Michelle Rowen

Inevitable was a very enjoyable paranormal romance with a touch of mystery/suspense and a whole lot of steamy sex. Going in, I wondered if a book about a lust potion would be cheesy. It wasn't! There was actually a lot more going on in this story than what the blurb describes. Emma, a clairvoyant, and Ryan, an empath, were once partners in PARA, the Paranormal Assessment and Recovery Agency, until a reliable witness catches Ryan stealing the supernatural artifacts they study. Ryan loses his show more job along with Emma's trust and friendship, though he maintains he is innocent.

Six months later, they meet again as Emma is recovering a bottle of lust potion from a wealthy glassware collector. Ryan is there looking for items he was accused of stealing, and maybe find clues as to who set him up in the process. After a snippy altercation, the lust potion splashes on them, which makes for some delicious sexual tension. During the time they're under its spell, Ryan convinces Emma to give him the benefit of the doubt, and she agrees to help clear his name. Try as they might, they are unable to resist the pull of the potion's effects, which makes for some sizzling hot sex scenes. They wonder, though, how it will be between them once the spell wears off.

The story wasn't just about a lust potion and the erotic consequences of mishandling it. It was about forgiveness, trust and second chances. I totally fell for Ryan. He had a hint of emotional vulnerability underneath his tough exterior that touched my heart. Ryan and Emma had great chemistry, even at the beginning when their relationship was strained. Their snarky banter was witty, and it made them even more charming. Did I mention that Emma was an erotic romance writer on the side? Her book (and Ryan's reaction to it) was a fun and sexy subplot woven into the story. If you're looking for an entertaining plot and captivating characters, Inevitable shouldn't be missed! show less

This is the second book in the Demon Princess series by Michelle Rowen. I absolutely loved the first book Reign or Shine and this book was just as good. It is a fun read with a well developed world and a lead character who is believable.

Nikki has returned to school after saving her father (King of the Shadowlands) from assassination from her Aunt. She just wants things to be normal; well as normal as they can be with her Darkling (Half-demon) powers and a Shadow (Michael) for a boyfriend. show more But alas her life is not meant to be simple. There is a new student at school and he is no other than Rhys, the King of the Fairy Realm who tried to kill her in the first book. Then Nikki finds out that there is a prophecy saying that she will destroy all of the Netherworlds. Between trying to control her Darkling powers, trying to convince the Queen of the Underworld that she is harmless, dodging Rhys, trying to find time to spend with Michael, finding out that her best friend is a demon slayer, and hunting down a dragon to confirm the prophecy...when will Nikki ever have time to get her homework done?

This is a great book. Everything about it is just spot on. The characters are wonderful. The politics about Shadow rights are interesting. Nikki learning to control her powers is interesting as well and I loved learning more about this multi-faceted world. Nikki and Michael, as well as Nikki and Rhys, all have great chemistry and the tension between them all is delicious. Rowen does an excellent job balancing action, a great world, politics, teenage elements, and romance elements. The story is non-stop, never gets boring and is very engaging.

I loved learning more about the Underworld and Hell and also learning more about Rhys and about the Shadow race. The whole idea of Nikki having a horrible prophecy looming over her and having to prove whether or not it is accurate was great too. There are quite a few laughs in this book so things never get too serious. All in all it is a light-hearted read that deals with some serious issues. I love how balanced Nikki is and how well she is doing with coping with all of the things going on in her life. Rowen is an organized writer whose writing is easy and natural to read; I really enjoyed it.

My only complaint would be that we don't get to see very much of Darkling Nikki in this book or watch her kick much butt. Still the story was very well done and wrapped up nicely, while leaving enough things hanging that I really want to read the next book. I would recommend this for Vampire Academy fans or Blue Bloods fans that want something that's creative and bit more lighthearted.

Overall I highly recommend this book. It is an excellent young adult series that is fun, very well done, features a great new world, and has an admirable heroine. I am desperately waiting to read the next book in this series and seriously considering checking out Rowen's adult series as well. show less

Okay, I really loved this book. I've been shying away from all the cutesy vampire stuff as it just gets on my nerves, which is why it took me so long to get to this one. Surprisingly I love it, the main heroine was a great person I dug reading about, the humor was well-laced and genuinely funny without being nauseating, the plot was a good one, and the ending a great wrap-up. Certainly worth a read for any considering it.

You're the same as you were yesterday and the day before... nothing has changed. Not really. Forget what troubles you. Regret nothing, but learn from any mistakes you make. Tomorrow wil be a brighter day, I promise.

Honestly, I am kind of mad. I went into [b:Falling Kingdoms|12954620|Falling Kingdoms (Falling Kingdoms, #1)|Morgan Rhodes|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1337026387s/12954620.jpg|18111704] with high expectations. I've been looking out for another high fantasy, romance show more centered series to read for awhile just to fill the time (like [b:Throne of Glass|7896527|Throne of Glass (Throne of Glass, #1)|Sarah J. Maas|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1495278054s/7896527.jpg|11138426]) but unfortunately, this fell short for me.

Right from the beginning, I had issues with the writing. This story is a good idea, but the author sabotaged herself with her writing. It absolutely butchered anything good about it. Now, I'm fully aware that writing gets better with practice (again, just look at the Throne of Glass series. I can't stand the writing in the first two books) and was ready to give this a good chance, but it just didn't get any better.

This book was cheesy and predictable. Despite liking how many characters there were, all of them were annoying and undeveloped. People who can't think clearly and jump on their feelings way to fast. Characters who make you want to pull your teeth out they're so dumb. I also didn't understand a lot of the decisions that were made in this book by characters... for the sake of spoilers, I won't go into it, but you'd get what I meant if you weren't a fan of this book.

All over, this felt like a build a fantasy or microwave fantasy YA novel. It had the:
• Mediocre, underdeveloped "magic" system (aka elemental magic
• Princess or protagonist who is "different" than everyone
• Someone who doesn't know they actually have "powers"
• Romance that adds nothing to the plot

Also, I don't care one lick for incestuous side plots. Whether or not they're actually siblings. To me, if I found out my older brother actually wasn't my real brother by blood, there is no way I would be on him or anything. I would still treat him like a brother, no matter if we shared the same parentage or not.

This oddly felt like a Mortal Instruments fanfic, and not in a good way. I can't stand TMI, and this was no exepction. In fact, there were a few times when you could stick Jace, Clary, Alec, and that other girl in the characters shoes and it was basically Cassandra Clare's work.

Needless to say, I wasn't a fan. I tried to remain open to it getting better, even going onto the next book, but after this I don't think I'll be continuing. My standards for fantasy are a little too high these days.

If you liked it, go you! It just wasn't my cup of tea. show less