Bayou Heat Collection One

Love this series. Author describes each character thoroughly as well as the setting. It allows the reader to visually picture the story in their mind making you feel like a part of the series. Highly recommend this book.

Literary popcorn. Nice for a little snack but you don't want to make a meal of it. The author writes competently, but not compellingly. And I had difficulty digesting her Pantera world. The eroticism was nice but didn't really rock me. I read 4 of the boxed novellas and called it quits.

I've enjoyed both Laura Wright and Alexandra Ivy's work, but I was a bit disappointed here. The language was more raunchy than expected and EVERYONE was having sex within the first page or two. I guess I was hoping for more character development, though I did enjoy the basic plot.

I have mixed feelings about this collection. Both writers write very well and they seem to be evenly matched, with the stories following seamlessly into one another. The world building is good and I liked the various characters and the overarching plot. The sex scenes were graphic but well done, not too kinky and not too bland.

The main problem I had with these novellas was the ratio of sex scenes to storyline. I realize I am probably in the minority here, but I prefer more story and less sex. However, I think the targeted audience for these books would be happy with the ratio. These books are not erotica, but they are erotic, and it appears they are written with that goal in mind.

The other concern I have with the series is the resolution of the overarching storyline. The authors have not indicated if there will be a set number of books with a conclusion at that time, or if there will be a conclusion of that particular storyline with a continuation of the series after that point. I stopped reading anything by Iris Johansen because I got very angry about the 'Bonnie' storyline being milked to death. I don't mind buying some more of these books to reach a conclusion to the overarching plot, but I don't want to keep buying these books, year after year, with no conclusion in sight.

I would recommend these books to anyone who wants a light, short, well written, erotic paranormal romance, heavy on the sex. I got bored with the amount of sex and by the third volume I was skipping those scenes and was almost ready to call it quits. So those who prefer more story and less sex might want to approach these stories cautiously. They are well written, by very good authors, which saved them for me, but it will be a definite deal-breaker for some readers.

As well, anyone who has reservations about beginning a series with no certainty about the conclusion of the overarching storyline might want to wait until the authors have cleared up that issue. I got the three volume set on sale and did not realize there was an overarching storyline, but given the price, I did not mind. Although I liked the stories, I do have reservations about buying any more until I know if or when the storyline will conclude.

I bought both BAYOU HEAT COLLECTIONS, 1 & 2; I read the first & deleted the second.... unread. Here's why: My time is important to me, I read b/c I enjoy it & expect enjoyment as the return "investment". The first collection introduced 6 characters, each find their mate in a slightly different manner; each being so over-whelmed w/passion, they had no choice but to mate.

The problem was although each character was part of the over-all story, moving it along... after reading almost 500 pages.... the story still wasn't completed. Now I did already have the 2nd collection, but seriously..... a story that was decent (but not amazing) taking 1000 pages to complete?!?!
I understand the "series" concept but each collection should have had a completed story & then a different story for 2nd batch; if not, then indicate in the book summary you're committing to a "lifetime" journey!

There was a scorching scene in each story but that was it; their fate was left hanging & on to introducing the next character. I didn't find the story intriguing enough to keep my interest into the next collection & although I seem to be in the minority in my rating, I wanted to be honest to fellow readers on what they would be buying.

Sexy shifters, magical homeland, and a legend coming to life. Strong characters, and a great way to spend the evening, reading their stories. I recommend these books. Make sure your A.C., or some fans are running.

I love the imagination and writing behind these books. A lot of people are complaining about the length of the books but it is a nice change of pace for readers who can't lose sleep trying to pack in one more chapter.
The world the Pantera inhabits unfolds in each story and throws the reader into another twist. Things skulking in the background affect everything after and builds the anticipation for the big conclusion.

Omg! I am loving this series!!! I need more... So much more!!! This series was recommended to me by a friend and I am lovin her right now!! Parish is my favorite but they are all so amazing! I need to know what happens next!