Wicked Ways by Cynthia Eden
Shifter that just moved in next door saves his neighbor from her internet date gone bad

I am a big fan of Shelly Laurenston. And as an extra bonus there is a book by Cynthia Eden. Wonderful! 2 Great books in one! ( )

5 stares for Shelly Laurenston's story "Miss Congeniality". I enjoy her Pride Series very much and was glad to get a taste of the Van Holtz Family. Irene Conridge was a child prodigy, so she has no real idea on how to interact with people. She comes of cold and calculating. I enjoyed getting to see her come out of her shell and open up to Niles Van Holtz. The humor and witty comments that the characters make drive the story forward and make it an entraining read.

3.5 stares for Cynthia Eden story "Wicked Ways". It was a good read, but it did not total fascinate me. ( )

This review first appeared on A Weebish Book Blog.

I have a confession to make. I didn’t read WHEN HE WAS BAD entirely. I bought it entirely for “Miss Congeniality,” Dr. Irene Conridge and Niles Van Holtz story. I’m not a fan of reading novellas unless I’m invested in the series/characters… and I’m very invested in these characters.

Okay, I have two confessions. I basically bought this book for Irene. I’ve been fascinated with the somewhat sociopathic scientist since she first appeared in Van’s book, BIG BAD BEAST, and I’ve been in love with her since her part in WOLF WITH BENEFITS. Any time she makes an appearance I have a good time.

“She’s odd because she’s brilliant.” He motioned to the exit where the female disappeared. “At this moment, she’s discussing things you and I could never even comprehend.”

***

“I absolutely could create a lightsaber.”

“You could not create a lightsaber.”

“I could too. It’s all science.”

“I thought being a Jedi was mystical?”

Irene snorted. “Mystical, my butt. It’s all about science.”

Why such an interest in our genius heroine? She’s scary smart. She terrifies Van Holtz wolves, probably the most arrogant of all Laurenston’s shifters. The pack is so scared of her, they hide under tables to get out of her way. She is such a hoot.

I am obsessed.

Niles is fun, too, but Irene definitely takes the cake. I worship this woman. In fact, after writing this… I feel the urge to re-read it. Again. ( )

The first story was Shelly Laurenston's Miss Congeniality where shifter Niles Van Holtz finds that he can't get Dr Irene Conridge out of his mind, initially he thinks it's because she's a challenge and he's never lacked for women who want him, but as they get to know each other they both realise how much they mean to each other and how they actually suit each other. I did love how she gave as good as he got and the mention of Risk and whimpering uncles just made me grin so hard. She logics so hard and made me think of Sheldon Cooper in Big Bang Theory. They made a great couple. I was vastly entertained by them.

Cynthia Eden's Wicked Ways was a bit more predictable, shifter interrupts vampire attack, vampire determined to finish her off, Shifter, and human fall in love. Another female character with a decent backbone. Just didn't engage me as well as the Laureston story.

Nothing deep here, just two novellas that I really had fun reading, particularly the first. I would like to read more by Laurenston ( )