Tag Archives: vampire

Youngblood by Sasha Laurens – a Review

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Youngblood by Sasha Laurens – a Review

 

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Description:
Kat Finn and her mother can barely make ends meet living among humans. Like all vampires, they must drink Hema, an expensive synthetic blood substitute, to survive, as nearly all of humanity has been infected by a virus that’s fatal to vampires. Kat isn’t looking forward to an immortal life of barely scraping by, but when she learns she’s been accepted to the Harcote School, a prestigious prep school that’s secretly vampires-only, she knows her fortune is about to change.

Taylor Sanger has grown up in the wealthy vampire world, but she’s tired of its backward, conservative values—especially when it comes to sexuality, since she’s an out-and-proud lesbian. She only has to suffer through a two more years of Harcote before she’s free. But when she discovers her new roommate is Kat Finn, she’s horrified. Because she and Kat used to be best friends, a long time ago, and it didn’t end well.

When Taylor stumbles upon the dead body of a vampire, and Kat makes a shocking discovery in the school’s archives, the two realize that there are deep secrets at Harcote—secrets that link them to the most powerful figures in Vampirdom and to the synthetic blood they all rely on.

 

 

Review:

Youngblood by Sasha Laurens is a YA fantasy standalone novel. We meet Kat Finn, our heroine, who is a vampire, living with her mom, among humans; they must drink Hema, a synthetic blood substitute to survive.  Kat is happy being friends with many of her human classmates, but knows that she and her mother barely scrape by.  Kat is thrilled to learn that she has been accepted to Harcote School, an elite private school for young vampires only, especially for the wealthy; someone anonymous has paid all her expenses.  Kat’s mom does not want her to go, but she wants to learn more about youngbloods like herself, especially having been isolated from vampires all her life.

Taylor Sanger, the second heroine, has attended Harcote for three years, and is shocked to learn her new roommate is a former friend, who she hasn’t seen in years.  Taylor hasn’t forgotten that Kat and her mother left a long time ago, without saying goodbye; and both remain distant though civil. Taylor is openly a proud lesbian, and avoids Kat, who joins with some of the mean girls, as well as the school hunk, Galen Black. In a short time, Kat begins to have some feelings for Taylor, but still pushes herself to see Galen, since she considers herself straight.

When Taylor finds her favorite teacher dead, they both become entangled in a dark conspiracy that threatens Vampiredon. CFAD, is a blood disorder in humans that is fatal to vampires; Hema is the blood substitute vampires use to stay alive.  With the death of the school teacher, Taylor and Kat learn from archives that a cure has been found to allow vampires to be able to use human blood.  Who is behind the murder of the teacher, and why they want to stop the possible cure?

What follows is an excellent story that towards the end, became very exciting.  As we get closer to the end, Kat realizes her feelings for Taylor has gotten stronger.  Kat was a great heroine, always independent in doing what she thought best, and not allowing others to change her mind.  Taylor was also great, not caring what people thought of her, and determined to discover the truths.  I really enjoyed Youngblood, which was well written by Sasha Laurens. 

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

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Lover Arisen by JR Ward-Review & Giveaway

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Lover Arisen (Black Dagger Brotherhood 20) by JR Ward-Review & Giveaway

LOVER ARISEN
Black Dagger Brotherhood #20
by JR Ward
Release Date: April 5, 2022
Genre: adult, paranormal, vampire, romance

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Possessed by the demon Devina, Balthazar is once again on the hunt for the Book of Spells—and fighting an undeniable attraction to a woman. As a thief, he has stolen a lot of things…but he never thought his heart would be taken by another. Especially not a human.

As a homicide detective, Erika Saunders knows there is something otherworldly going on in Caldwell, New York. Mutilated bodies that cannot be explained are all over her case list—and then there are her nightmares in which she’s hunted by shadows and captivated by a mysterious man who is both a suspect and a savior.

When Devina’s wish for true love is finally granted, Balthazar and Erika unwittingly become the gateway for the rebirth of an old enemy of the Brothers. Will the very thing that brings them together lead to the ultimate destruction of the Brotherhood? Or will they have to lose everything in order to save the race’s most sacred defenders?

•••••

REVIEW: LOVER ARISEN is the twentieth instalment in JR Ward’s contemporary, adult BLACK DAGGER BROTHERHOOD paranormal, romance series focusing on the elite group of vampire warriors known as the Black Dagger Brotherhood. This is Band of B&stards warrior Balthazar, son of Hanst, and Caldwell New York homicide detective Erika Saunders’ story line. LOVER ARISEN can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary but for back story and cohesion, I recommend reading the series in order or the previous book Lover Unveiled where Balz and Erika’s story begins. As per JR Ward’s style of writing, LOVER ARISEN follows several intersecting paths including the beginning or ending for another story line couple.

WARNING: Due to the nature of the story line premise including memories of violence and death, there may be triggers for more sensitive readers. If you have not read book 19, Lover Unveiled, there may be spoilers in my review.

Told from numerous third person perspectives including Balthazar and Erika, following several paths, LOVER ARISEN continues to focus on the take down of the demon Devina, and the search for the location of an ancient tome, the Book of Spells. Balthazar is desperate to rid himself of the demon known as Devina, a demon who has taken possession of our story line hero in the wake of our hero’s last robbery and theft. Balthazar is desperate to locate the Book of Spells in the hopes of uncovering the how and why of his current predicament but a trip to a local bookstore has Balthazar, once again, coming face to face with the woman that calls to his heart, a woman who has seen more than anyone could have ever imagined. Enter Caldwell homicide detective Erika Saunders, and the woman/female with whom Balthazar will fall in love but not before Balz sacrifices himself to stop the insanity of Devina’s possession. What ensues is the building relationship between Balthazar and Erika; the return of an old enemy 2.0; and the relinquishment of love and a happily ever after for someone else.

Homicide detective Erika Saunders knows there is something else going on in Caldwell New York, something ‘other’, something not easily explained or understood, and meeting Balthazar our heroine knows immediately he is the answer to her questions. Falling for Balthazar means being pulled into a life she knows nothing about but a life that has experienced the devastation and horrific atrocities of monsters and demons. Hoping to eradicate the demon Devina from his life and his mind, Balthazar goes on a quest to uncover the truth but desperation calls for a violent end, an end to the possibility of his own future and love.

Nate, the adopted son of Muhrder and Sarah has fallen for the young vampire female Rahvyn but a night on the town ends in disaster, and Nate hangs between the precipice of life and the Fade. Female vampire Rahvyn aka Elyn, struggles with her powers, powers that are beyond that of anyone who has come before but with her powers comes the control between life and death, and in this, Rahvyn battles between head and heart knowing to use her powers, means someone else’s choice has been taken away. Nate isn’t the only being to have fallen in love with Rahvyn but to save someone means to sacrifice someone else.

The relationship between Balthazar and Erika begins in Lover Unveiled where Balthazar has had to wipe the memories of our story line heroine. Erika is struggling to remember recent events, a black void where several hours has gone missing. Literally running into Balthazar triggers something within Erika Saunders, a trigger wherein she knows Balthazar has something to do with the missing time. Balthazar knows that Erika is his mate but his life is no longer under his control.In an effort to protect the people he loves, Balz finds solace with our story line heroine, a solace that may be short lived in the face of his position with the Black Dagger Brotherhood. The $ex scenes are intimate, passionate and intense without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

Several of the Brothers make cameo appearances including Wrath, V, Butch, Rhage, and Tohr, while others by mention or recall; Jane, Manny, BDB doggen Fritz; and our beloved Fallen Angel aka Scribe Virgin Lassiter. We are introduced to Erika’s partner Detective Treyvon Abscott. Lassiter’s story line is next….yay !

LOVER ARISEN is the beginning of a new series arc for the Black Dagger Brotherhood. It is the story of family and relationships, betrayal and vengeance, love and acceptance, sacrifice and hope. The character driven premise is detailed, complex and captivating; the romance is fated and seductive; the characters are energetic, powerful and engaging.

Copy supplied by the publisher

Reviewed by Sandy

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J.R. Ward is the author of more than thirty novels, including those in her #1 New York Times bestselling Black Dagger Brotherhood series. There are more than fifteen million copies of her novels in print worldwide, and they have been published in twenty-six different countries around the world. She lives in the South with her family.

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Hunter’s Hope by Alyssa Day – a Review

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Hunter’s Hope by Alyssa Day – a Review

 

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Description:
Hunter Evans risked his life again and again as a firefighter until the night he died saving a child…only to be reborn as a vampire. Now the man who lived his life as the quintessential “nice guy” must find a way to conquer the deadly urges that threaten to turn him feral. When his own actions put a beautiful woman in danger, he vows to protect her…even from himself.

Alice Darlington has a secret of her own: she sees ghosts. She thought she’d done a good job of keeping it under wraps—until now. A terrible threat from her past is hunting her down in order to use her power for dark purposes. Now she’s on the run and doesn’t know who to trust or where to go.

When Hunter and Alice team up to battle the dangers coming at them from all sides, they’re forced to rely on each other. But Hunter doesn’t know how long he can keep the beast inside him away from the woman it craves…

The Vampire Motorcycle Club series is best enjoyed in order:
Book #1 Bane’s Choice
Book #2 Hunter’s Hope

 

 

Review :

Hunter’s Choice by Alyssa Day is the second book in her Vampire Motorcycle Club series. I have not read the first book, but I’m definitely going back to read it. I’ve not read this author in a while (I loved her Atlantis Series)

This series concentrates on a motorbike gang, but not an ordinary MC gang, this one has vampires riding the bikes. It did remind me a little of Patricia A. Rasey’s Sons of Sangue Series. 

Hunter is considered a “young” vampire as he’d only recently been turned. He’s fighting his revulsion at the the decision to take his old life away and replace it with a new one! And it’s one he’s not sure he can get a grip of! His new diet is causing him anxiety and stress, he thinks he’s going to kill someone’s with his newfound strength and hunger! But all that changes when he meets Alice….

Alice can see ghosts! She’s been able to see them for a long time, hiding the fact from everyone she knows. But when her past comes back to “haunt” her, she’s unsure where to go, can she really trust this stranger who holds a dark attraction for her? And how will she cope when she finds out there is more than just ghosts in her world… Vampires, demons and werewolves for a start! 

I really liked the premise of this story, it’s a little slow and not much interaction with the MC part. But it has great dialogue, parts had me chuckling. It also shows us how newly turned vampires deal with their new life. And the ghost element was a great addition (usually the female is just some ordinary human who stumbles into the supernatural world. I also liked how the couple work together figuring out who and what wants Alice. Maybe I’ve read too many MC books lately, maybe I’ve read too many dark romances to fully appreciate this one, I found it a little tame, there could have been more battles, it could have been a little darker. But it’s still a great read, and I’ve added this series on my TBR list. 

I’d recommend it for those who like their vampires a little less dark and who fight their basic urges ?

Reviewed by Julie B

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

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King of Battle and Blood by Scarlett St. Clair – a Review

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King of Battle and Blood by Scarlett St. Clair – a Review

 

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Description:
Their Union Is His Revenge.

Isolde de Lara considers her wedding day her death day. To end a years-long war, she is to marry vampire king, Adrian Aleksandr Vasiliev, and kill him. ⠀

But her assassination attempt is thwarted and Adrian threatens that if Isolde tries kill him again, he will raise her as the undead. Faced with the possibility of becoming the thing she hates most, Isolde seeks other ways to defy him and survive the brutal vampire court. ⠀

Except it isn’t the court she fears most—it’s Adrain. Despite their undeniable chemistry, she wonders why the king——fierce, savage, merciless—chose her as consort. ⠀

The answer will shatter her world.

 

 

Review:

King of Battle and Blood by Scarlett St Clair is the first book in her new Adrian X Isolde series.  King of Battle and Blood is an intense and steamy sexy romance between an unlikely couple (human and vampire) that were enemies to lovers.

Isolde de Lara, our heroine, is a princess of Lara, who loves her land, which she will one day become Queen. She is strong, tough, independent, savvy, and an excellent swordswoman; especially her ability to use knives.  In the past year, the Blood King has attacked many of the other lands (The Nine Kingdoms), to take over control, and now they are approaching her kingdom.

Adrian Aleksandr Vasiliev, our vampire hero, is known as the Blood King, and after accidently meeting Isolde in the woods, he is obsessed with her, which we will learn more towards the end. Adrian approaches the king (Isolde’s father), and asks for her hand in marriage, promising he will not attack their kingdom.  Isolde being human, hates the vampires and Adrian, but despite her father’s denial, Isolde agrees to marry Adrian, in order to save their country. 

After the wedding ceremony, she will travel to Revekka, the Red Palace, Adrian’s kingdom, to become its queen. The relationship between Adrian and Isolde becomes very steamy, as despite her hatred for him, she cannot resist him, nor he resists her.  The chemistry between them was sizzling hot lust for each other and insatiable.  During their travel to his kingdom, and upon arriving, Isolde will learn more about the kingdom and truths about the vampires, which was not how she was brought up. 

What follows is an exciting adventure, that will pit Adrian and Isolde against his ruthless court, who are determined to stop him, even to the point of killing Isolde.  Isolde finds herself falling in love with Adrian, especially after learning the truths of the past and what made Adrian choose her to be his Queen; but she knows the pressure from her father to kill Adrian. The more she learns, the more she distrusts her father and the kingdoms.  I loved Isolde, as she was a strong fearless badass heroine, who stood up to anyone.  I also loved Adrian, as he loved Isolde, and was patient in waiting for her to discover the truths of the past.

As we enter the last third of the book, everything escalates, including an evil witch from the past, who is hell bent to destroy everyone.  So many surprises and twists that made the ending so phenomenal.  King of Battle & Blood was a sexy steamy erotic, and fast-paced story that kept me on the edge of my seat.  This was very well written by Scarlett St Clair, and if you enjoy fantasy, vampires, you should be reading this book.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

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The Lost Barinov Dragon by Lauren Smith – a Review

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The Lost Barinov Dragon by Lauren Smith – a Review

 

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Description:
Tasha Bellamy never expected to get lost in a snowstorm in the Swiss Alps, nor did she expect to fall into a cave and find a sleeping dragon…literally.

One touch awakens the black dragon and he transforms into a gorgeous, ancient, Russian warrior named Vasili.

She soon learns that Vasili has been missing from the world for more than seven hundred years after going on a quest for a dragon stone. But the quest cost Vasili his mate, and driven mad with grief, he sealed himself inside the cave to die.

Tasha can’t help but be drawn to the stormy-eyed dragon shifter and soon learns that her future and Vasili’s are entwined with his far more than she ever could have imagined when he tells her they are possible true mates.

Unable to resist falling for the noble-hearted dragon who’s touch sets her body aflame with desire, she yearns to heal his broken heart, but a revelation of her past might tear them apart.

 

 

Review: 

The Lost Barinov Dragon by Lauren Smith is the fourth book in the Brothers of Ash and Fire series. I’ve not read the previous ones, and after this one I’m off to find me some dragons ?

I have read some of the authors contemporary and historical romances, so when I got the chance to read one of her paranormal romances, I grabbed my kindle and said yes please…..

There are different dragons that have sole purposes in life, guardians, questing, hoarding and what I’d deem the leader (patriarch/matriarch). 

Vasili was known as a questing dragon, he had to locate and retrieve heart stones (they were used to keep human mates alive longer for their dragon mates). Upon locating one, he’s about to return home…..

When both he and his mate (a female dragon) are attacked! Needless to say, he loses both his mate and his will to live ? Burying himself in a mountain he ends his life……Or so he assumes…..The touch of a human female brings him back to life! 

Tasha knows about dragons, she’s aware of their existence. But she never thought she’d come face to face with one, or find out she’s a potential mate! But trying to get Vasili to agree to becoming her mate is proving hard! As far as he is concerned he’s not good mate material! He let down one mate, there is no way he’d survive losing another! But slowly and with patience, Tasha wins him over. 

But there are things going on in the background that could break this couple before they even have a chance! I loved it. I love a good dragon /shifter romance, and this one ticked all my boxes. Plenty of action, magic, secrets and a couple of twists. 

Tasha is just a wonderful character, strong and determined. Knowing about the dragon world definitely gives her an edge (we don’t get the hysterical female running from her mate!) And Vasili is just great, a mixture of alpha and protector (Questing dragons are more adventurous than aggressive) and it shows when he loses his first mate (dragons usually die when their mate dies) he doesn’t want to go on….But watching as they grow as a couple in the book was very rewarding. 

A few steamy scenes to catch my kindle alight ? and I couldn’t put the book down till the end. We get to meet previous couples, potential couples and some really great characters. It’s just great writing. I’m adding her paranormal writings to my TBR list. 

Highly recommended this book. And I can’t wait to read more. 

Reviewed by Julie

Copy supplied for Review

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For Your Bite Only by Zoe Forward – Review & Giveaway

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For Your Bite Only by Zoe Forward – Review & Giveaway

 

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Description:
The best word for Jasmine Renard’s past year is a four-letter word. After years of concerts and increasing recognition, a rogue group of vampire hunters forced her into hiding. When the offer of a lifetime to perform again comes from the arrogant vampire she’s dreamed of shoving off a cliff, Jasmine might have to reconsider everything. Including, Luca Martens.

Luca has waited long enough to be onstage with Jasmine again. Their electrifying musical chemistry damn near blew his mind the last time they performed. To the point he mishandled what happened backstage after their last concert. He’d do anything to feel the spark again while playing, the one only she can ignite. But she hates him.

 

Review:

For Your Bite Only by Zoe Forward is a stand-alone novella.  Jasmine Renard, our heroine, is an upcoming famous pianist, who stepped away from appearances due to a rogue group of vampire hunters, who want to kill her.  Jasmine stays in hiding, until her friend convinces her to fill in Luca Martens concert. She hesitates, not because of her fear (she is told she will have security to protect her), but she hates Luca, though he is a master violinist at the top of the world. 

Luca Martens, our hero, wasn’t sure it was a good idea for Jasmine to fill in, but secretly he was looking forward to her performance, as the chemistry between them in a duo blows his mind, including sexually. Jasmine was engaged to Luca’s brother, before Marcus broke it off, though they remained friends. It was Marcus who convinces Jasmine to perform. When they meet again backstage, Luca feels the chemistry, as well as Jasmine’s nervousness to perform again; especially her facing Luca again.

What follows is an amazing performance when the two of them play together that brings accolades, and Luca is determined to win over Jasmine. He knew the real reason he behaved badly was they he had strong feelings for her, and was jealous that she was engaged to his brother for a prearranged marriage.  When an attempt is made on Jasmine’s life, Luca arranges her to live in his mansion to protect her, as well as have her continue to work with him in performances.  Secretly, he pushes his parent to allow him to win over Jasmine to be his wife, instead of another prearranged marriage.

The chemistry between Luca and Jasmine was hot and sizzling, with both recognizing their feelings for each other.  I really loved Luca and Jasmine, as they made a great couple destined to be together. Jasmine, thinking she has a chance to go out while Luca is away, is attacked by the rogue vampires, which she manages to survive with help from Marcus and Luca. 

For Your Bite Only was a fast enjoyable romantic novella, with a fantastic sexy couple.  There was some suspense and danger, but the chemistry between Luca and Jasmine, and their music together made this a wonderful read. Zoe Forward once again gives us an exciting, fun and steamy story that was very well written.  I would love to see another story about Marcus.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy supplied for Review

 

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Lover Unveiled by JR Ward-Review, Excerpt & Giveaway

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Lover Unveiled (Black Dagger Brotherhood 19) by JR Ward-Review, Excerpt & Giveaway

LOVER UNVEILED
Black Dagger Brotherhood 19
by JR Ward
Genre: adult, contemporary, erotic, paranormal, vampire, romance
Release Date: April 20 2021

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Meet Sahvage: a powerful MMA fighter with a buried secret that could change the world of Caldwell forever…

Sahvage has been living under the radar for centuries-and he has every intention of staying ‘dead and buried.’ But when a civilian female sucks him into her dangerous battle with an evil as ancient as time, his protective side overrides his common sense.

Mae has lost everything, and desperation sets her on a collision course with fate. Determined to reverse a tragedy, she goes where mortals should fear to tread- and comes face to face with the Brotherhood’s new enemy. She also discovers a love she never expected to find with Sahvage, but there can be no future for them.

Knowing they will part, the two band together to fight against what Mae unknowingly unleashed- as the Brotherhood closes in to reclaim one of their damned, and the evil vows to destroy them all.

••••••••

REVIEW:LOVER UNVEILED is the nineteenth instalment in JR Ward’s contemporary, adult BLACK DAGGER BROTHERHOOD paranormal, vampire, romance series focusing on the elite group of vampire warriors known as the Black Dagger Brotherhood. This is Sahvage, and Mae’s story line. LOVER UNVEILED can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary.

Told from numerous third person perspectives following several intersecting pathways LOVER UNVEILED follows Sahvage, a forsaken and ostracized member of the vampire race in the aftermath of another near fatal attempt on his life but for the female savior who reluctantly aids our story line hero. Mae is a female vampire who is desperate to locate a long lost artefact but in doing so reveals an ancient evil, who they themselves, is determined to possess that which does not belong. Having saved our story line hero, Mae is now connected by blood to the man who would one day claim her as his mate.

Sahvage has been abandoned by the vampire race, lost to the ravages of betrayal and power. Believed to have committed atrocities against his own kind, and long since dead and buried for his sins, Sahvage is neither dead nor buried, and is determined to stop the female that calls to his in her search for the secret of ever lasting life.

Meanwhile, several other story line arcs begin to take shape in the aftermath of the crash of a meteorite in Caldwell, New York:

The demon Devina, whom we met in previous story lines, has returned with a vengeance pulling in both the BDB and the Band of B*stards in her search for the ultimate book of power and magic. As the number of murder victims increase in the city of Caldwell, Devina is one-step closer to locating the book and all of its’ secrets.

Balthazar ‘Balz’, son of Hanst, and a member of the Band of B*astards finds himself in a precarious situation when his latest robbery comes with a bonus tag along. Believing himself possessed, Balz begins to pull away from the only family he has ever known, and into the direct line of fire by the local police.

Nate, adopted son of Muhrder and Sarah, finds Elyn, a young female vampire who claims to be lost and without family or support. Taking her to the BDB run Luchus House for troubled and recovering vampires, Nate struggles with issues back home but refuses to reveal the source of his pain.

LOVER UNVEILED is a story of betrayal and vengeance; power and control; desperation, secrets, grief and love. JR Ward pulls the reader into the familiarity of the BDB family, their unwavering support, and need to protect the Brothers they love. Not all of the Brothers make a cameo appearance but for one fallen angel, his future is about to unfold. The premise is haunting, complex and detailed; the characters are edgy, spirited, tragic and strong.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

LOVER MINE (Black Dagger Brotherhood 8) ebook is currently on sale for $1.99

John Matthew and Xhex

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Excerpt courtesy of Simon and Schuster

Trade Street and 30th Avenue
Downtown Caldwell, New YorkForty-eight minutes before Ralphie DeMellio got murdered, he was living the life.
“You got this,” his buddy was saying as he rubbed Ralphie’s bare shoulders. “You fucking got this, you’re a monster, you’re a motherfucking monster!”
Ralphie and his crew were on the sixth level of a parking garage that was all about the oil stains and litter, rather than any Oldsmobiles and Lincolns. The abandoned facility was just a fucking concrete bureau with nothing in its drawers, and in this part of Caldie, any kind of structure on-its-lonesome didn’t last long. Hello, BKC. Bare Knuckle Conquests was the only legit underground fighting circuit in the south-ern part of New York State, and the bout held tonight was the reason why he, his bros, and five hundred clout-chasing Insta-famers were here.
Any more selfies and it’d be the driver’s license lane at the DMV.
BKC was big-ass business, and Ralphie, as the reigning champ, was making big-ass fucking bank—provided none of these dumbasses with the camera phones gave their location away. And like, what were the chances of that.
“Where’s the coke.”
He put his hand out, and when the brown vial was slapped into his palm like a surgical instrument, he went to town. As he honked two kilos of powder deep into his sinuses, his eyes went jumping bean over the crowd. Down at the other end of the level, they were antsy, drug-ging, and putting their bets in with the organizer’s bookies. Nothing but three rounds of bare-knuckle minutes between them and the killing they expected to make.
Ralphie was a very good bet.
He hadn’t lost a fight yet, even though he had Slim Jim muscles and smoked a lot of weed. But here was the fucking thing. The bouncer- types with the boulder biceps and the jelly bellies were only impressive when they were standing still. Get them moving and they had no bal-ance, no speed, and follow-throughs like they had double vision. Long as Ralphie kept buzzing around like a fly on shit, he was unhittable as his right hook went to work.
“You good, Ralphie. You fucking good!”
“Yeah, that’s right, Ralphie, you the best!”
His crew was five guys from the neighborhood. They’d grown up together and were all related, their families having come over on the boat to Ellis Island a couple generations ago and gotten out of Hell’s Kitchen soon as they could afford it. Little Italy in Caldie was little different than the one in Manhattan, and as his father always said, don’t trust someone you don’t know and don’t know someone if you can’t walk to their house.
And there was one other person on Ralphie’s team.
“Where is she.” Ralphie looked around. “Where is—”
Chelle was back by the G wagon, posed like a Pirelli girl, her elbows on the hood, one heel stabbed into a tire rim. Her head was back, the pur-ple ends of her black hair licking the metallic paint, her pink lips parted as she stared up at nothing. The night was chilly because April was still a bitch in this zip code, but she didn’t give a fuck. Her bustier was all she had on up top, and the bottom half of her wasn’t covered much better.
Fuuuuuuck. Those tattoos on her upper thighs were showing. And the ones on the swells of her breasts. And the sleeve on her left arm.
She’d always refused to get one of his initials.
She was like that.
As if she caught his drift, Chelle slowly turned her head. Then she licked her lips with the tip of her tongue.
Ralphie’s hand went to the front of his jeans. She was not the kind of woman you brought home to mother, and at first, that was the rea-son he’d fucked her. But she was smart and she had her own hair salon. She didn’t check his phone. She didn’t care if he went out with the boys. She had her own money, she never asked him for a goddamn thing, and she had options, lotta options.
Men wanted her.
She was with him, though. And no matter what she looked like, she didn’t come on to his crew. She was not a pass-around, and anybody rubbed up on her? She was one slap away from knocking their fucking teeth out.
So yeah, after a year, Ralphie was way into her.
To the point where he didn’t care about what anyone else thought, including his traditional Italian mother. As far as he was concerned, Chelle was wifey material and that was all that fucking mattered.
“—got this, Ralphie—”
To kill the ass-kissing all up in his face, Ralphie put his hand on the center of his boy’s chest and pushed the guy back. “Gimme a minute.”
His crew knew what was up, and they turned around and faced the crowd, closing shoulder to shoulder.
And Chelle was well damn aware of what he was after.
The G wagon was parked ass in, with a couple of feet of space be-tween the rear bumper and the garage’s nasty concrete wall. Chelle went around and assumed the position, leaning back on the Benz’s boxy rear door and arching her shit. In her heels, she was as tall as Ralphie, and as her lids lowered and her breasts strained against the lace trim of the bustier, she met him right in the eye.
Ralphie’s heart was going fast, but his smile was slow as he put his hands on her little waist. “You want it?”
“Yeah. Gimme it.”
Ralphie unzipped his jeans and stroked himself as he kissed her throat. ’Cuz she wouldn’t want him to mess up her lipstick. That kinda shit would come later, after he beat the ass of whoever was going to try him tonight. But he wasn’t about to drive his truck through mud, and he wasn’t about to mess up his female in public.
Chelle moved her thong aside, and as she put a stiletto against the concrete, he pumped into her while she grabbed onto his bare shoulders.
The sex was hot as fuck. Because it turned out that if he respected the female? It made everything hotter.
As Ralphie lifted her up so she could put both her legs around his hips, he closed his eyes. The pre-fight rush, the coke, Chelle, the new G wagon from the cake he was earning at BKC, it was all power in his veins. He was the man. He was the monster. He was—
Ralphie started to come, and he would have yelled out, but he didn’t want people catching his girl like this. Instead he gritted his teeth and held on tight, dropping his head into Chelle’s perfumed neck and squeezing out curses through his locked jaw.
And then he had to say it.
“I love you, I fucking love you,” he grunted.
He was so into his girl, so into the coming, so into the feel of her coming with him . . . that he didn’t notice who was watching them from the shadows about twenty feet away.
If he had, he would have packed up his true love and his crew, and left rubber on the road as he got the fuck out of the parking garage.
Most of destiny was on a need-to-know basis, however.
And sometimes, it was best that you didn’t get a heads-up on the inevitable that had your name on it.
Way too fucking horrifying.


 

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J.R. Ward is the author of more than thirty novels, including those in her #1 New York Times bestselling Black Dagger Brotherhood series. There are more than fifteen million copies of her novels in print worldwide, and they have been published in twenty-six different countries around the world. She lives in the South with her family.

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Vampire (Dark Protectors 12.5) by Rebecca Zanetti-Review Tour

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Vampire (Dark Protectors 12.5-Rebels / 1001 Dark Nights) by Rebecca Zanetti-Review & Excerpt Tour

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date April 13, 2021

Dr. Mariana Lopez has finally stopped bailing friends out of difficult situations. Well, except for substituting as the leader for another anger management group, pitching in as a campaign strategist for a prospective sheriff, and babysitting three dogs. Even with such a full life, she can feel the danger around her—a sense that something isn’t right. Nightmares harass her, until the real thing comes to life, and only the dark and sexy male sitting in her group can save her. However, with safety comes a price she might not be willing to pay.

Raine Maxwell is one of the Maxwells out of Montana, which means he’s not only one of the most deadly vampires alive, but his path is set and his mate has been chosen for him. To save him—to continue his line. Unfortunately, his mate is an enhanced human female who has no idea of her abilities, of his species, or of her future. He’d like to lead her gently into this new world, but his people aren’t the only ones who’ve found her, which puts her into more danger than she can imagine. Plus, in order to follow his laws, he only has one week to convince her that immortality with him is what she wants—and needs.

**Every 1001 Dark Nights novella is a standalone story. For new readers, it’s an introduction to an author’s world. And for fans, it’s a bonus book in the author’s series. We hope you’ll enjoy each one as much as we do.**

••••••••

REVIEW:VAMPIRE by Rebecca Zanetti is instalment 12.5 in Rebecca Zanetti’s contemporary, adult DARK PROTECTORS/ REBELS erotic, paranormal romance series, and the latest entry in the multi-authored 1001 Dark Nights series. This is four hundred year old, vampire Raine Maxwell, and psychologist Dr. Mariana Lopez’s story line. VAMPIRE can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous instalments is revealed where necessary. The current arc of the series focuses on former/current members of Dr. Lopez’s anger management group, most of whom are not quite human.

Told from dual third person perspectives (Mariana and Raine) VAMPIRE follows the building romance and relationship between Mariana Lopez and Raine Maxwell. Mariana Lopez has a stalker, and finds herself a prisoner alongside Raine Maxwell, a former member of her anger management group but from the outset it looks like Raine may be a part of our heroine’s problem. When things begin to escalate, Raine becomes as much as a victim but a victim who isn’t helpless when Mariana’s life is threatened. Raine knows that Mariana is his mate but refuses to tie her to a potential life on the run, a life that is threatened by otherworldly beings, and the possibility that Raine will not be around for the long haul. What ensues is the building romance and relationship between Mariana and Raine, and the potential fall-out as Mariana’s stalker is determined to claim our heroine as his own.

VAMPIRE is a story of obsession, power, fate and love. We are reintroduced to vampire/demon and assassin/mercenary Noah Siosal, and Abby Miller; detective Evan McConnell, and his fiancé purebred demoness Tabitha (Tabi); Deputy Baker and his son Johnny. The premise is engaging and intriguing; the romance is seductive and hot; the characters are energetic, and powerful.

Reading Order and Previous Reviews
Fated
Claimed
Tempted
Hunted
Consumed
Provoked
Twisted
Shadowed
Tamed
Marked
Teased
Tricked
Tangled
Talen
Vampire’s Faith
Demon’s Mercy
Vengeance
Alpha’s Promise
Hero’s Haven
Vixen
Guardian’s Grace

Copy supplied by Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy

 

Mariana tried to swallow and wet her suddenly dry throat. Having him near was too much for her libido, and if the guy had any idea of the dreams he’d starred in lately, he’d probably blush. Well, maybe. Something told her that Raine didn’t blush. “Why did you leave town?” she asked.
One of his brows arched. How could a freakin’ eyebrow look sexy? “The job was done.”
Ouch. Okay. Well, then. He’d only been there for the job of watching Ivar and Noah. “Then why did you come back?” She looked away from him.
His sigh was long-suffering and didn’t tell her a thing. “That’s a long story, and I can’t go into it.”
“Seriously?” She whipped around to face him. “Are you kidding me? You show up on my porch, get kidnapped, admit you were in my group under false pretenses, take off for Montana, and then return without being able to explain why? Oh, I don’t think so. Either you start talking right now or you get the heck out of my house.” The place already seemed smaller and somehow safer with him in it, but she knew better than to start depending on him. He’d be gone again soon.
His eyes flared in a way that didn’t even look human. “I’m out of here the second we find this guy.”
Yikes. Okay. That hurt a little bit. She’d thought she’d gotten an interested vibe from him a couple of times, but maybe she’d misread him? He was the sexiest man she’d ever been this close to in real life, so maybe he went for perfection like Tabi Rusko? Mariana was fine with her curves and looks, but maybe she’d overestimated Raine’s interest when he’d thrown Johnny Baker up against the wall after the kid had insulted her. “I think you should leave.”
“No.”
Heat flashed up her spine to tingle at her nape. “No? Are you joking?”
“No.” He cocked his head, watching her.
She had the strongest urge to punch him again, but her wrist still ached from last time. The guy had abs of solid rock. “I don’t think you’re understanding me,” she gritted out.
He moved toward her without warning, pivoting and putting her back against the wall. “You’re not understanding me.” His big body loomed over her, and an unexpected heat rolled off him. 


 

New York Times and USA Today Bestselling author Rebecca Zanetti has worked as an art curator, Senate aide, lawyer, college professor, and a hearing examiner – only to culminate it all in stories about Alpha males and the women who claim them. She writes contemporary romances, dark paranormal romances, and romantic suspense novels.
Growing up amid the glorious backdrops and winter wonderlands of the Pacific Northwest has given Rebecca fantastic scenery and adventures to weave into her stories. She resides in the wild north with her husband, children, and extended family who inspire her every day—or at the very least give her plenty of characters to write about.

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