Review: Eve of Samhain by Lisa Sanchez
September 4, 2010 
14 Comments
Eve of Samhain
by Lisa Sanchez
Paperback: 216 pages
Publisher: Omnific Publishing
Available: May 25th 2010
As a college senior and server at Hanaford Park’s hottest nightclub, twenty-one year old Ryann Pierce’s plan was simple: work hard, make lots of money, and avoid the ass-grabbers at all costs. What she never planned for was Quinn Donegan—the living, breathing advertisement for sinful behavior that waltzed into her life.
With an angelic face, a hard body and a butt-load of charm, Quinn had a way with the ladies—a lot of ladies. Cursed with a deadly, addictive touch, his trail of indiscretion blazed across five hundred years. Tired and jaded, Ryann is a shocking revelation Quinn didn’t see coming.
Filled with desire, yet unable to touch one another, Ryann and Quinn embark on a daunting journey, battling frustrating physical limitations while exploring their new love. In a race against the clock, Ryann learns she must plead for Quinn’s life before…the Eve of Samhain. Determined to end her lover’s suffering, not even the danger dogging her every move can keep her from her mission.
Ryann is a 21 year old college student who is self conscious about her size 8 body and works in a bar/nightclub reminiscent of a Hooters. In walks the gorgeous Quinn one night and Ryann is immediately intrigued by not only his roguish and rude behavior, but also the way Quinn leaves his toothpick skinny date in a trance when he walks away. It also helps that Quinn is devastatingly handsome and speaks with an Irish accent. Turns out Quinn and Ryann are enrolled at the same college and they are thrown together at school where Ryann is determined to figure this bad boy out. In the mean time, Ryann is battling something that appears to be a demon and has a crazy roommate who just may be into witchcraft. As she and Quinn become closer, Ryann learns Quinn has a curse – a touch so addictive to women it drives them crazy.
This book was a slow starter for me. In fact I almost gave up on it several times during the first 15% of it. The story is told in first person by the character of Ryann, and I had a difficult time reading about every nuance that went through her head. It’s like there was a war going on inside that brain of hers and I just couldn’t escape. But once Quinn takes center stage in the story along with Ryann, I felt he rescued the book and I was able to soldier on. Quinn is Irish and over 500 years old. The stuff that comes out of his mouth is priceless and I spent many times laughing out loud. Some of the phrases he used were just hysterically funny. And it made him completely irresistible.
There was still too much of what I would consider “over sharing” by Ryann. In fact I felt the author did too much of Ryann telling what was going on instead of showing by describing more emotions or physical surroundings. I often would think I was reading a Young Adult book and then the F bomb would be thrown out or Quinn would make a sexual remark and I would be reminded this indeed was not a Young Adult book. The other issue I had with the book is the way Ryann came across so body conscious and she felt like a size 8 was too large, but yet she worked in a Hooters style establishment wearing booty shorts and obviously showing off her body. That just didn’t make sense to me?
Overall, if you are looking to spend a little time with a super sexy Irishman who spouts off some fantastic dialogue, this may be the book for you. Another thing I did appreciate is the way the author handled the intimacy between the two characters considering they couldn’t touch each other skin to skin. It was very sensual and you could truly feel the chemistry between Ryann and Quinn. These scenes were very well done. Also, if you really like stories told from a first person point of view where you can hear everything going on inside the characters head, this may be for you as well.
Favorite Quote:
“Well, what can I say? When you’re hung like a Clydesdale, you find yourself naming your appendage.” He shifted in his seat and glanced down at his crotch with a smile. “Captain Leviathan here is legendary.”
Purchase Link: Amazon
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I too had a tough time getting through the first 1/2 of the book, but after it picked up I enjoyed it a lot. I also felt the same about being "told" and not "shown"… but once the romance picked up, I loved the story.
Thanks for the review!
Hmm I've been wanting to read this book but I may need to look into it more. Great review. It really helped get a better view of the book and I like the quote. Sounds like Quinn is my kind of character.
Stephanie G
Paranormal Haven
Great review. I admit Quinn sounds like my kind of guy, sexy & funny. Not getting the whole can't touch each other thing so I guess I would have to read it to figure that out.
Bummmerrrr. I was curious abt this one, and don't think it's for me! Great review!!
I've also been curious about this one-at least I've forewarned about it if I don't like it.
Thanks for the review Samantha. I really do struggle with slow start books however it seems like overall this one was something I'd like to read.
Ryann is upset about her size 8 body? Give me a break! Size 8 is something to self-conscious about? O.o
I have this on my TBR. I'm not sure I can take anymore slow starter books. But Quinn sounds yummy!
First person point of view must be done really well will it appeal to me. This doesn't sound like a book I could bring up the patience for. Thanks for your honest review, Samantha!
Thanks for the review! I've yet to try this author…this one doesn't quite seem like my thing.
Great review Samantha but I don't think it's for me.
Lol, well that is something to name it
I've been wondering about this one because I've read so many mixed reviews.
I'm curious about the humorous Quinn, but sounds like I can wait!
Thanks for the honest review!
I didn't think the book was slow moving at all. I honestly have nothing bad to say about this book. I'm picky, and I'm usually a pretty tough reviewer, but I only have praise for Eve of Samhain. Quinn is DELICIOUS and the romance is fantastic. There is a shower scene between Ryann and Quinn that is so romantic I'll never forget it.