Tag Archives: vampire

Red Queen (Dark Gothic Romance) by Harper A Brooks-review tour

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Red Queen (Dark Gothic Vampire Romance) by Harper A Brooks-review tour

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date October 31, 2024

The Red Queen will rise again…

Vampire queen Eleanna Cordon didn’t go gently into the good night when her enemies attacked her castle and stole her throne. Instead, she escaped with only her undead life and a heart that, when it did beat, thrummed for raging, violent revenge.

Reclaiming her rightful place requires more than sheer will. It demands a risky alliance with the one man she vowed never to turn to—her ex-lover and the leader of a rival vampire kingdom, Alexandru Amanar. Despite their sordid past, he’s the only one who’s ever been able to give her what she needs. In more ways than one.

But can she trust him?

Their shared history is painted with bloodshed, betrayal, and unrestrained passion, but what the queen wants, she always gets… whether that means staking her enemies or having one of them in her bed.

•••••

REVIEW:I’ve read many books by this author, and loved most of them. But this one ….

Loved it…..

It starts off with a coup! And the Queen is running away …..

Vampire Queen Eleanna, i have to admit, I wasn’t a huge fan of hers at the beginning (not your usual/typical vampire) She was all for using humans at cattle! “We are the dominant species” blah blah blah!! So I wasn’t too bothered when she was overthrown by another vampire! It’s also why Eleanna and Alexandru finally broke up (story there, but I’m not telling 🤐)

Both sides from main characters are told. (Becoming a favourite of mine if done correctly) Battles are graphic, but not overly gross. The story flows really well and at a steady pace.

Eleanna is on her way to Alexandru, she’s going to ask for his help in reclaiming her throne. Is he going to help her? 🤐

I liked how Alexandru never backed down. He was also still nursing a broken heart after Eleanna broke off their relationship. He’s guards were loyal and knew he was loyal to them. I liked how he could banter with his friend Ivan, but still pull rank when needed.

Would I have liked it if she hadn’t have had a change of heart? Would it have made for a different type of read if the MFC had stayed the same? Through her journey to taking back her throne, Eleanna discovers herself and what she actually wants (Her father’s beliefs became her own) her quest to obtain items in which she uses to hopefully take back the throne, makes her look at herself in a different light.

Will there be more in this series? Or will it be just a standalone? I’m not sure, but it might be nice to revisit this world again at some point.

Queen of the Damned vibes (loved that movie) where she’s not a nice vampire, at first 😉

There are Triggers, so please read the warnings.

Definitely a book I’d recommend.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Julie B 🦋

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Harper A. Brooks lives in a small town on the New Jersey shore. Even though classic authors have always filled her bookshelves, she finds her writing muse drawn to the dark, magical, and romantic. But when she isn’t creating entire worlds with sexy shifters or legendary love stories, you can find her either with a good cup of coffee in hand or at home snuggling with her furry, four-legged son, Sammy.

She writes urban fantasy and paranormal romance.
RONE Award Winner
USA TODAY Bestselling Author
International Bestselling Author

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Haunted Ever After by Jen Deluca – Review & Giveaway

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Haunted Ever After by Jen Deluca – Review & Giveaway

 

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Description:
It’s love at first haunting in a seaside town that raises everyone’s spirits.

Small Florida coastal towns often find themselves scrambling for the tourism dollars that the Orlando theme parks leave behind. And within the town limits of Boneyard Key, the residents decided long ago to lean into its ghostliness. Nick Royer, owner of the Hallowed Grounds coffee shop, embraces the ghost tourism that keeps the local economy afloat, as well as his spectral roommate. At least he doesn’t have to run air-conditioning.

Cassie Rutherford possibly overreacted to all her friends getting married and having kids by leaving Orlando and buying a flipped historic cottage in Boneyard Key. Though there’s something unusual with her new home (her laptop won’t charge in any outlets, and the poetry magnets on her fridge definitely didn’t read “WRONG” and “MY HOUSE” when she put them up), she’s charmed by the colorful history surrounding her. And she’s catching a certain vibe from the grumpy coffee shop owner whenever he slips her a free slice of banana bread along with her coffee order.

As Nick takes her on a ghost tour, sharing town gossip that tourists don’t get to hear, and they spend nights side-by-side looking into the former owners of her haunted cottage, their connection solidifies into something very real and enticing. But Cassie’s worried she’s in too deep with this whole (haunted) home ownership thing…and Nick’s afraid to get too close in case Cassie gets scared away for good.

 

 

Review:

Haunted Ever After by Jen Deluca is the 1st book in her new Boneyard Key series. The story centers around Boneyard Key, a haunted small town in Florida, that is known for its ghostly tourism. We meet Cassie Rutherford, who has recently purchased a historic cottage, and learns more about the town vibes, with some of the haunted houses that help the tourism in the town. Cassie thinks that the haunted places are not real, just giving the tourists a chance to visit.  

Soon after she moves in, Cassie senses unusual things happening in her house; such as her laptop won’t charge up, other electrical issues, and soon her refrigerator leaves magnet messages from a ghost, who used to own the house.   Cassie ends up going each morning for very good coffee and banana bread, at Hallowed Grounds local café, meeting the café owner, Nick; she also is able to get her laptop to work in the café.   Nick goes out of his way to teach Cassie about the history of Boneyard Key, as well as talking about the ghosts that are possibly residents in town, or the cemetery across the lake.

Nick has his own ghost, Elmer, who texts him or talks in his head; Elmer was the previous owner of the Café, and he is a fun ghost, who tries to advise Nick.  Cassie slowly begins to understand how The Hawkins House does have their own ghosts, especially after Sarah (the previous owner) leaves her those magnet messages.  It was fun to see when Cassie watches a romantic tv show, Sarah in the background (she is unseen) also watches.   Every-time Nick comes to visit Cassie, he gets strange static vibes, and in time they all discover that there is a mean spirit who rules the house and Sarah.

I really liked Cassie and Nick together, and I loved her friends, Libby and Sophia, as well as Libby’s grandmother, Nan: Nick’s cook, and two nice ghosts (Elmer & Sarah).  It is Nan who is able to use her witch powers to try and stop the evil ghost. I will say that this was a slow burn romance for more than half the book, with Nick befriending and helping Cassie with her ghostly issues.  

Cassie, with help from Libby and Sophia, will get Nan to perform her abilities to find a way to get rid of the evil presence in the house; the key was getting Nick to agree, since the bad man took over his body, and it was Cassie who will stand up to protect Nick, and defeat evil. 

Haunted Ever After was a wonderful and fun story, that had a paranormal element (ghosts), which was entertaining from start to finish.  I like that Sarah would still be around, but sad that Elmer finally moved on. Cassie needed to decide if she was going to stay in Boneyard Key, but once Nick told her he loved her, and she responded the same; and embrace their life in the ghostly community. Haunted Ever After was very well written by Jen Deluca.  I can’t wait to see what happens in the next book, with a few ladies having possible romances.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

Jen Deluca’s publisher, Berkley, is offering a paper copy of HAUNTED EVER AFTER to ONE (1) lucky commenter at The Reading Cafe

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7. Giveaway is open to USA only

8. Giveaway runs from August 13th to17th, 2024

 

 

 

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Master Bistrita (Masters of the Consulate 11) by Sylvia Black

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Master Bistrita (Masters of the Consulate 11) by Sylvia Black-review tour

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Amazon.uk / Amazon.au /

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Add to your Goodreads TBR ➩ https://bit.ly/3WoB0WI

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date July 19, 2024

A vampire master with revenge on his mind.
A red-haired beauty who won’t stand for his rules.
When they find their targets, will the star-crossed lovers survive?

The mangy shifters and bloodthirsty rogue vampires have evaded us, using traitors from the underworld for
the very last time. Now, there is no escaping their doom.

All the stars are finally aligned for the purebloods. The master vampires will surely be victorious over our
enemies, as long as the pesky witches can be trusted to cooperate.

But destiny throws a curveball and places a goddess who insists on defying me at every turn, right in the
middle of the vampire war.

And when the enemies attack her, they make a deadly mistake. They will learn just how protective a master
vampire can be when protecting his mate.

Because no one messes with the woman I plan to make mine, no matter how many rules must be broken or
enemies must die.

They will learn that the hard way today.

••••••

REVIEW:MASTER BISTRITA is the eleventh instalment in Sylvia Black’s contemporary adult MASTERS OF THE CONSULATE dark, paranormal, romance series. This is pureblood vampire Master Bistrita, and bartender Chara’s story line. MASTER BISTRITA can be read as a stand alone but for back story and cohesion, I recommend reading the series in order as there is an ongoing premise throughout, and many of the previous story line characters and couples play a significant role.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Bistrita and Chara) MASTER BISTRITA continues to focus on the hunt for a betrayer. One of their own has formed an army of rogue vampires, taking aim at the members of the Consulate and their fated mates. With the forced help of the shifters, the rogue leader wants the ultimate power, and in an effort to achieve their position, takes aim at the vampires, their mates, and the coven of witches. Meanwhile Master Bistrita has discovered that female bartender Chara is his fated mate, and our hero is determined to introduce Chara to his dark side, his need to Dominate the woman with whom he will fall in love. What ensues is the quick building relationship between Chara and Bistrita, and the potential fall-out as betrayal from within begins to multiply as more vampires and rogues are pulled to the ‘dark side’

The world building continues to focus on the hunt for a betrayer, and the suspected betrayal by of a witch who is believed to be assisting vampire Lucas. As the pureblood vampires and masters slowly succumbed to their fated mates, a once powerful enemy will join forces with the vampires to hunt those who have betrayed their own.

The relationship between Chara and Bistrita is one of fated mates but there is little to no build up of palpable sexual attraction. Bistrita is a Dominant who is determined to make Chara submit to his will but Chara is a strong willed young woman who is struggling to find a place amongst the most powerful beings. Chara wants to become a vampire for many reasons, one of which is the man with whom she is falling in love. The $ex scenes are limited but provocative and seductive.

Once again, there is a large ensemble cast of colorful and familiar secondary and supporting characters, most of whom we have met in the previous story lines including the return of Benzini Crime family; Vampires Magnus, Gregor and Tylen. The requisite evil has many faces.

MASTER BISTRITA is a story of secrets and lies, betrayal and vengeance, power and control, acceptance and friendships. The premise is dramatic and captivating ; the characters are determined and charismatic; the romance is provocative but I struggled to feel any palpable sexual attraction-Chara spent most of the story ‘disobeying’ our story line hero as Bistrita considered all of the way to force Chara to submit.

Previous Reviews
Master Romano
Master Botosani
Master Oradea

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

Download for FREE

The Beginning https://bit.ly/4d49cwb

Magnus: Present Day https://bit.ly/4f9LUa0

 

Sylvia Black is a master’s prepared paranormal romance author with a special love for old-world history and the folklore of Europe. A grandmother born and raised in the Baltic sea region nurtured this love and it grew more profound as a young child living for years in England and traveling extensively.

Sylvia likes to keep her readers on the edge of their seats one minute and fanning themselves as the heat rises in the next. Her novels feature handsome, dark-minded males who will stop at nothing to protect their mates.

The perfect day for Sylvia would be spent sitting on a balcony overlooking the Amalfi Coast in Italy while enjoying an espresso as she writes.

While not writing, she spends time with her husband and family, including an adorable fur-baby. She enjoys traveling extensively, especially when researching for her next novel.

She also loves to spend time interacting with you, her readers, so please feel free to connect with her on social media!

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SylviaBlackRomance

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sylviablackauthor

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sylviablackauthor

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/sylviablackauthor

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/21440759.Sylvia_Black

BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/sylvia-black

Newsletter: https://www.subscribepage.com/sylviablackauthor

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The Beloved (Black Dagger Brotherhood 22) by JR Ward-review

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The Beloved (Black Dagger Brotherhood 22) by JR Ward-review

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO / Google Play / Chapters Indigo /

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date April 9, 2024

Nalla, the blooded daughter of Zsadist, has led a sheltered life. Protected by her father and the Brotherhood, kept away from the deadly war with the Lessening Society, she is chafing against the walls of the very safety that has ensured her survival. One night, she gives in to her restlessness…and finds herself face-to-face with a male whose inner darkness rivals even that of her sire’s horrific origins.

Nate is a fighter with nothing to lose—and nothing to live for. Tortured in a human lab as a young, then cursed with immortality, he is all vengeance and no purpose because he cares for no one—not even himself. The Brotherhood knows this all too well and following Nate’s deliberate violation of the cardinal rule in the war, they declare him a dangerous liability that must be dealt with.

When Nalla and Nate find themselves fighting side by side, daggers aren’t the only things that fly. A sizzling attraction is ignited, though Nalla knows her sire will never accept him—and on his side, Nate has made a secret bargain to end his own immortality. As the enemy closes in, and Nalla realizes she must choose between her mate and her sire, what starts with such passion may well end with eternal sorrow and no chance of a reunion—even in the Fade.

••••

REVIEW:THE BELOVED is the twenty-second instalment in JR Ward’s adult BLACK DAGGER BROTHERHOOD paranormal, romance series. This is Nalla and Nate’s story line. THE BELOVED can be read as a stand alone but for back story and history, I recommend reading book twenty-one LASSITER, where most of the current story line begins.

NOTE: THE BELOVED is the start of a new series arc focusing on the next/second generation vampires and BDB warriors, although many of the previous BDB warriors make cameo appearances.

Told from numerous omniscient third person perspectives, following several intersecting paths, THE BELOVED advances the series approximately thirty-three years. Nalla, blooded daughter of Zsadist and Bella is struggling with her place in the family. For years the BDB have been pulled back into a war with the Lessening Society, and our heroine feels like an afterthought even though her life and her heart have the protection of the entire BDB. Nalla never expected to fall for Nate, the adopted son of Murhder and Sarah, a young man who spent years tortured and abused, a young man whose back story and suffering was much like her father’s.

Meanwhile, Bitty, has come unto her own, and with it, her own abilities are much more powerful. Able to ‘see’ certain outcomes and possibilities, Bitty is desperate to warn those who are battling themselves, but often times the warning may go unheeded by those involved.

As the Lessening society continues to grow in numbers and powers, their new leader begins to target individual members of the BDB, pushing those, sitting on the fringe, back into the family, where they belong.

THE BELOVED is a another complex and complicated story as many of the previous story line (LASSITER) questions remain unanswered. Several secondary characters who had promising possibilities are no longer mentioned or have disappeared, several had crossed-over from the author’s interconnected Fallen Angel series. The thirty-three year gap reveals a much older second generation, many of whom have had their transformations or about to go into their needings, yet the three decade jump comes with few details or highlights.

THE BELOVED is a story of betrayal and vengeance, power and control; depression and desperation; family and friendships, relationships and love. The premise is intriguing and intense; the romance is seductive and fated; the characters are determined, dangerous and frenzied but Nalla, Nate, LW and Bitty’s growth comes with the attitude of most teenagers struggling to form their own identities, and in this, I often felt like I was reading a YA story line. Although, now ranging in age from mid-thirties to sixties, the teenage angst is strong and demanding.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

FOLLOW: Facebook / Twitter / Goodreads / Website/

J.R. Ward is the author of over thirty novels, including those in her #1 New York Times and USA Today bestselling series, The Black Dagger Brotherhood. There are more than 15 million copies of Ward’s novels in print worldwide and they have been published in 25 different countries around the world.

After graduating from law school, Ward began working in healthcare in Boston and spent many years as Chief of Staff of one of the premier academic medical centers in the nation. She lives in the south with her incredibly supportive husband and her beloved golden retriever. Writing has always been her passion and her idea of heaven is a whole day of nothing but her computer, her dog and her coffee pot.

Visit the JRWard Facebook Page

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MASTER BOTOSONI (Masters of the Consulate 9) by Sylvia Black-tour

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MASTER BOTOSONI (Masters of the Consulate 9) by Sylvia Black -review tour

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GOODREADS LINK: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/199670621-master-botosoni

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date January 19, 2024

A pureblooded vampire on a mission to hunt.
An innocent psychic with the strictest of rules.
When destiny speaks, will she break all of the rules for love?

As a pureblood, I am prepared for anything the rogue vampires bring my way. I will stop at nothing to keep them from driving us into the ground.

When a dark-haired beauty can lead us to the blood-thirsty villains, it’s clear destiny has sent us another sign.

The beautiful innocent will be mine someday. The fact she is forbidden will not deter me in any way.

But when Catina’s visions lead her into a shifter filled den, there are seconds to spare.

The decision is easy—make her my queen and end the rogues together. But when she awakens, will she choose me and immortality, or follow the rules?

••••••••

REVIEW: MASTER BOTOSONI is the ninth instalment in Sylvia Black’s contemporary adult MASTERS OF THE CONSULATE dark, erotic, paranormal romance series. This is pureblood master vampire Master BOTOSONI, and twenty-one year old, seer /fortune teller Catina’s story line. MASTER BOTOSONI can be read as a stand alone but for back story and cohesion, I recommend reading the series in order as there is an ongoing premise throughout, and many of the previous story line characters and couples play a significant role.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Catina and Botosoni) MASTER BOTOSONI follows the hunt for a group of rogue vampires and shifters in and around Eastern Europe and the Carpathian Mountains. Catina is a seer, and Master Botosoni needs help to locate the creatures taking aim at the Master of the Consulate. As a seer, Catina is able to ‘see’ the future, and the future includes an attack against our story line heroine. Realizing Catina is much more than she claims to be, Master Botosoni claims Catina as his mate only to discover she may have betrayed them all. What ensues is the quick building relationship between our story line couple as Botosoni and the other Masters of the Consulate devise a plan to take down the rogues.

The world building focuses on family and tradition including Catina’s position as a proverbial pawn. As Catina continues to reveal the who, how and why of the approaching rogues including their search for three magical stones, Catina will have to face the family who have plans to use our story line heroine.

The relationship between Catina and Botosoni is one of immediate attraction but Catina knows her family has other plans for her future, to be sold to the highest bidder. As a member of what I suspect are a tribe of wandering Roma, Catina is used and abused, and her value as a woman of marrying age has past. Master Botosoni knows immediately that Catina is his fated mate but he suspects he may need approval to mate a human female. The $ex scenes are passionate and seductive without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text. There are some scenes of bondage and discipline.

There is a large ensemble cast of colorful and familiar secondary and supporting characters many of whom were introduced in the previous instalments : Master Descallia and Lucianna: Romano and Raven: Campania and Willow: Sardinia and Madria; Lucas and Embry, as well as Botosoni’s housekeeper Clara.

MASTER BOTOSONI is a story of betrayal and vengeance, family and relationships, supernatural and obsession. The premise is engaging and enchanting; the romance is fated and provocative; the characters are powerful and determined. MASTER BOTOSONI ends on a bit of a cliff hanger-you have been warned.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

 

Sylvia Black is a master’s prepared paranormal romance author with a special love for old-world history and the folklore of Europe. A grandmother born and raised in the Baltic sea region nurtured this love and it grew more profound as a young child living for years in England and traveling extensively.

Sylvia likes to keep her readers on the edge of their seats one minute and fanning themselves as the heat rises in the next. Her novels feature handsome, dark-minded males who will stop at nothing to protect their mates.

The perfect day for Sylvia would be spent sitting on a balcony overlooking the Amalfi Coast in Italy while enjoying an espresso as she writes.

While not writing, she spends time with her husband and family, including an adorable fur-baby. She enjoys traveling extensively, especially when researching for her next novel.

She also loves to spend time interacting with you, her readers, so please feel free to connect with her on social media!

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SylviaBlackRomance 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sylviablackauthor 

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sylviablackauthor 

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/sylviablackauthor 

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/21440759.Sylvia_Black 

BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/sylvia-black 

Newsletter: https://www.subscribepage.com/sylviablackauthor 

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Smolder by Laurell K. Hamilton – a Review

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Smolder by Laurell K. Hamilton – a Review

 

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Description 

  • Anita Blake, Vampire Hunter, goes up against an ancient evil set on destroying all she holds dear in the new book in the Sunday Times and New York Times bestselling series.

My name is Anita Blake and I’m no stranger to killing monsters. But this time, it’s personal…

The wedding of the century is almost here. My wedding – to Jean-Claude, the new vampire king of America. But not everyone wishes us well. Humans think I’m on the side of the monsters. And the vampires fear their king is under the spell of the most powerful necromancer in a thousand years – me.

When the St. Louis police summon me to a brutal murder scene linked a nationwide slaughter of vampires and humans, I know there is more than just a killer to catch. An ancient evil has arrived in town, hell bent on destroying everything – and everyone – I love.

Even I cannot face this alone. Jean-Claude and I must embrace our triumvirate to save both vampires and humans, and to prove that love conquers all. 

 

Review 

Smolder by Laurell K. Hamilton is the twenty-ninth book in her series with our Preternatural U.S. Marshal and vampire hunter Anita Blake. 

It’s not necessary to read them all (it’s a pretty long series) but it does help a little. But saying that I’ve not read them all, I’ve only read her recent ones, and I managed to keep abreast of who is who and what is what ? 

Anita Blake is preparing for her wedding to the vampire king of America Jean-Claude. (They’ve been an item/couple for many years, and you’ll see their relationship in most of the books) 

So the story starts with Anita’s best friend U.S. Marshall Ted Forrester. Whilst he is admiring himself in his  best man clothing, Anita gets a phone call from the local police. They think the Sunshine Murderer has hit again. 

But, that’s not the only thing going on in St. Louis. An ancient being has arrived to challenge Jean-Claude for his vampire crown. And it’s not looking good for Jean-Claude! He might be the most powerful vampire around, but he’s still no match for the newcomer! Will he lose his crown? 

Then you have both humans and vampires thinking neither one should be with the other! Humans think Anita will take the vampire’s side over theirs, and the vampires think Anita will eventually turn their king against them! 

Although I’ve not read all the books in this series, the ones I’ve read have given me the impression Anita has become a pretty powerful entity, she has many powers at her fingertips, and this book sees her utilising most of them…..

So, what with keeping her vampire partner alive and on his thrown, she’s keeping humans happy, the vampires are needing constant reassurance she’s not out for his powers, she’s also trying to work out who the Sunshine murder is and can she catch them this time? Anita did seem to be juggling quite a few emotional balls in the air as well! Did she need to be? I didn’t think so! But that’s just me ??‍♀️ 

There are a few spicy moments ? but they don’t slow us down too much (nothing as distracting when the MC’s getting carried away with page after page ?) 

I keep meaning to go to the beginning of this series, I’d love to read how far she’s come, and I’d like to know when Anita and Jean-Claude first met.

I’m also getting the feeling this was a set up for the next book! A few of the threads that could have been sorted weren’t! And I did feel the ending a little vague! 

But I did enjoy the book immensely, the author can definitely weave a tale, twenty nine books in and the character still had plenty to give. 

Will Anita and Jean-Claude get married or will the the Sunshine murderer take precedence? Will the vampires and humans get their wishes? 

I’m definitely recommending this book if your a fan of the author, and I’m suggesting if you have the time, go to the start of the series and work your way through. 

Reviewed by Julie

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

 

 

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Vampire Valentine by Lauren Smith – a Review

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Vampire Valentine by Lauren Smith – a Review

 

Amazon / B&N / Kobo / Google Play / Apple

Description:
How bad can a blind date with a vampire really be?

The last thing Ryan Harding needs is his brother setting him up on dates with random women. Yes, he’s been avoiding relationships and burying himself in work, but come on, a blind date? Surely things aren’t that desperate. Still…the cute blonde at the bar is pretty amazing. Kind of sexy as hell. Why did he think a blind date was so bad again?

Grace Stanhope has no interest in dating mortals, but she owes her best friend one hell of a favor. A blind date with a human can’t be all that bad right? She might even have a nice time…but oh god is he three of her most favorite things? Tall, dark, AND handsome!?!

Before the night is through, sparks fly, spells are cast, and this blind date just might have a bite to it…

 

Review:

Vampire Valentine by Lauren Smith is a standalone novel.  Grace is a 160 year old vampire, who is about to go on a blind date with a human! Reading that, I wasn’t expecting much of a story. It’s a Valentine story, yawn!! 

But get past the first chapter and something happens that will have you inhaling the book until it’s done. It’s only 133 pages (9 chapters) long, so it won’t take long. But nothing is missing, nothing is skipped, and you won’t feel cheated (you’ll only want it to last a little longer ?) 

Grace and Ryan are a great couple, once we get past the cheese that Valentine’s seems to bring out in people, you’ll enjoy the interaction and chemistry between the two characters. Grace has loved and lost lovers before, so she’s hesitant to let love in again…. 

Ryan lives to work, he throws himself into his job (?) he doesn’t want or need that special someone in his life, and he certainly doesn’t need his brother fixing group in a blind date thank you very much. Although when he spots his date at the bar, he’s not so certain ? 

Meeting up for a blind date on Valentine’s Day could have had disastrous consequences, but the couple hit it off. But someone wants to split the new couple up! Who and why? 

I’ve read a few of the author’s historical books (loved them) I’ve read and loved her contemporary romances, but as I’m a PNR (paranormal romance) reader, and I love her PNR works. 

So can a vampire and a workaholic really make a go of it? Or will Grace have cold feet? Does she really want to see another lover grow old and die? And can Ryan leave his laptop alone for long enough to embrace a little fun and romance? 

Reviewed by Julie

Copy supplied for review

 

 

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Enchant The Dawn (Enchant 2) by Amanda Ashley-a review

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ENCHANT THE DAWN (Enchant #2) by Amanda Ashely-a review

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date August 23, 2022

Set in steamy New Orleans, New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Amanda Ashley delivers a sensually-charged and intelligent vampire romance perfect fans of J.R. Ward and Christine Feehan!

Desire. Danger. Deception. The scion of the Falconer vampire clan inspires them all…

When a mysterious man rescues Madison Bainbridge from a random attack, she sees only his broad shoulders, his gray eyes, his kindness. But as she gets to know Dominic, her attraction wars with the certainty he’s keeping big secrets. Who is the menacing beauty following him around? What of the palm-reader who stops her in the park? And who’s watching them from the shadows?

Young vampire Dominic Falconer wanted nothing more than a few weeks in New Orleans, a chance to see the city on his own. He didn’t expect to be captivated by lovely Maddy—or for enemies to surround him, eager to use the stirrings of his heart to bring down his family.

A hostile rival is out for vengeance. Dominic’s fellow Hungarian vampires are vanishing without a trace. And the shadowy Knights of the Dark Wood want nothing more than to get hold of Dominic himself. But Dominic and Maddy have a connection worth fighting for—and a passion that will awaken the unexpected in them both .

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REVIEW:ENCHANT THE DAWN is the second instalment in Amanda Ashley’s contemporary, adult ENCHANT paranormal, romance series. This is twenty-five year old, vampire Dominic Falconer , and Madison Bainbridge’s story line. ENCHANT THE DAWN can be read as a stand alone but for back story and cohesion, I recommend reading book one ENCHANT THE NIGHT.

SOME BACKGROUND: Twenty-five year earlier, vampire Quill Falconer, killed the leader of the Knights of the Dark Wood, a brotherhood of warlocks whose goal is to rid the world of the blood sucking vampires.

Told from third person perspective ENCHANT THE DAWN picks up twenty five years after the killing of the last Elder Knight, and the Knights of the Dark Wood are seeking vengeance for the one that they lost. Unable to locate the vampire responsible, the Knights discover that Quill Falconer’s vampire son Dominic Falconer is currently living in New Orleans, Louisiana, and the Knights are determined to get their revenge targeting our story line hero. Dominic Falconer is protected by his great grandmother Ava, a powerful witch who knows a thing or two about revenge, herself, and with her magic, Ava intends to protect a young man who is determined to protect the woman he will love.

Meanwhile, a young woman is saved from an attack by our story line hero, a young woman with whom Dominic will fall in love. Enter Madison Bainbridge, a woman who is about to discover a world of supernatural creatures, creatures whose powers she knows nothing about. What ensues is the building but struggling romance and relationship between Dominic and Madison, and the potential fall-out as our couple are target by more than one predator, targeted for sins of the past.

There is more than one magical creature looking for our story line hero. From the Knights of the Dark Wood, to a warlock desperate for his freedom, to a female vampire whose lust for the Falconer blood knows no boundaries including past alliances and sins. Dominic is determined to woo the woman that calls to his heart, a woman who will quickly learn there is something more in the world in which she lives.

The relationship between Dominic and Madison is a slow building romance. Dominic struggles to reveal the nature of his beast, fearing Madison will not accept the man he has become. Madison struggles with the truth about the man with whom she is falling in love but quickly realizes it is the man that she loves, not the monster within. The $ex scenes are passionate but mostly implied.

The secondary and supporting characters include Elder Knight Gregory, warlock Jasper, Dominic’s great grandmother Ava Langley, vampire Claret, Madison’s parents, as well as the return of Dominic’s parents Quill and Callie Falconer.

ENCHANT THE DAWN is a detailed and complex story of revenge and obsession, magic and power, love and forever. I recommend reading book one as the events of the current time are as of a direct result of the events of book one. The premise is intriguing and entertaining but something was missing –there is more telling than showing; the characters are interesting and energetic; the romance is subtle .

Copy supplied by Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy

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