Review of The Vampire Queen's Servant by Joey Hill

The Vampire Queen's Servant by Joey Hill

I would like to think that I am not the squeamish type when it comes to romance novels. However, a book classified as a BDSM erotic vampire novel sounds a bit daunting, does it not? Since reading A Mermaid's Kiss and A Witch's Beauty, I have become a serious Joey Hill fan. My good friend and fellow writer Michelle heartily encouraged me to start her vampire series, and so I acquiesced, all the while harboring some reservations about the BDSM stuff. Who would have expected it to be one of the most touching, revealing and vulnerable relationships in a romance novel? Hell, not me. (Okay, I was expecting whips and chains. So sue me.) Obviously I was missing the big picture about this lifestyle, which is ultimately about trust. But having the dominant be the female partner, in this case Lyssa the vampire queen, is a fascinating take on this sort of relationship. Jacob is a fabulous character, struggling with his instinctive need to dominate and the need to serve his "lady" who has stolen his heart over several lifetimes, as a knight, a Japanese warrior, and now as an applicant to be her human servant.  God, is that romantic or what? This is one of the most "romantic" books I have ever read, and the fact that it is a BDSM erotic paranormal is just some tasty icing on the cake.  Hill has written a beautiful book, although not as intense and fast-paced a read as A Mermaid's Kiss or A Witch's Beauty. Jacob and Lyssa's story unfolds in a slow, sensual, and satisfying way. Another interesting part of this book is that one of the key characters (Thomas, Lyssa's former servant and instructor for Jacob) has already died when this book takes place. That does not stop Hill from painting a stunning portrait of this man who selflessly loved his vampire queen, and dared to kill for her.  Joey Hill is a writer beyond reproach and The Vampire Queen's Servant is a joy to read. I can't wait to devour the rest of the series! Grade: A+

Predicting a very vampirish spring vacation, Penelope

Review of A Witch's Beauty by Joey W. Hill

A Witch's Beauty by Joey W. Hill

Holy Macarena! I just finished reading A Witch's Beauty, and I am having heart palpitations. I honestly didn't think that this book could best A Mermaid's Kiss, but it did! Hill is a powerful, sensual, intense writer. Mina and David are an amazing combination..beauty and monstrousness, strength and weakness, good and evil...it's all here. Mina is one of the most fascinating characters I have ever met. Her physical manifestation of the struggle between good and evil (half of her body is physical perfection, the other half grotesque) is a poignant symbol of her inner struggle to control her Dark One blood.   I usually have trouble with irritating heroines. It's a fine line for an author to create a character who is willful and prickly, while still maintaining some likability.  Mina is an incredibly well developed character and her emotional journey in this story is utterly satisfying. Although David is a wonderful character in his own right, this is Mina's story all the way. Hill's expertise as a story-teller is never more apparent than in the chapters leading up to the climatic battle scene with the Dark Ones. Boy, does she know how to build up the sickening anticipation of what was going to befall poor David (and Mina) in the Dark One's World.  I am ashamed to admit that I snuck at look at the final pages of the book to reassure myself before tackling those chapters...the awful apprehension was almost to much to bear! (I can't remember feeling that much anxiety since reading Stephen King's The Shining). Anyway, of course Hill takes her characters to Hell and back.  If I had to pick one word to describe this book and Hill's writing it would be...powerful. Wow. I am officially a Joey Hill addict (that's the sound of Amazon's CEO cackling with glee).  Grade: A+

Pleased as punch, Penelope

Review for A Mermaid's Kiss by Joey W. Hill

A Mermaid's Kiss by Joey W. Hill

My good friend Michelle once gently suggested that I check out an author named JR Ward, not knowing that I would turn into one of those (slightly) deranged fans who actually joined The Black Dagger Brotherhood message boards on this author's website.  Point being, Michelle is chock full of excellent recommendations.  This past weekend she told me to check out Joey W. Hill and offered me her copy of A Mermaid's Kiss (which, let's face it, she's never getting back!).  I am in love! What an amazing author, what an amazing book...it has the perfect combination of lusty sex and that emotional love connection I crave in romances.  It also has an awesome paranormal world with angels, demons, witches, mermaids, fairies, dragons....you name it, she's got it. Jonah (an angel who is the Prime Legion Commander for the Goddess) is the kind of tortured hero I cannot resist.  As he struggles with his inner demons, Anna (an innocent and loving mermaid) reawakens his will to live.  Hill is one incredible writer...I was sucked into the story from page one and totally forgot I was reading a book until my kids got back from school and ran screaming into the house. (Then I set them up with a snack and locked myself in my bedroom until I finished). I am now going to Amazon to order the next installment, A Witch's Beauty. Thank you, Michelle...I owe you one! Grade: A+

With happiness in her heart, Penelope