Outstanding Character Development in an Awesome Series
590916
Setting - England, 1753 ---- Lady Leila `Malcolm' Staines has always felt like the odd-man out when it came to her family because as far as she could see, she didn't seem to have any discernible special `gifts' like the other Malcolm women did.  Now that she was a widow, she finally felt the freedom to do as she wished, to make her mark so to speak.  She did have a gift though, that of a wonderful `nose' and she wanted to create scents that would be totally unique by growing and crossbreeding flowers.  In order to expand upon this plan she needed the expertise of the greatest agronomist in England, Dunstan Ives. Because historically, Malcolm women and Ives men mix like oil and water - convincing the very angry and volatile Dunstan would take a minor miracle. When they both met though, it wasn't only Leila who experienced an olfactory scent of pure lust but Dunstan as well.  With Dunstan trying to curb any type of involvement with women since the murder of his wife Celia - a murder most thought he committed -  he was determined to stay away. Circumstances changed and badly needing not only the money, but a job, and land to plant his experimental seeds on, he negotiates a deal with Lady Leila.  For Leila, to become involved with Dunstan or marry, she would lose her long sought independence.  But, would that be so bad as over the course of time both would succumb to the lusty feelings they inspired in one another and as they began to grow their individual crops - his turnips, her flowers - they each began to see and respect each other for their individual uniqueness and the trust and respect each earned for one another turned into a most marvelous love story.
This was another fabulous story featuring more of the marvelous Malcolm/Ives families that is a pure joy to read.  Yes, there is a bit of magic that some might think of as cataloging this book as a paranormal but don't be turned off by this as it is so much more.  Dunstan and Leila are both terrific characters who grow into each other.  The confusion Dunstan felt as he was attracted to two different women (Leila and Lily) until he discovered they were one and the same; his undeniable love for his son Griffith; and his total support of Leila as she experimented with her `gift'; right up to the final realization that for the sake of those he loved he must clear his name in order to be able to have some kind of a life was a wonderfully drawn portrayal.  Outstanding character development!  Both Leila and Dunstan are unique and marvelous characters and their respective families are a total delight...  Fans of Ms. Rice will surely not be disappointed in this brilliant and refreshing series. ---- Marilyn Rondeau, Official Reviewer for [...]  ---
2874053
Watching the development of these characters is Fun and emotional. The world is richly created and you can't help but become invested in the unique dynamics. Each story is written to satisfy and leave the reader eager for more. I highly recommend this latest book in the iliri saga and if you haven't read all the rest of the series- grab them now!
1285137
I've read 1-9 including all the shorts and this is one of the few series that I've re-read, and will re-read again; one of the few that I'm taking the time to leave a review for. The character development and interactions are superb, as is the world development. Not only are the main characters well done, but all the secondary characters are amazing. I adore all of them good and bad: Alex, Dox, Doran, Milly, Feris, etc etc. The plot is well done, and the subplots don't take away or confuse the main story line. Absolutely worth your time to read!
3106517
A fantastic series throughout, following the exploits of Zed "Null Spot" Zane and Murphy Smalls. The setting and advancement of the story go a long way to creating a believable world where, what can go wrong, will and survival is the challenge of the day. The books themselves are fairly short, however the action is fast paced and keeps the reader engaged. The relationships come and go but you feel the sense of loss and love throughout. I highly recommend this series to readers of all ages.
4340068
It's crazy to think this is the end of the series, but these books just got better with each addition, and Deep was excellent! I absolutely love the interaction among the band members and their partners, it is my standard by which I measure other series. Kylie Scott created a Stage Dive world that you can't help but get lost in. I can't say enough about this series, from it's bigger than life characters, to its touching moments, to the frustrating parts, the hot interactions, and of course the multitude of lol lines. I did a reread in preparation of this release, devouring them as if it were the first time. This is definitely a series you can read again and again (rare for me), and I cannot wait to see what Kylie has in store for Vaughn and crew with the next series.
1120388
I've read all four, and now five, books in this series. Monica McCarty is a talented writer. She does a tremendous job of weaving action, adventure and passion into these books. The pacing is excellent. A solid balance of narration and dialogue make the story flow smoothly. I finished this in three sittings and it would have been less if I'd had time to just sit and read all day. And Monica McCarty's books definitely make you wish you had all the time in the world to just sit on the beach, under an umbrella, and read the day away.

The comradery of the guard is one the best elements of this series. The members together are clearly talented and exceptional fighters and they are serious about what they do, but they are also hilarious together. The element of humor from the jabs that make at one another is a nice element of this series, because it lets you see these characters in a different light and gives a nice break from the main focus of the romance. I promise she doesn't stray too long from that focus, but the subplots of the battles and missions are a well-written and developed element of McCarty's work.

Speaking of subplots, a new development in McCarty's writing is the addition of a subplot that focused on another romance. This romance doesn't involve a guard member, so you wouldn't expect to be invested, but in fact, you are. McCarty does a nice job developing these characters, in the limited amount of space she has to work with for a subplot, so you actually do care about these people and get caught up in their story as well. It was a nice, unexpected element.

Now to the main man: Magnus MacKay, the Highland Guard member featured in this book, is unique and endearing because of his self-restraint and ability to control himself, in all situations. So to see him break is dramatic and exciting. It is also important to note that even with five male protagonists in this series, all of them have distinct and unique qualities that don't overlap. It's impressive that she's been able to create such dynamic leading men. If you read a description for each of them, you'd be able to pin point exactly who the character is without knowing his name. They all contain qualities women want in men (courageous, protective, confident (but not cocky), sincere, honest, determined, dedicated, reliable, physically capable of keeping them safe, intelligent, patient, easy on the eye...the list could go on) but they also aren't flawless, which makes them more realistic. But, of course, and perhaps most importantly, they are highlanders at heart, so all guard members share a common thread (even the English Knight, though I'm sure he would never openly agree).

Another note: You can read these books out of order, but it is nice to read them chronologically. Each book provides a recap of what is happening, so a new reader to the series won't be lost. That being said, McCarty does plant seeds in each book that are applicable to future novels.

This isn't a super comprehensive review (I know), but I did want to say that I enjoyed this book, as I've enjoyed each book by McCarty, and I would recommend The Saint and all novels in this series to any fans of the historical highland romance genre.
2704606
It has wonderful world building, engaging characters, complex interactions, and nonstop action.  It is part of a series and interconnects with a couple of other series, all of which are worth reading.  I love watching the characters develop together.  I also love the way many different types of people/beings work together to create a great environment for everyone.
1244
I love this series.  The characters are very well developed, instantly grab your attention and hold on.  The subject matter is handled in a thoughtful and respectful manner.  Alternative lifestyles are presented in a clear way, and examined by several different points of view by different characters within the book.  If this were my lifestyle, this is how I would hope the people in my microcosm would approach life.  The relationships are portrayed in very a very real manner, with awkwardness and fights getting as much attention as sexiness and romanticism.  The respect paid to people of all different walks of life is just tremendous.  I know I repeated that point, but I did it on purpose: the writers and artists should be commended for this portrayal.
1921271
As a fan of the Outage series, this installment does not disappoint.

Something I have really appreciated as the series has progressed, is how each book has managed to remain fresh and original, while still managing to raise the stakes.

It was very easy to be pulled into the story with the rich detail and eerily relatable characters.  I found myself engulfed in both the paranoia and action; both of which kept me burning through pages long after I had told myself I would stop reading and go to bed.  The main characters face tough decisions and the writing makes you feel as if you're right there agreeing with them through every turn. This story draws moderately from book 3, but just to be safe, why don't you go back and read all three precursors before beginning this adventure.

This is a very worthy successor to the what has easily become one of my favorite series. I can only hope the story continues, as I feel this world has a lot of life left in it.
4308168
Sooo much love for this series! Cannot wait for the next installment. It's getting jucier all ready. I appreciate the amount of time and effort that went into developing "side" characters in a way that pushes the details of the "main" characters to the side temporarily. I love that! It helps immerse you into their world and reminds up that this city is filled with so many emotionally complex people.
3398178
This series just keeps getting better and better. That simple statement is not one that I use all that often as many series go soft after the first installment. Hebert keeps it fresh, while tying it all to the previous books. She has a finesse about her writing, an innate ability to know when to inject humor and balance incredibly deep and troubling subjects. It made me grateful that she touches on the harsh and sometimes evil side of social media and the severe bullying that it causes. There are other topics I don't want to really spoil for you, so I'll just say she handles it truthfully and skillfully.

I am beyond excited for book five.
368677
All of the books in the series are hard to put down once you start reading:  Impulse was another stay-up-and-read-until-your-finished.

Dannika Dark is building an intriguing world that co-exists with the world we know.  The Mageri's and the other Breed's world is hidden within our everyday world. And like our world it has the good, the bad, and the unbelievably ugly.  It's hard for the average personal to see the real monster's in any world.  We just don't want to believe they exist.  It takes a very strong character to not only acknowledge the truly monstrous individuals in our society but to fight them.

Countering the strong protagonist and his gang of uglies, Dannika Dark has created a  wonder cast of heroic individuals dedicated to protecting all Breed's not just the Mageri.  Notably ins the primary female lead, Silver.  Silver's personal growth throughout the series is inspiring.  Silver attracts a family of unique characters.  There characters represent the wide range of empowering relationship we all have the opportunity to cultivate in our live.

Personally enjoy the relationships Silver builds.  Her hodgepodge family is amazing: Her romantic interest with Logan is nail-bitting.  Adoptive 'father' Justus past is revealed. "Big-Brother' Adam is going through a hard-patch, will he rise to overcome adversity or crumble into rage?

This book can be read independently, but the nuances will be more noticeable and understandable if the books are read in order.
3048719
Excellent story telling and character development one of the most exciting series I've read in awhile
1624142
I have read and thoroughly enjoyed each book in this series: the characters burrow into your head and heart, and each new book is like meeting old friends.  While you certainly should read this series in order, you will not find it at all difficult: the characters are living, breathing beings who love, laugh and live with a solidity that feels real and present.

The fifth in the series, it picks up not long after the end of 4: each of the main characters is settling into family life with babies and family worries taking precedence.  Ellora, Ram and Helm have returned to take up temporary living quarters at Jefferson Unit because the Raglenclan is still a threat, and the best place for them to be safe is within the Unit.  There are big changes there as well, changing from a fight-training facility to one more heavily focused on Research, with only a small group of new trainees.

With Storm and Lithia new parents to their special daughter and living at their vineyard, until Storm finds himself stranded in another dimension and they team can't locate him.  A story laden with alternate dimensions and action happening in each one, there are few moments when danger doesn't have potential to wreak havoc on our characters.

There are moments with each character that we have come to know, some laugh out loud funny, others will bring you to tears in this roller-coaster ride: the few moments of `quiet time' are full of perfectly developed interactions, emotions and conversation between characters that reinforce for the reader the loyalty and dependence these characters have developed with one another.

With each story Victoria Danann shows her skill for character development, dialogue and plotting: there are so many twists and turns, new characters to enjoy and new worlds to discover that there was never a dull moment: in fact it made this book an all in one sitting read, spurring my desire to go back and start the story from the beginning.  This is how clever this series is: you are remembering bits and pieces from earlier stories with some input from the author, and some from your memory, yet you want to go back and see if somewhere, somehow, she left a clue to the events here.

I received an eBook copy from the author for purpose of honest review for Booked and Loaded. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.
4184128
I thoroughly enjoy this character.  I have read the entire series again.  The character development and the world building are unequaled.  I would highly recommend this series to anyone who loves  a good story.  Each book is complete, but builds on the preceding books for characters.  I would give it more than 5 stars if allowed..
3080964
Absolutely, positively wonderful book.  Very addictive, as I have read it at least 5 times by now. The series has a fabulous cast of characters who seamlessly suck you into their world.  This particular installment contains a perfect mixture of action, humor, romance, suspense, sex, and tragedy, woven together with such skill that you physically cannot put the book down. G and D are fantastic characters, and even better together.  The book literally made me laugh out loud at some parts and tear up at others (kind of embarrassing dabbing my eyes while reading my Kindle on a crowded flight).  The book is not without its shortcomings, as some of Aiken's attempts at showcasing D's brilliance in plotting, negotiating, and strategizing fall a bit short, but those small errors pale in the context of the book's totality.

Ms. Aiken's storytelling is exemplary, and she keeps setting the bar higher and higher for herself.  Her next book, Keita and Ragnar's story, impressively meets and exceeds that bar, but the installment following that, the most recent book, was more than a little disappointing.  All in all, this series and this book are freaking awesome, and I can't wait for book #6, due out in 2012.
1218278
I was so impressed by this series I immediately wanted more!