Thursday, October 31, 2013

Kinked Blog Tour: Review + Giveaway

KINKED
A Novel of the Elder Races #6
Thea Harrison
Adult Paranormal Romance
304 pages
Berkley/Penguin
Available November 5th
Source: Finished copy from publisher for review

THE STORY (from Goodreads)
Two opponents must confront the cause of their obsessive fury in the latest Novel of the Elder Races…

As a harpy, Sentinel Aryal is accustomed to dealing with hate, but Sentinel Quentin Caeravorn manages to inspire in her a burning ire unlike anything she’s ever known. Aryal believes the new Sentinel to be a criminal, and vows to take him out as soon as the opportunity arises. But the harpy’s incessant wrath has pushed Quentin to the limit, and forces him to make a deadly vow of his own.

To put an end to the conflict, Dragos, Lord of the Wyr, sends them on a reconnaissance mission to the Elven land of Numenlaur. Forced to work together, Aryal and Quentin’s mutual antagonism escalates. Each fight draws forth more passion—culminating in an explosively sexual confrontation. But when their quest reveals real danger, Aryal and Quentin must resolve their differences in ways beyond the physical, before the entire Wyr is threatened.


MY THOUGHTS
Kinked brings us perhaps the most magnificent couple since Dragos and Pia set our bodies aflame in Dragon Bound, the antagonism and downright hatred simmering between Aryal and Quentin practically characters unto themselves; living, breathing pieces of the story that shape, grow and change as our two protagonists are forced to endure each other’s company. The two of them ignite from the very first page, their anger and their physical inability to not attack one another creating in us deeply fascinated voyeurs, glued to the pages as we wait for the moment when all that energy is redirected and given a more pleasurable outlet. Aryal and Quentin are all claws and teeth–sharp edges meeting sharp edges when they clash–shattering the peace and stability of the team of sentinels while drawing each other’s blood in the process, and even when their gross dislike of one another begins to morph into something else, there’s still a roughness to them both that ensures they're a standout couple in a series brimming with memorable characters.

Aryal, as a harpy, is a woman who takes pleasure in a fight, her wicked words matching her even more wicked claws to cut many a person off at the ankles before they even know they’ve engaged her. She has us wrapped around her talons from page one though, her almost irrational distaste for Quentin providing us with endless amusement, and our admiration for her as a fighter as well as one of Dragos’s Sentinels only grows as the story progresses. While the epic battle between her and Quentin could have been dragged out till the very end just to keep us riding a razor’s edge of tension, Ms. Harrison takes a far more interesting route when the reason for Aryal’s grudge is resolved fairly quickly and easily, but where that might sound disappointing given the build-up, it’s in fact a huge relief and gives us the opportunity to experience a romance so very different from the ones that have come before it.

Quentin, like Aryal, is extraordinarily dominant, his desire for control a clawing beast beneath his skin, and as a result his relationship with Aryal takes a tantalizing turn when his need to dominate runs face-first into her matching need and promptly combusts. In the beginning they set the pages ablaze, but Ms. Harrison paces this story extremely well, giving us plenty of heat before settling things down and allowing the emotional component of their relationship to catch up with the physical one. Seeing these two individuals whom–with undisguised glee–have plotted numerous times the not-so unfortunate demise of the other slowly find in that same person an outlet for all the strength and darkness that rides them both is endlessly entertaining and immensely satisfying.

Overall, Kinked is one of the strongest installments of the Novels of the Elder Races, the pleasure Aryal and Quentin find in one another accompanied by a sting of pain to give things an added bite, something that suits them so spectacularly well we can’t wait to go back to the beginning and immediately start again.

Rating: 4.5/5
 

Find Thea:


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Q+A

As part of the promotional tour for Kinked, Thea Harrison answered a few questions about the Novels of the Elder Races and Kinked in particular for readers, and I wanted to share a couple my favorite questions and answers from that interview with you!

You've been gifted (or cursed) with the ability to shift into another form by a witch. What kind of shifter are you and why?  (All creatures, including mythological, apply.)

Awesome question!  I think I have two answers for that one. If it was a gift, then I think it would have to be something winged and strong. I think there’s something to be said for being as fearless as a harpy, although I’m quite sure I wouldn’t win any popularity contests!

If the ability was a curse and meant to be nasty, the witch would probably turn me into my phobia—a spider! That would be the meanest, nastiest thing anybody could ever do to me!

What is next for the Elder Race series?

I’m now contracted for books 7-9, so I’m writing Graydon’s story which will be released around August of 2014. The main characters have also been decided for books 8 and 9, and I’m eager to get to those stories!

I also wrote a self-published project, a novella entitled Dragos Takes A Holiday, which releases November 25th. I loved spending time with Dragos and Pia, and their little son Peanut gets his POV debut.

*I just died of happiness at the mention of Graydon. He's been my very favorite from the beginning (sorry Dragos, but I still love you!) and it's possible I might not be able to actually read his book when it comes out because the drool will have too thoroughly warped the pages. O.o

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GIVEAWAY

Thanks to the amazingly generous people at Penguin, I have one copy of Kinked to giveaway on the blog today. Even though this is book six, Quentin and Aryal's romance stands alone, so anyone who hasn't tried this series yet could easily start here! Giveaway is open to US addresses only.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

48 comments:

  1. Sad panda, US only. But I will live ;)

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  2. I love this series - thanks for the review. I know I'm going to love it!

    Things are kind of strained for Dragos right now with Rune and others. Do they get any better in KINKED?

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    1. There's some tension still, but I think you can see in this one just how much Dragos does really care about all his Sentinels:)

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    2. After what he wanted Rune to do I was wondering if they could ever really re-build their relationship. It was so sad to see best friends part ways. Thanks.

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  3. Great review! I can't wait for Kinked. Quentin caught my attention first in Dragon Bound, so I'm really excited to read his story. :)
    Oh, and I'm super excited about Graydon's story too!!! I LOVE him!

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    1. GRAYDON!!!!! I've been in love with him since book one. I can't wait to finally get his book!

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  4. Yay for a different romance. I'm glad that there's tension, but it doesn't come off as over-bearing. Also, I've never read a book about harpies before, so yay to this too. I love listening to adult paranormals and UF series in audiobook form. Do you know if this series is available in audiobook? As for the interview, yuck! Spiders.. Ew. Ew. Ew. That's all! :D

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    1. I was really glad the reason for Aryal's hatred wasn't dragged out for the whole book, I like that it's dealt with early and then she's over it and they move on to other things.

      I'm not sure if this series is available in audiobook, I would think so though!

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  5. I actually read another highly praising review for this book just today, how fantastic does the chemistry sound between Aryal and Quentin. You know me I love my love-hate relationships, especially when it has characters going back and forth all the time. I think I will definitely have to start with this book soon! Wonderful review Jenny! :)

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    1. YES! Mary and I both adored this one:) This is an all-time favorite series of mine, and antagonistic relationships just make me smile. This relationship was done particularly well in my opinion. LOVED IT JASPRIT!

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  6. Hi, it's nice to meet you, I'm the jerk who owns the first book but has yet to read it. Since you're so crazy about these characters and since there's so much fun antagonism leading to passion, I should probably change that right now!
    The only thing is, knowing myself, once I start I won't be able to stop, and my review schedule is a mile long at least. Ah, well, there are worse things than being late with your reviews. Like not meeting sexy dragons and harpies. :D
    Fabulous review, Jenny, as always.

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    1. That's one thing I do like about this series - it's a different couple in each book, so while I of course want to read the next book once I finish one, you do get a complete story in each book and are left satisfied:) And you definitely need to meet all the sexy characters in this series. Dragons, Maja. DRAGONS. And thunderbirds. And gryphons (Graydon is a gryphon and I love him). And a pegasus. He's a new addition. I might love him too. Just saying.

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  7. I really need to give this series a shot since you seem to love it so much, Jenny! I love when later installments in a series continue their excellence, so I'm glad that was the case here. Great review, my friend!

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    1. I do so love this series Keertana. The just writes such amazing characters, each installment is a treat for me. This couple was my favorite yet:)

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  8. LOVED!! And high five for touring on the same day! Thea and the Elder Races rock. Is it me or is it hot in here? Because the steam coming off of those two was EXPONENTIAL!

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    1. SO HOT MARY!!!! I was dying during their first scene together and she uses a claw.... *falls down dead*

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  9. I read the first book in the series and thought it was fun and sexy. I love the sound of this one, especially since they initially hate each other. Plus, it sounds like they have intense sexual chemistry together. I'm glad that the emotional part of their relationship took some time to develop. It makes it much more realistic.
    I'm so happy you enjoyed this, Jenny. I will get myself a copy when it comes out. You don't have to read the series in order right?
    Fabulous review!

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    1. No you don't have to read in order for the romance, but I will say the outside issues Aryal and Quentin face in this book are a direct result of what Dragos and Pia dealt with in the prior book, so I would suggest picking up book 5 first if you've already met the two of them:)

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  10. I haven't heard a thing about this series till you and Mary featured this book on the same day! Well done, you guys. But seriously...the sexual tension sounds phenomenal, and I really like that it seems to be solid in all aspects - not just that alone. Lovely review, Jenny!

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    1. SO GOOD MELISSA! One of my very favorite series, and this romance is crazy hot. They just hate one another so much in the beginning, I loved it:)

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  11. *flails all over you* I've got this one on preorder and CAN'T WAIT. :D

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    1. YESSSSSSSSSS! I have a feeling you will LOVE it:)

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  12. I must read this series since you love it so much Jenny! It's hard to keep a series interesting and alive especially if it's going to continue to 9 books. Now I'm wondering if I should wait until book 9 comes out and then I can enjoy the books back to back. Hmm...

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    1. I recommend starting asap Rummanah, but then again I'm mildly obsessed with this series and want everyone to read it and love it:)

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  13. I'm really intrigued by Aryal - I always wanted to know her story!

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  14. I love love hate relationships as well, I have no idea why, maybe because the chemistry is always pretty dynamic in them. I am so happy to hear that this sixth installment was fabulous. I need to try this series I think. It seems to have all the elements I love in a good read.

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  15. Book # 6! GAH! I love drama in relationships so I think this book could be a good match for me. Only thing is, I have a lot to catch up on.

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  16. Ooh! I love antagonizing couples! I just love how they went from hating to loving each other. And this one sounds really fun too. Aside from that, I'm glad to hear that it did not just focus on the physical attraction of the two main characters but on their emotional as well. I'll have to pick this series soon! Fantastuc review as always, Jenny! :)

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  17. Hahah, sounds like me and my girlfriend! <3

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  18. The strongest??? Oh man! Both you and Mary have me wanting this one like now! I do want to start this one from the beginning (don't faint) and I can't wait to get to this hot little number. Yep, I'll be wanting all 9 in the end... I just know it!

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  19. I have to admit that I have never heard of this series before. And you already posted your review for the 6th book. I love series with that many books, because I never want to leave a world that I've fallen in love with.
    Interesting to read that Thea is self-publishing a book despite releasing her other series with a big traditional publisher. Many authors these days want to try both, awesome!

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  20. I just love this series! I can't wait to read this, though it will require for me to reread the others so I can be prepared!

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  21. This series is new to me, but I love that the installments are getting stronger. I love when a series I enjoy keeps getting better. Wonderful review Jenny!

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  22. I love, love, love this series! I can't wait for this book. I love/hate Aryal like everyone and I'm very intrigued to find out how she gets her HEA :)

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  23. Between you, Maya and Keertana, my UF TBR is getting out of control! I try and squeeze these in with by audio books but dang it, I only have so many credits! I love hate to love relationships and this one sounds delicious! Dang it again, Jenny! You're killing my TBR! Wonderful review. :)

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  24. I can't believe I haven't read this series! I'm so ashamed at how behind I am, but also beyond thrilled to hear that Quentin and Aryal's romance stands alone, because it honestly sounds SO amazing! I think I might start this series with this book, and if I like it work my way back. :-) Awesome review Jenny, I'm dying to read this one now!

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  25. I've been following this series as I can, based on 2 different county libraries getting book. I do love Thea's writing. I hope I get lucky with this contest and win a copy of the book.

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  26. Alright, am I the only screwed up one who finds dominant (literary) guys extremely sexy?! :D I think not! They are so delicious :) I love the sound of this book, even tho I am definitely intimidated by the fact that this is the 6th one in the series! I have so much to catch up on! I think it's time to invest in a fast-reading course... :) Thanks for sharing you thoughts, Jenny! lovely review as always!

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  27. Great review!!
    I can't wait to read this one!!
    Thanks for the chance to win!

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  28. I really enjoy your reviews! You have a great talent for letting me know what I am getting with the characters and story without spoiling the plot! Thanks for sharing.

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  29. Goodness gracious I need to get back into this series! I love Dragos and Pia, but haven't gone any further. Hate to love romance, hot tension, two characters trying to dominate each other? SIGN ME UP!

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  30. I haven't read any of these books yet but they've been in my wish list for awhile now. I'm gonna have to get cracking. Your review is just urging me to hurry up and start the series. Thanks so much!!

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  31. great review. I'm not sure I'll be comfortable with one but I love the character aryal and am going to give it a go.

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