Street Game by Christine Feehan – Why it Made Me Say…’Meh’
24 Jan, 2010 in Book Reviews, Paranormal Romance 21 Comments*”Meh” is an interjection, often an expression of apathy, indifference, or boredom.
Genre: Paranormal Romance/Suspense {464 pages}
Series: Ghostwalker Book 8
Book purchased by moi
For Mack McKinley and his team of GhostWalker killing-machines, urban warfare is an art. Despite a hard-won knowledge of the San Francisco streets, Mack knows from experience that too many things can still go wrong. Danger was just another part of the game—and now he’s come face-to-face with a woman who can play just as tough.
Jaime is a woman with a sapphire stare so potent it can destroy a man. Years ago she and Mack had a history—volatile, erotic, and electric. Then she vanished. Now she’s walked back into Mack’s life as a spy with more secrets than are good for her. Against all odds, she’s hooking up with Mack one more time to take on an enemy that could destroy them both, or bring them back together in one hot, no-holds-barred adrenaline rush.
All of you are aware how much I adore Christine Feehan, she is the author that got me addicted hooked on paranormal romance. That being said, I’ve been a bit dissapointed in her last two Ghostwalker books. By the way, this is another series I’ve redubbed the Game Series for some odd reason. (Don’t even get me started on musical lyrics, that’s a story for another day). Let’s start off with the highs as I’m in a playful mood.
Even though it took me hours to try and figure out who Mack was in relation to the other characters in the previous installments , I still drew a blank as to how he became so important as to have his own book. What happened to the other guys? We have like four different Ghostwalker teams and I can barely keep up with who is who. What I did like is how Feehan deviated from her main characters, the orphaned girls, to a new set of enhanced soilders. I do feel like I should have popped in some ginkgo biloba to remember where we were first introduced to Mack. I think Mari and Ken’s story from Deadly Game? Moving on. I liked Jamie and Mack’s relationship dynamic, Feehan did a great job building the relationship tension between these two characters and yes, the first s-e-x-y- time scene fogged up my reading glasses. Usually when characters have a past history it can read a little ‘Gossip Girl’ for me, but I think it really worked for this story. And please,who doesn’t want to read about a sexy Alpha- male that would do anything to get you back into his life? *raises hand*
The not so bueno Street Game aspects
I could have done with a little less of the no means yes, and yes means no with Jaime. She is considered to be a genius with computers and security systems, but somehow a complete wet blanket when it comes to making decisions regarding her love life?I couldn’t help but think her reasons for not wanting a relationship with Mack were a little oversimplified and frankly boring. I’m all for a character showcasing vulnerability but come on, Jaime was at times a complete wuss and cry baby. I must admit I might be a little biased as Flame {Night Game} and Mari {Deadly Game} and Lily {Mind Game}are the only female characters I’ve liked out of this whole series. I am also getting really, really, really, really, really, {too many reallys?} tired of reading about the elusive, crazy, maniac, Dr, Whitney. I think Feehan overuses this suspense angle. Yes, I know he is the villain but you can only write so much about a character that appears so sparsely in the series that you forget why he is the bad guy in the first place. A real villain show’s up to the fight, this isn’t Doctor. Claw from Inspector Gadget, we need a physical connection as to why Whitney is so evil. It doesn’t help to have your main characters pontificate about his villainy we need to see the man in action!
Final Verdict: I think this is an improvement from Murder Game and those of you who liked the previous books will probably like Street Game. If you are like me and have been disappointed since Ken and Mari’s book, Deadly Game, perhaps we can console ourselves with her Leopard series, and keep are fingers crossed for her next installment. This is not a bad book just not what I was looking for.
Rating
I am seriously considering breaking up with Ghostwalkers, what do you think I should do? I did just break up with the Carpathians…
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I always hate it when a favorite author disappoints us. I still haven’t forgiven Julie Garwood or Amanda Quick for letting me down, and that was years ago. I think sometimes authors just publish books too quickly once they get popular, and their books lose that special spark they once had.
@Colette I am trying not to bash this author ’cause I still heart her, but I think I need to revaluate if I want to continue on with this series. Oh how I love Ms. Garwood’s historicals.
I can’t help you here on the decision to breakup because I only made through the first 3 books in the Carpathians series before I threw in the towel. But you know in series that run for so long there is bound to be a bad apple in the bunch along the way. I’m willing to let there be a couple on authors I’ve come to relish. Ex. J.R. Ward, I didn’t like Phury’s book very much and I didn’t like how Vishous’s book ended.
I heart her also, even though I haven’t read her last few new books *sigh* I just keep waiting for her to pull me back in. Does that make me weak? Maybe, but I’m not ashamed!
I remember letting her go when I read the third book [after stringing those books one after the other], and thought, “Hey, didn’t I read this already? Wait, isn’t that what happened in the–? HEY STOP IT WITH THE–Oh great, I still have a kajillion of hers to go.”
:[ Sorry! ;p
I love paranormal romance but somehow me and Feehan do not get along, I read two or three of her Carpathians but somehow I never got enticed to read more of her work, and this book is not going to entice me either! Go hide now from all Feehan fans… I am having the same problem with Ward now, just like Donna said, I did not like V’s book, the way his character changed completely and Phury’s book…meh… Kenyon DH’s series the same, some books I like others I don’t, but somehow Ward and Kenyon keep me intrigued enough to want to buy the next one, Feehan doesn’t.
Hey Smokin! I didn’t think this was stellar either. Okay, but inconsistent. Did you read Dark Slayer? Because I was really impressed with that one….vintage Christine Feehan, and a great addition to the Dark Series.
Your review is spot-on.
I emailed Christine Feehan to ask her when she is writing Skyler and Dimitri’s story, and she said she doesn’t know. Ugh! I’ll be 85 years old by the time she gets to it. Hope I can still read then.
Loved this review KC! Am very curious to see what I think of this series myself.
I gave up on Feehan’s Dark Series when I couldn’t get past the first few chapters of the fifth book (Dark Challenge IIRC). The “sister” series never tickled my fancy but the Ghostwalkers have so I have been collecting them without reading a single word. This last installment came in last week and I know it will be a while before I can tell you what I thought of it as Shadow Game is still on Mt. TBR…
Hugs,
Pearl
So you are a little tired of Dr. Whitney? lol..I am tired of her Dark series!!! I haven’t read this series..but I am having it as a guest review. I think they liked it more than you. I really have no motivation to pick up her books. Thanks for being straight forward!
I was done with the Carpathians in the middle of book 3. Someone had suggested I try another of her series to give her another chance, but now I think not. Thanks for an honest, unbiased review.
Letting your wonderful review marinate in my mind KC. In a vague distant memory I believe i read the first in this series…I think *frowns* What can i say, the Feehan bandwagon, sometimes i feel I’m on it but then read something and fall off it again, flat on my stomach *ouch* Of course i have this series on my shelves, as the complete Carpathian series, but will I ever catch up in these series, don’t think so
@Donna I forgive Ward for Phury’s story. Actually Ward is so captivating with her action & suspense I can let a few things go, Feehan doesn’t even have that.
@Queen B I just realized the last great book from Feehan was Burning Wild…2-3 years ago. I think this is a sign.
@Marissa it took me awhile but I’ve finally forgiven Ward for V’s book & the ending.
@Pearl I think you’ll like Night Game and Deadly Game I thought those were really quite good.
@Mandi was it the reallys that tipped you off?
@Patti I think Feehan needs to change up her writing style, back in the day when there was not a whole lot of PNR to choose from, things were different. I feel that her series needs an update.
@Leontine I’m actually debated to get rid of the Carpathian books on my shelf. But then the song “Memories” plays in my head and I just can’t do it.
@Sasha I know this is bad but her next book about Kane, sounds really interesting. See I haz an illness I just can’t quit you Feehan!
@Penelope I uh kind of made fun of Dark Slayer all the 10 page chants kind of made me giggle. I find it absurd that we have to wait this long for Sklyer’s book.
I have gotten to the point that while I still read the Carpathian series, I won’t buy it. I wait until it hits my local library and then read it. Same with Laurell Hamilton. When you start rooting for the lead character to die, there’s a problem.
I agree with what Collette said about an author publishing too quickly. The storylines become repetitive. The same sex scenes, scenarios, etc. We are on Book 8 and Whitney is still running around? The Ghostwalkers are supposed to be the best of the best, yet they can’t find one guy?
I skipped one of Ms. Feehan’s books because the majority of the reviews from readers showed the hero as abusive.
@K.C. Can I join the chorus there and set in another song; Should they stay or should they go? Anyway, I’m defrosting and wrapping blanky around me and dive in to my current read
Have a great evening/night!
@Elaine R what ever happened to the girl orphans? It’s like Feehan stopped writing about them. I think the next book with Kane will hopefully be a lot like Deadly Game and it will be better. I still have hope
@Leontine I so want to be where you are right now. My work day has just begun.
I have this entire series. Proof that my impulse buying is waaaaay out of control. And you know what, I don’t even know why I bought them. I’m not inspired by the premise at all and your rating for this one has inspired me even less. eBay here I come!!!
Thanks for pointing out my issues K.C. It’s glaringly apparent that I need to really curb my spending. If my husband found out that I bought an entire series with no intention of reading it, he’d….well I’d hope for a spanking but it’d probably get a lecture instead on how we’re broke and why are am I spending money we don’t have on something I admit to not wanting. Hmmm…let’s keep this f-up between you and me, kay? :0)
Hugs, VFG
@VFG Oh my god, note to self do not drink water while reading your comments, lol!!! Do you think you bought that series intentionally so your hubs could span you *wiggles eyebrows* BTW my lips are sealed I won’t tell on you. Pinky swear.
Never read one of her books. And the first books were better? With which of her books should I start ?
And I’m sorry you are disappointed with the development of the series. Hate when that happens.
I wanted to love this story, I really did. But I didn’t. All I could think about is if they were ever going to leave the loft and do something. LOL While they did eventually, I still forced myself to the end. I broke up with the Carpathians a long time ago and I may wait to buy the next Ghostwalker book after all the reviews come out.
As for the leopard series… I could re read that last book over and over and over I loved it so much. Hope the next is as good.
@Susi I liked Book 1, Book 3 Night Game and Deadly Game. This series started out strong but seems to be dragging a bit
@Eliza I loved Burning Wild, probably one of her best books in the last few years. I haven’t decided if I will buy the next Ghostwalker book, Feehan does such a great job setting up interest for the next characters *shakes fist*.