Tag: GLBT Vampires

Nights in Canaan by Kendall McKenna

Nights_in_Canaan_Final_Front-651x1024Title: Nights in Canaan

Author: Kendall McKenna

Genre: Paranormal

Length: Short (65pgs)

Publisher: ManLoveRomance (15th March 2013)

Heat Level: Explicit

Heart Rating:  ♥♥♥♥4½ Hearts

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb: Love and hate. Good and evil. Life and death. The universe requires balance, whatever the cost. An ancient vampire rises, time after time, threatening the survival of the human race. An ancient warrior is reborn, again and again, with the singular purpose of halting the vampire’s bloody rampage. With each encounter throughout time, their passions burn and their emotions deepen. The vampire shares his body and the warrior shares his blood. When they are no longer able to cause one another harm, the lovers hesitate to fulfill their destinies. Will the ancient warrior sacrifice the whole of the human race, in exchange for eternity in the arms of the vampire he loves?

Purchase Link: http://www.mlrbooks.com/ShowBook.php?book=KMCANAAN

Review: One vampire, one warrior, destined to battle repeatedly throughout time.  Destined to meet.  Destined to love.  Destined to end in bloodshed. Each man determined to stop the other, with one it is his destiny to put an end to evil, with the other it is his wish to turn his beloved and rule the world.

Well, hmmm, ah hell. What do you do when the man you love would bring devastation to the world? For the warrior Jesse/Imad/Jayden it gets harder each time to choose and more painful. The vampire Saul/Christophe/Kareem has only one impulse, to turn as many humans as possible and try to convince his beloved to join him. Throughout the years it is a pattern that is repeated with no end in sight. Kareem returns and soon Jayden will follow, they spend a short time together before the warrior remembers his purpose and it is repeated again.

Oh hell, this is one of those stories that is a timeless love story, but very, very bittersweet. The story is set in three lifetimes, with the first two being brief flashes, while with the third we see their entire encounter. It is a doomed love; there is no way to ever see them finally being together.  But, each time they hope circumstances on Earth have changed and they can finally be together. But, each encounter leaves them both in despair as one knows his lover will kill him and one knows he has to kill his lover.

God damn you, Kendall McKenna.  it’s torture reading this story because we want them to finally get their happily ever after… it even got to the stage that I wouldn’t have cared if Earth went to hell and we all died at the hands of bloodthirsty vampires as long as Jayden and Kareem could finally break their cursed love. *Sigh* Both warrior and vampire are wonderful characters.  The warrior standing tall doing what is right for humanity, but destroying his heart in the process and the vampire shamelessly murdering and turning humans in his bid for the world knowing that his time will soon end with the return of his beloved.  But, both of them enjoying a few days of respite having hot passionate sex before the warriors memories return.

There’s no real way to tell you how bittersweet or poignant this story really is, but if you love vampires, hopeless love and hot vampire/marine sex then you have to read this story.

The Vampire Contract by RJ Scott

16173258Title: The Vampire Contract

Series: Supernatural Bounty Hunters #1

Author: R.J. Scott

Genre: MM / Paranormal

Length: Novella (131 pages)

Publisher: Extasy Books (February 1st, 2013)

Reviewer: Thommie

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥4Hearts

Blurb:    A vampire guilty of murder on the run from justice to prove his innocence. A werewolf sent to retrieve him with one thought – that only the guilty run.

Vampire Micah Jamieson is found guilty of killing his human husband. He runs from the execution he is facing to get home. He just has to pray he’ll reach home before supernatural law enforcement, in the shape of a Glitnir Court Retriever close in on him.

Wolf shifter and Retriever, Connor Strand easily captures Micah and he’s fully prepared to take the runaway in. But his wolf has other ideas. Something about Micah challenges Connor and his long-held beliefs.

What if Micah is actually innocent? Will Connor put to one side his own prejudices, and then risk both his life and career to keep Micah safe?

Product Link: http://www.extasybooks.com/index.php?route=product/product&product_id=3892

Review: Oh. I loved this book, and what a nice start it was for a series.

RJ Scott created a beautiful background for this adventure through species. Werewolves, Vampires, Fae (although the latter didn’t made an appearance in this first book), a world trapped in old traditions and royal clans along with pure-blooded arrogance. It all painted scenery that promises action and war impending, strong love fated to struggle through fights that are not easy won, and love lost leaving back pain and hurt.

The Vampire Contract focuses on Micah and Connor. Micah is a Vampire accused for the murder of his own husband by the Glintir Court, the one responsible for applying justice and law on all the paranormal species. When Micah runs away Glintir Court Retriever Connor Strand, a Werewolf, is tasked to bring him back. Connor is one of the best, however he is in for a surprise when it appears that this little Vampire is not that easy a job and to top it all his wolf gets in the way when he recognizes Micah as his mate.

Connor faces the difficulty of struggling with his emotions, with the truth that is slowly unveiled and with a whole new amount of knowledge that threatens everything he ever believed in to be true and just. The most important thing of all though is that his love for Micah is undeniable and he’s going to face that his one true mate is faced with death.

A lovely, lovely story that had many treats that truly fascinate me. Werewolves being nearly feral, instincts that were demanding but placed in a logic frame, Vampires that were charming and seductive and enticing and sexy as Hell, magic thrown in there for good measure. A chase that went wrong, a love lost never to be found, a new love rising in the middle of ashes. The relationship between Micah and Connor was almost funny, it started in the middle of them trying to kill each other and right when you think one of them is going to end up dead, heat goes up and all things go South with base instincts taking over. It was also tinged with a dramatic layer when realization hit the pair that one or both of them are facing death straight in the eye.

In the end, after a very entertaining read, this book leaves you with the distinct feeling that not only it didn’t end, but this whole adventure just begun, and honestly I can’t wait for the next installment to come out. Anticipation is a very annoying thing when you have no patience at all. So in any case I strongly recommend this for all the lovers of the paranormal genre and I’m sure you’ll enjoy it as much as I did.

 

 

Crimson Mate by Nikki McCoy

Title: Crimson Mate

Author: Nikki McCoy

Genre: Paranormal, Shifter, Vampire

Length: Novel Plus (291pgs)

Publisher: Silver Publishing (18th August 2012)

Heat Level: Explicit

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥4Hearts

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb: A war is brewing, and a man born of two worlds holds the key to its prevention. Will Quinn allow Manning to convince him that love can exist between enemies before the coming battle consumes them both?

A centuries-old feud has pitted Ba’Kal–shifters—against Vam’kir–vampires. Quinn has suffered the pain of the ongoing contention in ways no man ever should. Once the respected son of the Vam’kir king, his life was forever altered the day his father realized a truth of which even Quinn was unaware.

As the Ba’Kal ruler, it is up to Manning to seek justice for the vicious attacks the Vam’kir have perpetrated against his kind, but his very beliefs are called into question when he discovers his mate is also his enemy. To keep Quinn safe, he must learn to trust in the impossible–that love might exist beyond boundaries, for failure means the end of his future and the rest of his race.

Purchase Link: https://spsilverpublishing.com/product_book_info/products_id/982

Review: Quinn suffered for years at the hands of his father for being different, but now hiding out with his sister in America he has some semblance of peace. That is, until he spots a shifter who makes him feel things he shouldn’t. Manning wants revenge on the ones who killed his mother, but when he smells his mate all he can think about is finding and claiming him. When the two meet weeks later, Quinn has a secret that he can’t tell Manning and Manning thinks he knows what is for the best. Can the two sort out their problems so that they can save their races?

This is a shifter/vampire story that puts a different spin on the races and makes for an interesting storyline with a twist. Manning is a Ba’Kal (Shifter), in fact he is the ruler of them. he has many responsibilities and one of them is to mate and produce an heir, but he has other problems like finding his mother’s killers and the Vam’kir (vampires) who are targeting shifters. Manning puts everything on a backburner when he meets his mate, Quinn. Quinn though just wants to run, he knows he is different from his kinsmen Vam’kir and he can’t let Manning know that he is Vam’kir, as they are enemies, but he knows he isn’t safe whichever way he turns.

There is quite a bit to this storyline, as we have Quinn who is both Ba’Kal and Vam’kir. He has been punished severely by his father for years, his sister rescues him but even she doesn’t know the full truth. And now he has a mate and when Quinn finally learns the full truth of what he is, he has a whole load of new problems to face. Manning and Quinn do make a great couple, even with the problems they face, and Manning has a world of patience as he waits for Quinn to become comfortable with him.

I wish I could go into more detail about the ongoing struggle that Quinn and Manning are facing, but it is kinda complex with its explanations, and it would also give away the entire storyline. All I will tell you is that Manning and Quinn are great together and although they have problems with trust, they do come through it by the end. This storyline is really good and the story is really well written. we get to know the characters really well and although they do have their faults, which make you want to slap them at least once, they do crawl into your hearts.

So, if you love shifters and vampires, hot sex, gentle love, earned trust, complex plans from the goddess, a hard past, a happy ending and a superb twist then this is the story for you.

 

 

Snow Bite, Blood Red by Jade Astor

Title: Snow Bite, Blood Red

Series: Once Upon A Man 01

Author: Jade Astor

Genre: Historical, Medieval, Paranormal, Alternate World, Vampires

Length: Novella (132pgs)

Publisher: Silver Publishing (30th June 2012)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥3 ½Hearts

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb: Albion leads a sheltered life until he is chosen to break the curse that has befallen their king. A nightwalker who feasts on human blood, King Jasper knows regaining his humanity means draining the life from the man he loves.

A man-loving twist on a classic tale. The younger son of a powerful lord, Albion leads a sheltered life with his father and half-brother, Rosarius. Everything changes for him when he is summoned to King Jasper’s palace. Much to his brother’s resentment, Albion is chosen to help break the curse that has befallen their ruler.

Forced to live as a creature who shuns the daylight and feasts on human blood, King Jasper has nearly given up hope of finding the true love that can restore his humanity. Just as he starts to believe Albion may be the one to heal him, a mysterious assassin tries to put a stop to their growing passion. With the forces of dark magic working against them, Jasper and Albion must find a way to outwit death and forge a life together.

Purchase Link: https://spsilverpublishing.com/product_book_info/products_id/1101/?zenid=3a799ff1718524eeb8af84fb253e2a71

Review: Albion gets his first glimpse of the King, when he is taken to court after his coming of age. He can scarce believe the tales his brother tells him and is shocked to learn his brother wishes to ensnare the King. But, his brother’s plan backfires, when Albion is chosen instead. Jasper has fallen foul of a curse laid upon him because of his father’s actions, now forced to drink blood and living in darkness he only wishes to break the curse. But, finding the one man who can break it is difficult, when Albion seems to have an effect on him, someone sets out to get rid of Albion.

This is a well written twisted rendition of Snow White with a bit of Beauty and the Beast thrown in. Albion is a sheltered young man who has just passed his eighteenth birthday and with his coming of age, he is invited to the King’s yearly party to introduce all the newly eligible young men to the King. Albion is dragged into a ploy by his brother to ensnare the Kings attention and when Albion is chosen, Rosarius is far from happy. Jasper just wants to find the one who can break his curse, but it is getting harder and harder to live with the lonely existence and dashed hopes, until Albion brings hope back into his life and it puts Albion’s life in grave danger.

Albion really has been sheltered and is very naïve about life. He has had his own secret longings and when he meets the King those longings take on a life of their own. Albion is just so trusting that you want to protect him from all the evil in the world. And Jasper, well, with Jasper you want to take all the hopelessness and loneliness away. They make a really sweet couple, and you can’t help wondering if it isn’t because he has the right blood and more because of how they feel for each other.

So, I will recommend this to those who love a fairy tale with a twist, danger, intrigue, witchcraft, erotic lovemaking and a very happy ending.

 

 

 

Cat Scratch Fever by Stormy Glenn

Title: Cat Scratch Fever

Series: Tribal Bonds 03

Author: Stormy Glenn

Genre: Paranormal

Length: Novella (142pgs)

Publisher: Siren-Bookstrand (14th April 2012)

Heat Level: Explicit

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥3 ½Hearts

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb: Waking up with memories of an erotic night spent in the arms of the sexiest man he has ever met, Azizi Dane is determined to track Manu Ucathya down and find out if there is a chance for more. But getting to Manu may be harder than he thought, especially when Azizi’s father arrives to take him home, by force if necessary.

Manu Ucathya is bound and determined to claim his anamchara once he meets him. He follows the time honored traditions of his tribe and approaches Azizi Dane’s father. When Azizi is brought to him unconscious and handcuffed, Manu is enraged. When Azizi wakes up with no idea why he is there, Manu feels like his heart is breaking.

But keeping Azizi proves harder than Manu thought, especially when a misunderstanding drives Azizi from his side and right into the hands of the hunters. Saving Azizi may be just as hard. Someone close to the Manu holds his anamchara responsible for things that Azizi has no knowledge of but they are determined to make him pay anyway—with his life.

Purchase Link: http://www.bookstrand.com/cat-scratch-fever

Review: Manu decides to go the way of the old traditions and offers a mate price for Azizi, but it doesn’t turn out quite the way he had hoped. Azizi is hoping to find Manu again, but his plans are interrupted when his father turns up.  The next thing Azizi knows he is waking up in a strange room with Manu. Both Manu and Azizi struggle with the changes and Azizi ends up in more danger than any of them thought.

This story is more serious than the previous two books with much more hatred between the species. It also continues with the rogue hunter theme and also betrayal from an ally. Azizi faces a lot in this book, from finding out about the paranormals, finding out the true nature of his father, his father’s betrayal, his friend’s actions and being tortured. How he kept his nice nature I really don’t know. Manu struggles with having a mate that is a human who has no clue whatsoever about how he is supposed to act, but he doesn’t make it any easier when he doesn’t exactly explain anything.

Azizi is a lovely man who ends up being hurt by a friend and betrayed by his father.  Azizi is one of those humans that you would love to know and keep close always just because of his innate goodness and his forgiving nature. Manu seems to be very much the traditionalist, but he does soften up eventually with the understanding of different backgrounds. We also see Seth, Rowan, Luca, Gregory and Daniel in this one.  all are woven well into the story and Seth isn’t very nice in this oneL.

There were a few niggles that bothered me and it was mainly to do with Azizi’s reactions, because at first I thought he knew about vampires because he didn’t turn a blind eye over what Manu was telling him about soul-mates and anamchara etc. But, it was more of a deduction that he came to and he didn’t have a clue as to what it actually meant. Then it was about the shifters, because he had a conversation about Rowan’s old alpha.  But, then later he was really shocked that Rowan and Seth were shifters. It just threw me a bit.

I will recommend this to those who love shifters, vampires, hot sex, soul-mates, danger, betrayal, misunderstandings because of different cultures and a happy ending.

Frankie's Vamp by Toni Griffin

Title: Frankie’s Vamp

Series: Hot Encounters 01

Author: Toni Griffin

Genre: Paranormal, Vampire

Length: Novella (131pgs)

Publisher: Silver Publishing (12th May 2012)

Heat Level: Explicit

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥4Hearts

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb: Merrick has never had to chase anyone in his life, but then he’s never met his mate before. Frankie has dated some losers and just escaped an abusive ex. Trusting his vamp won’t be easy.

After five centuries, Merrick Winters is bored with life. He’s tired of the same kind of men throwing themselves at him. His coven is secure and his bar is a success. He needs a challenge. When he meets his mate, he’s certain he’s found just the challenge he was looking for.

Frankie Reynolds doesn’t have time for an abusive man and he wishes his ex would get the message. After one night at Hot Encounters, both an ex and a master vampire won’t leave him alone. He doesn’t mind the vampire so much, but this mate business is a little much.

An amazing attraction makes sparks fly, but can Merrick convince Frankie to trust again?

CONTENT ADVISORY: This title contains scenes of near rape.

Purchase Link: https://spsilverpublishing.com/product_book_info/products_id/859/?zenid=c3142b00277168ac40b6da660cd0e653

Review: Merrick is slightly bored with the same old same old. After all, there is only so much a vamp can do in five hundred years.  But, that all changes when he spots Frankie on the dance floor of his club and he has a feeling that he will be forever kept on his toes. Frankie is just letting loose on the dance floor when he spots the most gorgeous man ever, but after coming out of a relationship where his ex-boyfriend hit him, he is cautious.

Toni Griffin has written a nice easy read that is uncomplicated and low on angst. Merrick is thrilled when he meets his mate and his mate isn’t a walkover. Frankie stands up to him and doesn’t let him get away with anything… now if only he can get him to agree to be his mate. Frankie has had enough of loser boyfriends and isn’t sure if he can trust himself to choose a decent man. So, when the Master vampire declares he’s his mate, he is very wary of jumping in feet first.

Frankie is quite a strong-willed man and knows how to take care of himself; he is determined to take his time getting to know Merrick before committing to a mating that will last for eternity. This I found to be brilliantly done, because although they both felt sparks flying between them, they both still held off until Frankie was really ready. The problem of the ex-boyfriend was handled well, but I would have liked to know more about the rogue vampires. Both characters were well suited and I would have liked to get to know them better; some more background on them, but I liked them all the same. I found this storyline flowed well and the story easy to read and get into.

I will recommend this to those who like strong characters, hot sex, vampires and paranormals, a bit of conflict, instant attraction and a happy ending.

 

 

 

Kissing Orion by Amber Kell

Title:  Kissing Orion

Series:  A Vampire’s Kiss 01

Author:  Amber Kell

Genre:   Paranormal

Length:  Novella

Publisher:  2nd Edition, Silver Publishing (April 21, 2012); originally published in 2009 by Literary Road Press

Heat Level:  Explicit

Heart Rating:  ♥♥♥♥4Hearts

Blurb:   Detective Aaron Bradshaw sweet talks his way into a vampire club, hoping to get the local master’s cooperation for a drug bust. Little does Aaron know Master Orion plans to keep Aaron for his mate.

Aaron Bradshaw’s boss orders him to acquire the vampire Orion’s cooperation in their police investigation. Little does Aaron know sweet talking his way into the club is the first step in establishing a long-term relationship with a vampire.

The master vampire, Orion, has been alone for a long time. One look at the sexy detective and Orion decides who he wants to keep by his side. But Aaron’s insistence of throwing himself into danger drives Orion insane.

How can he keep his lover safe and still let Aaron do his job–hunting down drug runners in Orion’s club?

He may not be able to…

Product Link:  https://spsilverpublishing.com/product_book_info/new-release-c-1/products_id/880/

Reviewer:   Portia

Review:  Orion knew the moment he laid eyes on Aaron that they were supposed to be together.  Aaron isn’t into vampires, as a rule, but he’s willing to make an exception for the sexy vamp.

Kissing Orion is classic Amber Kell with a twist.  Originally published in 2009, it is being reissued by Silver Publishing.  As with many Kell tales, there is a nice suspense thread.  In this case, drugs are being dealt out of Orion’s night club and Aaron is the lead detective on the case.  Orion is a very typical alpha man; possessive, arrogant, etc.  But, the twist is he’s so sweet.  There is nothing he won’t do to make Aaron happy.  Their relationship is very much a pairing of equals.  The big strong vamp with the weak little human gets old.  This was a refreshing deviation from the usual vamp/human duo.

Anyway back to the story.  I was just about to be unhappy with the nice neat ending when Kell threw a major twist in the mix.  Not quite a cliffhanger, but damn close. Secrets are revealed and Orion again shows himself to be the perfect partner for Aaron.  Loved it. There sure had better be a book two or Amber Kell is going to have a very irritated reviewer on her hands.  Highly recommend from the beautiful cover art, straight through until the happy-ever-after.

Battle of Hearts by Valentina Heart

Title: Battle of Hearts

Author: Valentina Heart

Genre: Action, Adventure, Paranormal, Alternate World, Shifter, Vampire

Length: Novel (205pgs)

Publisher: Silver Publishing (14th April 2012)

Heat Level: Explicit

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥4 ½Hearts

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb: Valerian is a fighter and an Alpha–dangerous, unemotional, and vicious. The passion for his cougar mate is unplanned, but Teddy shares the enthusiasm and all but bites back. Do they have a chance or will the war destroy them?

Living in a world where vampires can’t stand the sight of shifters, and shifters gag at the smell of vamps, a vicious war rages — and the vampires are winning. Clearly, this is not an ideal setting for a mixed-species shifter couple.

Valerian is the Alpha of his pack, a fighter and an unemotional killer, but one whose skill has kept him alive. On one of his missions, among captured shifters, he finds the cougar Teddy, his mate.

Things would be simpler if either of them actually wanted a mate, but on top of the fact that they don’t, there is also the small issue of clashing personalities. Attacking is their first reaction — sex is only for survivors.

Purchase Link: https://spsilverpublishing.com/product_book_info/products_id/774

Review: Valerian is one of three alphas’ in his pack.  They share responsibility, with Valerian’s duty being missions and vampire politics. So when he is on a mission to rescue some of his warriors, he is less than pleased to come across his mate. Teddy is a loner and has no interest in a mate, but when he discovers he might be able to find the vampire that captured him, he decides to stick around for a while.

God, I loved this one.  Two shifters, neither wanting a mate and both human sides fighting tooth and nail against their animal sides; snarling and bitching at each other as they fight the mating urge. Valerian has no interest in a mate who might die on him and leave him alone. It is easier to keep everyone at a distance, so when he meets his mate he carries on like he has always done while fighting the mating instinct. Teddy has just lost the person closest to him so now he will strike out on his own again. Once he finds the vampire who captured him, meeting his mate is not on the agenda. Especially when said mate is an alpha and an ass.

This story is well written with great world building and some pretty gruesome descriptions. A world were vampires and shifters despise each other and want to wipe the other off the face of the Earth. This is a fantastic shifter/vampire story where it is war.  Shifters kill all vampires they can find and vampires snatch as many shifters as they can for their blood. If some shifters die in the process, well, then they can always hunt for more. And there’s a vamp out there who wants shifters for his own purpose, but it back fires wonderfully ;-).

Valerian and Teddy are characters that are quite similar. Both prefer to be left alone, both are stubborn and have a mouth on them and both have no intention of mating. It is like a clash of the Titans when these two get together. The sex is explosive and primal and sparks fly whenever they are close. Fighting the mating urge when all their animals want is to give in is a struggle for both of them and they are brilliant in how they handle it. And while all this is going on they have an explosion, they have to fight the vampires, deal with a traitor, then Teddy has to escape, rescue the kids and kill as many vamps as possible all while dealing with a horrific ordeal *sigh* (so much goodness).

The best thing about this is neither shifter is graceful in his denial.  They are both snarly, scowlly and growly right up to the end of the book and neither will ever really be lovie dovie with the other as it’s just not them. Teddy goes through a period of doubt that Valerian helps him over, but as I said they will never be a roses and hearts couple and it makes them so much more interesting.

This one I will recommend to those who want a different type of shifter/vampire story, mates who fight the bond tooth and nail, blood, fights, and a twist for Teddy, hot explosive sex and a happy ending.

 

Power in the Blood by Angelia Sparrow

Title: Power in the Blood

Author: Angelia Sparrow

Genre: Urban Fantasy, Vampires, M/M, M/F

Length: Novel (171pgs)

Publisher: Storm Moon Press (6th January 2012)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥4Hearts

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb: Oren Stolt understands the natural order better than most people. Vampires prey on humans and Undying keep the vampires’ numbers in check.

Until now.

Now, across the United States, vampire numbers are exploding, thanks to a new church. The Tabernacle of the Firstfruits preaches a Risen Lord and invites believers to follow Him in death and resurrection… quite literally.

In Memphis, the church is about to host its first conference, with an eye to converting the whole world to the vampiric gospel.

And all that stands between humanity and eternal night is Oren, his kids, and a thin line of insane immortals.

Purchase Link: http://stormmoonpress.com/books/Power-In-the-Blood.aspx

Review: Oren is what is called a breather, a potential Undying and he is doing everything he can to ensure himself and his family stay that way.  But, when a Vampire church has plans to convert the world, Oren, his kids, the peaceful Vampires and the Undying must put an end to their plans. But, just what will it cost Oren and his family?

This is not a romance in anybody’s imagination. The characters seem to be mostly bi-sexual and sleep around because they all have high sex-drives. The story is really well written and your feelings for the characters will go up and down as their attitude and actions make you want to hug them, smack them and pity them. There are no really detailed sex scenes, although the one sex scene that we do witness does not end how you thought it might.

There is a lot going on in this book and a lot of interaction with different characters with different POVs throughout the book.  It gives us a broad spectrum of plot and gives us more understanding of what’s going on and why.  It gives us insight into the different characters as well and what drives them personally. There are one or two surprise characters that shocked my socks off as I spluttered and gawked at the book. One of the characters I was so shocked at but I sat there going ‘Oh my god that is so plausible’.

There isn’t that much that I can really tell you about this one other than Oren and his children are Breathers and if they die a violent death then they come back as an Undying a being unable to die, who can regenerate everything about them (arm chopped off… not a problem regrow it, head lopped off… grow a new body.) If they die a natural death then they never come back (something to do with their DNA) and the council want the Breathers and will try anything to get them, while that is going on we have a vampire church who are set on converting everyone because they believe they are following in Christ’s footsteps i.e. they died then rose again as vampires and the Stolt’s and the Undying must stop them.

This book is not for the faint of heart, so if you hate blood, guts, dismemberment and extreme violence then don’t look at this book. If you want a happy-ever-after where people fall in love…then don’t look at this book. If you want a happy conclusion where everyone got what they wanted…then don’t look at this book. If you want a story that is filled with action, fights, blood, gore, a lot of implied sex, hate, fear, failed hopes and a gigantic violent bloodbath in a church…then this is the book for you. (It kept me happy ;-))

 

Darcy Burke by Joyee Flynn

Title: Darcy Burke

Series: Beyond the Marius Brothers 02

Author: Joyee Flynn

Genre: Paranormal, Shifter, Vampire

Length: Novella (119pgs)

Publisher: Siren-Bookstrand (17th March 2012)

Heat Level: Explicit

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥3 ½Hearts

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb: In a world where humans and paranormals coexist in secret and where they are at war with soulless demons, vampires dream to be united with their mates.

Darcy Burke is a strong and caring vampire warrior who lost his family long ago. After so many casual hookups, he bumps into a man who he longs to love and support for the rest of his life.

Ayden Magee is a werewolf who has been stuck in his wolf form and is desperately trying to find a way to save his brothers. When Darcy helps him change back, Ayden sees the possibility of a future with this man, one filled with the tenderness and love he has been missing.

Will Darcy and Ayden be able to save Ayden’s brothers and build a lasting relationship together, or will their differences and their pasts be too much for them to conquer?

Purchase Link: http://www.bookstrand.com/darcy-burke

Review: Ayden is a werewolf who has been through a traumatic experience and is now stuck in wolf form; he is desperate to change back so he can get help rescuing his brothers.  When he meets Darcy, his dreams might just come true. Darcy is a warrior and he liked to play around a bit, when he meets Ayden he promises to help get his brothers back, but their mating is far from easy.

I enjoyed this book to an extent as it was well written, but there was some stuff that really niggled at me. When Ayden and Darcy first come together it was with a patience that must have nearly killed Darcy.   He tries to pace it, because of what happened to Ayden in the past, but also because he has just gulped down a load of shifter blood so he is extremely horny. Ayden lets Darcy in, but because of the short amount of time they know each other they haven’t had the chance to get to know each other and it causes problems between the two.

The pace of the book is good and there isn’t any real danger, just a slight threat.   And there’s some arguing as they try to work things out, the sex is really hot and erotic and it is really sweet and slightly funny, but cringe-worthy when Darcy takes things into his own hands as so not to hurt Ayden (I crossed my legs in sympathy). The two characters were good together and I enjoyed how they interacted with the other characters.

The only thing that niggled at me was Elena (Marius Brother’s mother) can’t she just keep her nose out of other people’s business for just one book and can’t she just stop throwing her weight around like she’s the freaking Queen.   I mean, God,  she’s in The Marius Brothers, The O’Hagan Way and Beyond The Marius Brothers, please just give me a break from her.

So, in all honesty a good book that I will recommend to those who love vampires and shifters, a bit of conflict, a bit of relationship conflict, hot man love, great characters and a happy ending with a good idea of the next Marius Brother’s story.

 

Dawn of Darkness by Daniel A. Kaine

Title: Dawn of Darkness

Series: Daeva 01

Author: Daniel A. Kaine

Genre: Post-Apocalyptic, Vampires, Shifters, Magic

Length: Super Novel (275pgs)

Publisher: Daniel A. Kaine (Self Published) (20th October 2011)

Heat Level: Low

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥5Hearts

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb: Unburdened by the pain of loss and heartbreak, Mikhail is content with his life of solitude. But everything began to change the day he realized he has a psychic ability — the power to alter the emotions of those around him.

Ushered into the Military Academy with others like him — other Daevas — Mikhail does his part to help tip the scales of war against the vampires that destroyed the world and plague what remains of humanity. But after going up against his first vampire, Mikhail starts to question everything he thought to be true.

To discover the truth and expose the lies he once believed, Mikhail will set out on a journey of discovery, and learn some things about himself in the process.

Purchase Link: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Dawn-of-Darkness-Daeva-ebook/dp/B005XLPH3Q/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1332190323&sr=1-1 UK only… No working links for USA ( If you are better at cyber-hunting than we are, please leave an US link in the comment section. Thanks)

Review: Mikhail is a Daeva, a human who has some sort of powers; these powers give the humans an edge over the other supernatural beings inhabiting the world. After the plague that nearly wiped out humanity, the Silver Dawn has reshaped what is left and have taken over. Mikhail starts to look for answers when he notices that vampires have the same gifts as the Daeva, but it puts him in grave danger as the Silver Dawn has secrets that it doesn’t want discovered.

Whoo hoo!!  a great story that is both entertaining and enjoyable. Mik is a young man who has always felt like he has been abandoned in the past.   Now, he keeps people at a distance until Ash.  Ash has snuck his way past his wall and now he’s burrowed in deep and Mik finally lets him in the rest of the way.  As their new relationship progresses , Mik begins to question why Daeva powers are similar to vampires and it isn’t long before someone tries to silence him.

An interesting twist on humans, vampires, werewolves etc.  They had, at one time, lived happily next to each other.   mingling and getting on fine despite the warnings of the Silver Dawn… until the plague strikes humanity. Okay, so even though you can see where it’s going, you still don’t uncover the full story until much later and the truth of the Daeva’s origins is just wow and eww. The characters all add something great to the story and each character we get a brief background on.

Now, even though I liked all the characters, I must admit that Mik is the character that I could relate to the most.   Trying to protect himself from harm.   When he does give in, he loses it almost straight away.   the fear of rejection because he no longer believes in the Silver Dawn, the new fear that he might have to fight or kill the man he loves etc., so he has a bit of angst and lots of dwelling on what could happen. Now the ending leaves you with HOW THE HELL DID THAT HAPPEN because although I’d hoped it would happen there wasn’t an inkling that it would and it was WTF when? Who? Why? And it’s the very last sentence.

So, I will recommend this to those who love Post-Apocalyptic, Vampires, Shifters, Magic, Dystopian, gentle love, a bit of angst, danger, twists and an ending that leaves you begging for more.

 

Thirst by Lisa Worrall

Title: Thirst

Author: Lisa Worrall

Genre: Contemporary, Crime, Thriller, Vampires

Length: Novel (301pgs)

Publisher: Silver Publishing (21st January 2012)

Heat Level: Explicit

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥4Hearts

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb: Max is hunting a killer who leaves bodies drained of blood. After being attacked, he never expected to wake up in Carter’s bed. Who is this man? What is his dark secret?  Is he the one leaving a trail of bodies across the city?

Detective Max Bowman is hunting a serial killer terrorizing the city, who leaves victims drained of blood. No fingerprints, no clues, no ideas. Only a mysterious inscription carved into each body.

Frustrated with the lack of progress, Max takes a break in a local pub.  Attacked by the attractive man buying him drinks, he is left for dead in the alley behind the bar.

Waking up in Carter Gray’s bed was the last thing he expected.  Who was this mysterious man?  What was his dark secret?  Why does he make Max tremble with anticipation every time their eyes meet?

It becomes apparent that Carter is the only one with the ‘expertise’ to help him find the killer.  But is his attraction to Carter clouding his judgment and is he refusing to acknowledge that the killer may well be Carter himself?

CONTENT ADVISORY: This title contains a MF scene, in addition to the MM scenes.

Purchase Link: https://spsilverpublishing.com/product_book_info/thirst-ebook-p-718

Review: Max is attacked after he picks up a guy in a bar; just as everything goes black he is rescued. Carter doesn’t know what came over him when he rescued the guy from the bar and what’s worse he wasn’t able to drain him dry, now he has the sexy man in his bed asking him questions.

This is a well written novel with the concept of vampires always draining their prey. Carter has been around for a while now and his sire taught him to cover up his kills well, but when a man is attacked and he comes to the rescue he tosses his prey away carelessly. Max is the man he rescued, a detective who is hunting a serial killer. Max asks questions but the answers he gets are hard to believe, but when the bodies of the two men that attacked him are recovered he learns that things are not quite as they seem.

Carter and Max are both surprised by their reaction to each other and as they get to know each other Carter begins to realize that his past has caught up with him and he has put Max in grave danger. Max is drawn to Carter, but he is a detective and Carter a killer.   How can he reconcile the two?   Max and Carter make a passionate and erotic couple, both trying to fight what they feel, but unable to.

Now there is a warning that there is a m/f scene and to be honest with you I found it easy to discount because it was a case of Carter playing with his food.   it had no bearing on the story other than as a way for Carter to eat and to try to get his mind away from Max. I thought Lyle and Boyd were very well written, but I wanted a more violent confrontation between Cater and Lyle when the truth emerged (I am bloodthirsty ;-)), the ending could have been left open for Lyle’s story but we will just have to wait and see.

So all in all I have to recommend this to those who love darker vampires, scorching sex, conflicted emotions, vampires bent on revenge and a great story-line and a happy ending.

 

 

 

Blacker than Black by Rhi Etzweiler

Title: Blacker than Black

Author: Rhi Etzweiler

Genre: Urban Fantasy, Paranormal, Mystery, Vampire (non-traditional)

Length: Novel (327pgs)

Publisher: Riptide Publishing (23rd January 2012)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥5Hearts

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb: Apparently, my twin and I are two of York’s most notorious criminals. We’ve been Nightwalkers in the blue-light district since the vamps took over the world. Don’t know how many years it’s been. Long enough that a stream of fellow ’walkers have come and gone. Most don’t last long selling their chi.  End up face-down in the gutter, or worse.

For us, one night and one sale change everything.

Monsieur Garthelle is the first john to hunt me down. He calls me a chi thief in one breath and offers absolution—servitude—in the next. Maybe I’m a sucker, but I like living and breathing. Strange that such a powerful vamp would show leniency to a mere human. And something’s not right with the chi I took from him. It won’t go away.

Neither will he, and he’s forcing us to spy on his peers. Then a vamp turns up dead, and we go from playing eyes and ears to investigating a murder. This isn’t what I signed up for. All I ever wanted was to sell a little chi, maybe steal some in return. I should’ve kept my damn hands to myself.

This is my story. Look through my eyes.

Purchase Link: http://riptidepublishing.com/titles/blacker-black

Review: Black and his twin Jhez are Nightwalkers.  Selling their chi to survive in a world where vampires (lyche) rule; humans are nothing and they have no rights. But Black has been caught stealing chi he now has a choice… do what Garthelle wants or die, well really not much of a choice is it.

A well written novel that takes vampires into an interesting and unique new direction. Black and his sister Jhez have been on the streets since they were about twelve years old.  the old world is gone and the new world is ruled by Lyche’s (humans call them vampires). Black and Jhez survive by selling their chi to the lyche’s and stealing a little bit of chi off the lyche’s, but Black has been caught out by Monsieur of York (Garthelle the main Lyche of the area).  He now has a choice, do as Garthelle wants or else.  But, Black realizes that this time something went wrong, he can’t dispel the chi he took and he now has a connection to Garthelle.

Okay , I am not going to say any more than that because you really need to read the book yourself as there is so much more going on that it would take me ages to write about it. Black and his sister have secrets that nobody can know about; Garthelle has secrets that he won’t let get out. There are quite a few things going on that keep you reading but they all come back to the same thing… Black and Jhez.

Black and Garthelle have a complex bond and neither of them knows how it happened, as the book progresses we see the deepening of the bond and the effects it has on both of them. The progression of their relationship is moderate and it is far from easy. The story-line is strong and the plot very good, the characters are well-developed and I really liked the twists as the story progressed. I must admit that there is a lot of information to take in and I got completely lost on the lyche circles and how they worked.

The mystery surrounding Black’s background intrigues me and I hope there will be a sequel to clear it up. The interaction between Black and Garthelle is very good and the sex is scorching hot, but mistrust comes between them and it takes a lot to straighten it out.

This book I will recommend to those who love complex and dark stories, mystery, intrigue, twists, complex relationships, really hot sex and something a little different about your vampires.

 

 

 

Just a Vampire by Stormy Glenn

Title: Just a Vampire

Series: Tribal Bonds 01

Author: Stormy Glenn

Genre: Paranormal, Shifter

Length: Novella (158pgs)

Publisher: Siren-Bookstrand (4th February 2012)

Heat Level: Explicit

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥5Hearts

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb: Electus Luca Ucathya has waited hundreds of years to find his anamchara, his soul mate. Rowan Connelly was not what he expected. For one, the man doesn’t have a submissive bone in his body. Even worse, Rowan is a wolf, one of the most dangerous and hated enemies of a vampire. But giving Rowan up isn’t an option.

Discovering that he is the mate of a vampire isn’t so bad for Rowan, but the things required of him as the mate of the leader of a vampire tribe just might be more than he can handle.

When Rowan is kidnapped, not once, but twice, Luca knows he has to do everything in his power to keep his mate safe, something that would be much easier if Rowan would accept his place as the mate of a vampire and behave. Instead, Rowan is drawing Luca into more trouble with every breath.

And Luca just can’t seem to mind.

Purchase Link: http://www.bookstrand.com/just-a-vampire

Review: Luca finally meets his anamchara, Rowan, and he plans on keeping him from the start.   When he discovers that Rowan is a wolf he has a few doubts, but Rowan grows on him. Rowan is out clubbing with his brother when he meets Luca.  He isn’t sure about Luca at all, especially the way that Luca keeps trying to tell him what to do.  Will Rowan bow to Luca’s will? Or will Luca cave to Rowan’s personality?

Oh My God, this was so funny.  I haven’t laughed so much at a book in ages.  it was brilliant and really brightened up my day. Luca is a vampire to be reckoned with and when he meets his anamchara (his mate), he expects him to behave in a certain way.  What he gets in Rowan is so far from what he dreamed about, but he wouldn’t change him for the world.  Rowan doesn’t know what to expect from Luca or what is really expected from him, but he will only bend so far.  Luca will soon find out that Rowan isn’t going to be a push over.

This is a lovely, charming and funny as hell story.  I would love to tell you why but I won’t ruin it for you.  Rowan and Luca are brilliant characters who are both well written and their personalities shine through. The relationship between them is a bit rocky at first, but becomes solid quickly.  the sex is smoking hot between them. The story is quite good and is quite light-hearted and although there is a bit of danger, there are plenty of funny bits.

This one I will recommend to those who love shifters, vampires, hot sex, a great story, lots of laughs, great characters and a happy ending.

 

 

Deadly Secrets by Savannah Hartley

Title: Deadly Secrets

Series: Dark Kings of Eternity 01

Author: Savannah Hartley

Genre: Fantasy, Paranormal/Alternate World, Shape-Shifter, Vampires, Werewolves

Length: Super Novel (354pgs)

Publisher: Silver Publishing (21st January 2012)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥5Hearts

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb: Jamie Dexson is like any other twenty year old boy–with one exception. He passes himself off as a girl. His ruse is necessary. Deadly secrets put him in danger, and life is about to get even more complicated.

Jamie Dexson is like any other twenty year old boy–with one exception. He’s been passing himself off as a girl for four years.

Fleeing from a dangerous situation, the ruse is necessary. Jamie and his mother have been on the run, but when Jamie’s disguise becomes more trouble than it’s worth, he has to decide if leaving it behind will free him from the arms of a predator seeking to make Jamie his.

From a life of deciding which heels to wear with what outfit, Jamie falls into a world of dragons, vampires, werewolves, and shapeshifters. And he discovers he’s one of them… but doesn’t know which one.

CONTENT ADVISORIES: This title contains scenes of rape or near rape and a “to be continued” ending.

Purchase Link: https://spsilverpublishing.com/product_book_info/deadly-secrets-ebook-p-708

Review: I sit here as I write this trying desperately not to run off to a corner and sulk. Why, you ask?  Well, it’s simple really… it’s all the ending’s fault;  I have to wait for the next book, Deadly Skies, to get answers, that I want now.   So, here I am desolate, needing to read the next book and I’ve got zip about when it will be out because Savannah Hartley is still writing it. (*pout*)

Jamie is a boy pretending to be a girl, because his mum asked him to because they were in danger.  So for the last four years he’s been a girl; he has had to act like a girl, talk like a girl, and walk like a girl and essentially be a girl. Now though his secret has been discovered by Asa, a quite boy from one of his classes.  As he and Asa become friends secrets come out on both sides.  To make matters worse, Jamie discovers the truth about why he’s in hiding. Jamie gets an admirer in the shape of Aidan the most popular and sexy boy in college and although Jamie puts him off because he’s not really a girl it doesn’t stop the attraction he feels for him.

This has got to be one of the most complex and utterly deceptive books that I have ever read.   The details are introduced slowly and slotted in here and there.   There are some things that sneak up on you and you end up having ‘oh duh’ moments. The story is mainly about Jamie and his everyday life living as a girl.  The author drops hints about why he’s in disguise slowly, teasing us and making us want more.  Then we discover other secrets and I will now never be able to look at tomato soup in the same light ever again. We get Jamie’s diary entries here and there which add a bit of insight into Jamie the boy and there is no sex but some scorching kisses. Even getting to the end of the book I don’t think we have discovered all the secrets and surprises that involve Jamie.

As other characters are introduced and as we find out the truth about them, the story becomes more complex.   You try to figure out just what is going on and who is behind what. Is everything as it seems or is Jamie being lied to again? What exactly is the truth? And just what the hell is Jamie? Now I know what you’re going to say, what about the ‘rape’ aspect… well that’s something that is referred to and then the rapist gets what he deserves… twice!! So although it is a disturbing aspect just remember payback is a bitch called Jamie.

My recommendation is this… you have got to read this book if you like the paranormal even a little bit.  because you have different shifter types, magic, other dimensions, a mystery of who and what Jamie is, it’s humorous and you know there will be a fantastic sequel… Oh, and in case you were wondering, Asa and Ethan get a story of their own, as well.   *squee* So a quick note to Savannah Hartley… write faster!!

 

 

The Vampire and the Werewolf: A New Orleans Christmas by Louisa Bacio

Title: The Vampire And The Werewolf: A New Orleans Christmas

Author: Louisa Bacio

Genre: Paranormal

Length: Novella (77pgs)

Publisher: Ravenous Romance (19th December 2011)

Heat Level: Explicit

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥4Hearts

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb: Before there were three, there were two. When a vampire swoops in to save Trevor from a rogue gang’s blood sport, the werewolf must fight his own inhibitions. The magic of New Orleans and the holiday season bring together these two unlikely lovers.

Purchase Link: http://www.ravenousromance.com/fantastica/the-vampire-and-the-werewolf-a-new-orleans-christmas.php

Review: Trevor is living on the streets and goes to the rescue of a woman being attacked.  Unfortunately, he then needs rescuing as more Vampires appear. Lawrence steps in to save Trevor from the rogue vampires and takes him home to help him recover.

This is a well written novella that is hot and erotic. This is the authors first strictly M/M work and I think she has done a very good job with it although I need to make a confession… I haven’t read any of this authors work as I haven’t much patience for female characters (I leave that to Portia lol). But I will admit I am now tempted because of how this author writes.

Trevor is without a pack, alone and living on the streets so when he first receives kindness from Lawrence he wonders what he wants in return and then he begins to ask himself about how he is reacting to Lawrence. Lawrence feels some sort of connection to Trevor and enjoys his company and as he explains to Trevor it is the person he finds attractive and not their sex. When Trevor does decide to embrace his want and to let down his guard the sex between them is explosive.

I really did enjoy seeing these two characters together and how they built up their relationship on small trusts but I was disappointed that we didn’t find out more of both Lawrence’s and Trevor’s backgrounds.  We were given snippets that intrigued us and unfortunately, I don’t know if the author will ever do any more stories with just these two characters so that we can find out more about them in their early years together. (Portia:  There are at least two other books featuring these characters.  Unfortunately, they both involve girly bits, so I guess I’ll be doing those reviews. ;-))

I have to recommend this to those who love vampires and werewolves, really hot erotic sex, a building of trust and a just beginning relationship story.