Black and Blue (Otherworld Assassin, #2)

by Gena Showalter

[Cocktails and Books]

OMG! Black and Blue penned by renowned author of paranormal suspense and romance Gena Showalter is an awesome read chocked full of betrayal, allegiances strapped in the turbulent energies of the two entities. The depictions of the characters and settings are intriguing and mind-altering as Gena Showalter demonstrates her masterful imagination and writing skills. I heard about Ms. Showalter and listed her as an author I wanted to explore. The New York Reviews and other raves about her novels appear to be accurate from this my first taste of the delicious storytelling banquet hosted by Ms. Showalter. She is indeed a superior writer and should no be missed. I am a late arrival to the “party” of such a crafty, rich writing style of Ms. Showalter. Black and Blue is my first experience but trust and believe I am hooked totally addicted to the free flowing talent emanating from Ms. Showalter's keyboard. That being said I am going to acquire the seven books she penned.

I loved the assassin theme that runs rampage throughout Black and Blue. I adored the strength of Evangeline Black and how she handles herself with her notorious and feared father Michael Black and the sexy, hunk Corbin Blue. The supporting characters that propel the story of the Otherworld Assassins; John, Solomon and Rakan are so commanding, fierce and vicious I could not help but love their bad boy, kick butt demeanor. I relished the lively banter between Blue and Evie; it made me laugh out loud is some places.

Black and Blue possesses a tightly woven storyline that moves so quickly that my equilibrium was slightly rocky as secrets were revealed and lives changed. I felt as though I had been slapped black and blue since I did not see many of the powerful paranormal body shots, killer thoughts before they burst into flames around me. The power of Ms. Showalter's splendid, strategic, plot which entices the reader's appetite for humor, sensuality, adventure and suspense is truly in my opinion a work of art.

The heart pounding excitement during a mission caused me to blow out a huge sighing breath that I was not conscious I was holding. Great thing my brain's survival mode kicked in.

Ms. Showalter smooth flowing, yet edgy writing has a reader on the end of their seat. The story elements are so stimulating and descriptive I would love to see Black and Blue as a movie. It totally hits all the high notes for drama, paranormal romance and intrigue.

I could go on and on about Ms. Showalter's gifts for breathing life into her paranormal, high intensity, kick-butt narrative but I promised myself to read the first book in this tantalizing series Last Kiss Goodnight before retiring for the night.

It has been a pleasure sitting on the sidelines cheering on the characters and watching a magnificent series unfold. I look forward to the next installment.

Reviewed by Rhonda for Cocktails and Books