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tartbarbie's review
4.0
I received Dark Waltz in return for an honest review as part of the blog tour hosted by CBB Book Promotions. Liasare Davidson is on a mission to find her missing brother without her sister knowing what she intended she heads off for earth. In the last 15 years the earth has changed the human population has dropped dramatically, and is now treated like slaves or disappears forever. Liasare is in way over her head when it comes to finding her brother because she needs to avoid the Xanthians a race of evil aliens who now rule over the earth.
However when things go bad Liasare is rescued not once but twice by Jurek a handsome strange she can’t help finding herself attracted to. Both of them are keeping secrets about the true identities from each other. Jurek is equally drawn to the innocent girl who’s searching for her brother and wants to help her but doesn’t want to risk his reason for being on earth either. When the chance comes up for them to attend a ball where they are hoping will reveal what has happened to her brother. When Liasare comes across Tommy he doesn’t seem to notice her and even shoots her in the chest. Thankfully Jurek is able to save her life by healing her wound, but they learn that the bullet has a tracker and are forced to flee.
Dark Waltz has a beautiful cover that just teases the reader. I really enjoyed the story-line it flows along smoothly creating an enchanting mix of mystery and romance. I think the use of the dystopia and sci fi genre are used well together they create a world of mystery. The concept for Dark Waltz is an exciting adventure that pulls you in right from the start and doesn’t let go till the end. I love the characters Liasare is innocent but strong and determine to risk her life to find the brother who was there when she needed him the most. She’s a great heroine because she’s not perfect which makes her more connectible. What more can I say about Jurek tall dark and handsome who is oh so yummy but more than just a body, he’s strong and very supportive of Liasare which is what she needs in a man. I will say this book does have a lot of language and the sexual nature is mixed throughout the book (Yup my hubby makes fun of me for being a little prude because I blush when I read about sex) I would suggest over 18 but if you alright with the sex and language I would highly suggest you take a look at Dark Waltz. This is my first book by A.M Hargrove but I’m sure it won’t be my last. I look forward to reading the next book in the series to see what happens next.
However when things go bad Liasare is rescued not once but twice by Jurek a handsome strange she can’t help finding herself attracted to. Both of them are keeping secrets about the true identities from each other. Jurek is equally drawn to the innocent girl who’s searching for her brother and wants to help her but doesn’t want to risk his reason for being on earth either. When the chance comes up for them to attend a ball where they are hoping will reveal what has happened to her brother. When Liasare comes across Tommy he doesn’t seem to notice her and even shoots her in the chest. Thankfully Jurek is able to save her life by healing her wound, but they learn that the bullet has a tracker and are forced to flee.
Dark Waltz has a beautiful cover that just teases the reader. I really enjoyed the story-line it flows along smoothly creating an enchanting mix of mystery and romance. I think the use of the dystopia and sci fi genre are used well together they create a world of mystery. The concept for Dark Waltz is an exciting adventure that pulls you in right from the start and doesn’t let go till the end. I love the characters Liasare is innocent but strong and determine to risk her life to find the brother who was there when she needed him the most. She’s a great heroine because she’s not perfect which makes her more connectible. What more can I say about Jurek tall dark and handsome who is oh so yummy but more than just a body, he’s strong and very supportive of Liasare which is what she needs in a man. I will say this book does have a lot of language and the sexual nature is mixed throughout the book (Yup my hubby makes fun of me for being a little prude because I blush when I read about sex) I would suggest over 18 but if you alright with the sex and language I would highly suggest you take a look at Dark Waltz. This is my first book by A.M Hargrove but I’m sure it won’t be my last. I look forward to reading the next book in the series to see what happens next.
jonetta's review
3.0
Earth was decimated in 2012 when the human population was annihilated by a virulent form of small pox. Liasare Davidson and her brother, Tommy were evacuated to the Planet Vesturion where they’ve lived since. It’s the year 2030 and Tommy, who returned to Earth for an assignment, hasn’t been heard from in three months.
Liasare Davidson and her older brother, Tommy, were extremely close so while it was pretty unrealistic for her to be returning to Earth alone to search for him, her motivations were understandable. Everyone around her on the Vesturion planet was stonewalling her so Liasare enlisted the help of a close friend (he was in love with her, she not with him) to help transport her back to Earth. She had not returned since she and Tommy were evacuated 18 years ago, was completely unprepared for what she faced when she arrived and quickly got into trouble, setting up her inevitable encounter with Jurek.
It’s apparent from their first meeting that Liasare, who is traveling under an alias (real name is Sarah St. Davis), and Jurek have an unexplained connection and attraction. He rescues her on several occasions from the Xanthians, a brutal and foul alien species who have pretty much taken control of the planet. Jurek and his team are attempting to help other planets prepare for a power play by the Xanthians to control the universe. He isn’t what he seems either but it’s clear he’s one of the good guys.
The arising conflict between the dark and the light nations is pretty exciting. It soon becomes clear that there are more dark forces at play as they discover some extraordinary circumstances on Earth. It might not be plausible to have developed the technology to the extent we see in the story by the year 2030, but I was willing to accept it given the emergence of so many different species from other planets who may have been more evolved. The action was exciting and unpredictable, even a bit brutal at times, but it really held my interest. The dystopian society left on Earth was pretty dismal but very creative.
What detracted from the story was the relationship between Liasare and Jurek. While she is 27 years old her behavior and dialogue was more fitting of someone still in her teens. I lost count of the TSTL (too stupid to live) moments and her constant use of profanity was just inappropriate. Cussing doesn’t bother me unless it’s just constant and without proper context, which is the case here. Even Jurek commented about it and often. Speaking of him, though honestly provoked to anger by her most of the time, Jurek would lash out and physically attack Liasare. The next moment they would be in full lust with each other. Fortunately, this diminished somewhat once they succumbed to their attraction and behaved more harmoniously. There are many steamy moments but you’re more than halfway through the book before these two consummate their relationship. By that time, I questioned why they even liked each other.
Despite the issues with Jurek and Liasare, I am looking forward to the next story in the series as things are not resolved when this one comes to a close. The excerpt included with my copy was pretty intriguing and I will definitely read the next book. I’m hoping, though, that the relationship between these two progresses to a more mature level and Liasare gets a cleaner vocabulary. She has an important role in the story, as does Jurek, and I’d really like to connect with this couple. It will only happen if the dialogue is more representative of the age of the characters.
(I received an ARC from the publisher.)
Liasare Davidson and her older brother, Tommy, were extremely close so while it was pretty unrealistic for her to be returning to Earth alone to search for him, her motivations were understandable. Everyone around her on the Vesturion planet was stonewalling her so Liasare enlisted the help of a close friend (he was in love with her, she not with him) to help transport her back to Earth. She had not returned since she and Tommy were evacuated 18 years ago, was completely unprepared for what she faced when she arrived and quickly got into trouble, setting up her inevitable encounter with Jurek.
It’s apparent from their first meeting that Liasare, who is traveling under an alias (real name is Sarah St. Davis), and Jurek have an unexplained connection and attraction. He rescues her on several occasions from the Xanthians, a brutal and foul alien species who have pretty much taken control of the planet. Jurek and his team are attempting to help other planets prepare for a power play by the Xanthians to control the universe. He isn’t what he seems either but it’s clear he’s one of the good guys.
The arising conflict between the dark and the light nations is pretty exciting. It soon becomes clear that there are more dark forces at play as they discover some extraordinary circumstances on Earth. It might not be plausible to have developed the technology to the extent we see in the story by the year 2030, but I was willing to accept it given the emergence of so many different species from other planets who may have been more evolved. The action was exciting and unpredictable, even a bit brutal at times, but it really held my interest. The dystopian society left on Earth was pretty dismal but very creative.
What detracted from the story was the relationship between Liasare and Jurek. While she is 27 years old her behavior and dialogue was more fitting of someone still in her teens. I lost count of the TSTL (too stupid to live) moments and her constant use of profanity was just inappropriate. Cussing doesn’t bother me unless it’s just constant and without proper context, which is the case here. Even Jurek commented about it and often. Speaking of him, though honestly provoked to anger by her most of the time, Jurek would lash out and physically attack Liasare. The next moment they would be in full lust with each other. Fortunately, this diminished somewhat once they succumbed to their attraction and behaved more harmoniously. There are many steamy moments but you’re more than halfway through the book before these two consummate their relationship. By that time, I questioned why they even liked each other.
Despite the issues with Jurek and Liasare, I am looking forward to the next story in the series as things are not resolved when this one comes to a close. The excerpt included with my copy was pretty intriguing and I will definitely read the next book. I’m hoping, though, that the relationship between these two progresses to a more mature level and Liasare gets a cleaner vocabulary. She has an important role in the story, as does Jurek, and I’d really like to connect with this couple. It will only happen if the dialogue is more representative of the age of the characters.
(I received an ARC from the publisher.)
flosmith's review
2.0
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a review.
After glancing at some of the other reviews for this book it looks like my opinion is in the minority. It may have something to do with the fact that this is apparently a continuation of a YA series that I hadn't read. But then again maybe this just wasn't a read for me. There was so much I didn't like about this one it was hard for me to even give it two stars.
It was difficult for me to even place it in a specific genre, it was all over the board. There were aspects from dystopias and paranormal romance, which paring those together isn't all that unusual, then lets throw in erotica. Ok, I can see that. Now how about some religious fiction..... what? Yes, you read that right. I won't elaborate, don't want to spoil it for you, but its in there.
My next issue was the timeframe. I just see that its plausible to see that many changes in 15 years. A plague? Ok, I can see that. But the earth taken completely over by reptilian aliens and we are living on other planets within the next 15 years when we can't even make it to Mars now? I just don't see that as plausible. 100 years maybe but not 15.
Now lets talk about the characters, Liasare and Jurek (Jerk is more like it). I can see that probably fans of The Shades of Gray series probably like these characters, (sorry I didn't like that series either). Liasare is a strong female character in many ways. She puts a lot on the line to find her brother but when it comes to Jurek it just doesn't make any sense to me. Jurek is a hot guy definitely, but he's a jerk. No one is allowed to hurt Liasare but him.....what? Yep, its ok when he does it. She gets all mad about it but then he kisses her and then its all better......what? Can you say "unhealthy relationship"? How can it be ok to physically hurt someone you love? If you love them you don't push them up against the wall and choke them because you don't like their answers. And if you are the one being abused you are not gonna just let it go that easy.
This book does fall into the erotica genre. There are some steamy sex scenes. But if you are reading this one for the sex scenes start at about the middle of the book. The scenes in the first half are steamy but sexually frustrating. They never finish anything til about half way thru.
Overall, I didn't care for this one at all. But, having said that, I am apparently in the minority. I saw many positive reviews for it, I just don't share the same opinion.
After glancing at some of the other reviews for this book it looks like my opinion is in the minority. It may have something to do with the fact that this is apparently a continuation of a YA series that I hadn't read. But then again maybe this just wasn't a read for me. There was so much I didn't like about this one it was hard for me to even give it two stars.
It was difficult for me to even place it in a specific genre, it was all over the board. There were aspects from dystopias and paranormal romance, which paring those together isn't all that unusual, then lets throw in erotica. Ok, I can see that. Now how about some religious fiction..... what? Yes, you read that right. I won't elaborate, don't want to spoil it for you, but its in there.
My next issue was the timeframe. I just see that its plausible to see that many changes in 15 years. A plague? Ok, I can see that. But the earth taken completely over by reptilian aliens and we are living on other planets within the next 15 years when we can't even make it to Mars now? I just don't see that as plausible. 100 years maybe but not 15.
Now lets talk about the characters, Liasare and Jurek (Jerk is more like it). I can see that probably fans of The Shades of Gray series probably like these characters, (sorry I didn't like that series either). Liasare is a strong female character in many ways. She puts a lot on the line to find her brother but when it comes to Jurek it just doesn't make any sense to me. Jurek is a hot guy definitely, but he's a jerk. No one is allowed to hurt Liasare but him.....what? Yep, its ok when he does it. She gets all mad about it but then he kisses her and then its all better......what? Can you say "unhealthy relationship"? How can it be ok to physically hurt someone you love? If you love them you don't push them up against the wall and choke them because you don't like their answers. And if you are the one being abused you are not gonna just let it go that easy.
This book does fall into the erotica genre. There are some steamy sex scenes. But if you are reading this one for the sex scenes start at about the middle of the book. The scenes in the first half are steamy but sexually frustrating. They never finish anything til about half way thru.
Overall, I didn't care for this one at all. But, having said that, I am apparently in the minority. I saw many positive reviews for it, I just don't share the same opinion.
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