Kindle EditionPublished(first published December 10th 2011)Bethany Boudreaux is tired of being a damn peasant. Her mother, a born again human who rejects her witch bloodline, has kept Beth secluded and ignorant for most of her life. Beth wants to eat, preferably twice a day. She’d like a grand home, with a fully stocked bar. She’s tired of eking out an existence while the rich freaks get all the breaks. She’ll do anything to claim what is, by law, hers. She needs help, lots of it, because paperwork can be a bitch.
When Beth learns Lord Aleksander is coming to visit her club, she grabs a stiff drink and waits. The dark elf of Losalfar is the perfect solution to her current legal problems. He’s obscenely rich, a top member of the hierarchy, about to inherit region two, including New Orleans, but most importantly to her … he’s a man. Men are so easy, regardless of race. With his help, she can attain the privileges and powers only those with a title are born with. All she needs to do to gain his assistance is agree to three measly conditions.
I really wanted to love this book. I like a story that takes common mythos and blend them into the real world. But I was confused more often than not. There seemed to be a lot of politics in play and the plot seemed to jump around from topic to topic faster than I could follow.
This quote, from the court convention, sums it up best:
They jumped from topic to topic, following a course of thought I couldn’t pursue.
I am not sure if I was just too tired, or if the transitions were not as smooth as I am used to, but I just couldn’t connect with the story.
Everyone was sleeping with everyone. Sometimes they were all ok with it, and other times they weren’t. That sleeping around is great for some people, but it really isn’t my thing. Though there were some real connections made between characters
It all happened after we joined, after our bodies became one. I couldn’t disentangle his feelings from mine. I pushed, prodded, tried to slither and separate but I couldn’t do it.
That is from when Beth and Lord Alek (or Sasha, depending on who is talking to him, confusing I know) finally get together. I thought “At last! They will become a force to be reckoned with.” And then they spend half the book ignoring each other. For no discernible reason. Ok, then maybe it will be his shadow (a concept I had a hard time getting) Malachi that becomes the love interest. Nope. They do sleep together, often just sleeping though, so she doesn’t have nightmares.
*Note: not every book HAS to have a love interest, but don’t throw me in the middle of a bunch of guys that supposedly ooze sex, have them all live together with the MC, sleep together, draw up a contract stating that, then have everyone sleep with everyone. And not have the book be smut at least.
There was one character that I really liked as the story progressed. Sig, the demon. Loyal, tough, and funny when he feels like it. He is Beth’s guide/trainer/punisher for all things court related. And is the most consistent character with growth throughout the whole story.
One thing that stuck out like a sore thumb to me … It is the Mason Dixon Line, not the Mason Dixie Line. I just … Ugh.
Ok, so overall I felt lost and confused, and thought the characters a bit on the shallow side. Which is ok. Not all characters have to be deep, but for me personally, it does help with my enjoyment. BUT, this book has a unique storyline that involves most supes at some point. And by the end I felt like I was finally up to speed with what was going on. If you enjoy magical politics, this book is most definitely for you.
I may read the following books in the series, but not just yet. This book gets 2.5 – 3 stars from me. Ok, but not great. But don’t just take my word for it, check it out yourself.
It does sound a bit all over the place. Thanx for the honest review!