Monday, January 16, 2012

Book Review: Lothaire

Sad to say this one was not a 5 star for me as many of her other's in this series were. In fact, I vacillate between just thinking it was okay to liking it to really liking it because the parts I liked? I really liked!

Let me synop it a bit then give you my reasons why.

Lothaire, the ancient vampire known as The Enemy of Old, has an endgame-vengeance upon his paternity who so betrayed his mother a thousand yrs ago. He’ll use any piece on the chessboard his mastermind can get his hands on to achieve it- including the woman fated to be his “Bride”- his mate for immortal life who will only make him stronger. One catch- his mate, a Goddess of death and destruction, is trapped inside the nubile body of hillbilly from the Appalachian mountains of America.

The nubile young body, a very much sentient Elizabeth Peirce, knows she’s possessed by something unutterably evil, she’s awoken too many times in the midst of too many broken bloody bodies strewn about to doubt that and she’s determined to rid the world of this malicious creature- by destroying herself.

Only a wicked blond haired, red-eyed devil wants otherwise- and he’s holding her captive till he can rid the world of her rather than the evil goddess Saroya, the being he thinks is his mate.

But, as people have all her life, Lothaire The Enemy of Old has underestimated this seeming backward girl from the poorest of the poor and when he finally realizes the truth, there’s a good possibility he’ll lose everything- even his much desired throne.

Lothaire's story became a disappointment to me for reasons other than the characters- which is usually the biggest downfall for me when grading a book... If I don’t “get” the characters- you’ve lost me.

For the most part, I felt the book plotted with a heavy hand, (“I’ve been betrayed all my life, gee I hope she doesn’t betray me.” hmmm wonder if she’ll betray him?) and was decidedly lacking in her trademark wit. In fact, she borrowed from Dreams of a Dark Warrior to bring in some humor over Lothaire, having Thadd recount some of Lothaire's funnier lines from that book! (I did get a kick out of Elizabeth snorting beer out her nose over one of them, because that's something my brother has made me do all his life- from milk to beer! For the record, beer hurts more.)

Don’t get me wrong there were some damn funny bits- Lothaire dealing with Thadd, the young Vamp he escaped from imprisonment with in the last book- and later when the Valkyries enter the scene.

Admittedly some of Elizabeth's comments to the enemy of old were clever- which is why I ended up liking her more than Lothaire- but as whole compared to some of Cole's other books? Lacking.

Another issue for me? The scene jumping. I had a difficult time figuring out why we were suddenly in another scene, several times. (Not seamless at all!) It made me wonder if K. Cole had written more to this story and then hacked it up later? Maybe. Probably. Whatever. It just didn’t feel right.

Ultimately, I kept waiting to fully immerse myself in the story but ended up merely going along for the ride, which became my biggest disappointment.

What I did like? Hot damn were these two the sexiest couple in the bedroom I’ve come across in a long time in romance. (One word. Well you know what that word is if you read it.)

And I gotta say, they were perfect for each other- even though his prejudice against her upbringing nearly ended it. She was empathetic, smart and determined and she didn’t back down- exactly what Bitter Bossypants needed. And I just LOVED watching him want her. The fact that he figured out she's way more attractive then the stupid bitch goddess inside her because she was kind made me finally fall in love with him.

Number 2: ‘Nix- we get her full name, which we might have before but I couldn’t remember, and a little more insight into the burden she carries. She’s the biggest manipulator of them all and nobody knows how long she’s been playing at it- except for perhaps Lothaire, her once boon companion. Now-after seeing her here- I’m seriously curious as to who will mate her… and how this apocalypse is gonna play out. She’s gotta a lot of things to manipulate to make it work out fine for her pals- but I think she just may do it. ;)

Finally- c’mon he’s a prince and heir to two thrones and she’s a modern day peasant, and, he ends up a sad sack without her- what romance reading gal doesn’t fall for a couple like that??

So, okay, yes I was disappointed- not because I anticipated Lothaire’s story so much, because honestly I didn’t, but because I anticipate any story from K. Cole.

Still I’m giving it a grudging 3.5 stars-for all the reasons above... as well as the fact I read it in one sitting! Lothaire and his downfall, Lizvetta- who becomes his means to an end- are worth the read!

(and yes, I'm still very excited I bought the signed, limited edition copy of this story- because I still think this is the best Paranormal Romance series out there right now!!)

Labels: Book Reviews, Books, PNR/UF Luv

Posted by Zeek :: 11:28 AM :: 0 comments

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