Reviews

Black and Blue by Gena Showalter

seymagm's review

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5.0

Wow, I loved this book soooooo much! I was in love with Blue and loved how he and Evie go from enemies to lovers! Not only was the love thing in this book amazing but the plot was so well written! I just loved this book!
5 stars from me! <3

bookloverchelle's review

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4.0

A great read from Gena Showalter in the Otherworld Assassin series. This is in the same world as the Alien Huntress series and in fact you do get to see some of the characters from those books. I do not recommend starting with this novel, the storylines are interconnected. After Corbin is injured in an explosion he only knows of one person that can help him, Evangaline Black, daughter of his mentor. Corbin knows that Evie is the one person who’s off limits but neither of them can deny the attraction. In a race to save their friends and to determine who is after them, Evie and Corbin must work together but that requires uncovering a few secrets along the way. Fun, sexy, paranormal read. Very excited to see how the story ends in the last book!

bookishalli's review

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3.0

3.5 stars

among_the_stacks's review

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adventurous dark emotional funny mysterious medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.75

inmyhumbleopinion's review

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5.0

This is a spin-off from the Alien Huntress novels, featuring the black ops section of AIR.
Takes place in the same world as the Alien Huntress series.
If you haven’t read the first book Last Kiss Goodnight you really ought to before you read this. This is a wonderfully snarky fun sexy adventure and I really enjoyed it. Blue and Evie are perfect for each other and watching them realize it is so much fun. I love these series and hope Ms. Showalter keeps them coming.

shannon_cocktailsandbooks's review

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5.0

OMG! Black and Blue penned by renowned author of paranormal suspense and romance Gena Showalter is an awesome read chocked full of betrayal, allegiances strapped in the turbulent energies of the two entities. The depictions of the characters and settings are intriguing and mind-altering as Gena Showalter demonstrates her masterful imagination and writing skills. I heard about Ms. Showalter and listed her as an author I wanted to explore. The New York Reviews and other raves about her novels appear to be accurate from this my first taste of the delicious storytelling banquet hosted by Ms. Showalter. She is indeed a superior writer and should no be missed. I am a late arrival to the “party” of such a crafty, rich writing style of Ms. Showalter. Black and Blue is my first experience but trust and believe I am hooked totally addicted to the free flowing talent emanating from Ms. Showalter's keyboard. That being said I am going to acquire the seven books she penned.

I loved the assassin theme that runs rampage throughout Black and Blue. I adored the strength of Evangeline Black and how she handles herself with her notorious and feared father Michael Black and the sexy, hunk Corbin Blue. The supporting characters that propel the story of the Otherworld Assassins; John, Solomon and Rakan are so commanding, fierce and vicious I could not help but love their bad boy, kick butt demeanor. I relished the lively banter between Blue and Evie; it made me laugh out loud is some places.

Black and Blue possesses a tightly woven storyline that moves so quickly that my equilibrium was slightly rocky as secrets were revealed and lives changed. I felt as though I had been slapped black and blue since I did not see many of the powerful paranormal body shots, killer thoughts before they burst into flames around me. The power of Ms. Showalter's splendid, strategic, plot which entices the reader's appetite for humor, sensuality, adventure and suspense is truly in my opinion a work of art.

The heart pounding excitement during a mission caused me to blow out a huge sighing breath that I was not conscious I was holding. Great thing my brain's survival mode kicked in.

Ms. Showalter smooth flowing, yet edgy writing has a reader on the end of their seat. The story elements are so stimulating and descriptive I would love to see Black and Blue as a movie. It totally hits all the high notes for drama, paranormal romance and intrigue.

I could go on and on about Ms. Showalter's gifts for breathing life into her paranormal, high intensity, kick-butt narrative but I promised myself to read the first book in this tantalizing series Last Kiss Goodnight before retiring for the night.

It has been a pleasure sitting on the sidelines cheering on the characters and watching a magnificent series unfold. I look forward to the next installment.

Reviewed by Rhonda for Cocktails and Books

thegeekyblogger's review

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3.0

Listened for Review (Simon & Schuster)
Overall Rating: 3.50
Story Rating: 3.00
Character Rating: 4.00

Audio Rating: 4.00 (not part of the overall rating)

First Thought when Finished: Black and Blue had some really great moments but the timeline at times was a little confusing.

Story Thoughts: Have you ever wanted to love a story/series but you just can't quite get there? I think that is me with the Otherworld Assassin series. I have read both books in the series so far. There are parts that pull me in, then bam something happens and I am back out of the story again. I can't quite pinpoint what is keeping me from being fully vested. I am leaning towards the overlapping timelines. I have to wonder if the next one will tie them all together. I am going to stick with it and see how the third one turns out.

Character Thoughts: I liked both Corbin and Evangeline! I thought they had some great interactions and the story was strongest when focused on them as a couple. Eva was especially a spit-fire with great comeback timing, lots of spunk, and a go-getter attitude. Corbin (Blue) had some great nicknames for her that made me grin and I am sure made her want to punch him. I knew they belonged together immediately but loved that it took time to play out over the story! The characters are what keep me invested in the Otherworld Assassin series but they are enough! Truly just all around fantastic cast of characters.

Audio Thoughts:
Narrated by George Newbern / Length 9 hrs and 11 mins

George did a fantastic job with the narration. His accents for Evangeline were even well done and I think spot-on for the character. The pacing, timing, and delivery were perfect for the pace of the story. I would listen to George again!

Final Thoughts: I am really hoping that the third book really brings it together for me. Sometimes it just takes that one book to make the others be complete!

dragon_lion64's review against another edition

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4.0

Seductive, ferocious and cheeky

I think what I liked most about this book was the hilarious names Corbin and Evie called each other throughout the story. It just added a bit of humor to a dire situation.

Evie and Corbin are looking for John, who has been abducted. No one knows if he's already been killed for his golden skin or if he is still alive.

The romance was spicy and spot on.

I'm now going to read Dallas's story. I read all of the Alien Huntress books but saved his story for after I read this story.

mleetm's review

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3.0

so. effing. sappy.
there were some good points, but just.. so much of the book was spent having mushy nothings shoved down my throat. it made me uncomfortable. it would have worked had there been some snark to balance it out.

bookloversofantastic's review

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5.0

This one was really great, I love Blue and Evie couple. They have intense verbal interaction, but at the same they learned about each other and fall in love. Evie is a strong female character, very smart and bold, that’s the kind that I prefer.
My only regret is that John No Names doesn’t have his own story...