Dante's Girl (A Kayla Steele Novel, Book 1)

This book was amazing. It only took me a few days to read because I really could not put it down once I read the first page. The plot is well put together and keeps the reader starving for more; the metaphors are perfectly portrayed to give the readers a sense of presence in the scenes. You can almost feel the emotions of each character. Rhodes gives a complex personality and individual spirit to each of her characters. I love how some of the scenes were as erotic as a romance novel, yet, the plot itself isn't "mushy" like most other romance novels. Romantic and sexy, yes; Sweet enough to give a toothache, no.(if I wanted that, I would've chose the book with Fabio on the cover)It really has a good balance of humane, tender love and devotion with animalistic, passionate lust. I must also point out that I loved the dark, mysterious, and almost taboo beauty of the book's cover (which I must confess was really what compelled me to get this book); I think it captures the overall tone of the book impeccably. In short, this book was more than just a novel, but a true work of art from cover to cover. I recommend it to any fans of the macabre, smart, and witty, or to anyone who'd just enjoy a well-written action/fantasy/romance.

Natasha Rhodes' DANTE'S GIRL blends fantasy and horror as it tells of one Kayla Steele, trying to hold down a job and learn the Dark Arts so she can avenge her boyfriend's death and thwart the supernatural beings stalking Los Angeles. And she's still having a relationship - with the dead boyfriend himself. A fine tale of supernatural horror evolves with a satisfying mystery kick.

Kayla Steele is in love with Karrel Dante and thinks he's going to propose. Instead, Karrel dies and Kayla finds out he works for a group of hunters that track down and kill werewolves and vampires. Thus begins a rollercoaster ride of non-stop action, wonderful characters, funny dialog and a set up for the next in what will hopefully be a series. If you like a lot of action, a little romance, then you will love Dante's girl. This book reads like a movie script and well it should since the author wrote Blade and the Final Destination movies. This is a definite paranormal action book. Hold on to your hats!

I found the book to be well written with a lot of attention given to character depth and development. Ms. Rhodes also does a good job of bringing us up to speed on "her world" through the actions of the characters and plot development; everything comes alive page by page as part of the overall story. No annoying 20 page essays on who's who here! The story is paced like a roller coaster; a few "hills" where the plot and tensions build up, followed by a mad camp dash with a few great twists and turns and then a break while we coast to the top of the next hill eager for the next drop. She manages to pull this off with the "hills" giving us time to think and absorb along with Kayla while the story unfolds, without becoming tedious or going so fast that you miss important details. And while yes, there are some major plot happenings left unresolved; rather than make me feel cheated or left hanging all they have done is make sure that I am eagerly awaiting the next Kayla Steele novel. If you like Jim Butcher or Kim Harrison this is another "must read." And as always: Would I look at any other books by this author in the future? Yes Would I spend list price on it again? Yes

Kayla Steele has lived in California for a year. She works at a cosmetic counter with a horrible boss and a snobby co-worker. All Kayla wants is for her boss to leave her alone and for her boyfriend, Karrel Dante, to ask for her to marry him. Karrel's job with the American Humane Society often takes him away from her. But tonight Kayla is positive that Karrel is going to pop the question to her. So when Kayla's world crumbles from beneath her feet, she is totally unprepared. Karrel Dante has a secret life. Working for the AHS is only a cover story. In truth, he is one of a ultra-secret government team that hunts down werewolves. The Hunters, as they are called, keep the werewolf numbers down and stops the cops from getting any bodies. So far they have been successful. On the night Karrel plans to propose to Kayla, he is betrayed by one of his own and murdered. Rightfully fearing that the werewolves or vampires would go after Kayla, Karrel makes a bargain with The Other Side. Kayla finds herself attacked by, if she can bring herself to believe it, werewolves. She is rescued and taken to a secret underground base by a group of people who say they were friends of Karrel's. Kayla has been marked for death. If she has any hope of survival, Kayla will have to take a crash course in the Dark Arts and learn fast! **** I have read at least one other book by the author, Natasha Rhodes, and believe this tale has more potential for her to explore her talents. When writing a book within a series, such as "The Nightmare on Elm Street", an author must deal with writing within boundaries which already exists. This is the first book in the "Kayla Steele" series, so Natasha Rhodes has the opportunity to think outside-the-box. I believe this book sets a solid foundation on which the author can build and expand upon. As the reader, I could watch as Kayla's super natural blinders are pulled from her eyes and she deals with the unbelievable. I learned about the non-human creatures as Kayla did. My biggest problem is that even though the foundation is set and humanity is saved by the ending, the author closes the book with five or six MAJOR plot threads dangling. Readers are left wondering, and more than a bit frustrated, until the next book is published. **** Reviewed by Detra Fitch of Huntress Reviews.