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The Vampire Cure by Kat Stiles-Review & Giveaway Tour

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The Vampire Cure (The Vampire Cure #1) by Kat Stiles-Review & Giveaway Tour

The Vampire Cure
The Vampire Cure #1
by Kat Stiles
Release Date: March 12, 2021
Genre: adult, sci-fi, paranormal, romance

ebook only 99¢ Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Amazon.uk / Amazon.au /

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date March 12, 2021

In the search for a cure to a viral pandemic, scientist Liz Meyer discovers something far more deadly…Vampires exist. And what’s even more amazing, they’re immune to the virus.

Liz is both afraid and intrigued. Gifted with dreams that reveal the future, she sees how bad the pandemic will become. A blood sample could be the solution to a cure.

Sexy vampire Ryan awakens a desire within Liz, something she’s never felt before. Too bad the rest of the coven want nothing more than to feast on her blood.Can Liz get the blood she needs to find a cure? Or will it be her blood that’s taken instead?

•••••••

REVIEW:Liz is working at a cure for a virus that is sweeping the world! And trying to save her dad who has an illness!

Needing to stay one step ahead of her rival Frederick, she has to step it up, there are people relying on her. The author tells us Liz is a brilliant scientist, and that all men are idiots! And that’s how it starts and ends! Liz has no time for people especially not men! But meeting her new assistant (Amy, who is lovely) Liz begins to see them in a different light!

There were a few political jokes in here, and if you take it for what it’s meant to be (tongue in cheek) then it’s a good read. It’s a mixture of genres and liked them all. I did have to chuckle at the president (who also runs/owns the company Liz works at)

Ryan is a Master vampire, meeting Liz (well rescuing her) causes problems, his coven want her blood and Liz wants theirs (to study) can he really let her take his blood? He finds her fascinating, but so does his coven!

Meeting Ryan gives Liz the boost she needs, his blood is the key to finding a cure and possibly helping a few other people too! But will she go the sneaky way and take it without his consent, or can she persuade him to help save humanity?

I don’t know, I liked it, I just didn’t love it. Too political? Maybe.

I liked Liz, I liked the fact she had dreams/premonitions, (and she knows how bad this virus will ruin the world) so it gave the paranormal feel to it.

I did like the ending. It leaves it open for another book, so let’s hope Liz and her buddy Amy work out how to stop the virus from spreading…..

? Reviewed by Julie B

Copy supplied for review

USA Today Bestselling Author of Urban Fantasy, Paranormal Romance, and Young Adult Fiction.

Originally a Jersey girl, sunny Texas is where I now call home, in a town way up north in the panhandle called Wellington. I write super-powered urban fantasy that’s sexy, fun and dark. For fun I like to read urban fantasy, horror, and existentialist fiction, as well as watch cartoons, movies, and sometimes even cartoon movies. I try not to take anything in life too seriously and I tend to smile often. Hop over to my website, katstiles.com for bonus material, fun blog posts, news about upcoming releases, and awesome giveaways!

Website * Facebook * Twitter * Instagram * Bookbub * Amazon * Goodreads

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Drawing Bloodlines by Deborah Garland – a Review

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Drawing Bloodlines by Deborah Garland – a Review

 

Amazon

 

Description:
He had to drink her blood . . .
Even though it meant revealing the monster behind his expensive suits. Now, Alexander must report his mistake to the allegiant commander. Elizabeth’s abduction will be swift unless he convinces the single mother he’s not a threat. He can be of use to her in the dark and in her bed. But can Alexander keep Elizabeth safe when he’s chosen to mate with a vampire from his troubled past?

 

Review:

Drawing Bloodlines by Deborah Garland is the first book in her new The Princeton Allegiant series.

Alexander is stunned at finding “her” she is a rare human, her blood is so sweet and special that vampires would do anything to taste it, even abduct the host to keep that sweet blood all for themselves. But he’s here to do a job, and he resists the temptation to “taste” the human in front of him.

But Alex has left it too long between feedings, and after a hundred years of being a vampire he should have known better. But surely a sip wouldn’t hurt …… But he gets caught drinking one of  Elizabeth’s vials !!! Finding out where she lives is easy, intending to wipe her memory Alexander moves in ……but when Elizabeth opens her eyes, he doesn’t see fear or condemnation, he sees want and lust …..

The connection between Elizabeth and Alexander reminded me of another author (Lara Adrian, her midnight breed) and when he finds out his new commander wants him for her “mate” he’s left feeling torn (the feelings he has for Elizabeth or duty to his race?)

Alexander has a few things up his sleeve, he’s not going to go down without a fight. The magic he holds left me a few questions……. (was he born with it? Or does he practice?) Could this be the key to his being able to stay with Elizabeth ? To find out if I get my questions answered, you’ll need to read it?

There were a few surprises along the way? (don’t want me to spoil it?) but a really well written book. Looking forward to reading the next book.

Reviewed by Julie B.

Copy supplied for Review

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SNAP: Red Bear Rising (Kandesky Vampire Chronicles #10) by Michele Drier-a review

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SNAP: Red Bear Rising (Kandesky Vampire Chronicles #10) by Michele Drier-a review

 

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date December 17, 2018

Nik Kandesky and Jazz Fall are engaged, meaning Jazz agrees to be changed into a vampire, a dicey situation. Set against the continuing Russian incursions into Crimea and Ukraine, Jazz must dig deep into her core to find her courage and become a member of the high echelon Kandeskys, who have guided and led the family for half a millenium. Born and bred a SoCal woman, she has to swallow her fears as Nik takes on challenges that leave him injured and close to death.

•••••••

REVIEW: Red Bear Rising is the tenth book in the SNAP series. This series, if you aren’t fortunate enough to have discovered it, is a saga about the Kandesky vampires and their very civilized world of fashion, finance and munitions. It is also the story of strong women finding love and being changed to be loved forever by their men. As with the other nine books, each can be read as a stand-alone. However, as with any saga, it’s always best to begin at the beginning.

In this book, Jazz is planning her wedding to Nik Kandesky. Nik oversees the munitions division of the empire, and lives in Kiev. Jazz is a managing editor for SNAP, the celebrity gossip and news division and the main money maker for the family.

Jazz is understandably concerned about becoming a vampire and leaving her California lifestyle and the sunshine behind. She loves Nik so much she worries about him constantly. Coming to terms with all this and adjusting to the lifestyle expected of her is interesting. The issues with her and Maxie (her friend, boss, and wife of Jean-Louis Kandesky) are similar, but have many differences too. It’s interesting to watch her work through them with Maxie’s help.

Nik is a wise and stoic vampire who has seen the rise and fall of many political empires over the centuries. His area of expertise for the family is being able to make sure their munitions sales are to legitimate buyers. When some of their weapons are found on the black market, he and the family ensure their family name by removing those who shouldn’t have them. A dangerous job, but necessary.

The family becomes concerned when it appears that Russia is beginning to mount troops and make incursions into their country to begin a takeover. Danger and exciting intrigue add to the wedding and changing issues.

In all this book moves the Kandesky story ahead as the political and personal changes take place. I found it interesting and the love sense are quite sensual. Snipes at the current American president aside, I loved the story.

Reading Order and Previous Reviews
SNAP: The World Unfolds
SNAP: New Talent
PLAGUE: A Love Story
DANUBE: A Tale of Murder
SNAP: Love For Blood
SNAP: Happily Ever After
SNAP: White Nights
SNAP: All That Jazz
SNAP: I Vampire

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Georgianna S

FOLLOW: Website /Facebook /Twitter / Amazon

Michele DrierMichele Drier was born in Santa Cruz and is a fifth generation Californian. She’s lived and worked all over the state, calling both Southern and Northern California home. During her career in journalism—as a reporter and editor at daily newspapers—she won awards for producing investigative series.

She writes the Amy Hobbes Newspaper mysteries, Edited for Death, Labeled for Death and Delta for Death, published May 2015.

Her paranormal romance series, The Kandesky Vampire Chronicles, was named one of the best paranormal vampire series of 2014 by reviewers of the Paranormal Romance Guild. SNAP: All That Jazz, Book Eight of The Kandesky Vampire Chronicles, was awarded second place for best book of 2014.

Box Set ebooks Vol 1-4 of SNAP: Kandesky Vampire Chronicles : Amazon.com / Amazon.ca/ Barnes and Noble/ KOBO

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The Thief (The Black Dagger Brotherhood #16) by J. R. Ward-Review and Giveaway

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THE THIEF (Black Dagger Brotherhood #16) by J.R. Ward-Review and Giveaway

THE THIEF
The Black Dagger Brotherhood #16
by J.R. Ward
Release Date: April 10, 2018
Genre: adult, contemporary, paranormal, vampire, romance

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date April 10, 2018

New enemies rise from the shadows in the next novel of the New York Times bestselling paranormal romance series the Black Dagger Brotherhood.

Sola Morte, former cat burglar and safecracker, has given up her old life on the wrong side of the law. On the run from a drug lord’s family, she is lying low far from Caldwell, keeping her nose clean and her beloved grandmother safe. Her heart, though, is back up north, with the only man who has ever gotten through her defenses: Assail, son of Assail, who never meant to fall in love—and certainly not with a human woman. But they have no future, and not just because she doesn’t know he is a vampire, but because he is not about to stop dealing arms to the Black Dagger Brotherhood. Fate, however, has other plans for them. When Assail falls into a coma and lingers on the verge of death, his cousins seek out Sola and beg her to give him a reason to live. The last thing she wants is a return to her past, but how can she leave him to die?

As a lethal new enemy of the vampires shows its face, and the Brotherhood needs Assail back on his feet, Sola finds herself not only a target, but a mission-critical force in a war she doesn’t understand. And when Assail’s truth comes out, will she run from the horror . . . or follow her heart into the arms of the male who loves her more than life itself?

•••••••••

REVIEW: THE THIEF is the sixteenth full-length instalment in J.R. Ward’s contemporary, adult BLACK DAGGER BROTHERHOOD paranormal, romance series focusing on an elite group of vampire warriors and their King. This is businessman, former drug dealer and vampire Assail, son of Assail, and human thief Marisol ‘Sola’ Carvalho’s story line. THE THIEF should not be read as a stand-alone; I recommend reading the series in order for backstory and cohesion, especially the last two to three instalments.

NOTE: If you have not read the last few instalments in the Black Dagger Brotherhood series, there may be some spoilers in my review.

SOME BACKGROUND: One year earlier, Assail destroyed the men who attacked and brutalized the female he loved. Marisol (along with her grandmother) moved to Florida in order to escape the past, and her attraction to Assail, never knowing the extent of Assail’s addiction, his detox, his love or his deteriorating mental health.

Told from several third person points of view including Sola and Assail THE THIEF follows in the aftermath of Assail’s drug detox, and the subsequent psychosis leaving our hero a shell of his former self. Believing death was inevitable, Doc Jane and Assail’s cousins Evale and Ehric make final preparations including contacting the woman with whom Assail had fallen in love. Enter Marisol ‘Sola’ Carvalho, Assail’s mate, and the female who would jump start Assail on his road to recovery. What ensues is the rebuilding relationship between Assail and Sola, and the potential fall-out when Assail and Doc Jane reveal the truth about what he is, and the Black Dagger Brotherhood.

Meanwhile, a new threat has risen in Caldwell, a threat with no corporeal body but a threat more deadly than anyone could have imagined. Throe, a former warrior with the Band of Bastards, seeks revenge against the King, in the hopes of ascending to the throne, revenge that comes from secrets of the past.

The ongoing struggles in Vishous and Jane’s relationship come to a head when Jane discovers V’s path towards infidelity. A distinct lack of communication between our couple, with the added hindrance and misfortune of an overworked physician, and the Brotherhood’s battle with a new enemy find Jane and Vishous on the verge of ‘consciously uncoupling’ in a not so friendly manner. Ward’s ongoing fascination and supposed dislike for V resurfaces with his immature attitude, child-like tantrums, and treatment of the female he claims to love. Forced time off has Jane refocusing on her relationship, her work, and the future with the male she loves.

The Black Dagger Brotherhood is a character driven series but in previous instalments Ward’s need to amass and gather all of the Brothers often detracts from the story line premise(s) but in the case of The Thief the author reigns in some of the unnecessary drama that would otherwise divert attention in too many directions. THE THIEF follows a number of paths that intersect at several junctures but unlike in previous episodes the collection of side stories is limited. A sister scorned by the disappearance and death of her beloved brothers seeks revenge as Detective Jose De La Cruz begins an investigation into the series of murders linking back to the recent appearance of ‘said scorned sister’. A last minute cameo appearance by Murhder sets the stage for book seventeen THE SAVIOR, as well as a hybrid vampire’s transition that is about to go down. The individual Black Dagger Brothers have limited page time with the exception of Rhage, and of course our friendly ethereal angel Lassiter, whose new role is confirmed as Vishous is about to lose the woman he loves.

THE THIEF is a story of addiction and recovery; heartbreak, communication and love; vengeance, betrayal and supernatural powers. J. R. Ward’s THE THIEF is an engaging and intoxicating look at vampires, the females they love, and the threats meant to destroy them all. The premise is dramatic and compelling; the romance is passionate and fated; the characters are spirited, sassy, energetic and intense.

Copy supplied by the publisher

Reviewed by Sandy

The Reading Cafe and J.R. Ward’s publisher are offering a hard cover copy of THE THIEF to ONE (1) lucky commenter at The Reading Cafe.

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9. Giveaway runs from April 22-28, 2018

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Eternal Demon (Mark of the Vampire #5) by Laura Wright-a review

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ETERNAL DEMON (Mark of The Vampire #5) by Laura Wright-a review

Eternal Demon

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Barnes and Noble / KOBO/ The Book Depository

=>NOTE: Drop by May 9, 2013 for The Reading Cafe interview with cover model Colby Lefebvre. <=

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date May 7, 2013

When Erion’s son is kidnapped by the evil vampire Cruen, Erion vows to stop at nothing to find his hideaway—including intercepting the traveling party of Cruen’s beautiful bride-to-be. But instead of a vulnerable caravan, Erion is met by a feral band of female demons that includes Hellen, the bride—a creature of dark magic and darker passion.

Though the safety of his son is foremost, Erion can’t deny his unexpected connection to Hellen—inflaming a manic desire as primal as it is irresistible. As their bond intensifies, they move toward an inevitable and terrifying battle. With time running out, Erion realizes he must not only find and rescue his son but protect Hellen from Cruen and the underworld forces waiting to destroy her for her betrayal.

REVIEW: ETERNAL DEMON is the fifth storyline in Laura Wright’s Mark of the Vampire series. MOTV features pureblood vampires, impures (1/2 human/1/2 vampire) mutores and an assortment of terms found at the beginning of each storyline and novel but for this particular novel-there is no glossary. Anyone new to the series (reading Eternal Demon first) may have a bit of a problem because Laura Wright uses terminology that is specific to the MOTV series. Perhaps the missing information is specific to the Netgalley copies, and when the book is released the definitions will be included.

Eternal Demon is Erion’s storyline. Erion is a mutore-the adopted son of the vampire’s worst enemy-Cruen. Mutores have been long thought a myth in vampire lore-a combination of vampire and shifter, and Erion is a mutore plus much, much more. When Erion’s son is kidnpped by Cruen, Erion makes it his mission to retrieve his son but not before taking something or someone he believes Cruen wants-his mate. But the woman Erion kidnaps is much more than Cruen’s intended mate-she is the daughter of the Devil himself and she has a few secrets buried beneath a beautiful face and body.

The storyline follows that the Devil has sold his daughter Hellen to Cruen for a favor and to keep her younger sisters safe and out of harm’s (the Devil) way, Hellen agrees to marry Cruen, but a cruel twist of fate will find that Hellen is only the means to an end for her father- a father worthy of the moniker of pure evil –the Devil.

Erion has long thought there is no female who would want the mutore that is the man. Finding Hellen, a woman who calls to his soul, Erion must first accept what has long been buried inside of himself, but in freeing Hellen he will also unleash a demon of a very different kind. Not only does Hellon tug at Erion’s heart but so too do the bowels of Hell and the demons who reside within. But Hellen has an interesting way of dealing with people who literally p*ss her off. Interesting concept if we could all eat those whom we didn’t like **snort**

ETERNAL DEMON brings together many of the previous storyline characters including the Roman brother’s and their mates, as well as Synjon Wise whose story begins in Eternal Beauty and will continue in November 2013’s Eternal Sin. The reader learns Petra’s true identity and how saving Synjon’s life will affect his future as well as her own. The cohesion of the series is well blended with the inclusion of many of our favorite vampires from stories past.

Laura Wright has written a fast paced and richly detailed installment in the Mark of the Vampire series with Eternal Demon. The storyline pulls together friends and past enemies to help free a small child whose only sin is the father he is just learning to love. Eternal Demon has the familiarity of another storyline where the beast falls for the beauty, and in true fairytale fashion, there is always a happily ever after.

READING ORDER
1. Eternal Hunger (October 2010)
2. Eternal Kiss (April 2011)
2.5 Eternal Blood (January 2012)
3. Eternal Captive (February 2012)
4. Eternal Beast (August 2012)
4.5 Eternal Beauty (April 2013)
5. Eternal Demon (May 2013)
6. Eternal Sin (November 2013)

Copy supplied by Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy

••••••••••••••••••

Eternal Beauty (Mark of the Vampire 4.5)
by Laura Wright
Release Date: April 2013

15712164

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Barnes and Noble / KOBO

ETERNAL BEAUTY (Mark of the Vampire 4.5) by Laura Wright

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date April 2, 2013

He is captivated by the one who saved him from death—until he finds out who she is…

When his lover is murdered by evil vampire-beast, Cruen, the grief-stricken Synjon Wise believes his life over. Enraged, he flashes her away to a remote spot in South America to give his beloved’s body a proper burial. But when the sun blazes overhead and takes her body before his eyes, Synjon’s mind completely unravels. Mad with the need to join her, he walks into the sun a morphed male, prepared to die.

He awakens to find himself amongst a breed known as Shifters. As he is nursed back to health by Petra, who saved his life, Synjon feels no gratitude—only anger and guilt that he is still alive. But this female is strong and refuses to let Syn waste away. For the bond that will form between them will be enduring: as nurse and patient, male and female, savior and saved.

Betrayer and betrayed

•••••••••

REVIEW: ETERNAL BEAUTY is the latest novella in Laura Wright’s Mark of the Vampire series. This particular storyline introduces Petra, a woman of unknown heritage, raised by shifters and hoping for the day her true ability and powers would reveal. But the morning she finds a beautiful man attempting to take his own life with the burn of the sun, Petra’s life will change forever.

Synjon Wise- an ancient vampire- had long searched for the woman that he loved, but a bullet took her life in an instant. Hoping to join her in death he doesn’t get far when a stranger pulls him into the shadows. As the days and weeks go by, Synjon only knows one thing-he needs to feed and Petra is the perfect source for the blood he craves.

Eternal Beauty is a short story that prefaces the November 2013 novel Eternal Sin. By way of introduction, Eternal Beauty will reveal a little more about Synjon and his need for revenge, and Petra’s connection to the man Synjon hopes to kill. But it will be Petra’s maternal connection in Eternal Demon that will have everyone questioning the insanity of familial DNA.

With Eternal Beauty, Laura Wright gives her readers a tease of what’s to come-and she does it with the same stylizings of Gray’s build up to his storyline. We get a little bit of Synjon with each story, and Eternal Beauty is the appetizer to the main course known as Eternal Sin.

Reviewed by Sandy

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Bittersweet Blood by Nina Croft-a review

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BITTERSWEET BLOOD (The Order #1) by Nina Croft-a review

Bittersweet Blood

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Barnes and Noble / KOBO /

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release February 17, 2013

Tara Collins just wants to be normal. Everyone else wants her dead.

Tara’s eccentric aunt raised her to be fearful of the world and follow the rules. But after her aunt’s death, Tara is ready to take control and experience life for the first time. But she quickly discovers that everything she’s been told is a web of lies. Determined to solve the mystery of who she is truly, she hires private investigator to help her uncover the truth.

Christian Roth is more than your average PI. A vampire and ex-demon hunter, Christian lives among the humans, trying to be “normal.” But recently, things seem to be falling apart. There’s a crazed demon hell-bent on revenge hunting him down, and a fae assassin on the loose with an unknown target. And the Order he abandoned desperately needs his help.

As the secrets of Tara’s past collide with the problems in Christian’s present, she finds herself fighting her attraction to the dark and mysterious investigator. Falling in love does not fit into her plans at all, but Tara soon learns that some rules are meant to be broken

********************

REVIEW: BITTERSWEET BLOOD is the first storyline in Nina Croft’s new contemporary, paranormal romance series The Order. The Order is the regulating vampire body that polices the supernaturals of the world. Once the presiding head of The Order, five hundred year old vampire Christian Roth is begrudgingly pulled back into duty when demons begin to wreak havoc in the area surrounding his business and his home. But it is not until a young waif-like human requires Christian’s assistance do the demon attacks begin to make sense. A promise of revenge from an old enemy has Christian both guardian and protector of the woman who has stolen his heart.

Christian and Tara’s relationship begins as a business arrangement but something about Tara pulls at Christian and he is not the only supernatural being who is having difficulty separating business from pleasure. Tara wants to learn about her past-her mother is dead: her father an unknown: and her aunt is recently deceased-and no one was willing to reveal the truth about Tara’s heredity and possible connections to the supernatural world until the talisman protecting Tara’s true identity reveals more about her blood-lines than anyone could have imagined.

BITTERSWEET BLOOD is an imaginative vampire storyline that draws in several warring factions of supernatural and paranormal creatures: vampires, demons, werewolves and fae are all introduced in the opening storyline. Tara’s connections to supernatural royalty is no guarantee of protection but the love of a five hundred year old vampire ensures that she will be protected at all times.

BITTERSWEET BLOOD is an interesting, fast paced and easily read storyline. As the introductory story, it is not overwhelming with background information, but just enough to pique ones interest for future novels. If you are a fan of vampire storylines with romance and love, Bittersweet Blood and The Order is for you.

Copy supplied by the publisher.

Reviewed by Sandy

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Immortal Ever After (Argeneau #18) by Lynsay Sands-a review

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Immortal Ever After (Argeneau #18) by Lynsay Sands-a review

Immortal Ever After-large

Amazon / Barnes and Noble / KOBO / The Book Depository /

About the Book: Released February 26, 2013

A kiss doesn’t mean eternity . . .

Valerie Moyer doesn’t believe in vampires—until she is kidnapped by a fanged psychopath! After escaping her bloodthirsty captor, she’s through with creatures of the night. Until she finds herself under the protection of the darkly handsome Anders. Not only is she expected to accept that Anders is immortal, but also that she is the woman destined to be his life mate!

. . . Or does it?

Anders felt a connection to Valerie from the moment he cradled her bruised body in his arms. But before he claims her, he must destroy the vampire who almost stole her from him forever. His job would be easier if Valerie didn’t fight him every step of the way. Still, Anders loves a challenge, and the green-eyed beauty is worth fighting for!

*********************

Review:

Immortal Ever After is a wonderful addition to the Argeneau Series. It opens with Valerie and several women having been kidnapped by a rogue vampire and being held in cages, only to be brought out for the rogue’s “indulgences”. We find out early on that Valerie is a strong and very capable woman when she manages to escape, and in turn, frees the other women who are being held. She is immediately taken into protective custody by a group that she assumes is part of mortal law enforcement. After all, vampires don’t really exist……………

Valerie is intrigued by the group that is protecting her, especially Anders. Tall, dark and handsome, and if truth be told, a little cranky. Anders very early on realizes that he can’t “read” or “control” her and wonders if she is truly his life mate. And, when his appetite returns after centuries, he comes to the realization that she is indeed his life mate. But, will she be able to accept him for what he is? After all, her first experience with immortals hasn’t been a good one………… Will she run for the hills or into Anders’ arms? You’ll have to read to find out.

Oh, how I love this series. In this installment, we get to see some of my favorites. Valerie is protected at Lucian and Leigh’s house. Lucian is the leader of the immortals’ council and leader of the hunters who find and dole out justice to the rogues. He is a hardass, until it comes to his life mate. Leigh is stubborn and VERY pregnant, and we finally reach the end of the pregnancy in this book. And, oh what a surprise!!! Sands writes with humor, and, yes, sometimes it’s even a little cheeky. This one had a bit of a more serious edge than some of the other books, but her trademark writing style shines through brightly. This series is a wonderful departure from the more dark series that I read and I always look forward to the next. This series is a must read for me, and if you give it a chance, it will be for you as well.

Reviewed by Vickie M.

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A Vampire’s Christmas Carol by Karen McCullough-a review

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A Vampire’s Christmas Carol by Karen McCullough-a review

A Vampire’s Christmas Carol by Karen McCullough

Decatur, AL is where Carol Prescott WANTS to be on Christmas Eve; at mom and dad’s celebrating with family. Due to bad weather, forcing the freeway shut, Carol braves the unfamiliar roads and her car ends up in a ditch having slid across an ice patch. Trusting her survival skills, Carol walks toward a lighted house, a beacon to save her from freezing to death. Ironically, the home owner is a very hungry vampire. I never said she’d survive the night.

“Tomorrow I’ll die for good. At sunrise.”

“For good. You mean, like, finally? But how do you know?”

“My hundred years of grace are up tonight. If I don’t drink human blood by tomorrow morning, I’ll die at dawn. And I don’t plan on drinking any, which is why your presence is so dangerous.”

“I don’t – Oh. Temptation?”

He nodded.

A bit of self-preservation is healthy at this point. Instead, Carol abides by her inner voice and considers her odds of surviving the inclement conditions outside or remain alongside the ravenous bloodlust that Michael assures her will consume him and threaten her very life. SHE STAYS.

Michael tries, more than once, to try to get Carol to leave. He warns her of the agony he will face by denying the monster inside, but he is resigned to end his life. She can stay and watch (a little on the morbid side), but Carol reminds him of his previous life, his former love, and it brings him comfort to have her there; something he’s denied himself for too long. How very charming, if not romantic. What ensues is an all-nighter of history and camaraderie. HA – you thought I was going to say SEX, didn’t you? Not one bit, but the story wasn’t lacking in any way. Michael recruits Carol to draft his story in the hopes that it could help another vampire in the future. Am I not supposed to swoon?

To pass the time, Michael tells Carol how he became one of the “Risen”. At the age of 29, on his way to propose to his lady love on Christmas Eve, Michael was the victim of the Good Samaritan rule gone bad. After defending a woman from an attack in an alley, the assailant turned on him, perturbed by the interruption, and proceeded to drain Michael. The former lawyer, used to being inquisitive and even ambitious enough to try politics, was now in self-exile; hating the day his life was stolen.

How in the world is this remotely a Christmas story? Is December 24th its only identifier? For a few chapters, I pondered the same myself. Karen McCullough, the author, pummels Michael with exhaustive levels of pain while staving off his body’s instincts to succumb. Convulsions, prey-predator moments and sheer fear for Michael’s last minutes have Carol contemplating just staking the poor dude herself! But just as Carol closes the door behind her…leaving Michael to fry in the sun…**his choice, not hers**…Michael’s wishes for her future usurp her promise…

“I wish…You did say there might be a way—“

He shook his head. “No. Too dangerous. You’ve already risked…too much just staying here. Wouldn’t want that on my…conscience.”

“Michael, I—“”

“No. Make me happy, if you go. Have a good life. Find that hero. He’s out there somewhere for you.”

A Vampire’s Christmas was a sweet, short story full of perseverance and heart. I know I believe in Christmas miracles…will Michael?
I’d LOVE a Vampire for Christmas!

ORDER LINKS: Barnes and Noble / KOBO / Amazon

Reviewed by Carmen

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