H. P. Mallory

Fieldnotes:
Pelham Manor, Contemporary (p.2012)
A magical part of Scotland where one can simultaneously admire puffins and blooming heather...

74 pages of Previously, on... Infodump

1 Newly Proclaimed Queen of the Underworld
1 Love Triangle featuring:
- 1 Stick-in-the-Mud Warlock with Anti-Monarchic Leanings
- 1 Bad Boy Vampire with a Hidden Agenda and a Truly Painful To Read Spelling of His Name (SINJIN???)
Several Marriage Proposals (though None from the Love Triangle Members)
Too Many Decisions show more Made on the Basis of Pants-Feelings Rather than Sound Political (or Other) Reasoning

Dire and Growing Threat to the Existence of Underworld Denizens as a Whole that is Treated as Subordinate to the Dilemma of Which Boy to Choose
1 Mysterious Prophetess
Dozens of Reanimations of Deceased, including
- 1 Vampire named Klaasje with a "Texan Twang" with a History with the Bad Boy Vampire
1 Block on our Heroine's Power that is Somehow Never Investigated

1 "True Love" Bond that Fails to Materialize After All
1 Sexy Dance Lesson
Several Spells Cast on Love Interest involving Dubious Consent (Previous Books?)
1 Timeloop Cliffhanger

0 Actual Events that Further Anything Resembling a Plot

The Short Version
Nothing Happened. A woman made poor decisions between two equally unattractive-to-the-modern-eye love interests she is lusting after and decides to sext telepathically rather than pay attention to the meetings determining the fate of those dependent on her in her new-found powerful role. Everyone wants to shag Sookie Stackhouse Jolie Wilkins.

Meanwhile I am tortured by the fact that the author named this poor vampire Sinjin Sinclair. I CANNOT. Away it goes. show less

This book managed to captivate me just as much as the first two books in the series did. As usual, this story includes just as much humor, angst, heartbreak, longing, duty, realization and growing. It also happens to have a fantastic amount of romance and steam. But that's one of the things I've come to expect and appreciate from H.P. Mallory, who is just so good at writing Paranormal Romance!

This book is mostly about Jolie accepting her destiny as Queen of the Underworld. The show more responsibility that befalls her is so huge and overwhelming at times, and she starts to feel like her life is no longer her own. But when she really starts to embrace her calling, she is a force to be reckoned with and it is clear that she is the right woman for the job. Unfortunately, her status as Queen begins to seriously put a wedge between her already rocky relationship with the man she loves. But her royal position does bring her a bit closer to the man she has always been curious about.

I'm still so torn between Rand and Sinjin! Rand is so clearly the man that Jolie loves more than anything, and he's definitely the more practical choice for her. But there's just something about Sinjin, the over 600-and-something year old vampire, that's so utterly irresistible! I think I like the fact that he's just so naughty and such a bad boy, but when it comes to Jolie he clearly feels more for her than just lust (mostly), and their connection is undeniable. But then again, Rand is just so good-natured and his love for Jolie is so genuine--although sometimes frustrating--that it's hard to picture her with anyone else. Either way, one thing these men do have in common is their immense sex appeal and charm, and I never get tired of their presence in this series!

Another thing that pleases me about this book, aside from the romance, is that the mystery of the Lurkers is starting to be addressed and explored. Lurkers are basically a race that is half human, half vampire. They pose a serious threat to all other Underworld creatures due to their need for revenge and murder, and Jolie has suspicions about them that prove to be unsettling. I have no doubts that the Lurkers will be showing up more in the next book or so.

The ending of this book was such a cliff-hanger! From the very beginning of the book there was something curious going on in the background of the plot, and I felt like I should have known what it was, and then when it was revealed I wasn't completely surprised but it was still a jaw-dropping experience. All I can say is, I'm DYING to read the next book! I can't wait to uncover more about Jolie, the mysterious Prophetess and many other things involving this cast of awesome characters. show less

I got a copy of this book through Bookish Snob Promotions as part of A Tale of Two Goblins blog tour. I read the first book in this series, To Kill a Warlock, and really enjoyed it. I have also read Mallory's Jolie Wilkins series and enjoyed that as well. This book was another fun read; it is focused around a mystery and Dulcie's snarky sense of humor really keeps things moving.

Dulcie has finally finished the romance novel she was writing and is working on writing her second book. She is no show more longer part of the ANC, but has offered to do consulting work for them. Then one morning she goes out jogging and is accosted by...Knight. Knight wants Dulcie to consult on a case and he won't take no for an answer. People loosely connected to Dulcie are falling into comas and Knight needs Dulcie's help to sort it before these people go from coma to a more permanent state of repose. They think a Dreamwalker may be involved, but of course nothing is ever that straight forward.

I actually liked this book a lot better than the first book in this series (and I liked that one too). This book is very heavy on the mystery end of things and Dulcie spends a lot of time trying to solve the complex mystery surrounding these magical comas. There's is some play between Dulcie and the three men in her life (Quillian, Brom, and Knight). Mallory does an excellent job of keeping things steamy between Dulcie and Knight without getting too explicit.

I enjoyed the inclusion of some new faerie types, there are some great new characters as well. I was a bit sad that Dulcie's girlfriend, Sam, was out of the picture most of the book. The book is fast-paced, has a decent plot, and is engaging. Mallory's writing style is highly readable; making the book a fun and quick read. There is a lot of humor in here; Dulcie continues to show a lot of attitude and toughness throughout.

The books wraps up nicely; leaving a couple threads dangle for the next book. I have really enjoyed this series overall; it is light-hearted, fun, and creative.

Overall an excellent addition to this series. I really enjoyed reading this book; it was fun and very engaging. A perfect escape read. Dulcie still reminds me a bit of Rachel Morgan from Kim Harrison's the Hollows series. The major difference being there is more humor in this series; if you like light-hearted urban fantasy you should give this series a try. show less

A Fun, Fast & Well-Written Read.

I was very pleased with this fast-paced romp of a who-done-it featuring a fairy Regulator. Independent, but not annoyingly so, Mallory created a believable & likeable heroine in Dulcie O'Neill. All the characters were just a little bit unique from others of this genre. This, and a strong writing style sets this author apart and bodes well for future books.

The style of this book reminded me a little of my other favorite UF/Paranormal heroines, Sookie & Mercy show more and I would rank Mallory just a fraction under those series. I would have enjoyed a tiny bit more world building and love scenes. But all in all, a light, pleasant read, humorous and enjoyable. Look forward to more Dulcie and checking out the author's others books. show less