Jason: An Anita Blake, Vampire Hunter Novel

Let's start with what in academic feminism we refer to as disclosing your personal bias up front... I am a feminist, bisexual and polyamorous (and just a little "kinky") and enjoy "urban fantasy," "paranormal/supernatural romance," and erotica. I LOVE the Anita Blake, Vampire Hunter series. So my rating is definitely colored by these biases. I was first introduced to the Anita Blake series in mid-series, around Narcissus in Chains, and had to go back and search for and read the first 7 novels *AFTER* reading several of the later novels which began leaning into the erotica side of the story, and started more heavily incorporating the poly and BDSM elements. I *appreciate* the representation, and enjoy these elements of the series.That said, it is a valid criticism that her works began moving more heavily into these elements of this amazing series and leaning less on the mystery/horror/detective novel elements from Narcissus in Chains onward. Some people don't like that. Fair enough. There's a saying in a group I'm in, "If you don't want some, you can't have any." Different strokes, for different folks, and all that. For folks who are more invested in the detective novel/mystery aspects of these books, you're probably going to become increasingly more dissatisfied as you get past #7. For those disturbed by erotica, especially that incorporating polyamory, group sex and/or BDSM, this book is PROBABLY NOT FOR YOU.Because this isn't your standard Anita Blake novel, even when compared with the more recent novels which are heavy on relationships and sex. First, it is a novella, so there's no room for the complexity of your usual Anita Blake novel. And second, there is no preternatural mystery of any kind in this novella. As the description fairly clearly states, it's about relationships, especially sexual relationships, between a handful of characters. So go in with clear expectations, and you may be pleasantly surprised by this one. But be clear about what you're buying.

This is the first Anita Blake book I've read that was strictly emotion and sex. Usually they involve a storyline that includes at least one bad guy, some gore, Anita killing or pouring something and some sex. I've read all but the last two Anita Blake books and this is an unusual change; not bad, just difference. A nice change but definitely for the mature reader.

This book was provided to me through NetGalley for an honest review."Enjoying pain with your pleasure is something you either get, or you don't. If you get it, then you don't really need it explained, because you know how good it feels, and if you don't get it then no amount of talking is going to convince you it makes sense."But sometimes you have to explain the unexplainable, especially if the love of your life needs to understand, or she'll leave you. Jason Schuyler is one of Anita Blake's best friends and favorite werewolves, with benefits. J.J. is his lady love, an old flame from childhood who dances at one of the top ballet companies in New York. She's accomplished, beautiful, and she's crazy about him, too. Neither of them wants to be monogamous, so what could go wrong?J.J. is enthusiastically bisexual, with an emphasis on the female side of things. She plans to keep sleeping with women, because Jason can't meet that need, just like she can't meet Jason's need for rough sex and bondage. J.J. doesn't understand why Jason isn’t content to go elsewhere for a need she can’t fulfil, so Jason asks Anita to help him explain.Anita is having her own relationship growing pains with her only female lover ever, Jade. Jason suggests that J.J. might be able to help Anita with her girl problem, while she helps him with his kinky explanations. With some encouragement from a few other lovers in Anita's life she reluctantly agrees, and J. J. makes plans to fly into town for an experience that none of them will ever forget.I love the Anita Blake books. Some of them more than others, just like any other series, but I love them. I know a lot of reviewers have issues with the extended sex scenes, but I enjoy them.This book, however, starts out as being about just the sexual relationships. It has too much dialogue with nothing else happening. There is no plot besides the relationships. There is not a bad guy/vampire/demon/etc. for Anita to fight. It is all about the people.And you know what? It worked.I especially liked the fact that Anita is forced into recognizing she can’t be the emotional support for everyone she is linked to. She has said that before, but in this book I believe she really accepts it and realizes she has to take a stand with some of her partners.My main criticism of the book is that neither Jean Claude nor Micah make an appearance. I love both of these characters and I want my fix!However, beautiful, beautiful Nathaniel does have a large part, so I guess I can’t complain too much.Yes, this book is all about the relationships, especially the sexual relationships, but it really does add a lot to Anita’s emotional growth. I can’t wait to see how that is manifested in the next book: Dead Ice. The release date is June 5th, 2015.

This was really about sex with multiple partners, about bondage, pain and same sex. I’m okay with that, but there really wasn’t a story here, it was more like an X-rated book. So, although I like sexual tension in books, sex scenes in books, I also like a titillating, adventurous story with mystery and some romance.

I get it, this book really tries to explore a deep understanding as to how Anita and her gang tick. But I have to say I think she should change her Therapist. If she's had therapy for that many years and still hasn't worked out why she finds it hard to reject others, given her own rejected past, well there something wrong. It's superficial in its understanding of her in this area as a result.It also makes her sex life sound and feel mechanical, which felt a bit boring... I prefer it when Laurell K. dangles the carrot (or sausage as she mentions as a pun), with more active plot, out there in Anitas wider world and then brings a more interesting twist in the bedroom department... this story was okay, but a little one track about sexual preferences.I liked the introduction of J.J. though and this relationship seemed more genuine in opening up aspects of Anitas true character.

That's it, no more of these for me. Each one is worse than the last, and this one is the pinnacle of narcissistic drivel. This is an author who no longer gives a damn about her readers, just wants to publish her own fantasies, or sexlife, and expects the masses to enjoy it. Her publishers must have thought '50 shades is doing well, so let her knock up a short story about tame BDSM, and we'll charge full price for it, and really take the piss out the plebs'Let me first summarize what it doesn't have:Story or plotAction or adventuresAnything remotely interesting going on.What it does have:Badly written sex scenes.Page after page of characters discussing their 'issues'A big price tag for something the size of a pamphlet.

If I wanted a sex manual I'd have just bought oneThere was hardly any story, no plot, no mystery, not much insight into Jason (and I really like Jason)It's pretty evident that L K H no longer has an editor - I don't know how much longer I want to stick with this series, which is a shame as I used to love it

What the hell is this tripe its literally a book helping anita have sex with women ( as if this series needs more sex ) nothing happens to add to the overall story so just skip this one.

Why Amazon insist on 20 words for a review via kindle, I don't know. Especially when I just want to say that I really enjoyed this book.