these Barbarians is enough to make the strongest of women weep. Sofia brings us a character going through the turmoil of everyday life and thrown into situtation that no one would ever consider happening. Drugged to the point of extreme discomfort, Sofia's Barbarian turns out to be a angel in disquise. The amount of changing emotions in this story keeps the reader from putting the book down. It's a story that must be read from beginning to end without interuption.

Kresley Cole's "The Warlord Wants Forever" took me by surprise compared to the other novella's in this book. Two immortal races, immortal enemies are caught in a web of fate that baffles all involved. The main characters are strong, erotic, spiteful and demanding. The sexual attraction is raw while the actual acts are pure carnel hunger. I must say that the story line didn't really make itself visable until two thirds through the novella. Once the actual plot was discovered it was quite enjoyable and explained the beginning of the story.

Overall the book was quite enjoyable but like most anthologies, you read, weep, laugh, drool and then go onto the next.

I purchased this collection because I am a HUGE fan of Sherrilyn Kenyon and I had read some of her other BAD(Bureau of American Defense) stories and I thought this would be a fun read.

First is her story, Turn Up the Heat, and it wasn't quite what I had hoped for. While it is not up to par with her usual offerings, the premise was really weak, the interaction between the hero and the heroine was steamy and believable. That saved it for me, given the silliness of the plot, but as always, Sherrilyn Kenyon writes a great relationship between a man and a woman.

The second story is Hunter's Oath by Jaid Black and I haven't read anything by her before, mostly because everything she writes about is domination and that's not my idea of an enjoyable read. The story was interesting in it's plot line, a group of Vikings who live underground in Alaska and come up only to steal women for their brides. The hero in the tale was dishy and appealing but the wishy washy, not too endearing heroine bordered on tedious for me. Given that it was written as a short, the story seemed a bit rushed to tie everything up at the end to fit into the book. If this hadn't been included in the collection I wouldn't have minded a bit.

The last story, The Warlord Wants Forever, by Kresley Cole, was such a delightful surprise it was like finding a real and very large diamond in the bottom of a box of Cracker Jack. When I read the prologue of the tale I wasn't really sure I wanted read about Valkyries but once I read the first page of Chapter 1, I was hooked. This was a fabulous tale between two headstrong, powerful beings who owe allegiance to people that puts their feelings in direct conflict with their duty. You sense from the beginning that Myst, our heroine, has had a serious crush on the now vampire Warlord, Wroth, since before he was turned vampire. He's drawn to her and when she managed to 'flip his switch' and give him back his senses since being turned a vampire, he knows that she is his Bride, the woman destined to be his mate for eternity. Myst was pretty sure she could turn him but even when she does so, as is her duty to inflict pain and suffering on deserving males of all species, she still feels regret...

And Wroth is not a man to be toyed with, so when she abandons him in a state of agonized arousal with no hope of finding relief for five long years, Myst has some 'splainin' to do when he catchs up to her in New Orleans.

This was by far one of the most wonderful surprises I have had in a book in a very long time and I have added Kresley Cole to my list of must buys when her stories come to the shelves. The story that follows this tale, A Hunger Like No Other, was equally as fantastic and I snatched it up and read it in a single sitting.

This collection was definitely worth the cover price if only to be introduced to Kresley Cole and her indomitable hero, Wroth.

This book may be considered as the sequel of "Big Guns Out of Uniforms" (because of Kenyon's BAD/Hideaway Heroine Sweepstakes serie) and "Tie Me Up, Tie Me Down" (because of Kenyon's HHS & Black's Viking Underworld).

In the novella "Turn Up the Heat", Allison passes time at her boring job (clerk at Wal-Mart... talk about boring!) by reading romance in the book aisle until she wins the sweepstakes that let her live - as the heroine - her favorite romance novel. On the island, she meets Vince, an ex-Mafia who is hiding from his former boss. They fall for each other then run from bad Italian guys. If you are a Sherrylin Kenyon's fan, do not buy this book merely because of her, because - as in most of her BAD/HHS story - she's not up to her usual best.

Jaid Black's "Hunter's Oath" takes us to the world under Artic, where a thousand years ago Vikings emigrated to found a hidden civilization on the urging of their gods, who predicted that in time the women from the Overworld would all die from the plague but that them, being safe underground, would not be affected even though a lot of their women are from up there (...thus bringing the ague with them, no?) Anyway, despite some slight discrepancies, Black's Viking stories are enjoyable (I liked the two I read). In this story, Sofia is kidnapped while she's traveling in Alaska and once under, is sold at a Bride auction (all women go through such auctions, even native). She's bought by Johan and she has some trouble adjusting, but nothing major (... especially as she unknowingly took an aphrodisiac just before the auction, which eased her way into marriage with a stranger, to say the least!) But the story is not that important. What I like of Jaid Black are her heroes... and the way they see relationships. Unbelievable in the real world (if I'm wrong, tell me!!!) but sweet.

And at last, my discovery: Kresley Cole. The beginning of "The Warlord Wants Forever" is not really auspicious for the likableness of the characters, but keep reading! Myst the Valkyrie and Worth the Vampire grow on you. And personally, I like it when the Hero & Heroine have a dark side to them, they have much more interesting twists and turns!

I have to admit that I only bought this book for the Kresley Cole story but it was well worth it. She can simply do no wrong all her books are fantastic and I can never wait until the next one comes out. Sorry I can't comment on the other stories I'm sure I'll read them one day.