Update- mini review

Here comes my age old excuse of running around like a chicken with my head cut off again...*sigh* There have been several more crises in the real world and I have been tied up (and not in the good way). First I read Prowl, which was about oh one step or two above mediocre. It was an anthology of shifter stories. If I had to choose a bright spot it would be the Karen Chance piece. Second, I am leaving today on vacation and you all know that's when I do my best reading, the last vacation brought you three reviews. I don't know how many you will get out of me this time but I promised a few friends I would not be working for the day job on the trip, pleasure reading only. *wink* So on that note I bid you adieu, I will be home Thursday so hopefully I will have the blog rolling again on Friday. Who knows maybe one of these books will inspire me to blog lakeside. *grins*

Me, Myself & Why

Mary Janice Davidson is my Queen.... anyone who has been following this blog long enough knows this.  She went out in a different direction this time, this is a crime novel, and I wondered if I would be able to love it the way I do my cherished Betsy books. I was happy to discover this novel had her signature humor and sinister sarcasm throughout the story. She is MJ after all, I don't know why I doubted her.  This tale is not without its twisted characters. It is about an FBI unit known as BOFFO, which only employs people who, well let's just say are different. There is a paranoid schizophrenic, an agoraphobic, several varying cases of obsessive compulsive disorder, and our heroine, Cadence who suffers from multiple personality disorder. Cadence has 3 personalities, herself, Shiro and Adrienne, who she calls her sisters. She develops the disorder at three years old after watching her mother kill her father and then commit suicide. Shiro holds the memories of the murder and is the one who appears in times of stress and anxiety. Adrienne is violent, unpredictable and dangerous and shows up when Cadence appears to be threatened. Each "sister" has a special quality that helps the FBI unit. The three working together are a task force of their own. The case the story is based on is a serial murderer who is not only aware of Cadence's situation, but is enthralled by and obsessed with it. This book is laugh out loud funny, has mild romance in the background, plenty of action and many turns to the plot. It will keep you guessing till the very end and you will never see it coming. It is smart and witty and an absolutely phenomenal read. Thanks MJ for the autographed manuscript and for the opportunity to fall in love with yet another of your amazing heroines!

House of Reckoning by John Saul

Alright people this is a hell of a read. No romance which is not my norm, but I have always been a huge John Saul fan ever since I was 7 years old and my big sister stole my aunt's copy of Suffer the Children and we would hide in the closet with a flashlight to read it because our parents thought it would give us nightmares. It so totally did by the way but hey live and learn. This an amazing story about an old asylum which has become the family home to the descendants of the doctor who ran it. There is also a child artist who imagines things into her drawings that come to pass and a young boy who has been diagnosed as clinically insane because of the voices in his head, but the voices aren't his imagination he is being haunted by 17 distressed souls. It is full of suspense and heart pounding thrills. For those of you who have never read him, John has a innate sense of right and wrong and the guilty in his books always receive the most appropriate demises. These forms of justice always make me feel so vindicated. This book is no less incredible than his others. He weaves a web of intricate details you don't piece together till you pull back and look at the whole picture. He never fails to blow my mind.

I am NOT DEAD!!!

OK I know I haven't even posted so much as an update and for that I am dearly sorry loves, I am. It has been a roller coaster ride of crazy around here! I tried to read a book called Wicked Things and I couldn't even get through it. I literally fell asleep trying over and over. So word to the wise, don't bother. I never give bad reviews on here but that needed to be said. I also tried to read Shifters which is an anthology. Two out of the four stories were alright the other two were not really bad just the whole been there done that thing. Too many pieces from too many familiar stories and movies that it was too predictable. I like original ideas and concepts when it comes to my fantasy world. So between trying to drudge through those and working double time at the day job, plus a funeral to deal with you can see why I am desperately out of touch lately. That said I do have one more post to write with a good review so stay tuned a few minutes please.

Eternal Kiss of Darkness by Jeaniene Frost

People I am in awe at the moment, give me a sec.... Alright, Jeaniene you have out done yourself with this one. I always liked Mencheres (OK let's just say we all know every one of you wants to tear his clothes off and worship his hairless body) but now I am officially in love. He has gone from a tortured soul to a passionate man desperate for all life has to offer. He is romantic and dreamy beyond words in this one ladies. No spoilers (you know I don't allow them) but the floating flowers in the shape of a comet has to be one of the most romantic gestures in the history of fiction. Not only that but please, making love while floating in the air has got to be one of the sexiest things I have ever read. It's no Chapter 32 Bones and Cat fans but runs a pretty close race! Somebody turn on the a/c! All in all the character development in this is way better than I thought truth be told before I started the book I was determined not to like Kira. I now more than like her I have decided I AM her.She is a tormented woman who's past is laden with sadness and full of darkness and abuse. She becomes this incredibly strong, savvy and courageous woman in spite of it all and her love for Mencheres is something straight out of fairy tale folks. This has definitely earned a place on the keeper shelf!

Grave Sins by Jenna Maclaine

OK Jenna, first of all I know I said I would do this sooner but as my follower you know I am swamped! I adore you as always.
Alrighty then, Grave Sins is the second in Jenna's Cin Craven series (see review on Wages of Sin) if you don't count short stories (see Strange Brew review ) and if it is even possible I am more in love with Michael than ever.  *feeling flushed* I want one of him Jenna locate me one quickly. Cin is stronger and much more magically advanced,  I love her character. Nothing like a kick ass witch turned vampire to tilt the world on its axis! The relationship between the two of them is so rich with passion and fraught with believability my heart pounds sometimes.
The Righteous are at it again this time they've been summoned by the High King to take care of a rogue who up till now has been a loyal follower to the King. Expect the usual excitement level full of magic and mayhem Jenna always delivers.
Full of action and suspense, this book will keep you wanting to read till it's through. Of course your family will be irritated with you for not cooking or cleaning or whatnot, but totally worth it. Trust me I didn't think she could get any better but she has done it. Awesome job my friend. Look forward to the next one.

We got a shout out!

A friend I met through the BDB group gave us a little shout out on her blog. Thought we could give her the same courtesy. Click on the title of this post to hit her site.Thanks Soxie!

Slave to Sensation by Nalini Singh

So, we all love paranormal romance, but sometimes you can get bored of the same theme over and over. I kept seeing this book, but I hated the cover…don't ask, just one of my weirdness'. Finally, I looked it up one day and well hell it seemed different. It had my hot sexy changeling men and something else I love….psychics. I figured I would give it a shot. I read the entire series in a week; I stayed up all night to finish the first book. Slave to Sensation starts you off into this amazing world….it's earth but not as we know it. There are two species…There are the 'psy' who are the ruling race and are connected through the PsyNet. Emotions have been bred out of them using Silence. Then there's the "changelings" who vary from leopards to wolves down to rats even. The changelings; being animals at heart, are of course full of emotion. Having two opposites of the end emotional grids creates a lot of tension between the 2 races and they are on the verge of war. The first book we meet Sasha Duncan who is a Cardinal Psy. Sasha has a secret..she's flawed because she feels. And feeling can lead to 'rehabilitation' and then termination. Then in walks Lucas Hunter (fans myself) he is the Alpha leader of the Leopard Changelings in the California territory and he is pissed. Changeling females are being murdered and he wants answers. He will use anyone to get them, even Sasha because after all she is just another emotionless psy. Damn, is he shocked when he finds out different and they start working together when another female is taken. I loved watching these two characters grow, you can't help but fall in love with them. His prejudice, her feelings of failure. (Oh by the way Sasha’s mother is on the ruling council for the psy) You can't help but love all the characters in this book….and the best part is, the characters all follow through to the next books. So it's not like we learn about Sasha and Lucas and then never see them again. So get up and get to the book store, then we can discuss what you think before we move onto the second book in this serie

Side note

I have a dear friend who has been after me to review a book that she loved. I have been putting it off due to work and yet she still implores me. *smiles* So I said, "If it's that important why don't you write a review?" and she agreed. So I will get her post up this week as well. I hope you will all welcome her into your homes and hearts the way you have so graciously welcomed me.

The Demon's Lexicon

I usually don't review young adult novels, but when Sarah Rees Brennan sent me an autographed copy of her book The Demon's Lexicon I figured her generosity deserved a shout out.I had never encountered this author before so I was not sure what to expect. I was pleasantly surprised. It has all the action of your typical urban fantasy novel and it starts right at the beginning, you have your first demon and magician attack on page four.
The story is basically about two brothers, Nick and Alan, being hunted by demon-raising magicians and the pair of siblings they try to save, one of which bears a demon's mark. It is a fast paced read which will keep teens on the edge of their seats and coming back for more. Mild humor throughout makes the characters easy to relate to as well as endearing . I'm particularly intrigued by the relationship between Nick and Alan. This is the first in a trilogy of novels.I won't give away the ending but let me just say you won't know what hit you. The Demon's Lexicon leaves itself ready for the next installment and I am sure the series will be a big hit. Thank you Sarah for the gift. I will cherish it always.

M.I.A.

I cannot believe it has been an entire week since I have posted! I am almost finished with a few things so we should be able to get a review  or two up tonight or tomorrow. The BDB role playing group has kept me very busy. I had no idea how intricate and detailed it was going to be. *smiles* I love every minute of it though. On other notes, the day job is going well and the other blog I guest post for is getting huge, car problems are solved and everything is well in my world. It's amazing how when you relax stuff just falls into place! I will return with a review very very soon, but let me leave you with some words of wisdom a dear friend said to me last night: Being you is enough, nothing else is necessary. Think on that awhile loyal followers. Blog you later!

Christina Dodd-Chains of Ice

Hold up a second! *squealing jumping up and down clapping hands* Christina, I love you, love you, love you oh yeah and I love you! Whew! Now that the fan in me is expelled let's get down to the review. Chains of  Ice is book three of  the Chosen One series. This is by far the best in the saga to date. It is a little longer than the other ones ,but believe me you will appreciate that. The new characters are terrific. Especially John, who we got a hint of at the end of book two, he is phenomenal. Now I don't want to spoil anything, but as a Chosen One we all know he has special powers, I won't tell you what those powers are, but let's just say the girls are going to love ONE of them. Genny is also a new character who will join the ranks and also happens to be John's love interest. The old characters don't really make an appearance till almost two-thirds of the way through the book, except Gary (who, yes, boys and girls, we still HATE). As in all the Chosen One books they are basically trying to defeat The Others. It is, as always, full of the action and suspense we have come to expect from this series and, of course,  has some super steamy love scenes. There were a couple of chapters that had me hanging onto the end of my seat wondering how things were going to turn out. I adore Christina, for those of you who haven't read her books many are reviewed right here in this blog. My personal favorite series of hers is this one's predecessor, Darkness Chosen, which in my opinion should be read before this one, but this series CAN stand alone. Wonderful edition to the collection, Ms. Dodd, this one earns a spot on the keeper shelf!

Here we go

Alright lovelies, I realize I have been M.I.A. for a few days but I promise you it will be worth the wait. I have accomplished much loyal followers. This will be the first of 2 posts today! Alrighty then, let's do this thing! Nina Bangs has long been a favorite of mine. Her Mackenzie Vampire series is our topic of the day. Although you know I believe in reading in order, these are easily understood as stand-alones. I still hold to my belief though because there are a couple of supporting characters( Sparkle Stardust and Ganymede are cosmic troublemakers) that appear throughout the series and in order to appreciate their developing relationship (twisted at times) you must go in order people.Also the Woo Woo Inn and the Mackenzie Council (they protect the purity of the Mackenzie blood line) run through the series so follow my rules people.
The order is:
 The Master of Ecstasy- a time travel piece that has terrific elements of reality in it. I absolutely adore Darach he is a highlander and a vampire what a combo I am so in love. He lives in the 1700's and Blythe in the 2300's so the time travel is a heavy part of this story. Full of action and romance it is probably my favorite in the series.
Night Bites- Follows the story of Thrain and Cindy and brings us our first real taste of Cindy's Woo Woo Inn. The Inn practically becomes it's own character as we progress through the series.It is the Hotel to the Paranormal so to speak. Humans come as well but they truly cater to the preternatural beings. It is full of Nina's signature steam levels.
A Taste of Darkness- Brings us Reinn who hates being responsible to the Council and absolutely hates weres of any kind and Kisa a were-cat he falls madly in love with. It's a smart, sexy story filled with humor. You will love all the conflict and craziness in this one.
One Bite Stand- Declan is probably the sexiest vampire in the entire series, but he is also the darkest. This one has a considerable amount of action, much more than the others in the series. This is where all the pieces fall together, all the Mackenzie line questions are answered. Declan's love is a half breed harpy named Daria. For those of you who don't know, harpies are supposed to be hideously ugly, but unfortunately her father was a God and so she doesn't have the "ugly" trait. Talk about reverse self esteem issues. This one is also the most graphic, warning, rape is involved.
All in all this was an amazing series. I enjoyed watching Sparkle and Ganymede grow. Very well done Nina.

Red Reaper on Unbound

Apparently, I'm quite the scandalous character over on the BDB. But I must take a break from my notoriety and speak to my loyal followers. Today we are discussing Unbound, it is an anthology by Kim Harrison, Melissa Marr, Vicki Pettersson, Jocelynn Drake and my all-time favorite author in the universe Jeaniene Frost (my guilty pleasure). It was a well done collection, my main reason for picking it up from the famous "to be read" pile was that I needed a Bones fix. Yes, you heard me there is a Bones story, unfortunately for my libido it was a pre-Cat story, back when he was still just a bounty hunter. Sigh. But he was yummy just the same. All in all the book on a whole was a good read and worth looking into. Kim Harrison's story of pixies, gargoyles and an insane nymph was quite interesting. So followers add it to the shopping list.

I'm Official

Ok so no review this time just a side note, apparently mentioning the Black Dagger Brotherhood role playing group in my last post has brought me a little fame. I have officially been written into their scenario as the red_reaper and have been called a guilty pleasure. But of course all of you who read my blog know that already right? *wink wink* Anyway thank you Blay for making me a character in the BDB I will be thrilled to see how I turn out!

Dark Lover

First, let me apologize for not posting in three days! You would not believe how crazy it is around here, between the holiday weekend, my car breaking down and writing for the "day job" I have lost my mind. Now down to business, Dark Lover is the first in the Black Dagger Brotherhood series by J.R. Ward. After reviewing Covet on here I literally got people begging me to read it. Also I got Brotherhood fanatics friend requesting me on Facebook and inviting me to join their role playing group. No, I'm not kidding she has die hard fans! I have been following their little role playing group, not participating, and was fascinated by their devotion. So here we are. I now understand. The Brotherhood is a series unlike any other. Her unique take on Vampires teamed with her edgy writing style and slew of deep dark characters has shown me once again she is an extreme talent. Her books are definitely worthy of your "keeper" shelf folks. In this installment Darius, one of the Brotherhood, is brutally murdered by the Lessers leaving behind his half-vampire daughter who is unaware of her heritage. His last wish is for his Brother Wrath to help her through the change of becoming  a vampire and protect her. Dark Lover is Wrath's story and I am told each book will tell one of the Brother's story much like the Argeneau series of Lynsay Sands. But folks, make no mistake this is hard core urban fantasy, just like in Covet, romance is in the background. The focal point of the series is the war between the Lessers and the Brotherhood. Dark Lover is full of violence,darkness and action just like Covet, I am placing J.R. on the must read list for the summer and have already bought the next book, Lover Eternal. J.R. you will forever be on my list of top authors, well done.

Rogue Hunter

The Rogue Hunter novels are a sub series within the Argeneau Vampire series by Lynsay Sands. I finished the first one tonight and as you would expect from Lynsay it is full of humor and torrid romance. The hunters for the Council are the vamps finding lifemates in these ones. We met these hunters(Decker,Bricker & Mortimer) in the Argeneau book Bite Me If You Can. Decker actually is an Argeneau though, his mother is Martine. This book is the story of Mortimer and Samantha. There is sort of a surprise ending from the other Argeneau novels but I loved it just the same. I will be reading the other two in this trilogy this week so I will let you know how they turn out.

Lisa Basso

I reviewed Lisa's other short story Blood Bonds a few days ago so if you read the post you know she's a new author with tons of potential. When she asked me to read Blood Under the Mistletoe, I wholeheartedly agreed. This was written before Blood Bonds and I already see growth in her as an author between the two pieces. Blood Under the Mistletoe is a short piece found in Holiday Treats at http://www.midnightshowcase.com/. It is about a vampire named Victor who has never allowed himself to feel love until he finds Holly a half-witch who is unaware of her heritage. When she is kidnapped he finally realizes what she means to him. It is a sweet love story with just the proper amount of action that I enjoyed reading. Thank you Lisa for sending it my way.

Sex Magick

A friend sent me a piece she wrote the other day. Sex Magick is the first in the Rune Witch erotica trilogy Laura Stamps is writing and I am looking forward to the other two. Wynn and Noelle have a great chemistry between them that Laura portrays well in this story. I find their relationship to be not only sexy, but believable. Laura has a descriptive writing style that I thoroughly enjoy. Now for those of you who don't normally read erotica be forewarned, it is graphic, but its supposed to be, its erotica for goodness sake. That said, if you need a little afternoon pick me up you will find it in Laura's books. Well done my friend, I look forward to the next installment.

Seriously going crazy

Almost done with Dark Lover, started the first of the Rogue Hunter books that are the spinoff so to speak of the Argeneau series, and I need to dig into this "to be read" pile because so many new ones are on their way to me.July 6 is a crazy day as you read in the post about my most anticipated summer releases.My life has been nuts trying to juggle everything I promise to get caught up soon. Whew!

Contest/ Interview

Great interview I always enjoy CJ


http://cjredwine.blogspot.com/2010/06/interview-with-sarah-rees-brennan.htmlhttp://cjredwine.blogspot.com/2010/06/interview-with-sarah-rees-brennan.html

Welcome to Mysteria

I just finished Mysteria Lane. It is the sequel to Mysteria, for those of you who haven't indulged in this series let me just say this world is a ton of fun. Mysteria is a small town that was "accidentally" founded by an act of demonic kindness. Many magical creatures live in Mysteria; werewolves,vampires, witches, demons, fairies, you name it. At the town's center is a magical wishing fountain. It is written as an anthology, but unlike the ones you are used to with a vague theme pulling random stories together, these stories are all about the same town and the characters flow back and forth smoothly between the stories. Think Ray Bradbury's Illustrated Man or John Saul's Blackstone Chronicles. The same four amazingly talented authors write both books; Mary Janice Davidson, Susan Grant, Gena Showalter and P.C. Cast. With a group like this you can't help but fall in love with this town and its people and beg the authors for a part three to this series. The stories are passionate and quirky, full of life and love. This is a delightful series that I highly recommend.

FYI

Ok so I am in the process of reading another collection of new authors as well as Mysteria Lane and Dark Lover so it may be a day or so before I can put out another review. Just so you know the 4 short stories I recently reviewed can be found at http://www.midnightshowcase.com/ in the volume called Dark Tales. Thanks to Amanda for sending them my way for review. The next set I am reviewing is Like That Spark which is not available yet (I was sent a review only copy) but will be published in print by Circlet Press. That collection is all highly graphic erotica pieces which I don't normally review so I will do one review as a lump post. Erotica is difficult to review for the same reason porn is, they are meant for a target audience and anyone else usually doesn't enjoy them. I promise to focus on the writing and not the storyline and be as objective as possible.

Love this

The next short story is Silent Treatment by Shawn McPike. This was terrific. Very imaginitive, the language was picturesque, and I absolutely never saw the end coming. This was as well written as a veteran author.  Mighty impressive, absolutely a hit.

Next in line

The third short story is super short, less than 20 pages. It's Cemetery Seduction by Roxanne Rhoads. This piece is definitely R rated folks. It is simply a short erotica piece that is decriptive and fast paced. I would like to see something from her in more of a novella length so we could fall in love with the characters a bit more. Overall it was a good piece.

Next short story

The next short story to review in the collection is Strained Chords by Rebecca Varnum. This one threw me a bit. There were holes in the plot that made it a little harder to swallow then I normally like. One thing I did like was the descriptive language and character decriptions. I had no trouble imagining faces, places or events. At times the descriptions may have even been a little too flourishing but this author has potential. With a little experience and a writing workshop Ms. Varnum could do well.

New author

I was recently given several short stories by new authors and I will give them each a hit or miss on here as I read them, keeping in mind of course that they are new to the trade and lack the experience of the authors I usually review. Today's short story was Blood Bonds by Lisa Basso. At first, I didn't think I was going to like this because the beginning went by a little too fast for true character development, but after a few pages she redeemed herself and now I find myself wanting her to write a sequel to this. Warning: not for the squeamish, most vampire stories steer away from the child turning angle but at least the way she did it was not only believable but atrocious in the character's eyes so it was in no way glorified. Character development came along nicely and the plot was sound. All in all a good start to her career and I have a feeling we will see more of her.We will call this one a hit.

More MJ

I finished 2 books Undead and Unworthy was another Betsy book. This is almost the last one to catch me up before the new release. This one has the rest of fiends turning back to vampires like Garrett, but they have nothing but murder on their minds. I warn you not everyone is going to make it to the next book. There have been times MJ came close to offing big characters but this time she did it. I liked this one as much as the others although Undead and Uneasy is still my favorite. Her comedic writing style helps the reader through any sadness that might happen in the stories so no worries.
The other book I read was an anthology Dead and Loving It which is more of the Wyndham Werewolf stories. The 4 stories are:
Santa Claws which is terribly romantic a true sweep you off your feet story.
 Monster Love which is not for the squeamish reader who just wants the mushy type love story, fair warning that it's graphic and involves rape, but I actually like this story. It was very realistic and well thought out.
There's No Such Thing as a Werewolf which is my favorite of the four. We encounter something we haven't seen before, a blind werewolf. He is sexy and romantic. MJ also brings the characters from Monster Love into it as well as a Fae so this one is interesting.
A Fiend in Need is a cross-story for the Wyndham Werewolves and  Undead series and explains exactly why Antonia came to live with the King and Queen and how she fell in love with Garrett.
Ok MJ one more and I am ready for the new Undead release and I hope there are more full length Wyndham stories in the works I like those more than the short ones.

Interview with Dakota Banks Giveawayya

Freebies for Kindle

http://bittenbybooks.com/?p=26735

Undead meets Wyndham

Ok I have read  Undead and Unpopular, Undead and Uneasy and Undead and Wed: The Honeymoon Story. I realize it's been 2 days since last post and I am usually pretty good about this, but it has been a little crazy writing reviews for both sites. In Undead and Unpopular Betsy is still up to her neck in wedding plans, her birthday's looming on the horizon and Jessica is deathly ill. Not to mention all her "diplomacy" issues. It was probably a) the quickest Betsy novel to read and b) the novel where the least loose ends are tied up. I love the lighthearted plots and the crazy humor. Undead and Uneasy is probably my favorite installment so far. Note to MJ:  I almost gave up on your books out of deep despair around chapter 20 *sniff* but I am happy to say you redeemed yourself. I won't tell why because as you know I hate big spoilers, but my Queen knows of what I speak.This is also the first book where her two series "Undead" and "Wyndham Werewolves" cross. We discover that it happens to be Antonia's pack. I am in love with Derik by the way. That said, in the words of my Majesty "This book goes where the other five really haven't"  and she means it. I read it straight through because I was in shock more than anything and desperate to make sure Betsy "fixed" everything. This is becoming a soap opera to me. For those of you who read the series and are confused as to why we go from wedding to several months later between books it is because you have missed the crucial short story Undead and Wed: The Honeymoon Story which can be found in the anthology Dead Over Heels. The honeymoon, like anything else is Betsy's life, is full of insane obstacles that she clumsily overcomes. I truly love this series. I mean you all know I love the Argeneau series too, but that is very different than this. The Argeneau books, although they should be read in order, are vastly stand alones for the most part with the exception of the background info. The Betsy books are an ongoing drama in the life of the Queen so they become much more personal. I intend to keep reading them as long as MJ keeps writing more.

Queen MJ

I am 2 more books into the Undead series, Undead and Unappreciated is book three. Betsy not only discovers she is about to be a big sister (yes evil Ant is preggers)but that she has a long lost sister as well, and that said sister is the devil's daughter. The sharp tongued queen and her saintly sister make a hilarious dynamic duo. Also she finally convinces the always dreamy Sinclair they need a real wedding.  In Undead and Unreturnable Betsy is up to her neck in wedding plans, a serial killer, a new baby brother, her new job as a columnist and her life is getting more complicated by the minute. As usual she handles it with, shall we say "tactless grace". Betsy is one of my favorite funny girls of all time. She is so "normal" (yes I said normal) that she is easy to relate to.

What Next??

Ok loyal followers I got another shipment today so that dent in my to be read pile is gone. I have already started the next in the Undead series Undead and Unreturnable so while I am reading that maybe some of you could let me know what needs to come next. A few authors in my towering pile are: Jaye Wells, Amanda Ashley, Jennifer Ashley (The Immortals series), Nina Bangs (The Mackenzie Vampire Series), Laurell K Hamilton (non Anita Blake novels) Tracy Madison, Gena Showalter, Mary Janice Davidson ( Undead Series and Wyndham Werewolves series) Lynsay Sands (Argeneau series) and some anthologies Wish List, Shifter, Mysteria Lane and Unbound. So let me know what you think.

News on the homefront

I was asked to submit an original book review to another blog site, sort of an audition if you will to publish on their site. Wish me luck loyal followers. Sadly I wrote an amazing review that I can't publish here ,but I will say I reviewed Pride Mates by Jennifer Ashley for him. She sent me a copy of the book last week so I moved it up to the top of the famous "to be read" pile for two reasons. First, it was the most recently published one in the pile and second, because although it is a more serious book than I usually review (you know I love my funny girls lol) I figured using an author I loved would make it easier to write a great review. Ok y'all think "A Time To Kill" meets "Romeo and Juliet" and you have the setting for this book. It's full of turmoil and humanity and romance all rolled up in a neat little ball. I hope she writes more for this particular shifter world she has created. Way to go Jenn!

Christina Dodd

I finally am starting to break down the "to be read" pile thank goodness! I read Storm of Shadows last night. This is book two of the Chosen Ones series I have book three Chains of Ice on order already because it releases in a couple of weeks. Once again my beloved drama queen you have left me hanging by a thread waiting desperately for the next installment. For those of you who haven't read both this series and the prequel series Darkness Chosen this particular installment tied up some loose ends for me. For instance I finally get the significance of the "live tattoo" in the first of the Darkness Chosen books. Storm of Shadows was a terrific read but I highly recommend you begin at, well the beginning,  and start with the Darkness Chosen series. Christina writes with a passion for her characters that comes alive on the pages and as always keeps me turning pages so fast I lose track of the time. I am rarely capable of tearing myself away till the last word.

J.R.Ward

I just finished Covet by J. R. Ward. I came upon this book in a roundabout way. I had heard about the Black Dagger Brotherhood books and wanted to read them but had a little trouble finding the first in the series. So when I came across this book I figured since she is famous for vamp novels and this one was about a fallen angel that it would be a safe bet that it would be deep enough into the paranormal range to satisfy me. Oddly the paranormal, although it is the main premise of the backstory, did not really come to the front lines very often until the end. The storyline on the forefront was more of a "universal struggle between good and evil" and is actually in my opinion a great gateway novel for those who love crime and/or dramatic novels to ease their way into the paranormal genre. Since the story is left unresolved I have to assume she has more in the works. I can't wait. J.R. Ward has a cutthroat edgy way with words and consistantly leaves you hanging on the edge of your seat. It has been a long time since this reviewer has been lured away from her comfort zone. Thank you J.R. for your brilliance. I look forward to finding out what craziness Jim will fall into next. Two thumbs WAY up for Covet.

Next Four Argeneau Books

Read books 6-9 in the Argeneau series. Bite Me If You Can was Lucian's novel and up till this novel I never liked him much he seemed to be too much of a hard ass for me, but Lynsay has redeemed him in this one. I found the story heart warming. Book 7 The Accidental Vampire is Victor's tale and can I say that out of all the ones I have read in this series this is the most original. Elvi is a strange , but welcome addition to Lynsay's line of vampires. Book 8 Vampires Are Forever was truly the book I was looking most forward to because I am a huge Thomas fan. I was not disappointed it was filled with the same humor, romance and adventure I have come to expect from Lynsay, but the story revolves around Marguerite's mysterious disappearance and Thomas , Inez and the rest of the Argeneau brood trying to find her. That being said it made this book sort of a 2 parter since at the end of it we still do not know what happened to her. So being as impatient as I am, good thing I had book 9 Vampire Interrupted on hand. I immediately started reading it. I love how she brought the Notte's into yet another novel. The mystery behind Marguerite vanishing is solved here and although it still has the romance and adventure it also has a sadness about it not present in the other stories. That's not a bad thing, I mean who doesn't occasionally need to watch a tear jerker, but it did take me a little off guard. This is probably the sweetest love story of them all. Am I the only one who thinks this would make a great T.V. series? Have any of you followers read this series? Curious to know if you have a favorite vampire and who you would want to play them if it ever made to the screen.

http://www.supernaturalunderground.blogspot.com/

Upcoming Releases

The summer releases I am most looking forward to are.....drumroll please.......Cupid Cats an anthology with Katie MacAlister's Dark Ones short story called "Unleashed" releasing on July 6, 2010.....Kiss of Eternal Darkness by my all-time favorite author in existence Jeaniene Frost (the crowd goes wild) which is the second in her spin off series of the Night Huntress world releasing on July 27, 2010.....and ladies and gentlemen the Gods must be shining down on me because these two amazing ladies have gotten together on an anthology called Death's Excellent Vacation releasing August 3,2010 in which not only will Jeaniene have a Cat and Bones mini in it ( my heart is racing in anticipation), but Katie will have an Aisling Grey story expanding on the character of Jim who I find to be hilarious.....Undead and Unfinished by the queen of sarcasm herself Mary Janice Davidson will be coming out on July 6, 2010 as well. Bow to my Majesty. Hopefully by the time it comes out I will be caught up in the series, really? Who are we kidding? I read 40 books a month I SHALL be caught up lol......Christina Dodd will have the next two in her Chosen Ones series out this summer as well, Chains of Ice on July 6, 2010 and Chains of Fire on September 7, 2010 already ordered Chains of Ice and cannot wait to continue this series ( are you noticing a pattern on July 6th? going to be a busy week for this reviewer, but who's complaining?).....and last but not least ( never least Lynsay) dun dun dun dah the long awaited (at least by me anyway) next book in the Argeneau Series Born to Bite coming to a store near you on August 31st YAY!!!!! Ok people now you have your shopping list get to it! Blog you later fans!

Mish Mosh

Alrighty then, first of all, I am home!  Second, I read 3 books while on my beach vacation so we are going to make this review a long mish mosh of all of them. Here goes, first book was yet another Argeneau novel y'all know how I love Lynsay. Bite To Remember was Vincent's novel and although in Bastien's novel he seemed a little odd to me in this one I think I am in love. His reclusive nature is explained quite believably and this installment is a credit to the series. As usual, it was full of Lynsay's incessant humor and steamy romance.
Second book was the 2nd installment of MJ Davidson's undead series. I loved it as much as the first. Betsy the vampire queen is no less sarcastic and certainly no less in love with Eric, although she vehemently denies the fact. Now that she's the queen (be it a reluctant one) she has become a target for assassination. I love Eric more and more in this one, so gallant, so sexy. I once again bow to Queen MJ. Third book is the start of a new series for me by one of my favorite authors, Katie MacAlister. As you all know, I am in love with the Dark Ones novels (BTW she has 3 new ones coming out for that this year! Soooooo excited!!!) but this review is about her Aisling Grey series. Most of you know my fondest desire is to be whisked away by a gorgeous vampire :) but I am beginning to wonder if being a wyvern's mate wouldn't be almost as cool.This book is about a Guardian who doesn't know she is one, who is also a wyvern's mate and doesn't want to be.
She also accidentally becomes a demon lord of sorts. All in all not a good turn of events for someone who just wants to be "normal" Katie always delivers humor and romance rolled up with adventure and I cannot wait till I get ahold of the next book. Well done ladies.

FYI

I am leaving on vacation in the morning I will be home Wednesday so next review will be then. I am taking a couple of books with me so maybe more than one. Thank you loyal followers. Blog you when I get home from the beach yay!

Undead

I have officially started the Undead series by Mary Janice Davidson. Can I just say, MJ, you are a woman after my own heart? I once was the self proclaimed Queen of Sarcasm, but I now humbly bow to my leader. The edgy humor in this series had me in hysterics. That said, the storyline was just as edgy as the humor. Fast paced and unique plot full of endearing (and annoying) characters which I cannot wait to follow through the series. You have my loyalty, my Queen.

More Love to Lynsay

Still reading the Argeneau Vampire series. I have read books 3 and 4 now. She is still just as laugh out loud funny as before, but for those of you who don't read her, let me explain why. She has her characters say the most insane things for instance in Single White Vampire (book 3) when Luc's girlfriend is fretting over the legends of vampirism he tells her "I am not dead. You are not a necrophiliac. Rigor mortis does not cause my erections. You do." It is that odd sense of humor that has me giggling like a school girl everytime I pick up one of her books. Always love you Lynsay thank you for the joy you bring into my world.

Chosen Ones

I reviewed Christina Dodd's seriously hot series Darkness Chosen on here, but what I didn't realize is that this 2 book series is actually an extension of the same world. Firebird's son is all grown up and has become a Chosen One.  Aleksander is the son of both an Abandoned One and a powerful shapeshifter and is trying to come into his own powers during an epic battle of good and evil. It can be read independantly as well so no worries. I have only read the first one and I am hunting down the second but believe me when I tell you she has done it  again! Christina is amazing she pumps so much life into her characters you can't help but become addicted to them. 2 thumbs up for this great series.

Wages of Sin

So the Cin Craven series by Jenna Maclaine has been sitting in my "to be read" pile since I came across her short story in Strange Brew. I sat down and read the first one, Wages of Sin, last night and it is brilliant. For those of you who haven't read the series, Cin is an amazing, powerful witch turned vampire. She is strong, smart and brave and by far one of my favorite heroines to date. To pair her with the dreamy, romantic and chivalrous Michael the Archangel was sheer genius. Great job Jenna I will be reading more of you for sure.

Stephanie Rowe

Just read Date Me Baby One More Time and am on the hunt for the 2nd book in this series. It was fast paced and hilarious. I read it on a suggestion because usually the fact that there were no vamps, weres/shapeshifters or fairies in it would have kept me from picking it up. Justine Bennett is an ass-kicking, sex- starved guardian of the goblet of eternal youth and her sidekick Theresa Nichols is a smart ass, nymphomaniac dragon. The jokes and crazy one liners are on every page. Defintely worth the read.

New review

Just finished Karen Chance's Touch the Dark. Although it was a good story it ran a little slow for my tastes and of course those of you who have read my reviews know I tend to favor books that make vampires the sexy, sultry hero type.It is fine to have a rogue vamp or two in the storyline but it is hard for me to swallow when vamps as a race are made out to bloodthirsty killers. The rogue should be the exception not the rule. That said, plot wise this book had action, suspense and an interesting ending.

Kindle Contest

I absolutely LOVE Vampires obviously but what is not to love about a witty, sexy, ax-wielding, fang bearing man who is built like a brick house.

love to Lynsay

I have started the Argeneau Vampire series by Lynsay Sands it is laugh out loud funny they were quick reads. I got the first 2 done in one day. Of course my kids thought I was insane laughing for no reason. Although Bones from the Night Huntress series is still my #1 Thomas Argeneau is running a hot and heavy second.

Finished

I finally finished the Darkeness Chosen series by Christina Dodd. Four totally hot russian shapeshifting brothers, what's not to love?! My favorite brother is probably Rurik(book 2),way sexy, but my favorite read was definitely Adrik's story (book 3). Gotta love that devil turned angel type of character and all in the name of true love. Way to go Christina!

Vampire Fiction Reviews from LoveVampires.com

Vampire Fiction Reviews from LoveVampires.com

Loved it!

Ok I was doing my usual perusing through the used bookstores and came across two anthologies that were worth the effort. After Twilight and Strange Brew were both very well written by top authors of the paranormal genre. A while back I read other anthologies that deserve an honorable mention, Wolfsbane and Mistletoe as well as My Big Fat Supernatural Honeymoon.

Quickly falling in love with Katie Macalister! The Dark One series is great.

night huntress series

Ok this is by far the sexiest most amazing vampire series EVER written. For those of you who haven't read Jeaniene Frost's awesome series do it ... do it now lol. For those of you who have read it help me locate books that are super similar in romance, action and steam levels PLEASE!!!! Also her first spinoff book from the series HOT HOT HOT!!! Seriously!