Book Review: The Shadow Of Tiamat by Sean Poindexter

Let me start this review with my laugh-out-loud moment. Picture this, a dark, stormy night and two dragons battling it out for supremacy - one trying to kill an innocent woman, the other in love with her. The sky is filled with the shadow of their menace and the surrounding scrub is littered with their spilt blood. While the human - Megan - watches on, the dragons fight using everything in their surroundings to inflict carnage.
Now, during this intense moment, a spined tail flicks out, secures Megan's car in it's grip and hoists it into the air, spinning it with impossible force and strength at its opponent. A semi-serious moment and Megan yells out, 'Hey! My purse was in there!'
I was seriously in stitches for about twenty minutes.
The Shadow Of Tiamat is a surprising novel, best described as a Paranormal Romance that puts Sean Poindexter right up there with some of the best - Kerri Arthur and Sherrilyn Kenyon.
I was surprised how easy the novel read, despite that I was originally prejudiced about a man writing romance from a woman's perspective. Granted Megan did like to touch herself a little more than a confused teenage boy, but the ever evolving emotions explored between characters, interlaced with the telling of what I believe will evolve into an interesting plot, sells the author's intent.
The Shadow Of Tiamat follows multiple person perspective so you are never shy of the action or any necessary information, though it does mostly follow the story of Megan - a human (or is she?) and Garrett - a dragon.
Pulled together by a twist in fate, Megan has already found herself entangled unknowingly in the world of supernatural element. Discovering Garrett's secret and opening her mind to the possibilities of his existence also invites the acceptance of other creatures and their agendas.
Mostly a novel wrapped in the heady scent of sex and romance, there are some strong foundations for a an easy continuation in the series. With the introduction of vampiric elements and a seriously twisted agenda from higher ranking dragons, Sean Poindexter has crafted a novel with enduring possibilities.
Although I did cringe at some of the character interactions - jarred by the sometimes inconsistent use of language and often confusing switch between demure female lead, and dirty porn-mouth sex kitten, I still rather enjoyed the intensity of the romance, the solidarity of Garrett and his character consistency, as well as the off-hand commentary that regularly made me laugh or smile.
I happily rate this novel three out of five fangs.

Synopsis:

On a dark Ozark highway, two souls meet in tragedy and find their lives are connected to things bigger than them both. Megan Crunk, a social worker from Joplin, uncovers vampires preying on a small community. That same day, she meets Garrett, a fascinating stranger who is clearly more than he seems. But, as Meg slowly learns, so is she...
Garrett Terago is an ancient dragon, and until now, content with the secluded Ozark mountains. Disguised as a human, but rarely paying them heed, until he meets Megan. He offers her love and protection from the vampires but can he keep her safe from his own kind? 
War looms between the dragons. Some long for a time lost to prehistory, when they were worshiped as gods, masters of the world. Somehow, Garrett is instrumental to their plans and Megan is in their way.

Book Review: Destiny Kills by Kerri Arthur

Destiny Kills is an interesting little book following Keri Arthur's usual style of paranormal romance writing. It's short, succinct and follows the story of two leads, one male (Trae), one female (Destiny) - the two inevitably linked by budding passion.
Although there is nothing specifically new and different during the exploration of plot and the unfolding love between Destiny and Trae, I was fascinated by the supernatural elements - elements I've never read about in other similarly penned supernatural fictions.
Destiny comes from a long line of Sea Dragons, better described as the Loch Ness Monster. With her ability to shape shift and commune with the sea and wield powers beyond human control, Destiny makes for an interesting character. Having been locked in a research facility for the better part of a decade, she finally escapes. Her purpose? To free the remaining inmates, see her father before he dies, and avenge the death of her friend.
Trae is a Draman - half human, half Air Dragon. He shape shifts to soar the skies, and wields the power fire with the aid of the sun. He stumbles upon Destiny, not quite by accident. Driven by a promise to his dead brother, Trae feels almost obligated to help Destiny in her mission to free the ones she loves while simultaneously serving a purpose of his own. What neither of them counted on was falling in love, a seemingly quick and easy affair.
What I've loved about Keri Arthur's novels in the past was what made it a little 'blah' for me now. The too fast romance and overly affectionate pet names seemed to roil my stomach. Perhaps my tastes have changed and the simplicity of a 300 page paranormal romance now seems sadly lacking with detail and character connection. I rate Destiny Kills three out of five fangs - enjoyable based on the imaginative characters and constant action that kept the plot moving forward.

Synopsis:

Desire calls. Danger Lurks.

But...

When Destiny McCree wakes up beside a dead man on an Oregon beach, she knows only this: she has to keep moving, keep searching, and keep one step ahead of the forces that have been pursuing her from the heart of Scotland to this isolated spot. Why? The death of her lover has left her alone, with little memory of her past. A glimmering serpent-shaped ring is the one clue she has—and a bargaining chip in a most dangerous game.

Enter Trae Wilson, a master thief with a sexy, knowing grin and a secret agenda of his own. Destiny and Trae both have powers far beyond the human—and both are running for their lives. Together they’re riding a tide of danger, magic, and lust…but with killers stalking their every move, they must use any means necessary, even each other, to survive—until the shocking secret of one woman’s destiny finally unravels.