Flirt

If you only know one thing about Laurell K Hamilton, you know she writes an extremely successful series about Necromancer/Vampire Executioner Anita Blake.

If you know two things about Hamilton, you know somewhere around the 4th or so book, she twisted the series from delightful and innocent into something dark and very sexual. So much so, the ever popular PennyArcade felt perfectly comfortable spoofing her in their comics.

Not that I'm complaining. I know it sounded as though I was. I'm not- if anything the stories themselves have become much richer in content, description, and character development. For example, in the beginning I did not care for Jean-Claude. At All. Now I truly enjoy the character he's become (although I do have to admit, he is a bit more tame than I'd prefer).

My absolute favorite of all time is Haven, what can I say?

I enjoy Hamilton's books so much, I no longer think of the main characters by their full names- they are merely Anita and Merry (Meredith Gentry Series) in my mind, a one word icon on the same level as Madonna or Prince or the symbol representing Prince who became Prince once more. I enjoy Hamilton's books so much I had to stop following her on Twitter or reading her blog.

Before I quit cold turkey, I read along as she was writing her latest Meredith Gentry book Divine Misdemeanors reviewed here. I learned, during the midst of her writing DM, this current novella was delivered by the Muse stork and would let her be until she put pen to paper. Flirt was born.

Flirt is just that- a novella and thus lacks... well something. Sure all the favorite characters drop by, Micah, Nathaniel, Jason, Anita but it's a quick visit. Just a coffee, thanks and they're off. I do have to say, Anita is much, much more in this. Much more violent, much less conflicted, much more willing to bottom-line it and do what needs to be done.

Bottom-line: Didn't get the warm and fuzzies I usually get, the 'I must get my hands on the next Hamilton I can find' but all in all a nice visit from an old friend.

Question: What is your favorite Hamilton book?