Monthly Archives: June 2012

FIFTY SHAMES OF EARL GREY (a parody) by Andrew Shaffer -a new release review

Posted on by
5

FIFTY SHAMES OF EARL GREY by Andrew Shaffer (aka Fanny Merkin) a review

FIFTY SHAMES OF EARL GREY –a parody by Fanny Merkin (aka Andrew Shaffer)

FIFTY SHAMES OF EARL GREY (release date July 31, 2012) is a parody based on the Fifty Shades trilogy by E L James. Following a similar storyline to the original novel, we are entertained with the knowledge that when all is said and done, we can laugh at ourselves and, of course, others. Fanny Merkin (aka Andrew Shaffer) writes with plenty of humor, but unless you have read the Fifty Shades Trilogy, some of the humor will be lost. I would suggest a thorough read of the Fifty Shades Trilogy before embarking on the copious quantity of parody novels. I found myself laughing in several spots, if for no other reason, than the comparisons to the original storyline. Remember how Ana likes to bite her lower lip? Well, her little fetish in Fifty Shames is shameful indeed and one that should NOT turn anyone on, but apparently Earl Grey has many shames. (you can find ALL 50 shames listed at the back of the book).

The main characters are still present and vaguely disguised. Anna Steal is the virgin heroine who first agrees to conduct the interview with Earl Grey on behalf of her BFF-the now 38 year old perpetually drunk and stoned Kathleen: Jin as her long suffering male friend Jose, who is no longer a photographer but promotes a website for men who love MY LITTLE PONY (Brony-brothers for ponies) and of course, Earl Grey-the billionaire corporate mogul who likes to partake in a game of Dungeon Masters and practices BDSM-Bards, Dragons, Sorcery and Magick. (insert giggle here). Oh and watch out for Earl’s affinity to role playing-he takes the faery tale to a whole new level!! Christian/Earl’s need to protect Ana/Anna at all costs will find him purchasing a series of well known retailers and educational institutes-all in the name of -obsession. Maybe Anna should quit while she is still ahead!! Remember the obsession with food?-there are plenty of passages that involve food and the play by play as the couple engages in eating a banquet of edibles, will have you thinking about many sitcoms on late night TV.

We meet Anna’s mother and her 6th husband, both who are practicing nudists, and never wear clothing no matter what the occasion. But there is a twist to Earl Grey’s storyline surrounding his mother-apparently she wasn’t a drug addict as first explored, but there is an addiction none-the-less. And look, she is still alive-just like Elvis-but maybe not for long. As for some of the storyline premise, the Charlie Tango incident combines with the final scene where we find Ana on the warehouse floor after the extortion plot, and of course, fans of Twilight will liken some of the hospital scene to Bella and Edward’s storyline.

Fanny Merkin (aka Andrew Shaffer) and yes, I am still not sure who is the actual author or the pseudonym (Andrew-I think), likens many of Earl’s characteristics to Edward Cullen (yes Carmen, I said Edward). When Earl first meets Anna he introduces himself as Edward Cullen, but as the storyline nears the end, there are more similarities to the Twilight saga. And look, is Earl Grey sparkling in the sunlight? Wait til you follow Anna’s pregnancy and meet their newborn baby Chris Grey.

Overall, FIFTY SHAMES OF EARL GREY is strictly a parody. Not to be taken seriously, but a humorous look at a $1,000,000 ( or perhaps billion by now) selling trilogy that many people cannot fathom as to why. The media has aided the promotion of the Fifty Shades phenomenon by labeling the novels ‘mommy porn’ (which in my opinion, it is a far cry from porn or even erotica) and the humorous renditions and skits (ala Saturday Night Live) will continue to keep E L James on the number one best sellers lists. Many critics and reviewers have attacked the content and quality of Fifty Shades et al, but no one ever said it would win a Pulitzer. And like many of those who have never read the trilogy by E L James, but still have an opinion, while everyone is entitled to an opinion, even if they should not. 😉 Fifty Shames takes a light-hearted look at a number one seller and if you have read the original series, you cannot help but laugh out loud during some of the more popular scenes and passages.

Copy supplied by publisher

reviewed by Sandy

Share

HIS DARK EMBRACE by Amanda Ashley-a new release review

Posted on by
7

HIS DARK EMBRACE by Amanda Ashley- a new release review

HIS DARK EMBRACE by Amanda Ashley

HIS DARK EMBRACE is the June 5, 2012 latest release in Amanda Ashley’s Vampire series of novels. Amanda (aka Madeline Baker) is one of the most prolific writers of paranormal and romance novels, and His Dark Embrace is the latest in a series of sexy vampires.

Kaiden Thorne is over 400 years old, a master vampire and has been in love with his neighbor’s granddaughter since she was a small child. In the beginning, Kaiden thought only to protect the young child, as requested by her grandfather, but as the girl grew into a young woman, Kaiden’s desires and feelings changed. When Skylynn moved to Chicago and married, Kaiden left town, only to return on the occasion when it was necessary to seek out the old man across the street.

Skylynn (Sky Blue) had always known she was in love with the mysterious Kaiden Thorne. As a young girl, she dreamed that one day she would marry and raise a family with Kaiden, but their age difference would be a problem. After a failed marriage, her brother Sam missing in Afghanistan, and now the death of her grandfather, going home to Vista Verde, California was difficult. Would Kaiden still live across the street and would he remember Skylynn?

As the story progresses, it becomes apparent that there is a mutual attraction between Skylynn and Kaiden, but Kaiden needs something of her grandfather’s. Hoping the old man had written the secrets to his many experiments, Kaiden and Skylynn search through her grandfather’s vast collection of journals and books, but the only clue is an old notebook with torn and missing pages. Without the information, Kaiden is doomed to return to a life of darkness and blood.

Desmarais is a vampire hunter and his target is Kaiden. Seeking revenge for the death of his wife, Desmarais has tracked his wife’s killer to the town of Vista Verde-the same town where the old man with his ‘life-altering’ experiments has recently died. Hoping to recover the secrets, Desmarais is unable to find the journals, but discovers that Kaiden is involved with the old man’s granddaughter and that would alter the stakes for revenge. Skylynn was now on the vampire hunter’s list of intended victims. When Desmarais is approached by an ancient vampire, more powerful than Kaiden, the true nature of the vampire will be revealed to the once proud vampire hunter. And it is with his new-found powers, that Desmarais is willing to risk everything to avenge the death of his wife.

The relationship between Skylynn and Kaiden progresses, but the revelation that the man she has loved all of her life is not human, sends Skylynn back to Chicago searching for answers. Adding another detail into the storyline, Skylynn’s brother Sam returns from the Middle East suffering amnesia. But it is Sam who will once again fall prey at the hands of monsters.

His Dark Embrace is a romantic paranormal novel with an interesting HEA. Amanda Ashley has written a story about love, death, betrayal and revenge, without the use of foul language, graphic sex or scenes of violence and death. A refreshing look at a love story involving two people who have always loved the other without the angst of playing hard to get or pushing away the one that you love. Another wonderful read from the desk of Amanda Ashley.

LINKS to purchase:
B&N Nook
B&N Books
KOBO
Amazon Books
The Book Depository

copy supplied by author

Reviewed by Sandy

Share

The Witness by Nora Roberts – a Review

Posted on by
14

The Witness by Nora Roberts – a Review

I have always been a fan of Nora Roberts.  She was one of my first adult authors I’ve ever read way back when.  After the university and all the work and studying was done Nora was the first author I turned too and got me back into reading for the joy of it.  So every time I pick up a Nora Roberts book it feels like going home to me and this book was no different.  I enjoyed The Witness from beginning to end.  It was a book that had me turning the page to see what would happen next.  I couldn’t put the book down and the flow of the story just sweeps you along. One of the things I like about Nora’s writing is her ability to intrigue the reader from the get go.  The way she introduces the main character and sets the backdrop of the story never fails to amaze me.  It gets me hooked from the first chapter and keeps me that way to the end, and always wanting more.  For me that’s the sign of a seasoned pro in the writing industry.

In The Witness, Nora sets the stage early.  She pulls you in with the main character Elizabeth Fitch, a.k.a Abigail Lowery, I’ll explain this a bit later, I promise.  😉  Elizabeth is a kid genius, born to a power hungry and driven to succeed parent.  Her life is basically dictated to her by her mother, the poor girl can’t do a thing without consulting her mother and the life schedule she’s created for the poor girl.  In doing so, her mother causes Elizabeth to grow up before her time, and do something no teenager should ever have to do.  Fight for her life to survive every day for the rest of her life.  Elizabeth rebels against her miserable life on one fateful weekend, and the events that unfold after are fast paced, suspenseful, and heartbreaking, with a bit of romance thrown in for good measure.  Nora leads the reader on a suspense filled romantic journey that doesn’t disappoint. 

Elizabeth finally felt like she was a normal teenager, going shopping with a friend, using fake I.D.’s to get into a bar, dancing and kissing a cute boy, but never once realizing the danger she and her friend would be in.  After witnessing a murder by the Russian mob, Elizabeth manages to escape and make it to the cops, where she is placed into protective custody until they can get her into the witness protection program.  However, things don’t go as planned and thanks to some dirty cops, Elizabeth’s life is once again placed in danger. Once again Elizabeth finds herself on the run and her newest friends and protectors dead. 

Fast-forward 12 years where we meet Abigail Lowery who is living a secluded life in the Ozarks and hiding out from the Russian mob.  Yes you guessed it, Miss Lowery is the very same Elizabeth Fitch who has been on the run these past 12 years, changing identities, jobs and leading a life that no one should have to live.   A life lived in fear that one day the mob will find her and do away with her to keep their secrets safe.  Living in fear and hiding, Abigail never dreamed of living a normal life, one where she wouldn’t always be looking over her shoulder.  However, things begin to change for her as she slowly starts to put down roots in the little town of Bicksford out in the Ozarks.

Enter police chief Brooks Gleason, who has recently returned home himself.  Being the ever observant police chief that he is, Brooks can’t help but notice Abigail’s secluded lifestyle and non-existent connections to Bickford’s residents and everyday goings on. Her lifestyle has not only peaked the interest of the police chief, but the residents as well.  It’s through Brooks’ pursuit of Abigail’s affections that we get to see more of what Abigail has lived through and her reluctance to never get close to another human being. Her only friend and constant companion is her guard dog Bert.  As we get a better look into Abigail’s life, one can’t help but feel heartbroken for the 16 year old girl who lost her teenage years to a horrible event, and then never really being able to live the way she wanted to live as an adult.  Brooks sees through her and realizes that something dangerous plagues Abigail’s life and is patient with her, allowing her the chance to come to terms with everything, trust another person and start to see a light at the end of the tunnel.

Even though Abigail is strong, smart, skilled and quite capable of taking care of herself, she is also vulnerable and scared that one day her life will be cut short.  Thanks to Brooks and his ever steady, calm and patient personality Abigail opens up to him and tells him everything about her life.  Together they come up with a plan that will allow Elizabeth to get the justice she’s wanted all these years, put the past to rest and free her from her self-induced prison of a life.  As the events leading up to the ending unfold, we get to see classic Nora Roberts and are shocked by what happens.  It’s an ending that you don’t see coming, because Nora does a bang up job with it and it’s also a fitting ending to a story that has been filled with suspense, drama, humour, heartbreak and romance. 

If you are a Nora Roberts fan then this is a must read.  If you aren’t already a fan of Nora, then this is an excellent book to introduce you to her writing and wonderful imagination and storytelling abilities.  It’s a story that will have you on the edge of your seat wanting to know what’s happening next, but at the same time enjoying the romance that Nora so skillfully weaves throughout the danger and mystery that surrounds our heroine Abigail Lowery, a.k.a Elizabeth Fitch. 

Reviewed by Marcie

Share

Seduced by the Vampire King by Laura Kaye-a new release review

Posted on by
9

Seduced by the Vampire King by Laura Kaye-a new release review

SEDUCED BY THE VAMPIRE KING by Laura Kaye

SEDUCED BY THE VAMPIRE KING is the second instalment and June 1, 2012 new release in Laura Kaye’s Vampire Warrior Kings series.

FROM THE WEBSITE: Seven remaining Vampire Warrior Kings battle the evil Soul Eaters in an ancient war that threatens their hearts, their lives and the very world we all share.

Kate Bordessa is an American exchange student. Fleeing to Russia to escape a possible future as the proffered virgin to a Vampire King, Kate can’t stop the feeling that there is someone or something missing in her life. And life indentured to a Vampire King was not a position she was willing to accept. But finding a bleeding and dying vampire in the shadows of a darkened alley in Moscow, tugged at a fierce protectiveness she had never known. Kate knew that the injured vampire was hers.

Nikolai Vasilyev is a Vampire Warrior King. Blaming himself for the death of his brothers, Nikolai pushes the limits of safety in the war against the Soul Eaters. But going in alone would only prove that Nikolai had become more reckless with time. Believing himself no longer worthy to wear a Warrior’s braids, Nikolai forgoes the jewels of his position, in mourning for the loss of his brothers. But a fatal miscalculation during battle with the unseen Soul Eaters leaves Nikolai alone and dying from multiple gun shot wounds that have caused more damage than he was able to heal.

Kate’s attraction to the wounded vampire is surprising. Her need to protect and save the male who lay dying at her feet seemed outlandish especially with the revelation that he was a vampire. She had fled to Russia to escape a life of servitude to a Vampire King, but his hunger and need for blood, overrode her instincts to survive. Giving freely of herself, Kate finds herself falling for the stranger who needed her more than anyone at that moment. But Nikolai’s friends would soon find the couple, and it is Kate’s surprising defense of their friend, that will result in her capture.

Nikolai has no idea what has happened. Likening to a dream, he remembers a beautiful woman with whom he has shared her blood. But when his best friend Mikhail reveals that the American woman had saved his life, Nikolai suspects that perhaps she is more than just his rescuer, but his mate. Hoping to meet Kate, Nikolai finds her imprisoned in the dungeons for a crime that she did not commit.

The attraction between the couple is immediate but Nikolai believes that he is not worthy of a mate. With the death of his brothers ingrained so deeply into his soul, Nikolai refuses to fall for the young woman. But Kate knows that she and Nikolai are destined. And when they give into their desires, the mating mark of the Vampire Warrior proves that the love of a woman is what he needed to forgive himself for the death of his friends.

SEDUCED BY THE VAMPRIE KING is another wonderful short story in the Vampire Warrior King series by Laura Kaye. Kate and Nikolai’s passion for each other will have you wanting your own Vampire Warrior King and Laura’s passion for her vampires shows through.

LINKS to purchase:
Amazon Kindle
B&N Nook
KOBO

Reviewed  by  Sandy

Share

FREE ebooks for your Kindle e-reader-June 3, 2012

Posted on by
Reply

FREE KINDLE ebooks for your e-reader-June 3, 2012

 

At the time of this posting the Kindle ebooks were FREE.

The Reading Cafe may or may not have read any or all of the books offered. We post them for your perusal.



CONVICTIONS by Julie Morrigan
Sarah of the Moon by Randy Mixter
Stirring Up Trouble (YA) by Juli Alexander
The Secret Christmas Ciphers by Carolynn Carey
The Princess’ Dragon Lord by Mandy Rosko
Summons: A Goblin King Prequel by Shona Husk
Across A Moonlit Sea (Pirate Wolf) by Marsha Canham
Reunion (Vampires Realm #6) by F E Heaton
Setting Him Free by Alexandra Marell
Zane’s Tale: A Succubus Diaries short

Share

Laura Kaye-Interview and Giveaway with the author

Posted on by
43

Laura Kaye-Interview and Giveaway with the author

Laura Kaye-Interview and Giveaway with the author.

On Friday June 1, Laura’s second instalment in her fantastic Vampire Warrior King’s series was released and we have the pleasure of interviewing this fabulous author today at The Reading Cafe.

TRC:  Hi Laura and welcome to The Reading Café. We would like to start with some background information.

Laura:  Sure! And thanks for hosting me here today!

 

TRC:  Please tell us about yourself.

Laura:  I write paranormal, contemporary and erotic romance and have seven books out so far, an eighth due to release in July. I’m also a wife, mom to two young girls (8 and almost 6), college history professor, and complete and total vampire addict. I live in Maryland right on the shores of the Chesapeake Bay.

TRC: You have always had an interest in writing since your early teens.  What or whom do you credit with your love of writing?

Laura:  I credit my love of writing to my love of reading. I think when you grow up with your nose buried in a book it’s easier to imagine stories of your own. As the only child of a single parent (who was also a huge reader), I spent a lot of time alone, and I passed much of it by reading. And all things paranormal were always my first love as a reader, so it’s also natural that I wrote so many paranormal now.

TRC:  Is there anything you find particularly challenging or difficult with writing?

Laura:  I find revising more challenging than writing the first draft. Once I get a scene in my head a certain way, it’s harder to move it around and see it in a new way. I also find that I usually have to go back through my first draft and layer in deeper emotional reaction, so now that’s just a regular part of my revision process.

TRC: In The Service of the King is the premiere novel in your Vampire Warrior King series. Would you please tell us about the premise?(see our review below)

Laura:  All the books in this series are set in a world in which there are seven remaining vampire warrior kings who are in alliance with an elite group of influential humans known as The Electorate Council, and together they fight the evil Soul Eaters, immortals addicted to stealing the souls of humans by exsanguinating them and eating their heart. In In the Service of the King, the hero, Kael MacQuillan, is forced to endure a feeding ritual he loathes in order to keep himself and his warriors strong for the fight.

TRC:  The premise behind the ‘proffering’ is an interesting concept. What was your inspiration behind the ‘proffering’?

Laura:  The Proffered are human women who are trained to service the vampire warrior elite, including the kings. The idea behind the Proffering as a ceremonial ritual was a, I hope, fun and darkly sexy way of combining a vampire’s compulsion for blood with sexual domination and submission.

TRC: Seduced by the Vampire King (released on June 1, 2012) is the second novel in the Vampire Warrior King series. Would you please tell us something about the premise?(See our review June 4)

Laura:  Seduced by the Vampire King plays on the enemies-to-lovers trope by forcing together a vampire who loathes himself so much he refuses to rule his people or take a mate, and a human woman who left her home to get away the vampires she was destined to serve. They both represent the last thing in the world the other wants. Here’s the blurb:

Seduced by the Vampire King:

Book 2: Vampire Warrior Kings Series American exchange student Kate Bordessa has fled to Russia to escape her family’s hopes that she’ll become one of the Proffered, human women who feed and mate with elite vampire warriors. But when she stumbles upon a wounded vampire in the streets of Moscow, she’s instinctively driven to protect him–and feels an undeniable spark of desire. Grieving over the deaths of his brothers, Vampire Warrior King Nikolai Vasilyev has thrown himself into battling his enemies, focused only on vengeance. Until the attack that brought him to Kate. Their sexual attraction explodes into a night of uncontrolled passion–a night that marks them as mates. Is their connection strong enough to convince them to embrace a destiny neither of them was expecting?

TRC:  There are 7 Vampire Warrior Kings according to the series outline. Will each Vampire Warrior King get his own storyline? If the series becomes a runaway hit, will your consider extending beyond your original number of books?

Laura:  For reasons that will become clear, there won’t be seven stories. Right now four are planned. I’m not sure yet whether there will be more stories to tell beyond the fourth, though I’m always willing to listen to my muse if she whips up a new story idea. So stay tuned!

TRC:  What are your plans for the third storyline in the series?

Laura:  The third story (as yet untitled) will be set in Tromso, Norway, and will feature Henrik Magnusson, Warrior King of the Northern Vampires, who is dying…

TRC:  The Hearts of the Anemoi is a series based in Greek mythology. Would you tell us about the premise of the series? What is the significance of the ‘Anemoi’?

Laura:  The Anemoi were directional wind gods the Greeks associated with the seasons and with controlling the weather. In Greek Mythology, there were four cardinal Anemoi (N=Boreas, W=Zephyros, S=Notos, E=Eurus) and a number of ordinal Anemoi (i.e., NE, SW, SE, etc). The cardinal Anemoi were fathered by Aeolus, a powerful and sometimes cruel storm god. I’m weaving a lot of the mythology about each of these individual gods into their respective stories, which will pit three of the Anemoi, along with some lesser gods, against the fourth Anemoi brother. The series will come to a head in a major Armageddon-style battle involving all the characters from the series.

TRC:  What was your inspiration behind the mythology concept?

Laura:  I’m trained in history and anthropology, and so basing fictional stories on mythology allows me to pull from those interests in some ways. Greek mythology is also a rich source of inspiration—talk about drama! With backstabbing gods, secret babies, illicit affairs, and powerful magic, Greek mythology is like the soap operas of the ancient world! Specifically, though, I came upon the mythology of the Anemoi when I was researching North of Need, the first book in the series. I thought my hero was a simple snowman come to life, but the story wouldn’t work that way. After spending an entire afternoon research the winter mythologies and folk lore of multiple cultures, I found the Anemoi and knew Owen was a snow god, destined heir to Boreas, Supreme God of the North Wind and Winter. The series rolled out from that.

TRC:  North of Need is the first book in the Heart of the Anemoi series. Would you please tell us something about the storyline?

Laura:  North of Need is a story about learning to heal and trust again after tragic loss. Here’s the blurb:

Her tears called a powerful snow god to life, but only her love can grant the humanity he craves… While attempting to escape the agonizing memories she associates with Christmas, twenty-nine-year-old widow Megan Snow builds a snow family outside the mountain cabin she once shared with her husband–and collapses in tears against the snowman at the sight of what she’ll never have. Called to life by the power of Megan’s tears, snow god Owen Winters appears unconscious on her doorstep in the midst of a raging blizzard. As she nurses him to health, Owen finds unexpected solace in her company and unimagined pleasure in the warmth of her body, and vows to win her heart for a chance at humanity. Megan is drawn to Owen’s mismatched eyes, otherworldly masculinity, and enthusiasm for the littlest things, and her heart opens enough to believe he’s a Christmas miracle. But this miracle comes with an expiration–before the snow melts and the temperature rises, Megan must let go of her widow’s grief and learn to trust love again, or she’ll lose Owen forever.”

TRC:  West of Want is the second installment (release date July 10, 2012). Would you please tell us about the premise?

Laura:  I’m really excited about West of Want, because it will be my first book releasing in bookstores! West of Want features two people who have experienced an enormous amount of loss and betrayal and both feel unwanted and unlovable because of it. It’s a book that’s fundamentally about letting go of your past in order to claim your future. Here’s the blurb:

Betrayal is all he’s ever known, but in her, he’ll find a love strong enough to be trusted… When Marcella Raines’ twin brother dies, she honors his request to be buried at sea, never expecting the violent storm that swamps her boat. Though she’s gravely injured–and still emotionally damaged from her recent divorce–Ella fights to survive. Zephyros Martius is the Supreme God of the West Wind and Spring, but being the strongest Anemoi hasn’t protected him from betrayal and loss. Worse, he’s sure his brother Eurus is behind it. When Zeph’s heartbreak whips up a storm that shipwrecks a human, his guilt forces him to save her. Ella is drawn to the vulnerability Zeph hides beneath his otherworldly masculinity and ancient blue eyes. And her honesty, empathy, and unique, calming influence leave Zeph wanting…everything. When Eurus threatens Ella, she and Zeph struggle to let go of the past, defend their future, and embrace what they most want–a love that can be trusted.

TRC:  Each of the book titles included the compass direction: North, South, East or West. Do you have any plans to extend the series beyond the original four?

Laura:  It’s totally possible. A new character arose in the second book who just might demand a full-length novel of his own. And there’s a possibility I might write a novella related to the series that would be published between books two and three—more on that to come! 

TRC:  Is there a message in your writing that you want to readers to understand?

Laura:  The most consistent message that runs through all of my work is one of hope—that there’s someone or someplace where we all belong, and we shouldn’t ever give up until we find it.

TRC:  Many authors bounce ideas between family members, friends or other authors. With whom do you bounce around ideas and why?

Laura:  My best friend Lea Nolan is a YA paranormal author with her first book coming out in October. She and I began writing together four years ago and do everything together. So she’s my first and foremost sounding board. I also belong to a writer’s group with a number of amazingly supportive and brilliant writers who are always able to help brainstorm out a plot or solve a problem.

TRC:  What are you currently working on?

Laura:  I am working on the follow-up story to my contemporary romance that released on May 15 called Her Forbidden Hero. The heroine’s brother from that story, Brady Scott, will be getting a story of his own, though I don’t have a title or a release date yet. But expect more of the same awesome tortured hero angst you got with Marco Vieri in Her Forbidden Hero. *grins*

TRC:  Would you like to add anything else?

 

Laura:  Just, always, thank you for the readers for giving my stories a chance and bringing my characters to life! I couldn’t do what I do without you!

LIGHTNING ROUND

Favorite Food – Pasta with homemade meat sauce and fresh garlic bread!

Favorite Dessert – Warm apple pie with vanilla ice cream

Favorite TV Show – Right now it’s probably Game of Thrones.

Favorite Movie – Ooh, this is a hard one…I don’t know if I could pick just one…Love Actually would be somewhere near the top of my list—how’s that?

Last Movie You Saw – the Chimpanzee movie with my girls. Amazing documentary with a compelling storyline…

Favorite Flower – Magnolia for the fragrance, yellow rose for the sentimental meaning

Dark or Milk Chocolate – Milk chocolate!

Do you have any pets? – Yes, a 10-year-old very cute but very bad Shepherd-Collie mix named Jack

TRC:  Laura, we would like to thank you for taking the time to answer our questions. It is always a pleasure to read about the person behind the ‘author’. Thank you for sharing today.

Laura:  Thank you so much for having me here and for the fun questions! I would like to offer one commenter who leaves their email address an ebook of Seduced by the Vampire King! Just share one of your answers to the Lightning Round, above! Good luck!

Buy Laura’s Books Website | Blog | Facebook | Twitter | Newsletter Signup

About Laura Kaye:

Voted Breakout Author of the Year in the 2011 GraveTells Readers’ Choice Awards, Laura is the bestselling and award-winning author of over a half-dozen books in paranormal, contemporary and erotic romance. Hearts in Darkness is the EPIC eBook Award Winner for Best Novella and HOLT Medallion Award of Merit Winner for Best Romance Novella, Forever Freed is the NJRW Golden Leaf Winner for Best Paranormal of 2011 and is a finalist for two GDRWA Booksellers’ Best Awards, and North of Need, the first book in the Hearts of the Anemoi series, is a finalist for a FF&P PRISM award, was named GraveTells’ Best Book of 2011 and won their 5-STAR Gold Heart Award, and won Sizzling Hot Read of the Year at Sizzling Hot Books. Laura lives in Maryland with her husband, two daughters, and cute-but-bad dog, and appreciates her view of the Chesapeake Bay every day.

**********GIVEAWAY*********

Laura is offering an ebook copy of her novel:  SEDUCED BY THE VAMPIRE KING

To be eligible for our giveaway:

1.  You must be a member of The Reading Cafe.  If you are not a member, please register using the LOG-IN tab at the top, or by using one of the social log-ins at the top right side.

2.  You MUST leave a comment answering one of the LIGHTNING ROUND QUESTIONS.

3.  Contest is open internationally.

4.  Contest runs from June 3 to June 7, 2012

 

Share

In The Service of the King by Laura Kaye-a review

Posted on by
7

In The Service of the King by Laura Kaye-a review

IN THE SERVICE OF THE KING by Laura Kaye

IN THE SERVICE OF THE KING is the February 2012 premiere storyline in Laura Kaye’s Vampire Warrior Kings series. Without his mate, Kael the vampire King is required to feed from a virgin, but the Evening of the Proffering is not a ritual that the King willingly accepts. But his need for blood is greater now that it has been months since his last feed. Adding to his humiliation is the fact that his warriors must wait til the King has fed before they, themselves, are able to feed.

Kael despises the Proffering. As a vampire, he must feed but since his mate died in childbirth hundreds of years earlier, Kael pushes the limits of his need until absolutely necessary. The human virgins used for the Proffering are educated in the ways of the Vampire King and the ceremonial rites and passages, but that does not make is any easier for Kael. Knowing that these women willingly submit to the blood-letting in order that he may feed, is a ritual he must endure in order to survive.

Shayla McKinnon has always wanted to be one of the Proffered virgins. Growing up in Ireland, Shayla was aware of the vampire King and his need for a Proffered virgin. Hoping she would be one of the selected virgins, Shayla kept herself pure and educated in the ways of the Proffering ritual. But the King’s reaction to Shayla’s unexpected appearance left the young woman near tears and willing to submit to a man who was taken aback by something that neither could explain.

Kael was shocked when he looked into the eyes of the beautiful woman offered for her blood. So mesmerized by her appearance, Kael blindfolded the beauty and felt her humiliation and shame at the King’s response. But Kael’s need to taste all but blinded him to the ceremonial ritual and for the first time in his life, the King fed directly from someone other than his mate. His desire and need for the young woman kneeling at the feet of one of the most powerful Vampire Kings, was about to change everything for Kael and his band of warriors. Knowing she was the one, would force Kael down to his knees in supplication to the woman who would one day be his Queen.

In The Service of the King is a wonderful new novella from Laura Kaye. The mating ceremony and blood exchange is sexy and erotic-something different and new from the fascinating mind of Laura Kaye.

LINKS to purchase:
Amazon Kindle
KOBO
B&N Nook

Reviewed  by  Sandy

Share