Tag: GLBT Paranormal romance

Refined Instincts by S.J. Frost

18593960Title: Refined Instincts

Series: Instincts Book #5

Author: S. J. Frost

Genre: Paranormal　

Length: Novel (213 Pages)

Publisher: MLR Press, LLC (October 31st, 2013)

Heat Level: Low to Moderate

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥4.5 to 5 Hearts

Reviewer: Lisa

Blurb: Troy Raines wants it all to end. His pain, his heartache, his regrets. Having been in hiding to avoid capture from the Tribunal, he returns to Chicago believing since that’s where everything began for him, it should end there, as well. Renart Bellerose has known many regrets in his long life as a vampire, but few are stronger than what he has regarding Troy Raines. As the one to make Troy a vampire, he gave him power, money, anything he thought Troy wanted, but he restrained on giving him what they both needed. When Renart and Troy face each other again, anger and passion explodes between them. Renart wants to help Troy find redemption, but as danger closes in, it might be too late to set right the wrongs of the past.

Product Link:  http://www.mlrbooks.com/ShowBook.php?book=SJF_REFI

Review: This is one of the most heartwarming stories I have had the pleasure of reading. It has everything you would want in a story: love, hatred, pain, fear, heartache, passion, and tenderness. Troy’s pain in the past has led him to his future. Trying to end his life, found his beginning to happiness. Renart has in the past, turned his followers but never taking full control over their care. He did however feel passionately for one of his turnings, Troy. The plot of this story is exceptional. You are given an uprising by some young vampire who just wanted control over others and one who was evil. The evil being killed by his best friend.

This has a story line and plot that will keep you on the edge of your seat every time you read it. It was well told and delivered perfectly. Troy and Renart have so much passion towards each other as well as anger at first. The pain they both felt can actually be felt by the reader. It makes you want to cry and pull each one to you. However, the love the fee for each other when confusions are cleared makes you just smile and laugh. They are in so much danger, but there is so many who stand up for them and beside them. The romance is there in the way for each other, the way each man lights up when the other is in the room and the way they are willing to give their lives up to save the other.

There isn’t a lot of sex in this story, but what is there is very hot and makes the windows in the room steam up. You can tell just by reading it that there are so many feelings that you stand on the side cheering them both on to get their rewards. This story is very tender but also kind of series. It would be one that you would read one evening with the music turned on lying on your bed. I am glad to have it in my library and will look forward to reading it over and over again.

Silver Shadows by Logan Zachary

71yxDOrJ-FL._SL1500_Title:  Silver Shadows

Series:  Lights Out from Torquere Press

Author:  Logan Zachary

Genre:   Paranormal Romance

Length:  Short (21 pages)

Publisher:  Torquere Press (October 16th, 2013)

Heat Level:  Moderate

Heart Rating:  ♥♥♥3Hearts

Blurb:   Victor Summers has accepted a position at the Ragingwood Manor as a paid companion for David Ragingwood, son of the Master. As Victor settles in for his first night, a violent storm rocks the mansion and someone stands at the foot of his bed. Who is it? What do they want? And what is Victor’s real job? With hidden passages, flickering candles, and secrets around each corner, Victor is unsure what is lurking in the shadows of Ragingwood and what they really want of him.

Product Link:  http://www.torquerebooks.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=79_107&products_id=4037

Reviewer:   Tams

Review:  Short, Sexy and Steamy. My three favorite colors!

Victor Summers is starting his new job at the prestigious Ragingwood Manor as companion to the elder Ragingwood’s son, David. He’s surprised when he arrives to find he will be treated like a member of the family instead of a mere servant or companion. His first night at the manor there is a violent storm and he awakes to find someone in his bed. A heated night of passion with someone just a little more hairy than normal leaves Victor sated, happy and confused. He sets out to figure out who shared his bed and pleasured him last night.

This was just a cute story with a paranormal edge. There is a lot of content for just a few pages. I’d like to see more of the characters in this short. You learn that Victor is an orphan, but I’d like more on that story. You learn that the Ragingwood’s have a secret, but I’d like more on that story as well. Regardless, this was a very sexy little short, I highly recommend!

An Erie Halloween by V.L. Locey

aneriehalloween185Title: An Erie Halloween

Author:  V.L. Locey

Genre:  Paranormal

Length:  Novella (79 pages)

Publisher: Torquere Press (October 29th, 2013)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥ 4 Hearts

Reviewer: Cat

Blurb:Templeton Reed has been hiding his inner polecat since he was a child. Keeping his animal secreted is hard for a shifter, especially when one is living in a secret community of mystical beings. It`s the wolf shifters that cause Templeton the most trouble with their darned sensitive noses.

Templeton has a run-in with the Lake Erie pack and their alpha, Mikel Lupei, at the Office for Transmogrification Registration (OTTER). Templeton has a desk job checking registration papers and dealing with wolf shifters is not part of his job description. After that upsetting meeting the meek and mild office worker suddenly finds himself in the center of not only civil unrest among the shifter community, but a violent plan for a coup aimed at rousting Mikel.

Templeton and Mikel, a skilled tracker of rogue shifters, are soon not only fighting for their lives, they`re also fighting the rigidly archaic rules of their kind, as well as the person responsible for trying to take over Mikel`s pack from the inside. Can this magical odd couple turn a passionate attraction into a full-fledged love affair?

Purchase Link:   http://www.torquerebooks.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=78_85&products_id=4050

Review:   Templeton is a skunk shifter and works at Office for Transmogrification Registration (OTTER) as a desk jockey, checking registration papers. Mikel and the Erie pack work there as trackers. After an attempt on Templeton’s life, Mikel seems to appoint himself as Templeton’s protector. 

This is a very fun, humorous and hot story with a bit of mystery and intrigue thrown in for good measure. I loved the playful banter between Templeton and the other characters. I laughed my butt of at the funny interjections and clichés of Templeton’s though and telling of the story.  There was a lot going on and several twists and turns. I have to say the mystery did throw me of and I am pretty good at figuring them out pretty early.  You just can’t help to laugh at the way he jokes about his scent and stuff. I was skeptical at first about a skunk shifter but it really worked.

If you’re looking for a different take on  the paranormal, a slightly new world, lots of humor and some  pretty hot, sensual ,mansex  and just a good, sweet, funny, romantic mystery; I recommend this one.

Thicker Than Water by A.F. Henley

18329649Title: Thicker Than Water

Series:  Proud to be A Vampire

Author: A.F. Henley

Genre: Paranormal/Vampire

Length: Novella (21K)

Publisher: Less Than Three Press (Oct 2nd, 2013)

Heat Level: None

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥ 4 Hearts

Reviewer: Cat

Blurb:Ladomer’s first experience with vampires instilled a deep hatred—an emotion he gladly uses to bring destruction to the beasts that can’t be purged from his memory. Hunting alongside the compelling man who saved his village, Ladomer and Zor are ruthless in their quest to stop the growing threat. When a new call pulls them deep into Eastern Europe, Ladomer learns anew just how cruel vampires can be—and how much deeper love can go.

Purchase Link:   http://www.lessthanthreepress.com/books/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=106_117&products_id=515

Review: Ladomer’s brother is killed by a vampire saving him when he is a small boy he goes on to fall in love and travel with a vampire slayer.

I really loved this. The vampires in here are evil but the hunters; well Zor and Ladomer are so likeable. I loved the sweet but intense romance between Zor and Ladomer and the twists were nail-biting. I loved it and hope there is more!

I recommend this to anyone that likes short but sweet romances with evil vampires and a satisfying end.

The Wolf who Fought for his Soul Mate by Scarlet Hyacinth

14744364Title: The Wolf Who Fought For His Soul Mate

Series: Mate or Meal, Book 12

Author: Scarlet Hyacinth

Length: Novella (128 Pages)

Publisher: Siren-BookStrand, Inc. (June 23rd, 2012)

Heat Level: Low

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥3 Hearts

Reviewer: Lisa

Blurb: Claim or cower? Tainted by his mother’s machinations, Paris Marrow blames himself for her actions and seeks redemption. The only one who believes in him is his mate, Jace Wade. However, Jace is all too aware of Paris’s emotional vulnerability and is reluctant to force Paris into a connection he might not be ready for. At the same time, Paris feels unworthy of the other wolf’s affection, the mistreatment, and loneliness of his childhood overcoming his sense of self-respect.

Even as the two wolves bond, their future remains threatened by their past. Paris and Jace embark on a quest to find Paris’s mother and her warlock ally. But the warlock’s plan is far more sinister than any of them expected. Paris will have to face his own fears, and fight for his soul mate. Can he find the necessary strength? Can Jace’s love wipe away the doubts and pain in Paris’s soul?


Product Link: http://www.bookstrand.com/the-wolf-who-fought-for-his-soul-mate

Review: I found myself enjoying this book a little more than the others. It had a way about it that intrigued me. Paris conceived through a one-night stand. Feeling guilt, he wants to help his newfound family. Jace just wants to help his mate realize his potential and to help him understand he has no guilt to feel. To help Paris heal from the betrayal of what one would call a mother.

The feelings came out more honest and sincere. There is so much hatred for other species, that they know there will always be unease with their mating and the others they have come to call family.

The story line for this one is pretty good. To stop the dangers that are on fronts including the future of a child not yet born. The plot for this book is pretty good, actually had me on edge to see what was going to happen next.

Jace and Paris actually come off more real to me. They are going through what all young lovers do. The uncertainty of all that is around them, but one thing that they know is real is their feelings for each other. Jace has to remind Paris to live in the now and not in the past. His love for his mate shows in wanting to prove to Paris that he is worth more than he thinks.

Their attraction for each other just bounces out to you from the beginning. You just know that they are going to steam the mirrors up when they get together.

　

　

Deep Blues Goodbye by L.E. Harner and T.A. Webb

15830677Title: Deep Blues Goodbye

Series: Altered States #1

Author: LE Harner & T.A. Webb

Genre: Paranormal / Vampire

Length: Novella (120 pages)

Publisher: Hot Corner Press (August 16th 2012)

Heat Level: Explicit

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥4 Hearts

Reviewer: Thommie

Blurb: The world might not have been ready for vampires when NOPD Detective Travis Boudreaux had the bad taste to sit up at his own funeral, but two years later, the new cause célèbre is civil rights for preternatural beings and most humans are on the bandwagon. Except whoever is killing vampires and wannabes.

Detective Sam Garrett hates all things preternatural. Having your undead partner try to make you his first meal will do that to a guy. One final screw-up gets Sam banished to the Paranormal Criminal Investigations Unit—the Odd Squad—under the oversight of Detective Danny Burkette.

Now it’s up to Burkette to work with Garrett by day and Boudreaux by night as they follow a trail of clues that leads from the historic cemeteries of New Orleans to the bayous of southern Louisiana. Under the all-too-interested gaze of a Master vampire and the local werewolf pack Alpha, they discover some lessons in life—and death—take longer to learn…and not all second chances are created equal.

Product Link: http://www.amazon.com/Deep-Blues-Goodbye-Altered-States-ebook/dp/B008YYKQ1M

Review: This was a fascinating read and yet it managed to piss me off and make my head explode, not once but twice.

So the world as he knew it changed for Sam. One moment he’s nearly closing the case along with his partner Travis, the next he’s being attacked by three bashers, Travis is dead and oh yeah Vampires exist. It was even recorded on tape when a criminal combusted in broad daylight on his way to trial. It became glaringly obvious though when Travis woke up from his own coffin and tried to rip his throat off…

So right, here I’m having this hardship “believing” that a world fairly new to the concept that the paranormal world exists, vampires exist, would let a freshly made vampire that on top of all tried to suck his partner dry, live. For me, that knowledge was too fresh for people to react the way they did. By all that is logical, the sight of a vampire would have caused panic and Travis wouldn’t have made it a single day…

Two years later and the anger, the resentment, and the what if’s still haunt Sam. All his inner turmoil comes out as hatred for all things supernatural. It was the reason he refused going into the Odd Squad, it is the reason he hasn’t seen or spoken to Travis for two years. It is the reason he nearly screws up a case, that while in first sight might have looked as human-made, it was in fact linked with vampire deaths.

It is like this that a very complicated yet wonderfully structured story begins. What was just a glimpse at Altered States #1 comes now in the form of an exquisite action story blended with urban fantasy giving us a chase between charming yet deathly vampires and werewolves, old lovers and new ones with some very hot scenes between them, and most of all a plot that keeps you on your toes the entire read.

So as the end of the first book becomes the start for this one, we quickly see that Travis and Sam are not only not having their happily ever after, they aren’t even talking. Yet they are linked in the same case as they try to find the preternatural killer. Sam as a means to atone himself for screwing up and Travis as a favor for Danny, the lead Detective for the Odd Squad. All Travis’ bitterness for being let go from the force after his “death” can’t conquer his curiosity at solving a case even as a consultant. This odd trio goes round and round each other in such a strange mix (no there is no ménage) that had me loving each and every minute those guys were together. Funnily enough, Danny was the one to hog all the fun.

Action wise the guys hunt for vampires yet they have no idea how dangerous it is to awaken the undead. The police work, the investigation, everything on that part is excellent. We are introduced to the “bad” guy, Henry, and isn’t he a charming bastard. His fascination with Travis and Sam becomes hilarious in the end, or should I say the way he lost first one and then the other at the very last-minute. The irony of that wasn’t lost on me at all. We are also introduced to the local pack’s Alpha and Beta and boy were they wolves hot or what.

Romance wise though this story lacked a bit. There was sex involved and Sam, well he was a “casual” guy to begin with so I didn’t find it odd that he’d have nailed Danny at some point, but the real romance between him and Travis is gone till the very end when Sam has grown into the fact that the world has changed and he still lives in it, so he should forgive and forget… And that bring us to the end and the very reason my head nearly exploded, again. Remember how the first book ended? Well let’s just say that this series had a knack for pulling the rug out of your feet. It totally blows my mind and it makes you crave the next book in the series with a passion.

So all in all this is a fantastic book, a bit dark, a bit moody, and lots of sexy if you’re a fan of the genre I’d totally recommend this to you. Enjoy!

Altered States by L.E. Harner

13704772Title: Altered States

Series: Altered States #1

Author: L.E.  Harner

Genre: Paranormal / Vampires

Length: Novella (41 pages)

Publisher: Published May 28th 2012 by M/M Romance Group @ Goodreads

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥4 Hearts

Reviewer: Thommie

Blurb: New Orleans Police Detective Sam Garrett can’t believe his bad luck when he’s assigned to investigate a string of gay-bashings turned deadly in the French Quarter. Especially when he realizes Travis Boudreaux, his new, hot, and most-likely-straight partner, plans to use him as bait. The worst part? They’ve got no back up because the rest of the city is preoccupied by another series of killings — the victims drained of blood.
Note: This book was written as part of the Love is Always Write event for the M/M Group. It is available free at All Romance eBooks.

Original Prompt:
This son of a bitch has been underneath my skin ever since he transferred into the department. Word has it that he’s one of the best damn homicide detectives in the city, but the fact of the matter is that he’s a Grade A arrogant asshole. Pretty much every time he opens his mouth, I want to slug him – or stick my tongue down his throat, I’m not always really sure which, or even if I want to choose one. My libido doesn’t seem to give a tinker’s damn that I’m pretty sure he’s straight, and while jerking off in the shower is starting to get pretty damn old, I foresee a lot more of it in my future – because the Chief just paired us up to work a new case…

Product Link: https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/886052-le-harner-altered-states

Review: This is a lovely, lovely read. No, there are no vampires starring in this novella, though they are mentioned and rumored to exist. And yes, by the end of the story those rumors turn to facts, but this first book has two lovely, completely humans as main characters and their story is fascinating.

NOPD Sam Garret is an out of the closet and proud man, with a skin not light enough to be white and not dark enough to be black. Yeah, he knows racism well. When he’s assigned a new partner, he thinks his little spot in Hell is going to get a tad bit hotter. Travis Boudreaux is hot, charming, and probably straight. That doesn’t stop Sam from banishing improper thoughts from his head though. When their gay-bashing case points that all victims are gay men of dark skin, and Travis has him go undercover, Sam believes that all his tortured have manifested…

I loved how their relationship started and escalated from there. The chemistry between this pair is excellent and they make a very intense couple to begin with. It comes as no surprise that Trav is not gay in the end, but the road they took till the moment Trav came out to Sam, how he did it and what followed after, for me that was a perfect plot, with a perfect intimate scene following. And as the air between the crackles, the reader easily captures that and the flowing emotions, the longing and the doubts that follow this pair.

The story turns a bit dark as it moves along. Not only there are people hunting and killing men right after raping and beating them, but also there are more corpses to be found, drained of blood, and rumors about vampires hunting the city are skyrocketing. Just when Sam and Trav were about to get their criminals, their case is pulled off due to unwanted media thinking they were among the vamp-victims. With no one to back them up, right at the last-minute Samn and Trav must deal with their stalkers/criminals on their own. Thing don’t always go according to plan though…

The romantic part was woven exquisitely with the action plot. No dragging there, nothing to make you feel awkward. The crime was solved in a most credible way, and the fact that the story didn’t shy away from the violence that is to be expected from such crimes was perhaps the best part of the book for me. And there are the shy tendrils of the paranormal world slowly making an appearance.

The end itself was a beautiful turn, the perfect shot of addiction, and if you had any lingering thoughts about the next book in the series, any doubts whether you’d grab it or not, they manage to vanish with a magic pop by the time the final line of this book enters your brain.

A lovely crime/suspense story that introduces you with an effortless way into a new world (paranormal) order. Strongly recommended.

 

Callum of Drakkar Coven by Leigh Jarrett

13605249Title: Callum of Drakkar Coven

Series: Drakkar Coven #1

Author: Leigh Jarrett

Genre: Paranormal / Erotic Romance / Vampires

Length: Novella (32,000 words)

Publisher: Steambath Press (April 12th, 2012)

Heat Level: Explicit

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥3 Hearts

Reviewer: Thommie

Blurb: Laramie had grown up listening to stories regaling Lord Callum’s strength and beauty, but also warning of his ferocity and bloodlust. But was it true? Were Lord Callum and his brothers really vampires? Laramie’s first glimpse of Lord Callum set his heart racing, partially out of fear, but mostly out of fascination and Lord Callum took note of that, pleased to have found his next plaything.

Content Information: This book contains graphic depictions of male/male sexual practices, graphic language, and other content that some readers may find objectionable, including vampires, blood consumption, infidelity, and death.

Product Link: http://www.amazon.com/Callum-of-Drakkar-Coven-ebook/dp/B007SDKGIS/ref=sr_1_1_bnp_1_kin?ie=UTF8&qid=1365062290&sr=8-1&keywords=callum+of+drakkar+coven

Review: What happens when your simple life gets disrupted so profoundly you can’t make up from down? What happens when instead of marrying to your betrothed and have a bunch of kids, you end up a pleasure slave for the Lord of the land you live upon? What the Hell happens when said land Lord is a powerful, sadistic, and cruel Vampire who in all rights thinks you’re his livestock?

Well, this story certainly has a horror touch to it with the play of emotions and the glaring turnabout of the human from top of the chain into prime and only food material. I liked the way the author went about this concept here. The logic stand for a fictional character was good and since I like my Vamps bloodthirsty this appealed greatly to me.

However, there were things I’d rather were different. For example, the mutli-PoV’s killed the story for me. As in, literally this book could’ve been a lot better if there wasn’t a different PoV for every character we met. The whole mystery, secrecy of thoughts, and intensity died a miserable death due to the storytelling.

The author makes it up to us though with a very nice and unconventional couple. Remember how I said that the vampire here saw humans as livestock? Yeah, he grew them, helped with the crops and life, but when the population grew and villagers had thoughts about expanding, BOOM, the vamps hit and there was a decrease of the population and no need for expanse expenses. Brilliant as it was, it was quite a bit sinister too. Loved it!

In one such hit Lord Callum’s and his brothers gather nearly 40+ “breeders” from the village down the hill and our dear, dear Laramie, who was planning his wedding in two weeks’ time ends up on Callum’s harem… Yup, you guessed it. Our Lord has a taste for men (it is an m/m read, what’d you expect?). Laramie’s fiancé ends up entertainment as well but for the harem’s boys.

Now what I found incredulous and just didn’t work with me and the whole vapm-visciousness, is the fact that Sarah, the fiancée, remained a nice lovely virgin the entire read… Yeah! I think not!

Laramie however gets fascinated by the cruel Lord and taking the advice of the Harem’s caretaker, he proceeds to take advantage of said fascination, and make himself interesting for the monster that might or might not kill him on a whim. What Laramie didn’t expect though was how well into said monster he was going to get soon once he was introduced to the ins of man on man “lovemaking.”

I liked how the plot went from there on. It was interesting and quite engaging. The corpses all around the place made me think Lord Callum was a real slob, but it made for a creepy feel and well served to terrify pretty much everyone who stepped Callum’s quarters.

Now take care and have in mind that the author uses many things that might make this book unbearable if for example you don’t like scenes that engage in blood play and blood drinking when it comes from a human on human. Or if you’re against “watersport” kinks, you might want to know there is one such scene in the book, which I did find kind of fascinating in the context. Yeah, it was a bit hilarious when it happened, and the why it happened.

So anyway, all in all this book was quite nice, I enjoyed it, would’ve loved if it was better polished of course and if I could hear that scary/creepy music in my head that I usually do when I read dark/horrific books. I do recommend it though. It’s a nice read and quite entertaining.

P.S.: Timothy was one character I did not like how the author spun the tale around. One minute he’s vomiting his guts off from the very idea of having anything to do with a vampire, the next he’s on Oleander’s bed? Nope, didn’t work.

 

The List by Sandra Bard

PrintTitle: The List

Series: Proud to be a Vampire

Author: Sandra Bard

Genre: Paranormal/Vampire

Length: Novella (33K)

Publisher: Less Than Three Press (October 2nd, 2013)

Heat Level: Low

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥ 4 Hearts

Reviewer: Cat

Blurb:Gavin Summers’ quiet, academic life is shattered when he is attacked by a mugger and rescued by Dillon, a member of the Night Watch. Soon Gavin finds himself embroiled in anti-vampire propaganda, vampire politics, and the dangers of associating with vampires in a city where vampires are being killed daily, forcing him to make a choice: remain neutral or stand with the vampires.

Purchase Link: http://www.lessthanthreepress.com/books/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=106_117&products_id=518

Review: A brief rundown: Gavin works at a University under the supervision of a Professor that is a staunch vampire hater.  One evening coming home from school, a mugger attacks Gavin and a member of the night watch saves him. The Night Watch is a vampire group that helps protect humans.  He finds Dillon interesting and wants to know more about vampires but his professor drags him into the Anti-vampire movement.

I really loved this story! The story line has multi stories that blend quite well without over complicating the story. There are twists, intrigue and mystery. The romance isn’t in your face and moves slowly. For a short story, this is very well done and wraps up all loose ends and comes to a very satisfying conclusion. This is an author I will be watching for more!

If you like Vamps that don’t sparkle, intrigue, and a bit of romance this is a great read!

Bloody Kiss by Mell Eight

18329498Title: Bloody Kiss

Series:  Proud to Be A Vampire

Author: Mell Eight

Genre: Paranormal / Vampire

Length:  Novella (17K)

Publisher: Less Than Three Press (October 9th, 2013)

Heat Level: Low

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥ 3 Hearts

Reviewer: Cat

Blurb:Lis had been enjoying his school trip to Egypt until a statue came to life and drank his blood. Back home in Boston, nothing feels or tastes or smells quite the same, he’s plagued by strange dreams, and has a craving that nothing seems to satisfy—until the statue shows up again.

Purchase Link: http://www.lessthanthreepress.com/books/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=106_117&products_id=508

Review: Lis was on a school trip to Egypt when he fell into a crevice and landed on a large statue. He was so thankful the statue broke his fall to death he kissed the finger of the lovely statue and thanked it for saving him. The Statue comes to life, and he falls into blackness. Waking up heading home things become very different and he finds things aren’t what he always thought after telling his best friend Jass about his new dreams.

This was a different type of story. I have mixed feelings about it. The story line is good. There isn’t a lot of emotion involved. I found it a bit skippy going from dream to reality with no warning. I think it needed to be longer and more story after Cey arrived.

If you like witches, and vampires you may like this story.

Reviewer: Thommie Heart Rating: 3 Hearts

Review: I liked this story a lot. I enjoyed it most of it and the fact that it was so romantic without being sappy was a great bonus.

The plot was a peculiar one, I haven’t often seen Vampires mixed with Witches in such a balanced way. Cey was a vampire created by the sheer ignorance of his Master. Instead of acquiring himself a human servant as he initially wished for, Cey’s old Master accidentally created a vampire. A big mistake at that. After a series of events best left for you to read Cey got himself cursed by witches. However permanent the spell was though, one of the witches gave him a window. He’d be free from the curse if he’d willingly been given a bloody kiss and in thanks at that. What are the possibilities of that ever happening especially since he was hidden away where no one would ever find him.

Enter Lis, a college studen on a school trip to Egypt to study The pyramids and the ancient majestic art. The valley of the Dead at his feet and he manages to fall through a hole into abyss. He should have died in there if not for a huge statue that prevented his fall and he got away with only a few scratches and drops of blood. Now who among you would even contemplate to kiss said statue in thanks..?

Oh now, you see how it goes from there. It was lovely indeed. I got better as the story went. I loved this setting, I loved the characters, I loved Lis’ best friend and his grandma too. The whole idea was very enticing and I read this in one go nonstop.

Now, in all honesty, this was a bit tame for a Vamp story, especially one so vicious and blood lusty as Cey was painted to be. The end also left me a bit unsatisfied there. The old manners Cey had were acceptable, but I expected more out of modern Lis, than that flowerly reply in the end. Yes, I saw the necessity of his mannerism there, but still. There were also feelings of a non-disclosure left behind. Had me wonder will the author come back with a sequel for this or was this done?

In the whole I liked the story though despite the fact that I wanted more. Quite a romantic read for the romantic fans of the genre.

To Serve the Count by Cassandra Pierce

18311510Title:To Serve the Count 

Series:  Proud to be a Vampire

Author: Cassandra Pierce

Genre: Paranormal

Length: Novella (15,600 words)

Publisher: Less than three Press (October 2nd, 2013)

Heat Level: Low

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥ 3 Hearts

Reviewer: Cat

Blurb:Cast out of his village when he is caught kissing another man, Rupert seeks refuge at the mysterious Castle Blutstark. But refuge means carrying out unusual duties for his new master, the enigmatic Count Kaspar, and he starts to wonder if Blutstark is a place of safety after all.

Purchase Link: http://www.lessthanthreepress.com/books/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=106_117&products_id=505

Review: Rupert leaves his village to see if he could find Devereaux after his father kicked him out for kissing the other man. Rupert heads towards Castle Blutstark to seek a job and see if Devereaux is there. What he finds changes is quite unexpected.

This is another fun read. It’s short and to the point but page turning. I love this take on Vampires its more semisweet. The Vampires aren’t exactly sparkly but they are more in control of themselves. The story is fast paced, quite intriguing, and fairly hot. A great read for Halloween!

I recommend this is you like semisweet stories a little action a couple twists, sexy but not explicit mansex, and a satisfying ending.

Reprisal by Alessandra Ebulu

4b1675d327dbb1c9f553a34edf2c1ea019bc5a64Title: Reprisal

Series:  Proud to be A Vampire

Author: Alessandra Ebulu

Genre: Paranormal /Vampire

Length: Novella (21K)

Publisher: Less Than Three Press (Oct 9th, 2013)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥ 4 Hearts

Reviewer: Cat

Blurb:Aden is trying to solve the mystery of a drug that rots human innards. Alec is struggling to capture the person responsible for a rash of vampire murders. The only way to solve their separate cases is to team up, but with drugs, vampires, and murder involved even that may not be enough.

Purchase Link:   http://www.lessthanthreepress.com/books/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=106_117&products_id=507

Review: A quick rundown. Aden is investigating a drug cartel that is connected with the death of his brother. He is assigned to work with a Vampire police Aden that is investigating the deaths of several vampires that look like Dark magick or witchcraft is involved and possibly linked to the drug story Aden is investigating.

Ok. I really loved this story. The reason for the 4 instead of a 5 though is simply it was a bit skippy. I understand a lot of that was that there was so much going on here and putting it in a short story was hard to do. I would have loved to seen this played out in full length with a bit more description and details and consistency. The characters were great. The story line is interesting. Several subplots that connected to the main one and the beginning with Aden’s brother was awesome and creepy. I almost cried. I also liked that it wasn’t as predictable as it seemed. Great job! I’d definitely read this if it was made into a longer story or even another one of Aden and Alex. I thought they made a great team.

I highly recommend this story if you like a good mystery, witches, dark magick, reporters, and sexy vampires with dreadlocks!

Song of the Sea by Arielle Pierce

18657472Title: Song of the Sea

Author:  Arielle Pierce

Genre: Paranormal/ Shifters

Length: Flash Short Story (26 pgs)

Publisher: Smashwords sp Airelle Pierce (October 9th, 2013)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥ 4 Hearts

Reviewer: Seeker

Purchase Link: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/365804

Blurb: When a schooner comes to Dylan’s small Welsh village, the handsome captain, Llewellyn, wastes no time letting Dylan in on why he feels so different. He’s a merman. Llewellyn offers Dylan teaching and freedom from a life he’s never really belonged to. But can Llewellyn offer Dylan what he needs most of all—love? 

Review:  A wonderful story of finding one’s true self.  In Song of the Sea, Rhys and Dylan are young men who, now grown, are looking toward the horizon.  And in their fishing village, one looks to sail the sea, the other is dared to look into her.

I knew after the first paragraph that I had placed Arielle Pierce, Song of the Sea’s author, in the same league as epic fantasy writers.  With solid, delicious sentences that make one start to unwind while reading.  Song of the Sea is escapism at the highest form. 

Convergence by Talya Andor

18313477Title: Convergence

Series:  Proud to Be A Vampire

Author: Talya Andor

Genre: Paranormal/ Vampire

Length: Novella (20K)

Publisher: Less Than Three Press (Oct 9th, 2013)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥ 3 Hearts

Reviewer: Cat

Blurb:Chris and Ling travel the world in search of rare, exquisite curiosities, but treasure hunting is rife with danger and comes with a price. In order to retrieve a lost treasure deep within a perilous mountain, Chris hires on a vampire. But traveling with a predator comes with its own risks, and their venture may collapse into absolute loss unless they can each find the opportunity in one another.

Purchase Link: http://www.lessthanthreepress.com/books/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=106_117&products_id=506

Review: A quick rundown: Chris runs his Dad’s curiosity store with his friend Ling. They go on trips and find rare items for the shop. This particular journey requires a Vampire. They place an ad and Dorran applies for the job.

I expected a lot more from this story. It had such a great premise somehow it just never got there for me. The plot was a bit Indian Jones like with booby traps and clues. I actually liked the cryptic messages and clues, I just with there had been a bit more action. The traps weren’t all that exciting very basic and didn’t go into much detail I would have liked to have actually seen what Dorran was up against on some of his parts. I also couldn’t really tell if the story was modern-day or past, though I’m thinking it was supposed to be past.  The romance between Dorran and Chris was pretty good and the end was actually satisfying.

If you like mystery, clues, booby-traps, curiosities, and a sweet romance this one is for you.

 

Locked In a Room with a Werewolf by Marcy Jacks

18286043Title: Locked In a Room with a Werewolf

Series: Luna Werewolves, Book 10

Author: Marcy Jacks

Length: Novel (118 Pages)

Publisher: Siren-Bookstrand, Inc. (October 5th, 2013)

Heat Level: Low

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥4 Hearts

Reviewer: Lisa

Blurb: Zack Bluestone thought he was being mugged when he was ambushed by several huge men. He didn’t expect to wake up in chains in a creepy basement, or to be naked, or for there to be a naked man with him, who is also in chains, and looks pretty vicious.

Brian Lauren is so angry with himself that it’s hard to keep his inner alpha from taking over and tearing everything apart. He can’t believe he was kidnapped and put in a pit, but it happened, and he has to find a way out of here before he goes wild and attacks the only other person locked up with him.

The problem is that person happens to be his mate, and if Brian wants to get them out of this alive, he has to convince the man that they need to mate with each other so he can have the strength to escape before their captors return and kill Zack.

Product Link: http://www.bookstrand.com/locked-in-a-room-with-a-werewolf

Review: Zack was accidentally thought to be his brother Daren when Lawrence’s pack kidnapped him and threw him a hole with a werewolf. A werewolf that also happened to be his mate. Although at first Zack didn’t know that, Brian however did. Brian was an alpha in Roarke’s pack. Six days stuck in a hole was making his wolf lose it, till they threw in a human who happened to be his mate and the brother of another mate to one of his pack mate alpha’s. What Lawrence didn’t know was the two were mates and could give each other strength through touch. This is a pretty good book, with lots of twist and turns, especially when you add in Leon and Eli, who were actually from the future, Leon was actually Leo the son of Roarke’s and Eli was the son of David’s. The future left a lot to be desired and feared, with the treats from the two rogue packs and hunters bent on their extinction, they had to watch each other’s backs. The love they have is what makes them stronger. I cannot wait to read the next book.

Alpha Wolf with Benefits by Marcy Jacks

18278183Title: Alpha Wolf with Benefits

Series: Luna Werewolves, Book 5

Author: Marcy Jacks

Length: Novel (126 Pages)

Publisher: Siren-Bookstrand, Inc. (August 31st, 2013)

Heat Level: Low

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥4 Hearts

Reviewer: Lisa

Blurb: Lucas White rescued his mate from the hands of Bud’s pack of rogue wolves, but then was forced to watch him run away since Charlie Terrell didn’t trust any packs after his time in captivity. His only choice was to wait and hope for the day when Charlie would come back to him to complete their bonding.

That time has come, but Lucas wants Charlie to understand that he doesn’t have to exchange sex for a safe place to sleep at night, though that is one of the fantastic perks.

Slowly but surely, Charlie learns to trust the alpha, and maybe even love him, but when one of Charlie’s former kidnappers becomes jealous and desperate to have him back, Lucas will show his mate that he’s willing to do anything to keep him safe, including accepting a challenge that could see him killed.

Product Link:http://www.bookstrand.com/alpha-wolf-with-benefits

Review: Lucas had saved his mate from the one of the men of Bud’s pack or rogues, only to lose him when Charlie panicked. Mates cannot stand to be apart for very long before they start to hurt. Ten long days go by and Lucas is going out of his mind, so while taking a walk in the woods behind the house, he is rewarded when Charlie returned. Lucas lets Charlie know that he doesn’t have to have sex with Lucas unless he wants to. That they could take the friendship stance, but Charlie says friends with benefits sound better, only to have Lucas change it to Alpha with benefits. When one of Charlie’s former kidnappers becomes desperate to get him back, Lucas realizes he will fight even to the death for the one he loves. I loved this book and cannot wait to read the next book.

A Story in the Dark with a Graveyard Tree by Katalinya Palokova

71yxDOrJ-FL._SL1500_Title:  A Story in the Dark with a Graveyard Tree

Series:  Lights Out, Halloween Sips

Author:  Katalinya Palokova        

Genre:   Paranormal Romance

Length:  Short (20 pages)

Publisher:  Torquere Press (October 8th, 2013)

Heat Level:  Mild

Heart Rating:  ♥♥♥3Hearts

Blurb:  In a small town on Halloween night, the dryad of the graveyard’s ancient oak tree meets Marlon, a lonely man who is visiting the grave of a recently departed friend. When they take shelter in a nearby haunted house for the night, they discover that they have quite a bit more in common than loneliness and a need to get out of the cold. With some behind-the-scenes assistance from benevolent ghosts and beloved memories, they turn the night into the start of something magical.

Product Link:  http://www.torquerebooks.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=79_107&products_id=4033

Reviewer:   Tams

Review:  Marlon sits in a chair by a grave reading a book to a dearly departed friend. The Dryad of the graveyard, a part tree part man spiritual being, stumbles across Marlon and is enthralled by the care in which he reads. The Dryad invites Marlon back to his house on the hill to stay with him for the night. The sex isn’t expected, but when the opportunity presents itself, neither man shy’s away.

This was the cutest m/m Halloween them story ever! It’s super short, but super sexy as Marlon and The Dryad get to know each other as best as they can with what little time they’ve been given. The ghosts in the background adding a little spark, so to speak, was the perfect complement to the story.

Like I said its super short, but if you are looking for a Halloween themed quick read that will leave you satisfied and smiling, grab a copy of this one!

Tristan's Despair by Lavina Lewis

2339-210x336Title: Tristan’s Despair 

Series: Shifter’s Haven 08

Author: Lavina Lewis 

Genre: Paranormal

Length: Novella (108pgs)

Publisher: Totally Bound (11th October 2013)

Heat Level: Moderate     

Heart Rating:  ♥♥♥ 3 Hearts    

Reviewer: Pixie     

Blurb: Wolf shifter Tristan Ambrose is delighted to finally meet his mate, but is human Joey Brooks prepared for the constant danger that life with a shifter entails?

When wolf shifter Tristan Ambrose unexpectedly meets human Joey Brooks outside the guesthouse where they both stay, he couldn’t be happier to have finally found his mate. But Joey is an ambitious young newspaper reporter who came to Wolf Creek looking for a story on the arson attacks that have recently ravaged the town.

Can Tristan trust Joey to keep, not only his secret, but also that of his entire pack? And when Joey is nearly killed by a fully shifted wolf, will he decide that a future with Tristan is not worth the risk to his life?     

Purchase Link:  https://www.totallybound.com/tristans-despair

Review: This story is part of a series and must be read in order. Tristan finds himself stuck between a rock and a hard place when he meets his mate, while he is delighted to meet his mate he is horrified to learn that he is a reporter who is there to dig up the truth behind the fires that plagued the town. Joey is an ambitious reporter determined to get to the truth, but when he gets involved with local Tristan, he discovers more than he bargained for. Tristan has to discover if he can trust Joey with the towns secrets and Joey has to decide if a story is more important than love.

This is a great addition to the Shifter’s Haven series giving us a new couple with problems to solve and a storyline that weaves previous plots into this one. Tristan is feeling the weight of pressure from his brother and pack when he discovers his mate Joey, after all Joey is asking questions that they can’t answer to a human, but Tristan doesn’t want to deny his mate. Joey is instantly attracted to Tristan and thinks he knows one of the towns secrets, but it isn’t long before he realizes his error. Joey knows he has a hard choice before him and although Tristan has come to mean everything to him, giving up his dreams is hard to do. 

Tristan and Joey make a great couple and they do face some hostility at first because of Joey’s job, but a mate is a mate and Joey’s job isn’t their only problem. We discover that the storyline from Pete’s Persuasion lingers on with the discovery that the arsonist has sort protection from another pack, the news astounds the pack, but Joey and Tristan have more to worry about when wolves attack them. We see both Tristan and Joey suffer from their decision and it takes them both long enough to pull their heads out of their arses and come up with a way to be together. 

I did enjoy this story and enjoyed seeing the wolves of Wolf Creek again, seeing how they had moved on from the devastation that befell them in Pete’s Persuasion and catching up with the hunt for Evelyn. The story is well written and a nice light easy read, there’s a couple of tense scenes and some great sex scenes and it was also really nice to see that although there’s still the instant attraction and the urge to mate, it isn’t easy sailing for Joey and Tristan. 

I recommend this to those who love shifters, a progressing storyline, great characters, a touch of danger, great sex, hot shifters and a brilliant ending. 

Someday It Will Be by S.A. McAuley

17402464Title:  Someday It Will Be

Author:  S.A. McAuley

Genre:   Paranormal Romance

Length:  Novella (49 pages)

Publisher:  Totally Bound (October 23rd 2013)

Heat Level:  Mild

Heart Rating:  ♥♥♥♥3.5 Hearts

Blurb:   Poe is about to learn death and time are fragile barriers—if he has the strength of will to let go.

Poe passes through a graffiti-laden alley, his chin tucked into his chest, a scarf wrapped tightly over his mouth to keep out the cold. He has nowhere to go since Isaac’s death, but something compels him out in the frigid Chicago winter.

He steps out of the alley, off the curb, and…into sand. In summertime. Isaac told him it would happen but Poe doesn’t care how it’s possible, only that now he has a chance to make everything right

Product Link: https://www.totallybound.com/someday-it-will-be

Reviewer:   Tams

Review:  This short story was just that, short and sweet with an endearing passion to it that transcends time, to make things right. Who doesn’t love second chances.

Poe walks through the frigid cold in Chicago, through an alley and emerges onto a sunny beach, a decade ago. He realizes his husbands dying words, “Someday it will be”, are coming to fruition and although he doesn’t understand how, he only knows he has to find himself and attempt to change his destiny. He finds Artie, his younger self, right where he knew he would, the memory of the time and date are still vivid in his mind. Can he convince Artie to take a different path and not waste the life he could possibly lead with Isaac?

I loved the time travel or alternate reality aspect to this story. “If I knew then what I know now” takes on a definitive meaning here. Poe knows exactly what he did wrong and exactly what… who he stands to lose if he makes the wrong choices. There were some really passionate scenes between the ML of the future, Poe and Isaac. I did get confused enough at times throughout to have to go back and re-read to make sure I was with the right character. And Poe/Arties decision to leave in the past was never quite explained well enough.

To spite these few minor flaws, I thought this was a cute paranormal romance with some decent guy on guy action and a HEA.