Tracey O'Hara

I’ve been stringing out this series of late, because I didn’t want it to end. I’ve loved dipping into the world of these rich Sydney housewives/partners and finding out their secrets, which range from the very naughty to the rather sweet. Darla, our last housewife (I feel rather strange calling her that, given that she’s an independent divorcee) has been something of a joke over the previous books. The majority of the other members of the Diamond Dinner Club look down on her (even show more though they’ve got a few skeletons tied up in their own closets) but we’ve never really found out why. I liked how this short story tied up a lot of loose ends for the group and made Darla a living, breathing character.

Darla split from her husband in less than ideal circumstances (his mistress was pregnant) and the hurt is still there. But when a storm causes property damage, her sexy neighbour comes over to make a move, oops sorry – apologise for the damage. It all spirals into a case of severe romance, from the missed opportunities to sweet love. My favourite parts of this story was the quick catch up we get about the other housewives – it looks like Meagan’s gone to the gym and Emma is slowly healing. But what was the best scene and show of true friendship was when Virginia came in and saved the day.

This was a lovely story, with some cracking one-liners and the happy ever after that Darla deserves. A gorgeous way to end the series.

Thanks to Escape Publishing for the eARC.

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It has been a while since I have read something in the Urban Fantasy genre and I’ve missed it. Having read Night’s Cold Kiss and Death’s Sweet Embrace last year I jumped at the opportunity to read Sin’s Dark Caress as part of the AWW (Australian Women Writers) challenge I am participating in and was quickly drawn back into O’Hara’s dark fantasy world.
Forensic witch Dr Bianca Sin features in this installment, called in by NYPD homicide detective Lancelot McManus when young women show more are found brutally murdered, an infant ripped from their womb and the Dark Brethren’s mark painted nearby in blood. While the FBI blame a black market baby ring, McManus, Bianca and Oberon’s team know that there is something much more sinister happening.

I enjoyed the plot of Sin’s Dark Caress which blends action, mystery and magic with a touch of romance. There tends to be a fair bit of grisly violence in the story but it supports the gritty tone of the series. While the last two books in this series veered towards paranormal romance, Sin’s Dark Caress is more properly urban fantasy. The relationship between Bianca and McManus is an aside rather than central to the story though O’Hara does ensure the romantic tension between the pair remains present throughout.

Bianca has appeared briefly in other installments of this series as a member of Oberon’s elite team. She is a forensic specialist and also a witch but has never bonded with a familiar, a necessary process for a witch to come into full power. In Sin’s Dark Caress her powers are activated when her pendant hatches to reveal a dragon, Kedrax. Dragons are the first guardians of the veil between this world and the dimension where the Dark Brethren are trapped, and Bianca’s new power, along with McManus’s surprising birthright, are crucial in preventing their escape.

Sin’s Dark Caress is a fast paced read with plenty of action, exciting twists and strong characters. With its mix of murder, mayhem and magic I think its the strongest book of the three and though it could work as a stand alone, I would recommend reading the previous installments. show less

I am always excited to find an Australian author who is published in the PNR/UF genre. Australian publishers tend to be all about the mainstream, so it's a rare thing.Night's Cool Kiss is the first in the Dark Brethren series, and O'Hara has imagined a world of slayers, blood lusting vampires and shape shifters with her own creative twist. For Antoinette Petrescu, whose mother was murdered in front of her, becoming a Venator gave her permission to avenge her mother's death at the hands of a show more Necrodreniac, a killer vampire. Antoinette has a reputation as one of the best vampire hunters in the Guild but her prejudice extends to the Aeternus, vampires who co-operate within society. When the Dreniac, who killed her mother and was believed dead, surfaces Antoinette is the target of his psychopathic killing spree. To stop him, she has to team up with Christian, an Aeternus with a fearsome reputation, as well as untangle the mystery of her father's disappearance and political corruption.Night's Cold Kiss is described as Dark Urban Fantasy. The sex and violence is too explicit to comfortably fit in the paranormal romance genre but neither do I feel it truly sits well in the Urban Fantasy genre. Though Antoinette is said to have the ability and attitude to look after herself, the plot has her relying heavily on interference from another character (almost always male) to survive or escape almost every confrontation. The story places a lot of emphasis on the partnership of Antoinette and Christian rather than fully realising Antoinette's strengths. Still, I found Antoinette's character interesting and sympathised with her motivations. Christian is the modern model of a vampire hero - a tortured past, outrageously handsome, rich, deadly etc. The development of their romantic relationship is quick but not rushed, the intimate scenes are well written but there is nothing particularly special about their connection.As with many debut books of planned series, the information given to detail the world can sometimes crowd the plot or characters. O'Hara has developed a world with complex political systems and specific language which requires the reader to carefully consider the details given. The paranormal world co-exists with humanity but there are factions and resources that are specific to the alien culture. There are a lot of imagined terms used in the book but I think that in general the story provides enough context for the reader (and if not a glossary can be found at the end of the book). There are some unique touches, such as the heightened connection with animals that I hope is explored further. Viktor's pet dog, Cerebus is almost a character in his own right.I found myself drawn into the dark and gritty world the characters inhabit. The plot is interesting and plays out logically. Vital threads are wrapped up but others are left to be, I assume, continued in later books. The pace is good and I found it a quick and well written read.Night's Cold Kiss is a solid start to a new series that has piqued my interest in it's potential. It's blend of gritty fantasy with strong romantic elements offers something for fans of the PNR and UF genre who appreciate aspects of each. I look forward to the release of [b:Death's Sweet Embrace|7294543|Death's Sweet Embrace (Dark Brethren #2)|Tracey O'Hara|http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1289244186s/7294543.jpg|8611498] this month. show less

The story had lots of potential and flowed well, but I didn't warm to the main characters, they just annoyed the hell out me. I didn't feel the chemistry between them and I kept wondering why are they together now?!

It's normal for a character to have issues but it really bugs me when the heroine who's prejudiced against vamps suddenly get over it pretty quick for a little undead nookie but then suddenly it's all 'oooh he's an undead bloodsucker who kills people!'. Until the next time she show more can't resist shagging him again. Bloody make up your mind, either you hate him or you don't!! show less