~REVIEW of Kimberly Raye's DROP DEAP GORGOUS~



~I'M MOVING TO SKULL CREEK TEXAS~

Drop Dead Gorgeous (Love At First Bite #2)

“It was the best sex she'd had in months. The only sex. Which wouldn't be such a bad thing except that the elusive O came courtesy of a red vibrator called the Big Tamale rather than some hot, buff cowboy with a slow hand and an intoxicating smile.”

So with an opening paragraph like this you know you’re in for a fun ride and for the most part DROP DEAD GORGEOUS doesn’t disappoint. This is book 2 from Kimberly Raye’s sexy and hilarious Love At First Bite trilogy. Set in Skull Creek Texas these quickie romances follow the small town antics and love connections of some rather eccentric but completely likable women as they get their groove on and find true love with gorgeous Texan cowboys who also just happen to be Vampires.

Dillon Cash used to be the biggest geek in Skull Creek until he inadvertently got between two warring vampires, losing his human life in the process. Now he’s back and better than ever, in fact except for whole burning to a crisp in the sun thingy and a small aversion to garlic, his new life rocks. This former nerdy computer tech’s been transformed into a hunka, hunka burning vampire love and every woman in town wants a piece of him.

Meg Sweeny or “Manhandler Meg” as she’s been known since high school, can’t believe the changes in her old friend Dillon. Now not only does she want his body but she wants his secret as well. You see Meg is a closeted geek and if Dillon can suddenly morph into a stud then theres a chance that with a little of his instruction she can become the much desired sex kitten she’s always wanted to be too.

All Dillon wants to do is erase his geeky reputation and blaze a trail as the towns studliest guy, possibly even emerging #1 on the coveted "Randiest Rooster" list. But theres something about his old pal Meg he can’t refuse, she see’s past his new muscles and heartthrob status and damn if he hadn’t always thought she was irresistible anyways. Our couple engage in a cat and mouse game of who’s seducing who and of course lose their hearts in the process.

Although I didn’t enjoy this as much as Dead Sexy this was still a good read. My only real problem being that geek heroes just don’t do it for me and regardless of his hot vampire makeover I never felt much of anything for Dillon. Even the love scenes (which are plenty spicy) didn’t work for me. But that’s just me. However the truly great thing about this series (besides the fact that it’s frigging hilarious) is the awesome cast of unconventional townsfolk and the crazy adventures they manage to get themselves into. Raye has written this in such an endearing, fun way that I find myself wanting to move to Skull Creek just so that I can spend Friday nights at Joe Bob’s Bar and Grill and buy my groceries at the local Piggly Wiggly. Not to mention the fact that I might bag myself a cowboy Vamp and make it onto the Gazette’s hot chicks list. Cheers

~REVIEW of Devyn Quinn's SINS OF THE FLESH~

                    ~INCONSISTENT BUT ORIGINAL EROTIC VAMPIRE ROMANCE~

Sins of the Flesh (Kith & Kynn, #1)

 Opening Line: "Immortality was within his grasp, if only he'd reach for it."

Devon Carnavorn is bored with his immortal existence. He's also lonely having lost his creator and love of his life Ariel, a hundred years before. The orgies and endless string of nameless, faceless partners are wearing him out. However being a Sexual Vampire or 'Kynn' Devon needs the energy and connection obtained from the sexual act to survive. So what's a gorgeous, undead nightclub owner to do? He's considered suicide, walking into the sun would be quick and easy but he's never quite had the courage for his final act. Instead Devon coasts through decades of multiple partners both male and female in a vain hope that one day he will find his other half, his 'she-shaey'.

Just when it seems like he can't face another night the lovely but down on her luck Rachel walks into his Goth nightclub and applies for a waitressing job. Devon is immediately entranced and, Bonus, she bares the birthmark denoting her to be his other half. He wants her like no other, he wants her for eternity but he's going to have to play it cool; he can't scare her away and will defiantly have to ease her into his alternative lifestyle. Unable to keep his eyes off her as she works, Devon stares down from his office windows and visits her as she sleeps, having ghostly dream sex with her willing body. He even swears off woman, now having sex only with his protégé Julian. Devon then tries to woo Rachel with roses and gifts but she's not having it.

Rachel's had a hard time of late; she's just lost her business and is flat broke and this Goth scene isn't really her style. The uniforms are too revealing and the patrons too wild. She's only taken this job to get out of debt. Rachel has also been burned one too many times in love and even though she immediately desires Devon wanting him, fantasising about him while in the bathtub. She also has a rule she won't date the boss.

I enjoyed this book. It has an interesting story line and the characters and situations are detailed and well written. It's also quite romantic for erotica and contains a touching love story. The initial sexual encounter between our heroes doesn't take place until well into the book which I appreciated, reader foreplay if you will. The sex scenes are explicit though and for the most part dark with just about anything your into being done including; massages and sponge baths, mastrubation, bloodletting, multiple partners and male on male. So it's sure to please all...or some.

However SINS OF THE FLESH wasn't without its faults. Devon as the hero is very inconsistent in his behaviour. At times he's nervous and bumbling and in the next event becomes a masterful alpha male. Rachel has also been written as shy and nervous then turns into a bit of a gutter mouthed tramp. She's also way too trusting. For instance after waiting well over a hundred years for Rachel, courting her and now unable to live without her Devon surprises Rachel by inviting her to an orgy then tells her she must choose; if she loves him she will have sex with a lot of strangers and if she leaves she can never come back, its over. There's also a really strange scene in a public park involving a knife which would have had me screaming and putting up a fight instead of saying okay cut me, I trust you even though I don't really know you.

If you're looking for unique erotica involving vampires where just about anything goes then you will enjoy this dark love story.

And how yummy is it to see Alec O'laughlin from Moonlight again, damn I loved that show,

~LOVER REBORN spoilers from March 31 B&N Cincinnati Book signing~

My friend Mahlet was lucky enough to attend Ward's book signing on March 31st so I can't take ANY credit for this. She posted her experience on Goodreads
http://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/848519?utm_medium=email&utm_source=comment_instant#comment_47970993    
I've stolen the good bits to share here as well.

Contains a ton of goodies, *spoilers* and the occasional F-bomb!   

JR’s publisher was in attendance, videotaping the whole thing, plus the crazy morning crowds and snake lines all over the building (9am wrist band distribution line)

There are a few Lover Reborn spoilers in the signing Q&A.

I think I pulled a muscle jumping out of my seat, screaming and high-fivin’ my neighbors after that first question.

Qhuay’s book is next year’s HARDCOVER BDB BOOK...not novella....BOOK!!!! :) When pressed about the name of Qhuay’s book, JR joked that it would NOT be called Lover Goes Down (hahaha!)

Bonding scent if for ONE person....but that doesn’t mean Tohr can’t love No’One and be with No’One for the rest of his life.

JR cried @ the end of Lover Reborn.

JR made hand motion of feeling/holding balls when explaining why she was too busy to think about graphic novels right now.

Murhder will come out soon and be a part of this world, but she doesn’t know if it will happen but ...she just doesn’t know when.

JR wonders if Sympaths is going to be the third party that reunites BOB with the Brothers. She thinks that would be interesting...and she can kind of see that.

Thank fucking GOD. There will be NO threeway with Layla Qhuinn and Blay and in the next book. We all gave this question asker major sideeye for asking....JR said she must be “fucking nuts” and did the question asker want her to be killed (JR). But I am actually so glad the question was asked because we received confirmation that that’s a big fat NO :)

But we COULD have a 3way in Qhuay’s book, she joked....I can’t tell if she was serious or not. Something about size not mattering? with regard to a 3way? I didn’t quite get that.

Assail fascinates JR. She thinks he’s very hot :)

She doesn’t know if we will meet Butch and Manny’s father.

JR again confirms there will be books about Trez & Iam (do these people not read previous signing threads???). JR says people will be mad about Trez’s mate...It’s controversial.

We will get a new induction into the Brotherhood soon, but she confirms that it will NOT be John Matthew.

She’s too busy with the books to do much with the movie stuff, and who the heck would play them? But her TEAM is encouraging this with her...they want her to at least TRY

Pretty much confirms that Layla and Xcor will get together. JR gave an...oh it’s so obvious DUH! kind of answer to this question...without actually using the word “yes”....does that make sense? That’s why I say... “pretty much”

JR won’t comment on Saxton right now.

Again confirms that Lassiter gets his own book. She still doesn’t know which series it will be (BDB or Fallen Angels).

On the SV? “Bitch needs some psychiatry” LOLOL!

at the previous Fallen Angels signing, JR said something was going to make us very upset in Tohr’s book. JR confirms...it was the Layla/Quinn sex. That’s what she knew would piss us off.

On where is the SV? When will we see SV? Wrath is the most important vampire to her...so if Wrath is in danger? That’s going to bring the SV back.

We WILL see Eddie back. And she wants him coupled up :) But something major is going to have to happen to bring Eddie back.

JR would love for Jose De La Cruz and Butch to see each other, without Butch wiping his memories afterwards. At a previous signing, JR said just the opposite. I like this new idea better.

Mating ceremony is about marking while a fading ceremony is about mark eradication. Hot poker used during fading ceremony makes a pattern and seal on TOP of the mating ceremony mark. The combination of the two becomes a mourning pattern. When Tohr mates Autumn, her name will go UNDER Wellsie’s name. And that mating ceremony WILL happen. No’One works so well for Torh because being #1 isn’t important to her...rather, she values most being with Tohr in the present and coming full circle with him. Those are what’s most important to No’One. Anyone that would be mated with Tohr would need to understand they would never get in the way of Wellsie.

When pressed about movie/tv deals again, JR joked that she was thinking of the SPICE channel :)

Where’s Qhuinn’s brother? we WILL find out in Qhuay’s book. She again hints that he might not come back as a vampire.

She can see a Zsadist subplot in Qhuay’s book....but she hasn’t outlined their book yet, so don’t hold her to that...

She explained her cryptic Facebook video, about the next book making her so nervous. She is dreading and super worried about writing Qhuay’s book because expectation is so very high. It will open up as a tear jerker. Something super game-changing and profound happens at the beginning of Qhuay’s book. Qhuay’s book begins right at the end of Lover Reborn. Me speaking: She wants us to treat it Qhuay’s book like the other BDB books and not have insane expectations).

When someone wants to know if we’ll get new characters, JR says she’s careful about not adding too many characters because she won’t be able to give them enough attention. But she thinks we’ll get new characters after the BOB era.

when will Jane and V get mated? Answer; Jane and V are technically already mated. It’s a year later now...so JR needs to figure out how to show us that.

JR has an idea but will not reveal....the favour SV demanded of Wrath in Dark Lover. IT WILL come to play in later books.

Layla Quinn Xcor dynamics? not so good. Xcor has never had a family; Layla’s going to change his world. But it’s not going to be overnight!

On Layla: “She wants to bang the guy that wants to kill the king!” LOL! JR makes an eharmony joke :)

JR’s favorite Lover Reborn scenes were funny moments with Lassiter (she named a few good ones). She also liked the scene with Autumn looking at the field of snow...and that shadow comes out? And she really loved some of the sex scenes, too :)

People need to believe that with HEA’s, it’s not always good, but the couples will always be husband and wife. Tohr’s story broke this rule. So JR was nervous. But she believed it and felt good about it in the end.

Tohr’s son is up in the Fade, and she doesn’t want to leave her son. Tohr will have to wait until he dies to see his son. JR doesn’t see Tohr wanting more kids and going there again. he kind of has Xhex and of course (JM).

No more Layla feeding everybody with her pregnancy! Her Chosen sisters are going to have to step it up and fill in more.

Regarding Throe’s sister: Fade ceremony doesn’t have shit to do with whether you get into the Fade. That’s more to help you, personally, move on. So the idea that you can’t have a “fade ceremony” if you commit suicide? is bullshit.

Lots of Marissa in Rhage & Mary’s baby novella.

How is Xcor going to handle Throe love triangle with Layla? Duh. not well.

when asked about whether we would see more battle women, JR says she can see a training class of both men and women, together, coming through. (goes back to Wrath changing old traditions)

More visions from Qhuinn? JR jokes, in a sexy voice, that he will have tons of visions (eluding to sex with Blay of course) :)

she won’t answer whether JM/Qhuinn/Blay will be inducted TOGETHER. But she does add, look to Qhuay’s book on that.

you can have valid matings, even with SV being present.

on “did Tohr love No’One before he loved Wellsie?” When they 1st met, they were both in bad places. Tohr’s dad had kicked him out; newly transitioned. She had just been raped. He was very emotionally involved with No’One before she killed herself. Concerned about her health, etc...Her burial was tough on him...Was it romantic love? JR doesn’t know. But JR thinks that if No’One hadn’t killed herself, Tohr & No’One would have probably moved in that direction....But Tohr was promised to Wellsie, met her and fell in love. Basically....with more time together and different circumstances (no suicide)...the answer could have been yes.

She won’t answer whether Qhuinn and Blay will each put the other’s name on their backs during their mating ceremony. She wants to save stuff for us to read about.

The score in Fallen Angels is STILL 2 to 1, even though Mathias is coming back. Once you score, you score; there’s no taking back points.

For Fall AND for Spring (Fallen Angels and BDB books) , there will be 2 local signings for each on back to back weekends. (there were nearly 1000 books signed today...some people who came later in the day, but before the signing began...couldn’t get their books signed). JR doesn’t want that to happen again. One of the 2 Qhuay signings WILL be at this same B&N Cincinnati, OH store. She hopes she doesn’t end up with 1000 people 1 weekend and no one the next weekend :)

It makes JR sad to think of Saxton having to rewrite old laws to make Qhuay possible. It’s going to be very hard on him; Saxton really does love Blay.

Q: “How did Xhex & Murhder meet? Did they meet because Murhder is Revh’s cousin?” JR only heard the 1st part of this question (shit). She won’t answer Q on how Xhex & Murhder hey met; but it’s a good Q.

Wrath going blind? Sorry, but that’s kind of what happens with inbreeding in royal lines. Recessive genes magnified. Wrath is really going to want to know about the color of his child’s eyes...JR almost tears up discussing that.

who is 4th of original brothers? is it Murhder? Answer: Maybe. And good spot to end Q&A.

And that’s all I got folks!

~Review of JR Ward's LOVER REBORN~

Lover Reborn (Black Dagger Brotherhood,#10)

 

 Opening Line "The bastard 's taking the bridge! He's mine!"

*SPOILER FREE*

Wow, I honestly don’t know where to begin with this review. To say that this was good is an understatement. To say that it knocked me on my ass and left me a drained, emotional wreck, is far closer to the truth. Yup, LOVER REBORN did me in, talk about your gauntlet of emotions, I mean I expected some angst but jeez! I cried (I mean really cried) I laughed, I sighed, I swore, I groaned and I gasped but in the end I also smiled.

As much as I was anticipating this book it was also with a heavy dose of apprehension; was I ready to see Tohrment find love again? Was he ready? Were any of us really ready to let Wellsie go? And most importantly could Ward make me believe in this new love? The answer is a resounding yes, I think in part because it doesn’t happen quickly (or easily) Reborn has been broken into 4 sections (1 per season) so that this book takes place over the period of a year. And it was over that year and all the shit that goes down (and oh does the shit ever go down) that Ward made me believe.

Starting where Lover Unleashed left off and with her usual flair Ward throws us into “Spring” and right into the action and pain that is Tohr. Chasing down a group of Lessers, Tohr is now relentless in his pursuit of the enemy, basically only drawing breathe to “ahvenge” his murdered wife and son. Tonight’s hunt sees Tohr launching himself off a bridge as John and Qhuinn watch helplessly from below, John issuing a silent scream as Tohr falls. And so it begins. Through 572 pages Ward proceeds to give us everything we want and then some…

Without going into spoiler territory (which is going to be hard) I can tell you of course that this is Tohr and No’one’s story. These two have a long history together and are both equally broken so it makes sense for them to get together. Lassiter is helping to move them along on the love train (in his own way) and as it turns out with a sense of urgency. John and Xhex also play key roles in their story, giving us some absolutely filthy-hot love scenes as well as showing us a marriage in transition.

Xcor and his Band Of Bastards are back and gaining strength in Caldwell. They do things here that… can never be forgiven. Sending one Brother on a mission under a decree of death. New and mysterious characters are introduced (Assail) while others are fleshed out (Throe and Zyphor.) We’re still all mixed up in the whole hot-mess that is Layla/Qhinn/Blay/Saxton; however that’s all about to change:) The Blind King still kicks ass, Ward throws a “needing” (or two) our way and gives us details of a ceremony that absolutely broke my heart. We also bare witness to a battle that gave me heart palpitations for all of its 60 pages and left some Brothers with life threatening injuries.

 Somehow through all this Ward also manages to give us time with each and every member of the Brotherhood mansion. We get to see everyone doing their thing, giving us some special moment with each of them and that in itself says something because there are so many characters now. There also aren’t any “lesser” POV’s to suffer through; we don’t travel back to the old country or to the other side to hang with the chosen (verily.) And I have to compliment Ward on toning down the product placement and Wardisms. This book just flowed beautifully.

In fact I would have to say that Ward has hit her pinnacle with Lover Reborn. The balance here is just right; the romance, the action, the surprises and the healing. I honestly never knew where this was going to go and when that happens you’re guaranteed a great ride.

And now for the good news Blay and Qhuinn have been officially announced as book #11! That’s right the wait is over. It looks like Ward has worked a miracle with her publisher because their story was originally to be a novella and now they’re getting their very own Hardcover instalment. Way to go boys. See you Spring 2013.

"Thats right, buddy. Our future has come."

~REVIEW of Lynda Hilburn's THE VAMPIRE SHRINK~

 

The Vampire Shrink (Kismet Knight, Ph.D., Vampire Psychologist #1)

Opening Line: "My involvement with vampires began innocently enough."

Dr. Kismit Knight is a respected Denver Psychologist who doesn't believe in the paranormal. She especially doesn't believe in Vampires. Kismit's character has been written like a real person, not your average romance heroine, she could be you or me and that's what makes it so great when she stumbles into the Vampire world. It could also be you or me.

The story begins with Dr. Knight taking on a patient with a Vampire fetish. The girl frequents a Goth club and has a crush on the owner, who she claims is a Vampire. She in fact wants to become one of the undead. Kismit of course thinks she's crazy but decides that this Vampire culture would be a great idea for a book. Kismit puts an ad in the newspaper promoting herself as the "Vampire Shrink" hoping to gain valuable research material. What she doesn't count on is meeting Devereux. The 800 year old, wealthy and extremely gorgeous club owner. After a two year drought in her sex life Kismit finds herself inexplicably drawn to him even though she thinks he's delusional for indeed claiming to be a Vampire. Through a series of misadventures and blood drained bodies she also finds herself spending time with FBI profiler Alan Stevens. Enter the love triangle.

Throughout this story we get to hear Dr. Knights running internal dialogue and it's awesome, especially after she learns that Devereux can read her mind. "Yes I desire you as well" he whispered into my mind.

The climax takes place at a Vampire ball on Halloween night. With a gruesome multiple-personality antagonist named Lucifer out to kill Devereux and drain Dr. Knights blood. It also finds FBI man Alan dressed as Gary Oldman from the movie Dracula. This is a hilarious book, full of sassy sarcasm and cool wit. It is also quite sexy. With both love interests more than suitable as romance material.

Highly recommended for fans of sexy Vampires, sexy FBI men, sarcastic wit, paranormal romance and an all around good read. I'm looking forward to reading (DARK HARVEST) next to see where the series takes us.

Excerpt from the Vampire Shrink:
"I choose fictional creatures for 500$ Alex."

Propping my feet up on the chair that'd been recently vacated by the firm hindquarters of the cutest FBI agent I'd ever seen, I raised my coffee cup in a solitary toast to the memory of his tight jeans exiting my kitchen and loudly vocalized the theme song from the TV game show Jeopardy.

I put on my best Alex Trebek voice. "These bloodsucking undead denizens of the night have taken over the rational minds of the populace of Denver" I pretended to push an invisible button on the table.

"What are vampires?" imitating Alex again

"Yes our new winner is Dr Kismit Knight formally a respected psychologist now a permanent resident of Denver Psychiatric Hospital"

I sang the theme song again, applauded myself and heaved a huge sigh. I definitely didn't get enough sleep."

~REVIEW of Kimberly Raye's DEAD SEXY~

~Ticked all my boxes~

Dead Sexy (Love At First Bite #1)

 

Opening Line: "He needed a woman."

Oh, I liked this one. But then again when you’ve got an uber-sexy, yet tortured motorcycle riding, cowboy vampire on the hunt what’s not to like? All my boxes have just been ticked. Throw in a well written story, relatable and funny heroine, scorching hot love scenes, some tender dialogue and an awesome cast of eccentric secondary characters and you’ve got yourself a winner.

Nikki Braxton has given up hope on ever finding a man without issues in her hometown of Skull Creek (the last one stole her underwear and stilettos before he left) However she doesn’t want to get a reputation like her wild and wanton Mamma either and in a town this size everybody knows your business. This leaves Nikki in a state of permanent sexual frustration, getting her highs from cotton candy, baked goods and perm solution. That is until the night Jake McCann rolls into town. This delicious cowboy is just passing through and could be the perfect solution to her little problem; a one night, no strings attached, orgasmic roll in the hay without any of the towns wagging tongues the wiser.

For Jake the down and dirty he’s just had with Nikki is about more than just sex. He’s a vampire on a mission, a mission that after decades has led him to Skull Creek and the enemy that turned him. To be able to destroy his nemesis though Jake’s going to need his batteries fully charged and this is where Nikki comes in. You see Jake doesn’t just feed on blood he feeds on sexual energy and Nikki’s got a ton to spare, so much so that one night with her simply isn’t going to be enough.

I was very curious about the idea of a cowboy vampire and thought this is either going to be really silly or super sexy. Luckily Jake (and all the characters) have been written in such multi-faceted ways that the idea works, big time. Giving you everything you could possibly want in a quickie Harlequin romance and then some. Jake is a fantastic character; self assured, intensely sexual and driven yet also vulnerable and lonely without even knowing it. Yup I fell hard for this Cowboy. Nikki is also great, completely down to earth and fun to be around. Their romance takes some surprising turns and for as steamy as it gets it was also very sweet. I will definitely be searching out more from Kimberly Raye and can’t wait to read the rest of her Scull Creek series, she made this small town and its cast of characters come alive. Cheers!

~NEW QUOTES FROM LOVER REBORN (BDB # 10) *Spoilers*~

These quotes are all coming in via Ward on her Facebook page. I don't ever remember her putting out the teaser quotes quite so early before the books release date, however I'm not complaining. I'm now even more excited for Tohr's story on March 27/2012...


And on Dec01 Ward says...

-Okay Qhuinn has just made me get teary.

-Um... okay, had forgotten this part in Reborn. Guess not only the Wrath fans will be having a heart attack over this book. Qhuinn has quite an... issue, as it were :( BTW the Mayhem avi is because I've hit that stage in Tohr's story where all hell breaks loose.... *sigh*

Nov28
Some fun quotes today.  I can't wait to see more of Lassiter... I mean you know, get to know him better!

 "With a groan, he shoved his palms into the shimmering silver pool of blood beneath him, and flopped over like the side of beef he was.
“Wow,” she breathed.
“I know, right? Hung like a horse.”
“If you’re really nice—you live through this—I’ll promise not to tell V.”
“About my size.”
She laughed a little. “No, that you assumed I’d look at you in any fashion other than professionally.""-Lover Reborn (I just had to finish this one lololol)

Also Nov28
“Lassiter. I want to see the front of you.”
“That’s what all the girls say.”
“Do you expect me to roll you over? ’Cuz I will.”
“Your mate’s not going to like this.”
“As if that’s going to bother you?”
“True. It actually makes it worth the effort.”
-Lover Reborn (and I should mention this is Doc Jane talking to Lassiter lololol)

Nov 26-Wrath’s eyes whipped around. “V. Shut your motherf**king face. Or you’re out in the hall.”
Vishous, son of the Bloodletter, was not the kind of male anyone addressed like that. Except, apparently, for Wrath. In this case, the Brother with the tattoos on his face and the perverted reputation and the hand of death did exactly what he was told. He shut the f**k up.
Which said volumes about Wrath. Did it not.

Nov 22-She approached him slowly and unevenly and sat at the desk beside him. “I am so sorry.”
When he seemed a bit surprised, she shrugged once again.
“How can I not offer condolences in the face of your loss? In truth, after seeing you both together, I don’t think I shall ever forget how much you loved her.”
After a moment, he murmured hoarsely, “That makes two of us.”

Nov 21-Just as they were leaving, each one of the women looked back at Xcor, and their expressions suggested he was like a disease they were soon to be exposed to. He wondered who was going to get the short end of the stick when they all reconvened—because sure as the day was long and the nights always too short, he was going to have one of them.
It simply cost extra in these kinds of situations.

Nov19-As he smiled at her, his expression was that of a holy man. “My name’s Lassiter, and I’ll tell you all you need to know about me. I’m an angel first and a sinner second, and I’m not here for long. I’ll never hurt you, but I’m prepared to make you pretty goddamn uncomfortable if I have to, to get my job done. I like sunsets and long walks on the beach, but my perfect female no longer exists. Oh, and my favorite hobby is annoying the sh*t out of people. Guess I’m just bred to want to get a rise out of folks—probably the whole resurrection thing.”

Nov 18-John and Qhuinn pulled up on either side of him, and the latter glanced over. “Tell me that isn’t our new neighbor.”
“Xcor.”
“Was he born with that puss or did someone make it for him?”
“Who knows.”
“Well, if that was supposed to be a nose job, he needs a new plastic surgeon.”

Nov 17-The lesser was a new recruit, his hair and eyes and skin having yet to pale out. Lanky and twitchy, he was likely a drug user who’d suffered brain-fry—which was no doubt why he’d fallen for the pitch to join the Society.
“I’ll jump! I’ll f**king jump!”
Tohr palmed the handle of one of his two daggers and withdrew the black blade from his chest holster. “So quit yakking and start flying.”
The slayer looked over the edge. “I’ll do it! I swear I’ll do it!”
A gust gave them a blast from a different direction, sweeping Tohr’s long leather coat out over the free fall. “Don’t matter to me. I’ll kill you up here or down there.”

-LOVER REBORN

~REVIEW of Jennifer Armintrout's THE TURNING: Blood Ties Book One~

The Turning (Blood Ties, #1)

Opening Line: “I read a poll in the newspaper once that said the number one fear of Americans aged eighteen to sixty-five is public speaking. Spiders are second and death is a distant third.”

Wow, this was a fun. Not quite what I was expecting but as it turned out a great ride. For some reason I went into this thinking paranormal romance which is so not the case here. I would categorize Armintrout’s world as urban fantasy/horror. Its dark, violent, blood spattered and often gory and that would include the sex scenes (notice I said sex and not love.) I should also mention that even though this is not my genre of choice I did really enjoy it.

 BLOOD TIES is unique and let’s face it that’s saying something with all the vampire books on the shelves these days. The writing is smart, sassy and the overall plotline managed to surprise me several times along the way. Each chapter comes with a title heading, which I loved, there’s a love triangle (of sorts) and a wonderful balance of good VS Evil, made all the better because once I got to know the back-story of the characters I was sympathetic to all of them. Yes even the sadistic and maniacal Cyrus, which to me is the sign of some clever writing when you feel for the bad guy. So be warned there aren’t any sparkly vampires here and it’s a bit of a blood bath but its also super good.

Dr. Carrie Ames is working in the ER the night they bring in the horrifically injured “John Doe”. Through his one remaining eye, he seems to reach out to her, and when he succumbs to his injuries she is drawn to visit him in the morgue. Bad idea Carrie. John Doe is the evil vampire Cyrus Kerrick and Carrie’s blood is what he needs to heal himself. Through the violence of Cyrus’s feeding (attack) Carrie ingests some of his blood and the “blood tie” is forged. Over the following weeks as she recovers Carrie undergoes some major changes including a new sensitivity to sunlight and an insatiable hunger that no amount of food, drink or cigarettes will quench.

Eventually Carrie is found and rescued by Nathan Grant, a member of the “movement.” (His job is to destroy all non affiliated vampires and protect mankind.) Nathan takes Carrie in and quickly schools her in all things vamp which includes reading the Vampire bible (available on eBay FYI) He then offers her a choice; join the movement or be destroyed.

It should be an easy decision right? Especially with the growing attraction between them but Carrie can’t get past the invisible leash that binds her to the monster that sired her. She is quite literally a slave to the evil yet arousing Cyrus and he is of course #1 on the movement’s hit list and Nathan’s arch enemy. When a jealous witch vying for her sire’s attention casts a spell over Nathan the only way Carrie can save him is to give herself over to Cyrus for the cure. And that’s when the games begin. Hang onto your heart folks. Cheers

~LOVER REBORN IS OFFICIALLY DONE -let the countdown begin~

Well Ward finished Tohr's manuscript today and posted the official cover art for LOVER REBORN. Its very similar to the one leaked one we got a look at a few months ago but tweaked and looking slightly more Tohr-ish (although still not how I imagined him) Only 6 months to go...sigh

-From Ward on FB
"Tohr's draft is finally done! He came in at a WHOPPING 754 manuscript pages, a total of 176,937 words AND he's going to expand as I go through him the next two times soooooo we could be looking at a Rehv length (Avenged is the longest book in the series so far.) So... man, I'm wrung out- time to go for a run to work out the kinks!"

 -Ward last week on FB regarding, well tissues 
"Okay. Just cried like a little girl. Yup. Big time *sigh* Oh, get your tissues ready, ladies, Tohr just got me a good one and I didn't see it coming.... (well, not this particular teary thingy)"

I've also heard some really scary rumours regarding Wrath. Hasn't our King been through enough already?


Heres a cover comparism  The new (official cover ) is on the right. Better Yes?


 

And here's how I envision Tohrment.........................





~REVIEW of Lynsay Sands' THE ACCIDENTAL VAMPIRE~

The Accidental Vampire (Argeneau, #7)

Opening Line:" It was a high-pitched scream that woke Elvi."

THE ACCIDENTAL VAMPIRE is an amusing story with great characters. It also gives a slightly different take on the standard Vampire Romance, wherein the main characters are all in their 60's and the Vampires are decendents of Atlantis. This is also not a series that you need to read in order, which is great. It's nice to just pick up a book and not need a huge ammount of back story to know what's going on.

Elvie Black was accidentally turned into a Vampire while vacationing in Mexico with her best friend. Upon returning home she watches Dracula in an attempt to understand how to live like a Vampire. She runs a B&B and is the star attraction at the local resturaunt where she gives birthday bites to the townsfolk. As her friends age they fear that she will be left alone and subsequently place a personals ad in the paper. This brings several sexy Vampire suiters into town all vying for Elvie's attention. One in particular, Victor Argeneau is an enforcer. Sent to take Elvie before the counsel as she is breaking the Vampire laws by feeding on humans and not keeping her immortal status a secret.

Much hilarity ensues as all 5 suitors end up staying in the B&B over the following week, teaching Elvie how to be a Vampire. Two hilarious scenes stand out for me; one, after she learns that she can in fact eat, and makes a mad dash to the store in search of chocolate and cheesecake. (it's been 5 years) The other takes place after she's told that she doesn't have to sleep in a coffin. Elvie then takes all the men with her to purchase a new bed. The whole town becames a part of this amusing story as a comedy of errors results in someone trying to kill Elvie and Victor discovering that she might be his lifemate.

~REVIEW of Charlaine Harris' DEAD TO THE WORLD~

 THIS NEW VERSION OF ERIC IS HARD TO RESIST, SHAME ABOUT ALL THE WITCHES

Dead to the World (Sookie Stackhouse, #4)
.5

Opening Line: "I found the note taped to my door when I got home fom work."

Dead to the World is the 4th instalment from the addictive and entertaining Sookie Stackhouse series, which for the most part I’m really enjoying. This addition had a lot going for it with Harris setting up some intriguing scenarios for our returning cast of characters. And once I got past the pages of repetitive back story I was quite excited about the prospects. Unfortunately though as much as I enjoy and admire her writing I was never able to get fully engaged in this story. It could be because of the addition of even more fantastical creatures, I mean I could have done without the were-panthers theme and the coven of witches, oh and how could I forget the good fairy but hey that’s just me and my aversion to UF speaking.

  

 On the plus side the “new” Eric was delicious on every level though it does make me wonder what Harris has against Bill. Its not that I'm a team Eric, team Bill type girl but why bother to introduce him as Sookie’s love just to keep sending him away every book, its just weird to me and doesn’t even allow for a good love triangle to develop.

The thing is this series is almost awesome, the writing is amazing, the world building, the action and horror aspects, the relatable, fascinating and sexy characters but I just don’t always understand Harris’s choices. A few more love scenes wouldn’t go astray either, although the one that we do get here is extra steamy. In the end I can’t seem to stop myself from continuing on with this series, Sookie feels like an old friend and I need to know where this is all going.

Its New Years eve when we first join Sookie again, she’s driving home from a busy night at Merlottes. Bill has up and left for Peru and the last thing she needs or expects to see right now is a half naked vampire running down the road. Things get even more interesting when the vamp turns out to be Eric who for some reason can’t seem to remember anything. This new kinder, gentler Eric has no clue who he is much less what’s happened to him in fact he even seems a little scared. Sookie being well Sookie takes him home of course. I mean what girl could refuse a half dressed, nervous blond Viking vampire

It soon becomes apparent that whoever took Eric’s memory also wants him dead and through a series of events Sookie gets put in charge of keeping him alive. Meanwhile her brother has gone missing and a battle is brewing (ha) between a coven of witches and the local werewolf/ shifter population. Sam, Alcide, Bubba, Chow and Pam all make appearances along with a whole new cast of interesting characters. Now all Sookie has to do is find her brother, keep Eric alive, avoid the witches, dispose of the bodies, and hold onto her heart because this new version of Eric is very hard to resist. Cheers.