Department 19 (Department Nineteen) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I was lucky enough to recieve this book as an ARC from librarything.com
Everyone knows that vampires are the big trend these days. So picking up Department 19, one might be subject to believe that it is just like all the rest. But Will Hill's debut novel is far from unoriginal. He leaves no plot holes, but leaves the reader craving more. His characters feel realistic and it's not hard to get sucked up in the story.
Jamie Carpenter's life is ripped apart first when is father is killed for allegedly betraying the country, and then again when his mother is kidnapped by mysterious creatures and he is hauled off to Department 19, the government's most top secret agency. He is about to learn that he has a stronger tie to Department 19 than he knows.
One of the greatest things that the book did for me was the vampires themselves. They drank blood, they were ruthless, they burned in the sun, and they were the disturbing monsters that I would expect vampires to be. Hill reverts his vampires back to how they used to be, which is fresh and a nice change of pace from all the other vampire novels out there.
As a lover of Dracula, I found the tie-in to the classic novel in Hill's book delightful. Dracula can leave a lot of people wondering what happened next after the book was finished, and Department 19 fills this gap. Hill manages Stoker's characters well, and it is clear he did all of his research before writing his book. Even if someone has not read Dracula, it is easy to pick up on what happened in the story, and what it means for Department 19. And as for those who have, it is a nice treat to revisit Van Helsing and the rest of the gang and find out what happened to them.
I hope that Department 19 and the following books in the series really take off. The story takes a classic story, throws in some original characters, and takes the reader to a hidden war that has been going on for decades. I hope Department 19 does not get bogged down and lost in all of the other vampire books, and reaches its potential. The book is unafraid of itself and isn't afraid to go into the gory details. I would highly recommend it to anyone, even those who do not normally read vampire or fantasy stories. I for one will be picking up the next book as soon as it hits shelves.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Department 19 (Department Nineteen)

Click here for more information about Department 19 (Department Nineteen)

Read More...

13 to Life Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I'm gonna be brief because i don't particularly enjoy reading long reviews. All I'll say is I was sadly disappointed. I was looking forward to reading this, intrigued by the caption, and bought it as soon as I could. It took me a month to get through, and I'm surprised I even finished it. And I read books FAST. The characters make decisions that I simply don't understand, cause most of their problems due to these silly decisions, and there is honestly no depth to the plot. The book is like reading a list of problems and seeing a bunch of characters you don't particularly care about mope around in self pity. I don't mean to sound harsh, but this book really was such a let down. Though the author does leave potential for an interesting sequel, indicating toward the end (which, if you do read the book, I'd skip to because it's the only time in which anything happens) that the plot may pick up from there, I don't know if I'll bother to read it because of my extreme disappointment with this one. Maybe I'm just getting a wee bit tired of all this repetitive paranormal romance, but I haven't had any other problems in the genre recently. Maybe the sequel will be better. Anyway, unoriginal (or for those that were original, incomplete) plot lines and some characters that just fell flat with me. It seems that the majority of reviews differed from mine, which surprised me, but maybe I'm just impatient for a really riveting read which this was not. Disappointing, but not the worst I've ever read.

Click Here to see more reviews about: 13 to Life

Click here for more information about 13 to Life

Read More...

Lonely Werewolf Girl Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)This is one of the best books I've read this year. It's also the book with the worst editing I have ever seen.
The plot is wild and funny. The daughter of a werewolf Thane is being hunted by both her family (she tried to kill her father and quite nearly succeeded) and a guild of werewolf hunters. Worse, she battles her anxiety. Lonely Werewolf Girl has many, many characters. Sometimes it's difficult to keep track of them all. I enjoyed this book on many levels. I didn't finish this book quickly, not because it wasn't good, but the short chapters which jumped from character and place and did all sorts of funny acrobats which taxed my poor concentration. This was a good thing. I dragged the pleasure on for three days as opposed to finishing it in one swallow.
Millar, being at least as talented as Gaiman and Pratchett, would do himself well to find another editor. Or maybe the editor would do him or herself well by hiring a high school student to proof read the final draft before sending it to print. Obviously no human read the final draft, and any reasonably literary high schooler could do better than Microsoft Word at spelling and grammar. The sloppy editing did this writing wrong.
Regardless, I give this book a five. Reviews are generally seen as a reflection of the writer and not the editor. The writing was excellent.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Lonely Werewolf Girl

Click here for more information about Lonely Werewolf Girl

Read More...

Real Mermaids Don't Wear Toe Rings Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Real Mermaids Don't Wear Toe Rings is a great coming of age story, mixed with a little mystery, for middle grade readers. It's fun, it's quirky and Jade's voice is one of realism as she's coming to terms with things that are going on around her and humorous. Jade had me laughing out loud more than once. Helene does a brilliant job at merging reality with fantasy, as Jade herself is a 13 year old girl who's not only coming to terms with her mother's mysterious drowning, but she's coming to terms with hitting womenhood and finding out she's also a Mermaid.
Helene wove together her mermaid mythology with that of a young girl growing up, having her first crush, coming to terms of who she is both as a young teen and a mermaid, and discovering her family's secret. Jade's voice is one that I connected to and really fell in love with. She's so hard not to like. I really liked her Dad's character. He's there for her and does his best to help her through her tough situations. Her BFF Cori is a great character as well. I loved the little twist Helene throws in at the end with Jade's crush Luke.
This is one book I would definitely recommend for tweens. It's a fun, charming, witty story and one teen girls and women can definitely relate to in some sense. Not many books can deliver the humor of the "you know what" all girls get and deal with for the first time, like Helene did with Jade. I hope I get to read more about Jade. Her voice is one that will be hard to forget. This is a coming of age story with humor.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Real Mermaids Don't Wear Toe Rings

Click here for more information about Real Mermaids Don't Wear Toe Rings

Read More...

Demon's Kiss (Wings in the Night, Book 1) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)While Demon's Kiss has paranormal romance overtones it is very much a relationship driven ensemble piece that develops a very interesting group of characters and relationships.
Seth has been waiting all his life for something and has had visions of a woman, a woman who is somehow wrapped up in his destiny. When Sean is mugged, beaten and left for dead Sean readily accepts vampire Reaper's offer of immortality and even on the brink of death Sean realizes that at last he is on the road to fulfilling his purpose. Reaper former CIA assassin during life and now vampire rogue hunter has compelling reasons for shunning any relationship, but since Seth is the one Chosen with whom Reaper has an undeniable bond, Reaper cannot ignore his compulsion to protect Seth. In Shayne's vampire world this bond is not necessarily a romantic bond and Reaper's bond with Sean allows Sean to begin to crack the isolation that loner Reaper has maintained in life and death.
Sean is also the catalyst for cementing the ragtag group that begins to form around Reaper, much to Reaper's frustration. Initially the group is Sean, Reaper, Roxy and Topaz. Roxy, the only non-vampire, is a seer and powerful in her own right. Roxy is the voice of reason for the group and was previously Reaper's only friend and privy to his dark secret. Topaz is a socialite pampered princess on the surface but tough and smart underneath. Topaz hooks up with the group to seek vengeance on the vampire that stole her heart and her money. The remaining important characters are associated with the rogue group that Reaper hunts:Vixen - held captive by the group - is Sean's mystery woman. Vixen is both vampire and fox-shifter but alien in her thinking, almost more fox than woman even when in human form. Briar - beautiful, dark and cruel, is no longer able to feel her own pain and revels in inflicting it on others. And Jack - perpetual con-man, is the vampire who broke Topaz's heart. Jack is always running a scam, loyal only to himself, he never lets any one close to his heart.
It is very difficult to write a decent synopsis for Demon's Kiss because all seven main characters have distinct personalities and roles to play in the action. Shayne intertwines her characters and sets up their relationships, so that while you can see six of them starting to pair off, there are other friendships and other bonds developing between the group that are just as important. Shayne does a good job weaving her story with threads following various members of the ensemble, coming together, splitting off and reforming.
Demon's Kiss is not one of those series romances that focuses solely on a single couple as they take their romantic turn in the spotlight. While Sean & Vixen's is the only romance that runs full course here, there is a strong foundation laid for the past and future relationship between Topaz and Jack. Reaper is also such a strong character that there is no way to keep Reaper staying meekly in the background. The beginning of the complex relationship between Reaper and the evil Briar, whose soul is just as dark and damaged as Reaper's own, steals the spotlight at times. I look forward to seeing where both of those relationships go in the follow on books: Lover's Bite (May 2008 Jack & Topaz) and Angel's Pain (Oct 2008 Reaper & Briar).
Demon's Kiss is set in the same world as Shayne's popular Wings in the Night/Twilight Series (Rhiannon makes a brief appearance here) so check these out if you are looking for something to tide you over until May. Some of the older stories are being released as ebooks, Shayne's website has summaries and a `family tree' that shows the connections between books, she also has a movie trailer for Demon's Kiss by the same production company that does Christine Feehan's, the short one is fun and the longer one a bit hokey.
The Twilight Series Vampire Romance:
Wings in the Night Reissue contains:
Book 1 Twilight Phantasies - Eric & Tamara,
Book 2 Twilight Memories - Roland & Rhiannon,
Book 3 Twilight Illusions - Damian & Shannon
At TwilightReissue contains:
Book 5 Born in Twilight - Jameson and Angelic
Book 4 Beyond Twilight - Cuyler and Ramsey
Book 7 Twilight Hunger - Dante & Morgan,
Book 8 Embrace The Twilight - William & Sarafina,
Two By TwilightReissue contains:
Book 9 Run From Twilight Micheal & Mary
book 6 Twilight Vows - Donovan & Rachel
Book 10Edge Of Twilight Edge & Amber Lily
Book 11Blue Twilight - Lou & Maxie
Book 12 Prince Of Twilight - Vlad & Stormy


Click Here to see more reviews about: Demon's Kiss (Wings in the Night, Book 1)

Even by vampire standards, Reaper is a loner, and his current mission to destroy a gang of rogue bloodsuckers is definitely a one-vamp job. Then fate takes a hand, and before he knows it, he's surrounded by a ragtag crew of misfit helpers: the newbie, the princess, the shape-shifter and the human healer. Seth is new to immortality, but he's sharp and strong-and he'll risk anything for the rogues' strange female captive, a secretive creature he doesn't understand but feels compelled to save.Vixen is confused by the emotions that swirl through her at the sight of her impulsive hero. She only hopes the brutal Gregor and his bloodthirsty renegades will leave her alive long enough to explore them.Or will Reaper himself be the one to destroy them all?

Click here for more information about Demon's Kiss (Wings in the Night, Book 1)

Read More...

Hunter's Moon (Tales of the Sazi, Book 1) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)People know him as Tony Giodone. No one knows his real name. He is a hitman, hired assassin, and a werewolf. Tony is still getting used to what he has become. One year ago he had been stalking his mark, but his mark ended up ripping Tony's throat out. With no one to teach him how to deal with his new abilities, Tony taught himself. He has learned which scents mean he is being lied to and which mean someone fears him. But most scents he has yet to figure out. He is slowly learning how to use his changes to his business advantage, except during the full moon when he locks himself away.
Sue Quentin won the lottery last year. She should be happy, thrilled. Instead, she wants to hire Tony to kill her. The moment she meets Tony she is disturbingly attracted to him. He returns that attraction. Even when she accidently learns he is a werewolf, she feels the pull of him.
Their relationship is still on shaky ground when Tony's enemies decide to harm Tony by going after Sue. Tony and Sue find themselves in a world of high stakes card games, kidnapping, larceny ... and shapeshifters of all kinds.
**** This super natural romance is told from Tony's point-of-view. The back ground of the shapeshifters does not go into deep detail. Readers learn only what Tony does as the story progresses. Yet is gave me enough information to actually thirst for another glimpse into the darker world. Do not think that you will easily put this book down whenever the telephone rings. Very well done! ****
Reviewed by Detra Fitch of Huntress Reviews.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Hunter's Moon (Tales of the Sazi, Book 1)

Click here for more information about Hunter's Moon (Tales of the Sazi, Book 1)

Read More...

Bitten & Smitten (Immortality Bites, Book 1) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)This is one of those books with a plucky heroine of the underdog sort nabs the powerful, sophisticated, and drop dead gorgeous hero. I like these sorts of stories if the heroine is sufficiently plucky that I really root for her - but Sarah never struck me as being particularly extraordinary. She's a college dropout secretary of unexceptional looks who is a self-described bubblehead. But she doesn't have, say, the breezy, irreverant boldness of (Undead and... series) Betsy Taylor - a character who manages to wear her faults with panache.
Nor is she really all that bold - she's just very insistent about going to the vampire club that the hero, Thierry, owns, and insisting that she be allowed to talk to him. Every night something happens that causes her to swear she will never return, and every night there she is, standing at the door demanding to see Thierry.
We are led to believe that she has some sort of conversion - that she realizes that she used to be an airhead and has changed her ways and will now approach life with more soul and thoughtfulness. But since the book's timespan is probably no more than a week, I wasn't really convinced.
Thierry is a good enough cold, in-control, bottled up, and uber powerful vampire master. That's kind of the problem. He seems intelligent, mature, and calm - I couldn't figure out why he was bowled over by plucky, which is to say whiny, Sarah Dearly. Not only that, for a good chunk of the novel he is fighting his attraction to her, which consists of being really, really convincingly not interested in her, and kind of contemptuous of her.
It was an entertaining enough read, but I was ultimately too frustrated with the heroine to really empathize with her.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Bitten & Smitten (Immortality Bites, Book 1)

Click here for more information about Bitten & Smitten (Immortality Bites, Book 1)

Read More...

Demon Blood (The Guardian Series) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I'm always worried that I'll ruin the story for someone so...if you're reading reviews to decide whether to buy this book, my answer is yes. But even though the author has done her best to make it so new readers can jump in at any book, don't start with this one. My official position is...order all of them, lock yourself in an a/c'd bedroom for a week or two and read them in order. Why deprive yourself? You'll thank me later.
Ok, if you've read the book and you're here to see what fellow readers thought, read on.
I really enjoy the Guardian series and I was counting the days til I received my pre-ordered copy of Demon Blood. I devoured it within a day or so, and then went back to read it again to make sure my initial impressions still held. I found the book to be satisfying, although a little uneven. It's definitely not my fave book of the series, but I'd have trouble telling you which one is.
Lately my favorite parts of these books are actually the subplots. Taylor's struggle with Michael for control of her consciousness is both frightening and fascinating. And how can anyone help but love little Khavi with her yellow slicker (Demon Forged) and potatoes? She brings much needed comic relief to this particular book, but not enough. I was looking hard for Lilith (and Sir Pup!) in this one, and I was surprised to see they were left out. I would have appreciated some follow up describing how she was adjusting to demon-hating Irena leading the Guardians. I think there's potential for some real humor, conflict and growth there. I assumed Meljean gave Lilith the position she did so she can be worked into the majority of her books. Hopefully Demon Blood was just a fluke in that respect.
I'm not a huge Deacon fan. I can understand and sympathize as to why he is as angry and vengeful and miserable as he is, but realistically I dislike people who lack the self control to exhibit some poise or common decency towards others even while in pain. His treatment of Rosalia was crude and cruel at times, even as he hated himself for it. The story of him rescuing her way back in the day didnt do enough to balance his character; I could have used some additional evidence
to prove he was more than an emo jackass.
Maybe Rosalia's personality was too close to my own for me to adore her as much as I did Irena, Savi and Lilith. Although towards the end she came to the realization she deserved someone who would trust and respect her, I had a hard time watching her accept such callous treatment from Deacon and even the people in her life. That being said, her calculations and manipulations of others went beyond
what I was comfortable with. I really expected Deacon to have flipped out a little more upon discovering she was the driving force behind his vampire transformation - regardless of whether he ultimately made the decision or not.
I felt their romance was a bit frustrating and sometimes tedious. I really prefer when couples have to overcome "obstacles" rather than their own stupid selves to achieve their happily ever after. Because there wasn't really any looming, immediate threat on anyone (besides Michael gunning for Deacon through poor Taylor) the book revolved more around Deacon and Rosalia's tense interactions, making the subplots a welcome relief from the constant animosity and sexual tension.
The sex, as always, was great. And finally - the p-word! lol I will admit that when her inexperienced characters try to have sex, the awkwardness
is very real. Sometimes too real - but really, that's just good storytelling. It would have been interesting to play up Rosalia's virginity more. (I'm assuming she
was, although it was never said explicitly.) That could have been a much needed point of tenderness and revelation between the characters.
The editing needs improvement. I think Meljean is brilliant and creative and funny, but someone needs to let her know when she's written a 57 word sentence that's so convuluted the meaning is lost. (p106) Furthermore, it's easy to lose track of who's saying what during extensive dialogue. (Guys, I'm not a rocket scientist, but I swear I'm not a complete idiot...) I love these books and I read them meticulously. I highly doubt her proofreader is paying closer attention than I am.
I have a feeling so many people have complained about her "showing" rather than "telling" that the author made an extra effort to address this tendency and ended up with some obvious and unecessary statements that really ruin the mood and flow of the scene. Other times the complexity of what's occuring could really
use a few clarifying lines. As talented a storyteller as she is, her editor/publisher needs to step up their game to make sure her final product does her abilities justice. It's frustrating to have to re-read paragraphs to figure out what's going on.
All in all, I really did like the book though I know my review is a tad critical. The plot itself was fascinating and I'm so excited for the next installment.
* Also, if the author reads these: I'm sorry if referring to you as "Meljean" offends you. "Ms. Brook" just seems really stiff and formal. Also, I adore you. Never stop writing! Kthnxbai.


Click Here to see more reviews about: Demon Blood (The Guardian Series)

Click here for more information about Demon Blood (The Guardian Series)

Read More...

A Lady At Last (de Warenne Dynasty) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)In 1820 Kingston, privateer Cliff de Warenne, son of an English earl, understands the need to hang pirates. However Governor Thomas Woods using the pathetic Rodney Carre as an example will do nothing to stop the activity of his bolder ruthless Cuban rovers especially the notorious El Toreador. Cliff detests the circus that Woods has caused with the spectacle and wonders about Carre's daughter La Sauvage, who would do anything to free her father.
After the hanging of her beloved dad, Amanda has no place to go so Cliff agrees to take her to her mother in England. On their trek across the Atlantic, Cliff begins teaching Amanda how a lady behaves in polite society where she will find a husband. However, she realizes loves Cliff and he loves her, but neither will take that critical first step and reveal what they hide from their beloved.
The delightful tale of the youngest de Warenne son meeting his beloved is a warm Regency romance that effortlessly flows from Pirate of the Caribbean to the ball rooms of the Ton. The story line will remind readers of Pygmalion/My Fair Lady as Cliff falls in love with his creation, who returns his feelings, but doubts he could care for her inner wild soul. Fans of the series will immensely enjoy what may be the best of a strong series while newcomers will seek the backlist (see MASQUERADE and THE PRIZE, etc.).
Harriet Klausner


Click Here to see more reviews about: A Lady At Last (de Warenne Dynasty)

Click here for more information about A Lady At Last (de Warenne Dynasty)

Read More...

Touched by an Alien Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)While I enjoy urban fantasy/paranormals, I am so very tired of tormented vampires, werewolves, etc. and the tough yet sexy women who love them. I picked this up because, hey, aliens! I really enjoyed it - it was totally entertaining. The heroine is smart, funny, Jewish (how often to do you run across that in UF?), and has a great relationship with her parents. She doesn't wear leather pants and her weapon of choice is hairspray. The hero is too good to be true (he's an empath with amazing, umm, stamina who looks great in Armani) but he's brood-free! It's a fun "girl kills evil alien, meets a bunch of really cute good aliens and falls in love while saving the world" read. Pick this up if you're looking for something a little different.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Touched by an Alien

Click here for more information about Touched by an Alien

Read More...

The Accidental Werewolf (The Accidental Series, Book 1) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)You know when you start to read a book and you get so into it that you forget about eating and sleeping and even your children? This is one of those books. I literally could not put this book down and finished it in 2 days. (It would have been hours, not days but the children did eventually convince me that they needed food.) I cannot wait to read Nina's story. Come on July 2008!!

Click Here to see more reviews about: The Accidental Werewolf (The Accidental Series, Book 1)

Click here for more information about The Accidental Werewolf (The Accidental Series, Book 1)

Read More...

Real Vampires Don't Diet (Glory St. Claire, Book 4) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)If you are new to the REAL VAMPIRE books, witty dialogue, fascinating snippets of history and a captivating cast of characters are just a few of the reasons all four books are a must read! Each stands alone, but read one and you'll be hooked.
If you are already a Glory fan, REAL VAMPIRES DON'T DIET is populated with familiar friends and foes while adding a sinister new villain with the ability to freeze victims into living statues.
When a family emergency forces Glory's boyfriend, Blade, to fly off to Europe on New Year's Eve, she expects to spend a quiet evening watching chick flicks. A phone call from pop star Ray Caine, a newly turned vampire who Glory has taken under her wing, causes her to rush to his lake house, where a party is in full swing. Alcohol is like poison to vampires. Ray is feeling depressed and well on the way to being drunk when Glory arrives.
Needing a safe distraction, Glory agrees to go for a midnight boat ride with Ray. Unfortunately, their trip puts them in the path of a Siren who has been cursed by the Goddess of Night. To break the curse, the Siren must deliver three vampires to the Goddess. Fortunately, even Sirens swoon under the spell of Ray's love songs, which enables him to make a deal - Ray and Glory have until the next full moon to deliver three replacement vampires to the Siren or they will be sacrificed to the Goddess. WORSE, they are now forcibly compelled to answer the Siren's call. Regardless of what they are doing, how far away they go, day or night, when the Siren calls it is impossible for Glory and Ray not to respond.
With the clock ticking, Glory and Ray must pose as an engaged couple to fool an old enemy, the head of the Energy Vampires, with hopes of luring him and couple of his cohorts into the Siren's web. Energy Vampires are the "human" equivalent to drug pushers. Having three fewer on the streets of Austin would be a good thing and solve their problem. Only the fickle Goddess decides that one of the sacrificial vampires must be Casanova - the brother of Flo, Glory's friend and roommate. If the situation weren't bad enough, Glory never found the opportunity to tell Blade about the `pretend' engagement to Ray, and he returns from Europe to find Glory and Ray in a very compromising situation.
Will Glory find a way to satisfy the Siren's demands, save Flo's brother and win Blade's forgiveness? Don't miss this exciting and fun adventure with Glory St. Claire!


Click Here to see more reviews about: Real Vampires Don't Diet (Glory St. Claire, Book 4)

Real readers love this series and its "vampire to die for"(Kimberly Raye, USA Today bestselling author of Dead End Dating)-from the author of Real Vampires Get Lucky. Gloriana St. Claire-curvy, stylish, and undead-is spending New Year's Eve alone. And it's all because her boyfriend, Jeremy Blade, is traipsing off to parts unknown to rescue his supposed daughter from the clutches of "dangerous radicals." But just as Glory settles in for the evening, a phone call from the bodyguard of a drunk, newly-undead rock star could end her year on a crazy note.

Click here for more information about Real Vampires Don't Diet (Glory St. Claire, Book 4)

Read More...

Be Mine Tonight (The Brotherhood of Blood, Book 1) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)just got done reading Be Mine Tonight, and.. I really, truly loved it. A wonderful job all the way around - the characterizations were very three dimensional, not to mention that Pru Ryland is one of the best heroines I've ever read. Kathryn Smith's new take on vampire legend was very smart, unique and believable. I loved that Chapel didn't end up as that all-too-familiar vampiric hero stereotype. He was very vital, warm and alive, instead of being darkly brooding and menacing in the way I've come to expect from vampire fiction. As for the story itself, I don't want to give too much away I was asborbed every step of the way as the two main characters, Pru and Chapel, fell in love very convincingly without falling into cliches. I cried so hard through parts of this book that I've blocked my right ear, but it was a fabulous read. I'm usually a picky b*tch and not too many authors make it into my auto-buy list, but this one just did. I'm really looking forward to reading the rest of the books in this series, and hope they'll all be as wonderful as this one.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Be Mine Tonight (The Brotherhood of Blood, Book 1)

I am called Chapel . . . For nearly six centuries I have roamed the night, a mortal man no longer. Would that I could undo the past -- when I entered the sanctuary of the Knights Templar to wrest from them the Holy Grail, only to discover the chalice I raised to my lips was not the sacred relic but a hellish cup of damnation. Now I shun the day and all things human, driven by an ungodly thirst. And yet... Never have I known a maiden the like of Prudence Ryland, whose beauty and spirit awaken a heart I feared long cold and dead. But her young life is slipping away, and she also seeks the deliverance of the Grail -- unaware that the cost of her search could be her soul. I must help Prudence, for in six hundred years, no other woman has stirred my passions so. But dare I tender to my beloved that which she most desires -- the sensuous "gift" of forever that is both rapture and a curse: my immortal kiss?

Click here for more information about Be Mine Tonight (The Brotherhood of Blood, Book 1)

Read More...

The Lost Saint: A Dark Divine Novel Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Seriously, this book rocked! I love this series! End of review. Okay, just kidding. I did have to think about my review for this book because I was not sure how to put into words how much I loved it. Bree has done a wonderful job of telling a dark story filled with suspense and love. The relationship between Grace and Daniel drew me into the first book, The Dark Divine, and in this book I remember why I love the two of them together so much. They have a unique relationship because they have been friends since childhood and have grown up together. They are also bonded by their secret. The only trouble is, they are teenagers. They are new to the whole idea of love and events in this book put their relationship to the test. They both want what is best for the other and try to protect them, but in doing so they are inadvertently unraveling all the groundwork they have laid in this relationship. It was heartbreaking to watch the events unfold and the relationship strain, but at the same time I felt it was necessary. No relationship is perfect and if Grace and Daniel never had any bumps in the road it would not be believable. So while I felt it was tough to read it, I admire Bree for writing a realistic relationship.
I will also admit that I started and finished the book in one night. I could not put it down. There was so much going on and so many questions I needed answered, I could not go to sleep without knowing how it ended. And it was quiet and ending! I am of course, not going to spoil it for you, but I think once you get there you will understand.
The Lost Saint had a dark edge that kept me fully engrossed with plot twists that kept me on the edge of my seat. I didn't dare put it down!

Click Here to see more reviews about: The Lost Saint: A Dark Divine Novel

Click here for more information about The Lost Saint: A Dark Divine Novel

Read More...

The Vampire Queen's Servant (Vampire Queen, Book 1) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Jacob Green has spent his life searching for purpose, but the day he saw Lady Elyssa Yamato Amaterasu Wentworth he knew he had found his destiny. He disregarded the fact that he was a vampire hunter and that he had no way of entering her world. Jacob would find a way to fulfill his destiny and spend his life serving Lady Lyssa. However, when his dream becomes reality, he finds that his life is now a constant struggle within himself: Jacob must renounce all he considers as "himself" and exist only as an extension to Lady Lyssa or he must walk away.
Lady Elyssa Yamato Amaterasu Wentworth is the last remaining vampire of royal blood. Her life is spent protecting herself from attacks from other vampires and keeping the façade of indifference to all the posturing of lesser vampires. The day she lets her guard down --even for a moment-- it could mean her death. However, these last years she has been fighting a foe that can't be defeated and must be faced alone, or so she thinks. When Jacob enters her world, Lady Lyssa has no idea how to take what he is clearly offering her; not without condemning Jacob to death. However, if Lady Lyssa does accept Jacob as her human servant, she must mold him to survive within the vampire world, something which might drive Jacob away form her.
When I was first offered this book for review I was delighted, as I had enjoyed books by Joey Hill in the past. The Vampire Queen's Servant is a book that is very well written and it evolves in the complex world of vampire society which is interesting in a horrifying way. However, I have to say that this book was difficult to for me to read for several reasons. The relationship that develops between Lady Lyssa and Jacob goes beyond your typical BDSM explored in mainstream erotica. In The Vampire Queen's Servant, we see Jacob struggle against becoming not much more than an obedient dog capable of performing complex tricks and providing sexual pleasure when Lady Lyssa demands. It also bothered me that rape was considered a spectator sport serving to arouse the watchers and physical torture (read broken bones and the like) was something utilized as easily as a hanky for no other purpose than proving who held the power. Jacob's thoughts at times seemed, to me, to reflect what we typically hear from abused spouses: it hurt, I don't like it, but I deserved it. I was completely unable to live the story from the character's perspective in order to understand their motivations. It was these things that made it very hard for me to care one way or another if Jacob and Lady Lyssa got a Happily Ever After. Also, the plot of the book moved so slowly that I found myself looking for reasons to put it down and at the same time I was desperate to finish it and therefore put myself out of my misery. I don't suggest that you pick up this book unless you are not squeamish and you enjoy extremely hardcore BDSM and senseless violence. The Vampire Queen's Servant is not a book for the faint of heart or those who enjoy fast paced books.

Sabella
Reviewed for Joyfully Reviewed

Click Here to see more reviews about: The Vampire Queen's Servant (Vampire Queen, Book 1)

Paranormal erotica from an award-winning author who stands out in a genre known for its out-of-the-ordinary love play." (Romance Studio) Lady Elyssa Yamato Amaterasu Wentworth is a centuries-old vampire who's been given a new servant-Jacob, a total alpha male unaccustomed to submitting to any woman's wishes. What really binds Jacob to her are not her sensual midnight hungers, but something far more provocative. It stirs her blood, renews her life, and awakens her soul like only true love can. The passion between Elyssa and Jacob yields something else unexpected-a shared history that reaches back through the centuries and is fated to challenge their destiny like nothing ever will again.

Click here for more information about The Vampire Queen's Servant (Vampire Queen, Book 1)

Read More...

Street Magic (Black London, Book 1) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)This is an extremely good start to a series - well-structured and original, with unexpected plot developments and convincing characters who are deep and finely-drawn enough to hold the reader's interest. Rather than just presenting us with a cardboard cut-out hardboiled-but-vulnerable heroine and bad-boy anti-hero, the author slowly peels back the layers of backstory at judicious intervals throughout the book to reveal credible reasons for Pete's prickliness and Jack's damage. She also avoids overstretching the suspension of disbelief that is necessary for any fantasy story, by inserting authentically gritty touches - such as the grim realities of using heroin to numb mental pain.
The Black and its assorted denizens are comparable to Simon Green's Nightside, but only to the extent that fans of that series are likely to enjoy this one. Jack Winter's physical description is a touch reminiscent of Spike in Buffy the Vampire slayer, but a sly reference to Billy Idol (to whom Spike is an homage) in the text indicates that this is a conscious credit rather than a crib.
So why only 3 stars? Because the catch is that while the book is set in London, it is not written by an English native, and while the direct speech might be enough like that of a Brit to be accepted in the US, to an English reader it sets the teeth on edge and spoils what is otherwise a very impressive read. The mistakes are subtle, but grating - 'bugger all', for instance, is generally slang for 'nothing' in UK English and is inaccurately used here. Nor does using 'bloody' as punctuation in almost every character's dialogue (it appears at least twice on every single page) substitute for an authentic written English accent - the general effect is of something translated from another tongue by someone to whom UK English is a second language - grammatically accurate but the vocabulary use is just a bit off. If Ms Kittredge sorts out this weakness in future books, the Black London novels could become one of the best new series to hit the fantasy arena.
**Since first posting this review on Amazon.co.uk, other British readers have also commented adversely on Ms Kittredge's grasp (or lack thereof) of UK slang and speech patterns. It's a great pity, but there is still time for her to correct this one flaw before the next book in the series is published. Let's hope ...

Click Here to see more reviews about: Street Magic (Black London, Book 1)

Click here for more information about Street Magic (Black London, Book 1)

Read More...

I Heart You, You Haunt Me Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)He's here, in this room, right now. Jackson. Ava knows he's dead, and that it's impossible, but that doesn't stop her from being able to smell his unique, sandalwood aftershave. Or seeing his image in her mirror, hearing his words in her head,and finding him in her dreams. Her boyfriend is a ghost, and it's Ava's fault he's dead to begin with.
So now what?
Ride the waves of Ava's emotions, sometimes rippling, sometimes crashing, in this haunting book. Written in verse for maximum impact, the book grips readers and keeps them turning page after page, waiting for a release that never comes. I know, because I'm still waiting to be released from the clutch of feelings invoked by Ava's tale.
That's why I'm nominating this one for the Gold Star Award for Excellence in the TeensReadToo Hall of Fame. This award is reserved for books that we'll read again and again. A definite for me in this case.
Reviewed by: Julie M. Prince

Click Here to see more reviews about: I Heart You, You Haunt Me

Girl meets boy. Girl loses boy. Girl gets boy back... ...sort of. Ava can't see him or touch him, unless she's dreaming. She can't hear his voice, except for the faint whispers in her mind. Most would think she's crazy, but she knows he's here. Jackson. The boy Ava thought she'd spend the rest of her life with. He's back from the dead, as proof that love truly knows no bounds.

Click here for more information about I Heart You, You Haunt Me

Read More...