I decided to read this book for two reasons. First, I read Scandal by Carolyn Jewel in February and thought it was one of the finest historical romance books I had read in quite a long time. This book introduced me to the author. Secondly, I have been seeing a lot of buzz about Forbidden Desire, the second in this paranormal series and because I get the shakes if I don’t read books in order, I had to read My Wicked Enemy first.
Nickodemus, sex on a stick warlord, has a to-do list, number three is to kill Alvaro Magellan, after eating and having sex of course. Number four is to kill Carson Phillips, Magellan’s witch, who has just run away from Magellan with a very valuable talisman. When Nickodemus tracks down Carson, he realizes she has absolutely no idea she is a witch. At the same time of this revelation, Magellan’s henchman descend intent on killing Carson. Nickodemus’ hatred of Magellan outweighs his issue with Carson, so he sides with the witch and they make a narrow escape.
Witches and Warlords do not trust each other, they despise each other quite truthfully. After delving into Carson’s mind, Nickodemus realizes she is telling the truth when she says she has no idea she is a witch and never intentionally aided Magellan in his evil doings. There is a definite physical attraction between the two of them and romantic tensions escalate. Carson seems to get the brunt of injuries each time they battle with Magellan and his gang and she finds herself slowly trusting Nickodemus more and more as he heals her and protects her. Gradually they realize they are on the same side – they both want Magellan dead. With the aid of Nickodemus’ friends, they set off to protect the talisman and stop Magellan at any cost.
I have mixed feelings about this book. I really liked the character of Nickodemus and I loved his fellow fiend friends. They are all very alpha, tough fighters, and they come from a place where their lives have seemingly not been perfect, so they have things to overcome. I enjoyed the villains too – quite evil, no remorse, a bit of sarcasm which I always enjoy. Carson I can take or leave although I thought the chemistry between the two of them was pretty good – hot and intense, and their love scenes were good too. For those who have read it, I did not enjoy the scene in the attic. I don’t want to give spoilers away but I just didn’t see how that really fit into the story.
My biggest complaint is that a few parts of the story just seemed to drag on a bit and sometimes I felt the action scenes and some of the rules of the world to be a bit confusing. All of a sudden a character would just mention an aspect of the world without a lot of background. If the pace could have been picked up a bit, the story would have flowed much better. However, this was the first in the series and I understand it takes time to build the foundation for all the rules of the world.
I am still looking forward to reading Forbidden Desire, which will be Xia’s story (I am very intrigued by him) and comes out today! Carolyn Jewel’s next historical romance, Indiscreet, which I am dying to get my hands on, comes out October 6th.
Rating: 3 stars
Visit Carolyn Jewel’s website.
Hi Mandi!
Thank you for stopping by my blog. I have “My Wicked Enemy”, in the TBR. I haven’t read it yet because most of the reviews I’ve read indicate the same feelings as you as in “so, so”. “Scandal”, was a good historical read. I’m not sure if I will read “Indiscreet”, or not. I’ll probably wait for some of the reviews before I decide.
Best Regards
L
The menage scene in the attic came out of left field, but overall I did enjoy the book.
Hi Mandi,
Sounds good, but yes I do wonder after reading your review. If it jumps too much.
Better if I find it, I will read it :)
Lea – thanks for stopping by here:)
KB – yeah, attic scene a little strange..there were good and just ok parts to the book for me.
Blodeuedd – yes, it was pretty good:)
Hi, Mandi!
Menage scene in the attic?! Hmmm…I’ve been eyeballing Forbidden Desires for a while and I do have Scandal in my tbr. I don’t know, I’m not a fan of drawn out battle scenes.
Menage scene in attic was not hot;) (and I’m all for a good menage!)
Scandal was awesome!! Highly recommend!!!!
Hey Mandy! Wonderful post… love the honesty of it!!! And I love how I am not the only one with the pet peeve of HAVING to read in order!!! LOL!!
I agree with you though, sometimes, the first book starts out a little shaky… only to build the foundation for the next books to come. But sometimes it can fall short! Thanks for the review!
Damnit… Mandi… I put a y instead of an i!! I am sorry! I try to type to dang’on fast sometimes… =( Sorry!
Hi Mandi!
The cover art is sooo hot, it almost sold me. If I’m going to read about a menage it better to hot. I’ll have to think about this one!
Great review, nice and honest!
Dottie :)
Cecile you crack me up. You can put a “y” there anytime. I will answer ;)
Dottie – lol..yeah..menage only works if it is hot! darn it!
You have something waiting for you at my blog :)
http://desertrosebooklogue.blogspot.com/2009/05/one-lovely-blog-award-2.html
Hi Mandi! Great review, girl!
I have ‘My Wicked Enemy’ in my TBR after reading the wonderful experience that is ‘Scandal’. Seriously, the best historical of the year, IMO.
This novel sounds very unique and certainly not something that I’ve previously read. I kinda have mixed emotions about it and I’m not ready to pick it up to read quite yet.
I am DYING for ‘Indescreet’ though. Seriously, I’m freakin’ dying!!!
:) VFG
Thanks for the wonderful article, I was researching for details like this, going to check out the other posts.