Dark Kiss

Wow, Amanda Ronconi is so talented. She infuses every story with extra life it would not have had. She has so much personality and does each character so incredibly well. I actually bought this book almost entirely because I so completely enjoyed her work on other books. And I was right to do so. I really hope she does a lot more. She makes each story so much more alive.

That said, this is a very average book. Typical supernatural romance stuff, nothing special, and at times felt extremely familiar - to the point I wondered if I hadn't perhaps read this story before and just forgotten. It has all the required elements of the formula and the writing is adequate. The ending (like many of these types of YA paranormal romances) is unclear, unfinished and totally open ended to make way for a sequel... Unlike some such novels that use that device extremely well and are exceptionally well done, I am not counting the moments till I can hear what happens next and how this story unfolds. If I don't find out, I probably won't notice or have any regrets.

To be fair, however, the story is not the worst, is adequate, and has most of the formulaic elements that seem to satisfy. The characters are the typical characters one epects... Mysterious perfect male romantic interest and the heroine who discovers she is oh so special by some birthright... super hot antagonists ( oh yeah, everyone is super desirable and attractive as per required in these sort of stories)... there are the obligatory side adventures with best girl friends to flesh out the main characters life. etc, etc... The main romance is based on not on the individuals but some intictive or intrinsic thing (like most of these sorts of stories, as we can't waste our time developing a real basis for a relationship that would preclude the fantasy of something for nothing or winning the romance lottery of life - see Twilight series for full explantion of that theory). None of the characters repel the reader, but neither are any more than just the required element and formula and I didn't feel attached or moved or particularly compelled by any, though they were tolerable to follow in the story and served their purpose and had their moments. Overall, it the usual fare... better than some, worse than others and folliowing the typical formula... It is like fast food. So if you like that, this is like a quick, predictable, but satisfiying meal through the drive through.

Again, the reader lifts this up though. So it is worth it on that alone... She really brings life to many parts that would have been lifeless and, though this book is not nearly as worthy of her talents as other books she has performed ( I encoruage readers to check out her other work, as some of those are incredibly fun and well written stories) she still does an amazing job with what she is given.

I've read Michelle's Nightshade series so I was intrigued by her writing a YA series. Book 1 came up on an Audible sale, so I thought I'd try it out.

I will start by saying I LOVED it! I couldn't stop listening! The characters are sarcastic and fun even as they are surrounded by darkness and drama. The chemistry between them is perfect and you can almost see the story playing out in your head as you read it. Now I will say, it does have a Vampire Diaries feel to it... A girl that is a rare paranormal anomaly, her love interest the Angel, but the attraction to his brother the demon. The storyline does make for great suspenseful drama though and I've already started on book 2.

Angels, Demons & Grays

When the main characters finally kissed, and the repercussions of that.

I LOVE Amanda Ronconi! She could read the phone book and make is sound great!

I did look forward to getting back to the story.

The ending was a little abrupt and obviously continues on in another book, but it would have been nice to get a little more in this first book.

One of my favorites.

No way to choose. It was all great!

Yes, every time Kraven was present was gold. I LOVE HIM.

When does the next book come out? I can't wait!