The Squee
I’m not even a huge paranormal reader, but the romance between Tayla and Eidolon hit all the right notes for me. What an amazing book! I’ve never read anything so delicious in my life. The writing … lovely, powerful, evocative and edgy. The characters? Strong, compelling and memorable. The plot? Tight as a drum, break-neck pace.
It’s also chock full of interesting secondary characters, who don’t seem like sequel bait so much as an important part of the protagonists’ lives. Ms. Ione also manages something very difficult; she does a compelling job with the world-building, giving us just enough to let us understand what’s going on, but there’s never an info dump. I’d say this is one of the most original paranormal romances I’ve read all year. If you’re not familiar with the concept, it’s about the demonic underworld, centered around a hospital that takes care of otherworldly injuries. Genius! Her execution of this creative premise is nothing short of genius.
I picked this book up after I finished my draft of Doubleblind and I devoured it in one sitting. The passion between to the two leads is explosive, and the sex is set-fire-to-the-pages hot. Ms. Ione has also set up some of the best tension I’ve ever seen between two leads. You know how sometimes in romances, the reason the hero and heroine don’t get together seems a bit manufactured, full of dime-store angst? In this book, there’s a serious Romeo and Juliet vibe. If I’d emailed her a list of my criteria before she wrote this book (and I didn’t), telling her what I want in a paranormal romance, she couldn’t have written a novel more perfectly suited to my tastes.
For me, this book was an A+. If you like dark, gritty, edgy, intensely emotional and erotic romances with a rocket ship full of genuine conflict and angst, you don’t want to miss this book. I’m now a total fangirl (and that doesn’t happen too often). I can’t wait for the next installment. (Aside to Ms. Ione: I’m willing to barter any arc of mine for a sneak peek. I have Doubleblind… I also have Blue Diablo ready to go. Patricia Briggs called it, “…gritty, steamy and altogether wonderful urban fantasy. Outstanding and delicious.” Maybe we can make a deal? Email me, okay?!)
Anyway… moving on…
The Contest
You knew this was coming. Whenever I love a book this much, I give away copies of it. So that’s it. I’m buying two of these and mailing them to random winners. So get in comments and show Ms. Ione some love. Tell me how awesome she is and why you want to read this book. That’s right; I want shameless sucking up and heavy-handed flattery. Winners posted on Tuesday, Sept 9. You have until Monday at 11:59 p.m. to get your name in here.
OMG! LOL — you are so funny!
I’m so happy that you liked Pleasure Unbound — what a fantastic bunch of praise!
And I’m SO willing to barter!!! I’ve been DYING to read your new UF, so yeah…let’s talk! *g*
Thank you, Ann — you are SO awesome!
[...] anyway, check out her post and enter the contest, and while you’re at it, poke around her site — she’s got a new urban fantasy series coming [...]
Ann,
It sounds like it is right up my alley.
If you recommend it then it should be a must read!
Hi Anne,
I really like it that you promote other authors’ work so sincerely and effectively, and given how much I agreed with one of your previous recos (Meredith Durant) I will certainly pay attention to this book.
Please don’t enter my name in the draw (I’ve already had good luck here).
No, no… not flattery of ME. Flattery of Ms. Ione. It’s her day in the sun here. Let me give you an example:
I saw Larissa at RWA this summer, not for the first time, but I was struck anew both by her vicacity, youth, powerful personal charisma, and her gorgeous hair. She’s so slim and stylish that I felt quite struck dumb with total envy that she’s not only a gifted writer, she’s also drop-dead gorgeous as well.
I. LOVE. THIS. BOOK.
Absolutely my new favorite paranormal romance series EVER. I couldn’t agree with your review more, Ann–everything you say about Pleasure Unbound is right on the money. It’s got every element of what I love about paranormal romance AND MORE!
Please don’t enter me in the contest. Obviously I’ve already read and reread Pleasure Unbound.
An unbiased testimonial.
Christine, I totally predict that Larissa will be the next big thing with people lining up for her the way they now do JR Ward.
I read Pleasure Unbound – I was lucky enough to win an ARC and its fantastic
And I concur with Ann about how fantastic this book is !!!!
P.S please also dont enter me for the draw- I just wanted to add my sqeeees for the book
Cool, I’m a nurse and I love hospital based stories and paranormals. This sounds right up my alley.
All these recommendations can’t be wrong… it sounds like Larissa is an amazing writer and that this is a can’t-miss book. I’m looking forward to reading this one.
Hi there! You don’t need to enter me in the contest – I own and have read this book and I triple loved it!! I thought all the freaky side characters were wonderful. She is on my will read next book list.
Never judge a book by its cover, but I was prepared to hate it because I liked the cover so much – Larissa should be the next big thing, Ann, she has the talent to back it up.
Peace.
I LOVE paranormals, and I’m always on the lookout for a new series to read. This one sounds fantastic, and if you’re recommending it this highly, Ann, then I’ve got to get my hands on it!
Definitely sounds amazing with all of these people backing it up, especially after your review! Count me in
!
Please! Please! Please! I can guarantee
you that if I get a copy I’ll write up an honest review on my blog. And I’ll recommend it to the two groups I’m in over at Goodreads.com – “Paranormal Romance”, & “The GoodReads Purvettes”
Count me in! I would love to read this book! Sounds great!
Christine, I totally predict that Larissa will be the next big thing with people lining up for her the way they now do JR Ward.
WORD.
I would love to win a copy of Pleasure Unbound. I have heard alot of great comments.
Sounds like I need to jump on the L. Ione train! Just need to get that ticket.
Woo Hoo!!! Larissa Ione’s “Pleasure Unbound” promises to surprise paranormal readers worldwide (including me) with its unique premise and fast action. In her words (per Amazon) “Underworld General Hospital”. General Hospital staffed by demons!!! Wow, does it get any better than that? And Amazon currently has it at 5 stars with 34 reviewers! How often does that happen? Larissa is obviously that one Giant Star of paranormal romance that we have all been waiting for!
Go Larissa! You rock and I can’t wait to read “Pleasure Unbound”!
You had me at your review. Woman, you could be a publicist you know how to promote a book you believe in so well.
I think the series sounds great and am ready to give it a try.
If I was picking winners based on flattery, I would so pick Gina. That was awesome!
I have been a fan of Ms Ione’s since my daughter introduced me to her books. She is an awesome writer and I have Pleasure Unbound on my wishlist, ready for when I have the funds to buy it :D
ROFL! OMG, you guys are SO funny. I’m dying over here…
I loooove love Ms.Iones work! Its fabulous.
OMG! Squeal!!! I love Ms. Ione’s work. Its AWESOM!
YAY! I heart Ms. Iones books. There like wow! Blew me away the first time I read it.
Congrats to Ms.Ione! Continue the great work!
I read this book last week and LOVED it! I wasn’t sure what to expect but as soon as I started reading it I couldn’t put it down. Can’t wait to read more from this author!
Hi Ann~
I have this in my tbr pile…so please don’t enter me…and I have only heard really good things about it! I am looking forward to reading it.
Ann – I love your suggestions and contests – you’ve yet to steer me wrong
I haven’t had the chance to read one of Ms. Ione’s books – but I have read a few of her Sydney Croft books. I’ve been hearing excellent things about this book and have been meaning to get my hands on a copy.
This post just moved it to the top of my list.
*snerk*
OK. I actually got the part about flattery for the ‘other’ author. But-
I couldn’t do that, seeing as how I’m not familiar with her work, and I really ‘did’ feel a sincere moment of admiration for your promotion of other work, and wanted to express it. If that was embarrassing, sorry, won’t succumb to the weakness again.
*g*
Hi Ann,
I saw you on Writeminded & had to check your books out farther. I am immensely impressed with your professionalism & praise of another author. What a wonderful endorsement to a book.
The cover of ‘Pleasure Unbound’ is so incredibly eye-catching that it makes you pick it up to take a look. Two the color is my all time favorite color. Three even better, I saw the covers the other day for the next 2 in the series & Oh, holy cow they are even better & hotter if you can believe that. I am a fan of anything medical when combined with Romance & being paranormal that just makes it sweeter. Reading your review & the excerpt makes me wonder why I haven’t picked it up yet. I desperately need to remedy that. I can’t wait to read ‘Pleasure Unbound’. I’ve seen writings out there in internet land that say Tayla and Eidolon are one of the hottest couples in Romance books ever.
Thank you,
Susan B.
sbussey AT windstream.net
OMG, Ms. Ione that cover is sexy as hell! I love paranormal romances. Pleasure Unbound sounds Awesome. Demonic underworld! OMG, I have to have this book!
Ann your review got me putting Pleasure Unbound on the top of my need-to-buy-ASAP list! If I don’t win a copy I’m totally hitting Barnes and Nobles. ;)
And this contest is a wrap!
[...] Ann Aguirre gives an author’s view, very positive [...]
[...] reviewed by: Ann Aguirre Darque Reviews The Book [...]