Kiss & Hell by Dakota Cassidy

Author: Dakota Cassidy

Title: Kiss & Hell
Publication: June 2nd, 2009
Publisher: Berkley Trade
Genre: Romance
Rating: 4 out 5

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Synopsis: 
Delaney Markham doesn't just see dead people, she hears them too. And FYI-communicating with tortured souls all day can really wreak havoc on your love life. Sans boyfriend, Delaney makes the best of her gift by holding séances to make ends meet—that is until one incredibly annoying ghost just won't go away.

Besides being sinfully hot-in a college professor sort of way-all signs point to Clyde Atwell being much more than the ordinary spirit. In fact, he's a newbie demon whose first assignment is to take Delaney back down to hell with him. Yeah, like that's going to happen on the first date.

Thoughts: Delaney has had one hell of a life. She can see spirits that always want things from her, and there isn't an off switch. Instead of having a family she's always wanted, she adopts unwanted dogs and treats them like children. Now, let's meet Clyde. Mr. sexy, nice, caring, and all around good person demon that wants to drag her to Lucifer. This wacky adventure leads these two characters learning about life that they haven't found pleasure in. Delaney always had to live with her demons, and Clyde... you have to read that part. They feed off each others energy, and it's super cute. The characters definitely have spark, and they're addicting to read. Clyde is super adorable, and Delaney is just like "Yeah, sure, you're cute, but you'll be cuter if you don't try to bring me down to hell." (which is completely understandable).

The only part that bothers me -- and why I'm taking away one star -- is the language Delaney uses. In almost every sentence she throws the f-bomb, or swears for no reason but to just be crude. Now, I'm all for swear words... you can use them. Whatever, right? This book overuses it, and I felt like I had to skip some parts when she got off on rants. I understand she's pissed off sometimes, but it would be nice if the author toned it down.

Otherwise it's a very nice storyline. If you're a big reader it can definitely be finished in a few hours. You're also introduced to a few other characters that bring comic relief, which balances out the book. The adult content is more steamy than sweet, so be aware of that.

The Darkest Night by Gena Showalter

Author:Gena Showalter

Title: The Darkest Night
Publication: May 1st, 2008
Publisher: HQN Books
Genre: Romance
Rating: 5 out 5

Website | Goodreads | Amazon | BN

Synopsis: 

His powers -- Inhuman...
His passion -- Beyond immortal . . .All her life, Ashlyn Darrow has been tormented by voices from the past. To end the nightmare, she has come to Budapest seeking help from men rumored to have supernatural abilities, not knowing she'll be swept into the arms of Maddox, their most dangerous member--a man trapped in a hell of his own.Neither can resist the instant hunger that calms their torments...and ignites an irresistible passion. But every heated touch and burning kiss will edge them closer to destruction--and a soul-shattering test of love. Though they carry an eternal curse, the Lords of the Underworld are irresistibly seductive -- and unimaginably powerful.

Thoughts:  

Gena Showalter is my favorite Romance author (apart from P.C. Cast). The first romance book I've read was written by her -- which I'm going to review soon of course -- and I've been hooked ever since! It starts out with the Lords of the Underworld. They're each cursed with a demon as punishment for killing Pandora. The demons are everyday tormants we sometimes go through such as lies, pain, death, wrath, nightmares, secrets, defeat. These demons control their life. The punishment is horrible if they don't cave into their demons. If the lord is "lies", he'll be in incredible pain if he tells the truth, or if one of the lords is "defeat" he'll go insane if he didn't win, and "pain"... well, he just likes to be in pain. This book is about the keeper of Violence. He's the badass of the group, and the most dangerous.

Ashlyn is troubled with sercrets herself. When they both meet, passion flares. She's sweet and innocent, which makes Maddox very protective and loyal. Both of them fight their demons together. The book is your normal romance story: big macho man, sweet innocent girl, KLABAM sex.

What makes this story different is the personalities of all the lords. Each of them are different and you end up wanting their story too. It's about having a hard life, but finding someone who can balance out that harshness with love. It's a good read if you want something steamy. She explains sex in detail, so if you want something descret or toned down this isn't for you.