Eve of Samhain
Author: Lisa Sanchez
Release Date: May 2010
Publisher: Omnific Publishing
ISBN: #1-936305-20-8
Genre: Paranormal Romance
NOTE: an electronic copy of this book was provided to me by the author for review purposes.
From the publisher’s website:
As a college senior and server at Hanaford Park’s hottest nightclub, twenty-one year old Ryann Pierce’s plan was simple: work hard, make lots of money, and avoid the ass-grabbers at all costs. What she never planned for was Quinn Donegan—the living, breathing advertisement for sinful behavior that waltzed into her life.
With an angelic face, a hard body and a butt-load of charm, Quinn had a way with the ladies—a lot of ladies. Cursed with a deadly, addictive touch, his trail of indiscretion blazed across five hundred years. Tired and jaded, Ryann is a shocking revelation Quinn didn’t see coming.
Filled with desire, yet unable to touch one another, Ryann and Quinn embark on a daunting journey, battling frustrating physical limitations while exploring their new love. In a race against the clock, Ryann learns she must plead for Quinn’s life before…the Eve of Samhain. Determined to end her lover’s suffering, not even the danger dogging her every move can keep her from her mission.
What I’m talking about:
Ryann works hard to put herself through school and it seems like she doesn’t have much time for a social life. She is required to wear a “Hooters” type outfit for her waitressing job and gets an earful from drunken patrons from time to time. In walks mysterious Quinn. Ryann’s body responds immediately, but Quinn’s personality left little for Ryann to desire. This relationship starts with the typical “I can’t stand him, but I want him” storyline. Quickly Quinn and Ryann develop a friendship of sorts and she finds out that he is actually an Irish Faery. We also learn that there is an evil “presence” stalking Ryann, and Quinn is determined to keep her safe.
This story is told in the first-person point-of-view of heroine, Ryann, which means we get only her side of the story and an insight into her feelings. This is not a detractor to the book, but it did cause a bit of frustration on my part. Due to this and Ryann’s poor body image, the first half of this book drove me a little nutty. I felt that Ryann lacked any confidence and positive self-image. The girl is 5’ 7” and ONLY 135 pounds, yet she finds that she’s not attractive and too heavy. [NOTE: Unrealistic and/or poor body/self image is a HUGE pet peeve of mine… So I won’t rant on this too much, but I’ll say it upsets me.]
In addition to this, she is constantly drooling over Quinn. This isn’t a bad thing, but with the first person POV, all the reader has to go on are Ryann’s never-ending gushes about Quinn’s looks. She is attracted to him, but I don’t get a good sense of her feelings, and the reader has no clue what Quinn feels. Due to this, there was little emotional impact on me. And at one point when Ryann confesses to herself that Quinn is the center of her universe, I found it pretty hard to believe – and the couple hadn’t even shared a kiss! Something truly evil is chasing Ryann, yet she plays “he likes me, he likes me not” games in her head. I wanted to shout… JUST TELL HIM!
However, everything changes when Ryann finally tells Quinn how she feels. The emotional outfall of this scene is superbly written and my investment in the couple increased tenfold. After this point, the rhythm of the story picks up and the action jumps off the pages. The details and descriptions are stimulating and satisfying. A particular favorite of mine is when Ryann enters Wiccan roommate, Martha’s room for the first time. The details are written so well that I am able to visualize the space and Martha so clearly, and I also get a fabulous sense of Ryann’s feelings about approaching Martha for help.
There are some completely touching moments between Ryann and Quinn that made my heart melt and my eyes mist up. I wanted the second part of the book to go on and on. The romance at the end is HOT and worth the wait.
For a book that started slow, it finished amazingly strong. Quinn and Ryann touched my heart and their story left me in a warm, fuzzy place. I am looking forward to Ms. Sanchez’s follow up story!
My Rating:
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This is one of my fave books of the year, i fell in love with Ryann and Quinn, he’s so cocky and mouthy lol!
Wonderfulness review hun!!
I just love Ryann’s quirky humor but I get you on the self-image. I had to put this book away 1/3 in to the story 🙁 due to other obligations but I’m picking it up ASAP to read on. I really liked the vibe of Ryann & Quinn together 🙂
Thanks so much for taking time out of your busy schedule to read and review EOS! I’m so happy it picked up toward the end for you. Ryann and Quinn hold a special place in my heart 🙂
I am catching up! Hi Jen made it to your blog! I have been MIA for a while but hope to keep up with things now. How are you, hope you & family are well.
I don’t know this author… love your review, I am going to check her out later.
Big hugs!