Dark Storm (Carpathians (Dark) #23) by Christine Feehan

Blurb…

Awakening after all this time in a world of absolute darkness and oppressive heat, Dax wonders in how many ways the world above must have changed. But it is how he has changed that fills him with dread and loathing. Buried alive for hundreds of years in a volcano in the Carpathian Mountains, Dax fears that he has become the full-fledged abomination that every Carpathian male fears, a victim of the insidious evil that has crept relentlessly into his mind and body over the centuries. But there are some things that never change.

His name is Mitro, the vampire Dax had hunted all these long centuries. Second in command to the prince of the Carpathian people he is the epitome of everything malevolent, and perpetrator of one of the most shocking killing sprees known to man - and beast. Even his friends and family weren't safe from Mitro's bloodlust. Neither was Mitro's lifemate, Arabejila, an extraordinary woman with extraordinary gifts. But now that Dax has re-emerged, so too has Mitro. The ultimate battle between good and evil has been re-engaged. Between Dax and Mitro, a violent game has begun - one that has marked Riley Parker, the last descendent of Arabejila, as the reward.

I’ve been a fan of Christine Feehan’s Carpathians for years now, but the last few books haven’t WOW’d me like the earlier books did… until now. Dark Storm is, start to finish, an action packed and passionate story!

The Carpathian world is so intense, so detailed, and so exciting. It’s a complex world filled with compelling people and beings. It’s a world of hunters vs. vampires, good vs. evil, and in Dark Storm the very best of this world comes into play. Dax and Riley are perfect for each other. They are both are solid, mature people who trust their instincts and each other, so there isn't a lot of relationship drama and back and forth bickering, which helped make this one of my favorites of the series.

The bottom line...

I was captivated from the start, unable to put it down, and I'm excited to have the next book in my hot little hands!

Click here to purchase Dark Storm from Amazon

Blood Kiss (Black Dagger Legacy #1) by J.R. Ward

Blurb: Paradise, blooded daughter of the king’s First Advisor, is ready to break free from the restrictive life of an aristocratic female. Her strategy? Join the Black Dagger Brotherhood’s training center program and learn to fight for herself, think for herself…be herself. It’s a good plan, until everything goes wrong. The schooling is unfathomably difficult, the other recruits feel more like enemies than allies, and it’s very clear that the Brother in charge, Butch O’Neal, a.k.a. the Dhestroyer, is having serious problems in his own life.

And that’s before she falls in love with a fellow classmate. Craeg, a common civilian, is nothing her father would ever want for her, but everything she could ask for in a male. As an act of violence threatens to tear apart the entire program, and the erotic pull between them grows irresistible, Paradise is tested in ways she never anticipated—and left wondering whether she’s strong enough to claim her own power…on the field, and off.

For years now it’s seemed that the WARDen (J.R. Ward) has been taking the Brotherhood down a different path, a path I found myself less and less wanting to follow. The stories became more Urban Fantasy than Paranormal Romance and, as became painfully clear in The Shadows, the WARDen’s idea of true love and happily ever afters was morphing into something I wanted no part of. But being a loyal fan and unwilling - or unable - to give up, it was with some trepidation and a whole lot of cautious optimism that I began reading Blood Kiss because, after the travesty of The Shadows, I wasn’t sure I’d ever enjoy a Black Dagger Brotherhood novel again. I didn’t preorder, I didn’t read reviews, I didn’t chat it up with fellow BDB lovers…I avoided any and all discussion as much as possible. Until, that is, I peeked at my Goodreads’ friends comments (thanks, Beanbag and Lenore) and decided to bite the bullet and give it a chance.

I’m so glad I did!

Perhaps because Blood Kiss is the first in the new Black Dagger Legacy spin-off series The WARDen was able to really return us to the Brotherhood we all came to know and love way-back-when. Maybe she finally quit the Rice Krispies and went with a higher fiber cereal… who’s to say. Whatever the reason, I’m thrilled to be able to say that I really enjoyed this story and page after page saw shades of the Black Dagger Brotherhood that I love and have missed over the past several books. There were moments that felt New Adult-esque, and at other moments I thought the writing was simplistic, but the truth is, it’s not the writing that's simple, it's that this story isn’t complicated and all over the place. We’re back to a single couple happily ever after, while also spending quality time with Butch and Marissa, and Vishous. The other Brothers and their shellans make appearances, too, and I loved that!

The bottom line? Blood Kiss isn't perfect but it's an entertaining story and a solid start to the series. If things continue on this way, I think fans of the original books will enjoy the Black Dagger Legacy!


Click here to purchase Blood Kiss at Amazon

The King (The Black Dagger Brotherhood #12) by J.R. WARD

After turning his back on the throne for centuries, Wrath, son of Wrath, finally assumed his father’s mantle—with the help of his beloved mate. But the crown sets heavily on his head. As the war with the Lessening Society rages on, and the threat from the Band of Bastards truly hits home, he is forced to make choices that put everything—and everyone—at risk.

Beth Randall thought she knew what she was getting into when she mated the last pure blooded vampire on the planet: An easy ride was not it. But when she decides she wants a child, she’s unprepared for Wrath’s response—or the distance it creates between them.

The question is, will true love win out... or tortured legacy take over?

Keepin' this short because no words I can think of can do The King justice: If you loved the earlier stories which were filled with passion and romance and happily ever afters obtained through faith, trust, honor, dignity, soul cleansing pain, and making compromises for the one you love because you love them above all else... you'll be happy to know that The King has all of these things, and more!

Purchase The King at Amazon

Even Vampires Get the Blues (Deadly Angels #6) by Sandra Hill

The fact that vampire angel Harek Sigurdsson was a Norseman in his mortal life doesn't make thawing out after exile in Siberia any easier. But things heat up when his search for evil Lucipires connects him with Camille Dumaine, a human who thrums with sensual energy that can mean only one thing: she's the mate Harek's been seeking for centuries . . .

The SEALs call her "Camo" for her ability to blend into a crowd—yet Harek's intense blue gaze singles Camille out like a white-hot spotlight. The security wiz was hired to help bring down a ruthless band of international kidnappers, but Camille senses an unspoken agenda—besides Harek's bold declaration that she's his "destiny." Just Camille's luck that the sexiest man she's ever met may also be . . . a vampire!
*Length: 384 pages
*Published August 25th 2015 by Avon
Click here to purchase at Amazon

Lot’s of witty dialog and silly, tongue-in-cheek humor make Sandra Hill’s Deadly Angels series thoroughly entertaining. Even Vampires Get the Blues is the 6th in the series and another fun, super sexy installment.

Even though this isn't my favorite Vampire series, I do enjoy these crazy Viking Angels who are "serving time" until their boss, Mike - AKA Michael, the Archangel - feels that they've made restitution for the sins of their very ancient past. These stories are easy reads, perfect for those times you want something fun to take your mind off life while you chill with a sexy man sure to become your newest book-boyfriend.

An ARC was provided by Avon Books.

One Lucky Vampire (Argeneau #19) by Lynsay Sands

When Nicole Phillips agreed to hire a housekeeper, she pictured someone a little frumpy and almost certainly female. Instead, she gets gorgeous, unmistakably male Jake Colson. The man is proving indispensable in the kitchen—and everywhere else. Except Jake might not be a mortal man at all.

Who wouldn't want to be a tall, dark, powerful vampire? Jake, for one. He's barely had time to adjust to his new state before he's roped into a family favor. Still, secretly playing bodyguard to sweet, sexy Nicole is turning out to be the wildest ride of his life. First, he'll put a stop to whoever's targeting her. Then he'll prove that this kind of love, and luck, happens only once in an eternity.

Kindle Edition, 327 pages
Published September 24th 2013 by Avon
Purchase at Amazon

Keepin' it short: Loads of fun and plenty of passion! Lynsay Sands ROCKS the Vampire genre!

Bound by Flames (Night Prince #3) by Jeaniene Frost

Blurb...

Play with fire, pay the price.

Leila’s years on the carnie circuit were certainly an education. What she didn’t learn: how to be a vampire, or how to be married to the most famous vampire of them all. Adjusting to both has Leila teetering on a knife edge between passion and peril, and now the real danger is about to begin…

Vlad must battle with a centuries-old enemy whose reach stretches across continents and whose strength equals his own. It isn’t like Vlad to feel fear, but he does…for Leila, because his enemy knows she is Vlad’s greatest weakness. As friend and foe alike align against him—and his overprotectiveness drives Leila away—Vlad’s love for his new bride could be the very thing that dooms them both…

Bound by Flames, the 3rd book in the Night Prince series is, in my opinion, the best of the 3 so far. It's loaded with twists and turns and things I didn't see coming, things that had me on the edge of my seat, frantic to find out how Vlad and Leila would get out of their current mess - who was going to die a painful death for putting them in that mess. Vlad takes vengeance to a whole new level, all the while being amazingly loving and compassionate in an endearing 'don't make me set your ass on fire' way. :D

Once again Tavia Gilbert blew me away with her narration. That woman has talent! The way she seamlessly switches between characters, staying true to their heavy accents and personalities is nothing short of brilliant!

Sexy, passionate, romantic, brutally violent, funny... this story has it all and I'm not sure how I'll manage to stay sane while waiting for book 4!

Wild and Free (The Three #3) by Kristen Ashley - Review and Blog Tour and Giveaway!!!

Wild and Free, the third and final book in Kristen Ashley’s The Three trilogy is an action packed, super sexy story about faith, trust, and never giving up on the people you care about, regardless of the danger to yourself. Most importantly, though, Wild and Free is a story of hope, dedication, determination, and unconditional, uncompromising love.

Blurb…

Abel Jin and Delilah Johnson have lived their lives with a hole in their soul, yearning for something they don’t understand.

Until one night Delilah is in mortal danger and a man who’s otherworldly strong and supernaturally fast saves her. Delilah is then cast into a world where fiction comes to life in the form of Abel, her destined mate, a vampire/werewolf hybrid who claims her at first breath as his.

But Abel knows the danger isn’t done. He’s dreamed for centuries that his mate will perish and he will stop at nothing to keep her safe.

For Delilah, she’s not only coping with fantasy come to life, but a mingling of very different families. Not to mention, she has on her hands a man who doesn’t understand his true nature and has lived his long life thinking he’s a monster.

Abel and Delilah together fills the hole that has been clawing at them for decades. But finally finding each other, it also tips their destinies as the last of The Three. They must unite with the other destined lovers, who with Abel and Delilah, are fated to save the world.

Or die trying.

My thoughts…

There’s so much to love about this story, and oh, how I love this story! I love it because I believe in it! I believe, with all my heart, that humanity can come together, beat back the selfishness and ugliness of the world and, with a little hope and goodness and sacrifice, make this planet we’re on an amazing place where we can all live together in peace, as one, not just tolerating each others' differences, but embracing them! I also love it ‘cuz it’s a great romance and holy hot alpha shifting bloodsucker burn up the pages sexy, but if I mention holy hot alpha shifting bloodsucker burn up the pages sexy first, you might think I'm a lusty wench, and I can't have that now, can I? ;)

Anyway, this is a great end to the trilogy. We get to spend time with Lucien and Leah, and Callum and Sonia, along with others we've come to love throughout the story. There are some laughs, some sighs, loads of fanning, but also some heartbreaking moments. If you think I loved each and every word of Wild and Free, you would not be wrong!

An ARC of Wild and Free was provided by the author, in part for my participation in the Wild and Free Blog Tour, but also because she's all kinds of awesome!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Rajmund (Vampires in America #3) by D.B. Reynolds

This is a great book. A fantastic addition to the series, and a more in depth look at this incredible world and its hierarchy. If the romance between Raj and Sarah had been more on than off, this story would have been perfect!

Blurb...

RAJMUND GREGOR is a vampire . . . and the undisputed Master of New York City. He bows to no one but his Sire, Krystof, who is the Vampire Lord for the entire Northeastern U.S. Based in Buffalo, NY, Krystof is an old vampire—-too old, it would seem, because he’s slowly losing his mind. Summoned back to Buffalo by his Sire, Rajmund finds his master out of touch and rapidly weakening. He knows the territory will crumble if something isn’t done, and he’s the only one of Krystof’s children strong enough to seize power. But there’s also the matter of some missing women and a rogue vampire who seems to be moving in for the kill.

SARAH STRATTON has a secret, one she’s never shared with anyone–—at least not anyone who knows her now, not even her good friend Cyn. It’s a secret that could destroy her carefully constructed life, but it’s one she may have to share with a vampire, if she’s going to save the lives of the missing women.

*****
Vampires in America has turned out to be a fantastic series, so far. I'm pretty blown away by the unique world D.B. Reynolds has created in a genre that's been overrun with vampires!

Raphael (Vampires in America #1) by D.B. Reynolds

It’s an intense and exciting world D.B. Reynolds has created in Malibu, California “-home to rock-and-roll gods and movie stars, the beautiful, the rich . . . and vampires.” I was sucked (no pun intended) in from the start, and fell madly in lust with the Vampire Lord, Raphael!

Blurb

Powerful and charismatic, Raphael is a Vampire Lord, one of the few who hold the power of life and death over every vampire in existence. Thousands call him Master and have pledged absolute loyalty on their very lives. But when, in a brazen and deadly daylight attack, a gang of human killers kidnaps the one female vampire he'd give his life for, Raphael turns to a human investigator to find his enemies before it's too late.


Cynthia Leighton is smart, tough and sexy, a private investigator and former cop who's tired of spying on cheating spouses and digging out old bank accounts. When Raphael asks for her help in tracking down the kidnappers, Cyn's happy to accept. But she soon realizes her greatest danger comes not from the humans, but from Raphael himself.


Battling Russian mobsters and treacherous vampires, and betrayed by those they trusted, Cyn and Raphael find themselves fighting for their lives while caught up in a passion of blood and violence that is destined to destroy them both.

*********** 

I’m a vampire hussy born, so to speak, during the days of Twilight-mania and then reared on the streets of Caldwell, NY with the Black Dagger Brotherhood. I’m not sure how it is I never read this story – or the series – given that I own the first six or so books. What a travesty, that!

If you’re a fan of Paranormal Romance and Vampires but are tired of the same old done-to-death stories, as I am, then I’ll tell you this… don’t wait another second. Grab this book – well, at the least the first two books – and prepare to be WOW’d!

Though, I do have to admit/warn that I was left with my mouth hanging open when I discovered that, despite the attraction and intense sexual chemistry between Raphael and Cyn, there's no happily ever after in this book. But according to my dear friend, Karla, that is resolved in book two which is why I say you need to have both books on hand.

But seriously, it’s not often I’m left desperate for the next book in a series, but I was this time!

The Vampire With the Dragon Tattoo (Love At Stake) by Kerrelyn Sparks

He's Out of Control

Dougal Kincaid has something to prove. After being injured in a battle with the Malcontents, he's ready for active duty protecting unsuspecting mortals from these villainous vampires who want to rule the world. But first he has to get control of himself . . . because just the sight of a certain lovely doctor has his injured hand doing some peculiar things, not to mention the sizzling sensation that burns along his dragon tattoo.

Vampires? Vampires?! As a scientist, Leah is having trouble believing that these immortal creatures exist. But there they are, standing in front of her, asking for help in solving a genetic puzzle that can save mankind. There's even one in a sexy kilt! Just one look into Dougal's gorgeous green eyes sets her pulse racing. But can she trust him—and the overwhelming desire that refuses to be ignored?

*****

This 14th installment in the Love at Stake series has all the things Kerrelyn Sparks fans have come to expect; humor, romance, passion, and a great story of the continued battle between our beloved Vampires and the Malcontents.

I haven’t read all the books in this series, but that didn’t create any problems for me. Things that took place in earlier books – especially in regards to how the other couples met their mates – are peppered throughout the story so that we get a pretty good idea of the whos, whats, whens, wheres, and whys. And honestly, these are light, entertaining reads, perfect for those times when you’re looking to let your mind wander and get lost in a world of great characters and their unlikely circumstances.

I really enjoyed The Vampire with the Dragon Tattoo, but it was Dougal who made this story shine. Such an awesome, honorable, fierce, passionate man! And did I mention vulnerable? His insecurities made were so endearing and made me want to bring him home with me and love him til his past heartbreak was forgotten.

My thanks to Avon Books for providing me with a copy of this story. In return I’m giving them an honest review.

Vampire Most Wanted by Lynsay Sands - And An Argeneau Series Primer

Take a road trip with the undead . . . in this latest in the argeneau series by New York Times bestselling author Lynsay Sands 

For Basha Argeneau, anything is better than facing her estranged family. Even hiding out in sweltering southern California. But when a sexy immortal in black shows up determined to bring her back to the clan, she'll do anything to keep far, far away from the past she can't outrun. 

Marcus Notte isn't here to play games—especially not with someone as crazy as the infamous blonde. Asked by Lucian Argeneau to bring her back for questioning, Marcus is determined to carry out Lucian's request—no matter how the seductive little mind-reading vamp feels about it. 

Basha doesn't mind fighting fire with fire, especially with a hot immortal involved. But if he wants to take her away, he'll have to catch her first . . . 

***

To celebrate 10 years and the soon to be released 20th book in the series, we're giving you an Argeneau Vampire Primer and Reference Guide! These handy visuals will help newcomers keep up with the series and will give long time readers a fun trip down memory lane!

We hope you'll enjoy our little gift! 

Click Images Below to View Full Size

Nice Girls Don't Live Forever by Molly Harper and Amanda Ronconi

Nothing sucks the romance out of world travel like a boyfriend who may or may not have broken up with you in a hotel room in Brussels. Jane Jameson's sexy sire Gabriel has always been unpredictable, but the seductive, anonymous notes that await him at each stop of their international vacation, coupled with his evasive behavior over the past few months, finally push Jane onto the next flight home to Half Moon Hollow -- alone, upset, and unsure whether Gabriel just ended their relationship without actually telling her.

Now the children's-librarian-turned-vampire is reviving with plenty of Faux Type O, some TLC from her colorful friends and family, and her plans for a Brave New Jane. Step One: Get her newly renovated occult bookstore off the ground. Step Two: Support her best friend, Zeb, and his werewolf bride as they prepare for the impending birth of their baby...or litter. Step Three: Figure out who's been sending her threatening letters, and how her hostile pen pal is tied to Gabriel. Because for this nice girl, surviving a broken heart is suddenly becoming a matter of life and undeath.

********

Audio Book Review

The Story:

Nice Girls Don’t Live Forever is the third book in Molly Harper’s Jane Jameson series, which is a cross between Contemporary and Paranormal Romance, with the slightest hint of Chick-lit.

As is always the case with Molly Harper, the storytelling is brilliant. My earlier slight disappointment in the world building is gone, and this story is romantic, funny, sexy, fast paced, and at times poignant. The story takes place in the quirky small town of Half Moon Hollow where vampires have been ‘out of the closet’ for a while now, and share the air with humans, ghouls, witches, ghosts, and werewolves. Makes for some interesting reading!!

The Audio:

Amanda Ronconi does a phenomenal job of bringing Jane Jameson and her friends to life. Her voice is just rough enough to give Jane the edge you'd expect from a sassy vampire, as well as give all of the characters truly distinctive voices. I love that I know who's speaking without the "Jane said..." or "Jolene said..." Honestly, Ms. Ronconi is a very talented narrator!

Once again I can wholeheartedly recommend this amazing author/narrator team!

Nice Girls Don't Have Fangs by Molly Harper and Amanda Ronconi

Maybe it was the Shenanigans gift certificate that put her over the edge. When children's librarian and self-professed nice girl Jane Jameson is fired by her beastly boss and handed $25 in potato skins instead of a severance check, she goes on a bender that's sure to become Half Moon Hollow legend. On her way home, she's mistaken for a deer, shot, and left for dead. And thanks to the mysterious stranger she met while chugging neon-colored cocktails, she wakes up with a decidedly unladylike thirst for blood.

Jane is now the latest recipient of a gift basket from the Newly Undead Welcoming Committee, and her life-after-lifestyle is taking some getting used to. Her recently deceased favorite aunt is now her ghostly roommate. She has to fake breathing and endure daytime hours to avoid coming out of the coffin to her family. She's forced to forgo her favorite down-home Southern cooking for bags of O negative. Her relationship with her sexy, mercurial vampire sire keeps running hot and cold. And if all that wasn't enough, it looks like someone in Half Moon Hollow is trying to frame her for a series of vampire murders. What's a nice undead girl to do?

**********

Audio Book Review

Regarding the Story:

Nice Girls Don’t Have Fangs is the first book in Molly Harper’s Jane Jameson series, a cross between Contemporary and Paranormal Romance, with just a tiny hint of Chick-Lit. 

Jane Jameson is an unemployed librarian and newly turned vampire, living in the quirky small town of Half Moon Hollow. Vampires have been ‘out of the closet’ for a while now, and in this first book of the series, we follow Jane as she acclimates to her life as an undead. 

There are plenty of great things about this book, including the cast of secondary characters, many who have stories of their own just screaming to be told. It's a unique world Ms. Harper has created, a refreshing twist on the done-to-death (no pun intended) vampire genre.

Molly Harper is one of the best authors I’ve read when it comes to humorous stories. There’s just something about the way she writes dialog, her dry wit and easy banter, that makes her books a pleasure to read.

My only complaint is a minor one, and it’s in the world building, which can often be a problem in the first book of a series. There were a few times I felt things dragged a bit, but once that foundation was laid, it was smooth listening right through the end.

Regarding the Audio Book:

Amanda Ronconi narrates this book and she is fabulous! Her voice is so comfortable to listen to and she can go from a slight southern drawl to a heavy twang flawlessly. Her reading of the story, her pacing and inflection, brings the story to life in a way that simply reading it from a book just can’t match. 

If you’re new to audio books, as I am, and not sure where to start, I can highly recommend this author/narrator team!

Note:

Though there is some relationship development between the two main characters, this book does not have a happily ever after and I'd rank the 'steam' at about 3 of 5.

Audiobook, Unabridged, 355 pages

Published February 19th 2010 by Audible, Inc

A Kiss of Blood by Pamela Palmer

A Kiss of Blood is the second book in Pamela Palmer’s Vamp City series, and while this too is dark, provocative, and sexy, as is the first book, we see a more compassionate side to both Arturo and Quinn. I became more invested in the beings who live in Washington, VC, and wanted to see them set free from the nightmare that was becoming their lives. Without a doubt, this world Ms. Palmer has created is unique, the characters complex, and once I started, I couldn’t put it down.

From the cover:

One of the few humans who managed to escape the deadly twilight world of Vamp City, Quinn Lennox vows to never return. But the vampires want her back, for only she has the power to renew the magic of their crumbling world and free the vampires trapped within.

When the dangerous and all-too-seductive Arturo Mazza comes for her, Quinn knows she can never trust him after the betrayal she suffered at his hands. But with her beloved brother's fate hanging in the balance, and her own power beginning to emerge, she chooses to risk all on yet another perilous journey back to Vamp City. And though she tries to deny it, her heart begins to hold hope that even a ruthless vampire can learn the meaning of true love.

The truth is, Quinn Lennox only cares about one thing; her brother, Zack, who’s dying as a result of magic poisoning. Unless Quinn can renew the magic that allows Vamp City to exist, the city will die, along with all who reside in it – including Zack. Quinn doesn’t care about the barbaric and bloodthirsty beings who live there, but to save Zack, she must save them as well. And so it continues…

I truly enjoyed this exciting installment of the Vamp City series! Talk about a riveting story! In my review of book #1, A Blood Seduction, I said that I wasn’t sure if Arturo could be redeemed because he was a selfish, self serving, bastard! A gamma hero, through and through. Willing to send Quinn to her death to get what he wanted… for him, the end always justified the means. But in this book, he really is coming around and that makes me very happy.

Will Quinn save Vamp City? Will she and Arturo ever work out their issues? What the heck is happening to Zack?? I’ll have to wait until the next book to find out. Talk about a cliff hanger!!!

My thanks to Avon Books for providing me with a copy of this story in exchange for an honest review!

A Blood Seduction by Pamela Palmer

“Another person has been reported missing in downtown D.C. in a string of disappearances that has police baffled. This brings the total number reported missing in the past six weeks to twelve. This last incident is believed to have occurred near George Washington University.”

And so it begins....

The Story:

Vampires live only for lust and pleasure in the eternal twilight of Vamp City. But the city's magic is dying. The only person who can restore it? A beautiful woman from the mortal world...one who knows nothing of the power she wields.

Washington, V.C. is the backdrop of Pamela Palmer’s latest series, Vamp City. It’s a world on a different plane than ours, a duplicate of Civil War era Washington, D.C., supposedly created as a place where vampires, werewolves, and other immortals, could live in their version of peace. No sunlight, no laws but their own, able to hunt, enslave, torture and kill humans without fear of retribution. A true Vampire Utopia.

But even utopias have a dark side, and Phineas Blackstone, the powerful wizard the vampires had paid to create their dark city, had engineered a brilliant one—a death trap finally sprung two years ago. The moment the magic began to fail, all vampires within the city’s boundaries had become instantly caught, unable to escape. Soon, the sunbeams from the real world had begun to break through—slowly, at first, then more and more frequently until it became clear that their world was dying. And with it, every soul trapped within—vampire, werewolf, and immortal human alike.

Only by renewing Vamp City’s magic would they be saved.

Quinn and her brother Zack accidentally land in Vamp City, and it doesn’t take long for the Vampires residing there to figure out that there's much more to Quinn than meets the eye. In fact, unbeknownst to her, she’s a powerful sorceress who might just be Vamp City’s final hope for survival. But as the days go on and Quinn, who's being held as a slave, sees the world for the barbaric place it is, she starts to wonder if maybe it wouldn’t be better if Vamp City died, after all. The only problem is that Zack is also being held prisoner, and Quinn knows if V.C. dies, so will he.

My Thoughts:

Pamela Palmer is a name I frequently see running through my friends’ feeds on Goodreads, and always with high praise and impressive ratings. I actually own several books in her Feral Warriors series, but haven’t gotten around to reading them, yet. Well, after reading A Blood Seduction  and getting a taste of her writing, that’s going to change, and change soon.

This world Ms. Palmer has created has a decidedly Urban Fantasy feel about it, but the actions of the characters living in there make it a dark paranormal story. It's brutal, edgy, barbaric, and there are scenes of sexual violence, so anyone sensitive to things of this nature should consider themselves forewarned.

Arturo, the so called "hero" in this book, is one nasty, backstabbing, unfeeling ass. He reminds me of Anne Stuart's Ice heroes in his uncaring, selfish machinations. Truth be told, I'm not sure he's redeemable, but only time will tell.

I truly enjoyed Quinn. She's strong, smart, independent, devoted, caring... she really is a great heroine. I'm excited to see how things with her play out in the next book, A Kiss of Blood.

Fans of dark fantasy and paranormal romance will definitely enjoy this series, but be aware - this has an unresolved HEA.

The Bottom Line:

I love Paranormal Romance, especially vampires and shifters, but let's be honest here - the genre has been done to death. It's not often I run across a world as unique and compelling as Ms. Palmer's Vamp City is, so you can bet this is a series I'll keep following. It's fast paced, gritty, sexy, and downright disturbing at times, and I am thrilled to have found these books!

Note: The descriptions and quotes I used are taken from both A Blood Seduction and A Kiss of Blood.

Books in the Vamp City series, so far:

The Story of Son by J.R. Ward

The Story of Son is found in the anthology, Dead After Dark, and was my introduction into the Black Dagger Brotherhood world a few years ago. After reading Michael and Claire’s story, I had to run out and buy the entire series and it turned out to be my favorite PNR series of all time.

There’s something so compelling about the race of vampires that the WARDen, J.R. Ward, has created. They are incredibly strong males and females, both physically and emotionally, though sometimes it takes awhile for them to find and accept that inner strength.

In the Story of Son  we meet Son, a 68 year old male who is half human, half vampire. We learn that he has been imprisoned by his mother, Miss Eliza Leeds, in the basement of the estate they live on, since he was 12 years old. Once a year his mother has a female brought to the house and held captive for a few days so Son can feed.

Claire Stroughton, Miss Leeds’ family attorney, is the latest “victim” brought to the house to feed Son, then be released like all the other women who have been brought to him over the years. Claire finds such tenderness, such innocence and passion in Son that she can’t help but want to rescue him from the heartache and imprisonment he’s endured for so long, and spend the rest of her life loving him.I was so very happy when Claire took the first step toward making him feel like a real person and  not just an animal meant to be caged up when she gave him a real name; Michael.

One thing that readers of the BDB series will likely question immediately is Michael being able to survive off of feeding only once a year, when we know the warrior vampires require feeding much more often. There’s no indication that Michael is, or will ever be, a Brother. As I said before, he’s a civilian vampire and a half human one at that. I’ve never seen it addressed anywhere by the WARDen as to how often a half human, civilian vampire needs to feed, so it might be very possible that this isn’t an inconsistency at all.

Over the years the WARDen has said she might bring Son/Michael into the BDB world, officially, by introducing his young to the series. I can't tell you how much I'm hoping she'll do exactly that.

Kiss of Temptation by Sandra Hill

Is it lust?

Ivak Sigurdsson is dead . . . well, sort of. Guilty of the sin of lust, he's been given an unusual penance: spend eternity as a Viking vampire angel, or vangel, fighting Lucipires, Satan's vampire demons on earth. Now sequestered in Angola Prison as a "spiritual advisor," Ivak is finding all these centuries of celibacy depressing, to say the least. But then, along comes southern belle Gabrielle Sonnier. Is she a reward for his good deeds, or a temptation sent to rattle his lustsome brain?

Or is it love?

Gabrielle, a lawyer, begs Ivak to help get her brother out of prison. Aided by the Cajun LeDeux family and their chief looney bird, Tante Lulu, Ivak reluctantly agrees. And while he alternately tries to seduce and save Gabrielle before the Lucipires run rampant, they both begin to wonder if it's really only lust, or something more.

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 Kiss of Temptation is the third book in Sandra Hill’s Deadly Angels series, and given that I’m a big fan of Vampires and Fallen Angels, when I saw that this book encompasses both, I was more than a bit excited! But then toss in Demons, Vikings and Archangels, and I'm sold!

This is a fun, steamy, easy to read story, something you can enjoy on a road trip, a day at the beach, or curled up on your living room sofa. Ivak and Gabrielle are quirky, likable people/beings trying to make the world a better place by righting wrongs, and ridding humanity of Lucipires – demon vampires who infect their victims with the need to sin. Once a major sin has been committed, Lucipires, or Lucies for short, kill their victim before they can repent, damning them to hell.

In her Deadly Angels series, Sandra Hill has created a very unique world, one I enjoyed spending time in. The traditions, the people... truly entertaining. But, I have to be honest – at times the humor was more silly than funny, and distracted me from the story. With so much going on, I could have done with less of the ‘ha-ha’ in order to spend more time exploring the incredibly exciting Vangel world.

I'm looking forward to reading more in the Deadly Angel series.

My thanks to Avon Books for providing me with a copy of this story in exchange for an honest review.

A Discovery of Witches by Deborah Harkness

 

Deep in the stacks of Oxford's Bodleian Library, young scholar Diana Bishop unwittingly calls up a bewitched alchemical manuscript in the course of her research. Descended from an old and distinguished line of witches, Diana wants nothing to do with sorcery; so after a furtive glance and a few notes, she banishes the book to the stacks. But her discovery sets a fantastical underworld stirring, and a horde of daemons, witches, and vampires soon descends upon the library. Diana has stumbled upon a coveted treasure lost for centuries-and she is the only creature who can break its spell.

Diana is a bold heroine who meets her equal in vampire geneticist Matthew Clairmont, and gradually warms up to him as their alliance deepens into an intimacy that violates age-old taboos.

 

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Okay, well, that blurb isn’t the best and while it gives the readers somewhat of an idea of what to expect, the book is actually much, much better than it suggests.

 

A Discovery of Witches is the first book in the All Souls Trilogy, and Deborah Harkness's debut novel. It’s a unique story that subtly brings together and addresses many of today’s cultural and societal issues, as they pertain to the All Souls Trilogy world, without beating the reader about the head with messages of political correctness. In fact, the story is so fun, so well written and meaningful that by the time I was through I was left wishing I had the next book right here in my hot little hands!

 

I’m going to give you a heads up here… this story is slow to start, but it’s only due to the very necessary amount of world building and backstory that we readers need in order to understand the complex society these beings exist in. My point is, Do. Not. Give. Up! At about the twenty some percent mark it really picks up and once it does, it doesn’t let go. The romance is slow to build, too, but it's there and it’s sweet. The sexuality is mild with most scenes taking place behind closed doors, but I loved the sexual tension and passion between Diana and Matthew.

In my opinion, the true excitement of this story lies in the quest to unravel the mystery of vampire, witch and daemon origins and, depending on who existed first, deciding which species is most entitled to the fullness and truth of that knowledge.

The bottom line: Loved it. What an incredible, exciting, thought provoking, fun debut novel! Deborah Harkness is well on her way to making quite a name for herself in the PNR/UF genres and I am so looking forward to watching it happen, each story and every step of the way!

Many thanks to my Goodreads friend, Nomad, for suggesting this book as a buddy read. I'm afraid I would have put it off indefinitely had it not been for her suggestion. Also, for those who took part in the DHASG buddy read - Pat, Tammy, Heather, Teresa, Megan and Cindi - I enjoyed discussing this book and sharing thoughts with you all!          

 

The Merzetti Effect by Norah Wilson

After being attacked and infected with the vampire virus 170 years ago, Dr. Delano Bowen is still searching for a cure so that those who, like himself, wish to go back to being human, can do so. He has every reason to be angry and bitter, but instead of losing himself to those useless emotions and turning rogue himself, he’s focusing his efforts on helping others. Aware that he can’t do it alone, he arranges to meet with Ainsley Crawford who, according to legend, has the Merzetti bloodline that he believes will turn the tide of this war in his favor.

Unemployed and in dire need of money, former Level 1 Trauma Center nurse, Ainsley Crawford, jumps at the chance to interview for a job with Dr. Bowen, but before she’s able to meet with him, she’s brutally attacked by a vampire and nearly killed. Before the vamp can finish her off, and before she succumbs to the darkness, Ainsley is rescued by a good Samaritan who turns out to be none other than Delano Bowen, himself. Before she even knows what hit her, Ainsley finds herself caught in a world where there’s a fine line between good and bad, and there’s a lot riding on her willingness to be a part of it all.

As with all first books in a series there is the necessary world building that, because of the medical backdrop, was a tad confusing to me. However, that aside, I really enjoyed this story because in addition to finding a cure that would make vampirism a choice, not a curse, Dr. Bowen also wants to make sure that these rogue vampires, like the one that turned him, can’t continue preying on society’s weak or less fortunate. To do so, he’s working on a... deterrent, if you will, something akin to being scared straight, and without saying more about it than that, I have to tell you, it’s one of my favorite parts of the story.

The characters, their trials and triumphs… these are people and beings I became invested in and care about. I loved Delano and his dedication to protecting not only the vampire race, but the human race as well, and finding a way for both to exist peacefully. And Ainsley is a great heroine... smart, determined, caring, compassionate… exactly the kind of woman Delano needs by his side. The supporting cast of characters introduced us to some people definitely deserving of their own stories, and I really hope they get them!

The bottom line – In a genre saturated with vampires of every shape, size, color and tormented disposition, it’s always refreshing to find an author who provides a unique take on these beings… their world, their humanity – or their lack thereof, and with The Merzetti Effect this author has given us something a little different, and definitely hot!! I am hoping, hoping, hoping that there will be many more books in Norah Wilson’s Vampire Romance series to come!

My thanks to the author, Norah Wilson, for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

A Vampire for Christmas, an Anthology

There’s nothing like curling up with a great romance during the holidays, and when those romances come from an anthology, I’m even more excited because the stories are short, varied and almost always have that magical happily ever after. And another plus is that they often give me a chance to get to know authors whose work I might not have never tried, otherwise. However, one of the problems inherent with anthologies is that the authors have to perform a balancing act when contributing to them, especially when their contribution comes from a world they’ve already created through a series. They have to give those of us who are unfamiliar with their series enough information to keep us from feeling lost while at the same time not filling too much of their limited and very valuable page time with unnecessary information. One of the stories in this collection suffered from ‘too much information’ and another suffered from ‘not enough,’ but all-in-all, I enjoyed this collection and have discovered authors whose work I’ll be watching for.

So here we go, my thoughts on each individual story.

1. “Enchanted by Blood” by Laurie London – This novella is part of the Sweetblood series and I can tell that Ms. London has created a unique, exciting world, but even though I enjoyed this ‘second chance at love’ tale, I think I would have enjoyed it a lot more if I had been following the series before reading this book. As I said above, it’s a tough balancing act for an author, and in this case I felt like I was getting way too much background information laid out for me rather than being able to watch it unfold naturally. Maybe had the plot been about something other than the politics of their world, more time could have been devoted to the characters themselves which should always be the driving force of any romance book, regardless of the length.

And speaking of the characters; from what little I saw of them, I really liked Trace, but Charlotte didn’t do a lot for me, which I think could have been remedied if more time had been spent on character and relationship development. The sex definitely sizzled, but their romance didn’t give me the warm fuzzies I like, especially in my holiday reads.

All that said, I’m definitely interested in reading more of this series because I really enjoyed Ms. London’s easy, comfortable style of writing and something tells me that I’d quickly get hooked on the world of Sweetblood! - 3 stars

2. "Monsters Don't Do Christmas" by Michele Hauf – I had very high hopes for this story because it started so out strong and I was sure it would hold, but then it just fizzled. There was so much potential for a great tale, but I found myself doing a lot of skimming and I was never able to become all that invested in either Daniel or Olivia, which in turn made it hard to stay interested in the story. I wish I had learned more about Daniel being changed and the world he gave up. I get being bitter and all, but I could have totally invested in him if I had felt, and not just been told about, his anger.

What I did like about it was the way Christmas commercialism was played down, and how Daniel, who believed himself to be a monster, didn’t let the darkness rule him. It was exactly the kind of Christmas story I would normally love, but something about the delivery just didn’t grab me. – 2.5 stars

3. “When Herald Angels Sing” by Caridad Pineiro – I really enjoyed this story. It was such a sweet, romantic, sexy tale about learning from your past mistakes, admitting you were wrong, and being willing to sacrifice anything and everything for those you love. As Damien and Angelina learned, “believe in the power of love and all of Heaven will be yours.” 4 stars

4. “All I Want for Christmas” by Alexis Morgan - Now see, very rarely is it that a novella can earn 5 stars because to do so the author has to be very careful to strike the perfect balance of world building and character development, while making it all emotionally compelling. And let’s be honest, that’s hard enough to do in a full length novel, let alone a short one. But this story had it all. The plot was interesting, yet didn’t require a lot of page time to set up, which made more character and relationship development possible, and in the end, allowed me to become totally invested in Eagan and Della, as well as the secondary characters, Tenn, Lupe, Harry, Daniel... I'd love to know more about them all! – 5 stars

The bottom line - While I enjoyed all of the stories, or at least parts of them, the last two carried the anthology and I'll definitely be reading more by these authors.

This ebook was provided by netgalley.com in behalf of HQN Books.