Tag Archives: vampire

Luca’s Magic Embrace by Kym Grosso-a review

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Luca’s Magic Embrace by Kym Grosso

LUCA’S MAGIC EMBRACE by Kym Grosso

LUCA’S MAGIC EMBRACE is the second storyline (October 2012 release) in Kym Grosso’s slightly erotic Immortals of New Orleans series. Kym brings together an assortment of supernatural powers including vampires, werewolves and witches and writes a sexy, dark and dangerous blend of seduction and magic.

Samantha Irving is a computer wiz and a reluctant witch. With her powers of magic at a virtual negligible level, our heroine takes a long overdue vacation to recover from a recent abduction and introduction into the world of submission and sexual dominance. Refusing to live and train with the coven of witches, Samantha embarks on a journey to recover her memories and discover which path will lead her to her future. But her escort will soon find himself the victim of another attack and Samantha will suffer with the guilt of knowing that he risked his life to bring her to safety.

Luca MacQuairie is a 200 year old vampire who has a dislike for humans yet he found himself oddly attracted to the battered and abused Samantha Irving. Samantha’s safety was a priority knowing that someone was trying to control her life, but Luca’s life is about to take a dramatic turn when he is bound in silver and his life blood is drained. Without any knowledge of what has happened or who attempted to end his life, Luca needs time to recover and then goes on the hunt for the little human witch who has occupied his thoughts.

I never had the chance to read the first book in the series Kade’s Dark Embrace where Luca and Samantha are first introduced. Although Kym explained that I would not be missing any vital information, I realized that Luca’s character has taken a 180 degree turn from the previous storyline which probably would have made for a different feel to the character and story. I liked Luca. He was an amazing alpha vampire who was turned during the war of 1812. He had lost much in his human life and believed he would never find love again. He was cold, without feeling and only lived to support his maker and friend Kade. But all that changed when the spunky little witch entered his life and literally brought him to his knees.

As the story progresses, we discover the reason Samantha has been hunted. Without her memories of the time she was in captivity, she is unable to process or recall any of the events while she was away. Hoping to unlock the mystery, Samantha and Luca venture back to the coven only to realize that Samantha is no longer welcome and something about the others doesn’t feel right. They will soon discover that a powerful and ancient source of magic is the prize in a war between the species, and Luca and Samantha are caught in the middle of this particular battle.

The relationship between Samantha and Luca progresses quite quickly when Luca realizes that not all humans are alike. Samantha will soon discover her powers and once she learns to control and command, she will be a deadly force to be reckoned with. She is the perfect match to Luca’s alpha personality.

There is some BDSM as it pertains to a sex club where Samantha was held prisoner, and she and Luca will experiment together behind closed doors. But the content is minimal and just enough to get the pages a little steamy. The story will open with a sexual encounter between friends that is explained as a necessary evil in the world of the vampire if only because the thrall of the feed induces sexual pleasure.

Overall I enjoyed Luca’s Magical Embrace. Kym writes a storyline filled with passion and love, and there is none of the angst of the push and pulling of personality conflicts that many storylines feel compelled to add. We didn’t have to wait until the end of the book to realize that Samantha and Luca were perfect for each other and neither did they. I hope to read more about this particular couple, because their future together has been gifted and blessed.

ORDER NOW: Amazon

Copy supplied by the author.

Reviewed by Sandy

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:  Kym Grosso

Kade’s Dark Embrace is Kym Grosso’s debut paranormal romance novel. She has also written and published several articles about autism. Kym developed a late interest in writing after her son was diagnosed with autism and started advocating on his behalf. Three years ago, she started her own website, www.AutismInRealLife.com and now blogs and writes articles for PsychologyToday.com.

Kym lives in Pennsylvania with her husband, two children and their dog, Ace. Her hobbies include autism advocacy, reading, tennis, zumba and traveling. New Orleans is one of the family’s favorite places to visit with its rich culture and unique cuisine. But the family also loves traveling just about anywhere that has a beach or snow covered mountains.

Kym loves reading mysteries, romances and about all things vampires, werewolves and other supernaturals. She hopes readers enjoy Kade’s Dark Embrace released March 2012. She has completed and released the next book in the series Luca’s Magic Embrace.

LINK to Romance Novel Center WEBSITE

FOLLOW: Twitter / Facebook

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FEAR THE DARKNESS (Guardians of Eternity #9) by Alexandra Ivy

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FEAR THE DARKNESS (Guardians of Eternity #9) by Alexandra Ivy

FEAR THE DARKNESS (Guardians of Eternity #9 ) by Alexandra Ivy

FEAR THE DARKNESS by Alexandra Ivy is the 9th novel (August 28, 2012 release) in her Guardians of Eternity series. Although the couple in question, for this particular storyline, is the Were Caine and his Prophet mate Cassandra (Cassie), the main premise of this particular novel is stopping the Dark Lord.

Alexandra involves many of her previous storyline characters including Styx, Roke, Viper, Gaius, Salvatore and Levet for the ultimate show of strength when the Dark Lord must face those hoping to close the rift between the veil and the Otherside. Several parallel storylines will coalesce in the final chapters, leaving a grieving mate with more than he bargained, the possibility of peace between Vampire and Were, and the mortality and whereabouts of one of the most feared and powerful beings in question.

Gaius has long sought to be reunited with his deceased mate-Dara, but a mistake made long ago has trapped him beyond the veil in servitude and slavery to the Dark Lord. A promise never forgotten, Gaius continues to play the clown to the Dark Lord’s demands, but the promise of being reunited with Dara has come at a cost. Sentenced to spend eternity serving evil, Gaius knows he must make amends to those he has betrayed but forgiveness will be a nightmare. Only this time, the Dark Lord will follow every move he makes and Gaius will become the pawn that will help the Dark Lord join the Alpha and Omega, once again making the Dark Lord the most powerful supernatural being. But an ominous warning from the Prophet will be lost to Gaius, when the very thing he wanted, may not be exactly what he gets.

Caine suspects Cassie is his mate, but the naïve and innocent Cassandra is only aware that her internal wolf wants Caine’s Were. The call to mate is strong between the couple, but Caine knows his first duty is to protect the Prophet and keep her from the Dark Lord. When he previously rescued the Prophet, he knew his duty, but realizing Cassie was his mate, made the idea of losing her to the Dark Lord that much more dangerous. But when the couple find themselves trapped behind the veil, it is Caine who is caught in the throws of a spell that has no apparent cure. But it will take the love of a very brave mate to tame the beast that wants none other than to kill everything in its path. And Cassie’s visions eventually turn black when the Dark Lord has what it wants.

Throughout the storyline, Styx (King of All Vampires) charges the Clan leaders with the orders to take up arms. Were and Vampire must unite, with imps and fey in order to close the portal between the worlds, only the rifts continue to grow as the Dark Lord increases in power. The Alpha and Omega are to be reunited so that the Gemini will rise, but the power of the Phoenix will get a little help from a an unbelievable source, when the Prophet’s vision reveals a reluctant warrior in the shape of a forgotten gargoyle.

FEAR THE DARKNESS is a fascinating and detailed storyline that re-unites many of the players and family members if only for a few minutes at a time. Personalities and egos will clash, as well as the eternal war between the species, but in order to save the world, sometimes prejudices and fears must be put aside. Another wonderful instalment in Alexandra Ivy’s Guardians of Eternity series.

GUARDIANS OF ETERNITY (Reading Order)

1. When Darkness Comes
2. Embrace The Darkness
3. Darkness Everlasting
4. Darkness Revealed
5. Darkness Unleashed
6. Beyond The Darkness
7. Devoured By Darkness
8. Taken by Darkness (Yours for Eternity Anthology)
9. Darkness Eternal (Supernatural Anthology)
10.The Real Werewives of Vampire County (Anthology)
11.Bound by Darkness
12.Fear The Darkness

LINKS TO ORDER Fear The Darkness
The Book Depository
Amazon Paper Books
Amazon Kindle
B&N Nook and Paper Books

Copy supplied by author.

Reviewed by Sandy

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RISE OF THE FALLEN by Donya Lynne-a review

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RISE OF THE FALLEN (AKM 1) by Donya Lynne-a review

RISE OF THE FALLEN (All The King’s Men #1) by Donya Lynne

RISE OF THE FALLEN is the first novel (released March 2012) in Donya Lynne’s All The King’s Men paranormal series. All The King’s Men or AKM are a group of elite vampire warriors and mutant vampires brought together to save the humans and rid the world of the Drecks (hybrid vampire shape shifters). The series contains some BDSM, M/M and bisexual relationships as well as a HEA. Adult content.

Samantha (Sam) is hiding in plain sight. On the run from an abusive husband, Sam works nights at a ‘gentlemen’s club’ but keeps her true identity a secret through the use of costumes and masks. But when Sam stumbles upon a man being savagely beaten, she puts her military background and training into practice. And taking home the badly injured stranger, will open doors to a life she never had dreamed.

Micah is a loner. Considered a loose cannon by his fellow warriors, Micah has been MIA for several days. His personal life is in shatters (due to the SUFFERING) and with no hope in sight Micah is determined to commit suicide by dreck. But the actions of a beautiful woman save Micah from his own demons, and force him to consider other options. And finding a new mate was never a consideration.

Donya’s cast of supporting players includes Micah’s fellow warriors –each with their own story of love and lost. Tristan as their leader is both sure of his role yet knows when to aid a friend in trouble. Trace, as Micah’s self-appointed guardian hides a secret that few are aware, and Severin and Arion’s relationship will need to be addressed because their awkward night together ended with neither one knowing in which direction they should go. And Micah is not without some extra special ability of his own.

RISE OF THE FALLEN is a fantastic first instalment for Donya’s ALL THE KING’S MEN paranormal series. Like most introductory storylines, there is plenty of background information, but Donya does not overwhelm the reader with an inordinate amount of data. There is romance, heartbreak and betrayal. RISE OF THE FALLEN introduces a collection of characters and potential plots as well as the possibility for the need of a few prequel storylines. I am looking forward to the second book HEART OF THE WARRIOR.

REMINDER: Donya is offering ONE ecopy of either RISE OF THE FALLEN or HEART OF THE WARRIOR to one of our eligible Reading Cafe members.

Reviewed by Sandy

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Amanda Ashley-Interview and Giveaway with the Author

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AMANDA ASHLEY-Interview and Giveaway with the Author

 

Amanda Ashley-The Reading Cafe has recently featured several of the novels by author Amanda Ashley. Today we would like to introduce the author of His Dark Embrace-Amanda Ashley

 

Name: Amanda Ashley/Madeline Baker
Resides: in Southern CA
Marital Status:  married
Children:  3 sons

WEBSITE: Amanda Ashley/Madeline Baker

TRC: Hi Amanda. Welcome to The Reading Cafe. Please tell us something about yourself?

Amanda: Gee, there’s not a lot to tell. I love spending time with my family, going to lunch with my friends, walking my dog, playing with my grandkids. I love going to movies and plays. I collect all things Star Wars, also Beauty and the Beast and Phantom of the Opera.

TRC: You are a very prolific writer of many different genres.  Have you always had an interest in writing?  When did you first start writing?

Amanda: I never intended to be a published author. I was always, however, a reader. I started writing out of boredom. My husband worked nights. My kids were young. There was nothing on tv. I’d been reading a lot of romance novels and one night I sat down and started writing a book of my own. I wrote three books before I ever told anyone what I was doing. If not for a friend of mine, who read one of my stories and suggested I find a publisher, I would probably still be writing stories and hiding them under the bed.

TRC: What is the name of the first novel you ever published and in what year? How did you feel when you were notified that your novel was accepted by the publisher?

Amanda: My first published novel was Reckless Heart. It was published in 1985. Everything about that first sale was so exciting. I remember calling my best friend on the phone when I got the contract, and then running down to her house to show her the cover when I got it in the mail. Of course, actually seeing my book on the shelf was beyond words. I went back home, got my camera, and went back to the store to take a picture of my book. It was amazing, seeing my book on a shelf next to books written by authors I’d read. It’s still exciting to see my books on the shelf.

TRC: You have several different series and single books, in several genres including paranormal romance, historical romance and western romance. Which genre do you find most difficult to write and which genre are you the most comfortable writing?

Amanda: I don’t have trouble writing any of them. I think paranormal is my favorite because I can let my imagination run wild.

TRC: What or who do you attribute the rise in popularity of today’s many paranormal romance authors and books?

Amanda: I think it’s because there is such a wide variety in paranormal that you don’t find in other genres. In paranormal, we have werewolves, vampires, ghosts, fairies, shapeshifters, selkies, even zombies, not to mention other worlds.

TRC: Many of your short-stories can be found in anthologies, along with other authors.  What is your take on the anthology?  Do you use the short –story to keep the readers and fans happy, or do the works in anthologies, add to the different storylines already published?

Amanda: Actually, the only reason I’ve ever done an anthology was because I was invited to do so. I do think they’re a good way to connect with someone who might not have read my books before.

TRC: At The Reading Café, Sandy is a big fan of prequels-the story before the story-the background information never revealed in the current timelines. What is your opinion on prequels?

Amanda: I’ve never thought about it. I know the editor of my Reckless series wanted me to write a prequel to Reckless Heart, but I could never come up with a plot. I don’t think I’ve ever read a prequel.

TRC: His Dark Embrace is the next instalment in your Vampire Romance novels. Would you tell us something about the premise of this book? Click the title for our review: His Dark Embrace

Amanda: My hero is a very old vampire who found a tonic that allows him to live in the sun and eat mortal food. When the maker of the tonic dies, he tries to find the formula, which was made by the heroine’s grandfather. There is also someone else, someone evil,  looking for the formula, and the story involves Kaiden and Skylynn falling in love while looking for the formula, and defeating the bad guy.

 

TRC: Kaiden and Skylynn are the characters that drive His Dark Embrace.  What was your decision to match up this pair?

Amanda: I have no idea. 🙂  In the book I’m currently working on, the character I thought was going to be the hero just didn’t work, so I brought in another character who knew how to behave as a hero should.

TRC: On your website, you offer your fans and readers, quite a bit of information with excerpts, chapter out takes and prologues.  That is very generous.  Many authors post hints and clues. Why do you post so many ‘goodies’ for your fans?

Amanda: Because they deserve it. I have the greatest fans in the world. They’re always so anxious to know what’s coming next. And I love sharing my new covers as soon as I get them. I think it’s also a good idea to give someone who’s never read one of my books a chance to find out what they’re getting before they buy the book.

TRC: In your Vampire Romance series, which hero or heroine is your favorite and why?

Amanda: It’s usually the couple from whatever book I’m writing at the moment. I have to say, I really love Zack from Bound by Blood. And Gabriel, from Embrace the Night, which was my first vampire book.  But then, I love all my heroes. As for heroines, I love Kaitlyn, from Desire the Night. She’s such a spunky little werewolf!

TRC: Is there any character you regret?  Any character who is not redeemable?

Amanda: Nope! I have a character, Rhys, who was supposed to be a bad guy in Everlasting Kiss. But I liked him so much, he turned into the hero in Everlasting Desire.

TRC: DESIRE THE NIGHT will be released September 2012.  Please tell us something about this novel and its’ characters Gideon and Kay—a love story between a vampire and a wolf?

Amanda: Oh my gosh, I love this book. I think it may be one of the best I’ve written! Gideon is such a hunk. It was fun to pair a vampire and a werewolf and watch the fur fly! They meet under the worst of circumstances – he’s been imprisoned  by a witch and Kaitlyn is captured and brought to him as his prey. The story revolves around escaping the witch, falling in love, and trying to win her father’s approval. I can’t wait for it to come out. And I love the cover.

TRC: Have you ever considered writing an anthology that included all of your Vampire Romance characters/couples-each with their own chapter than culminating in a single event?

Amanda: No, but what a great idea!

TRC: As an author, you have several short stories available.  Which type of book/novel do you believe is harder to write—a full-length novel or a short novella, where all the information must be contained with a shorter number of pages?

Amanda: For me, full-length novels are harder simply because I tend to write short….my preferred length is 80,000 words – my publisher wants 100,000 – we compromise at 90.

TRC: What are you working on today?

Amanda: I’m working on a story that is very Twilight Zone-ish. My critique group thinks it’s kind of creepy, scary, which it is. It’s very different, but I’m loving it so far. I don’t want to say more. But this is the book where the character I thought was going to be the hero isn’t. I’m loving this one!

TRC: Many authors and artists have spouses/partners who offer advice, ideas or criticism.  Who is your muse when you are looking for ideas?

Amanda: My critique group. We’ve been together for years. One of them, Carol Amato, gave me the idea for Unforgettable. My oldest son gave me the idea for A Whisper in the Wind.

TRC: Is there anything you would like to add?

Amanda: Just a hearty hello to all my readers. I appreciate you and your support through the years, and hope I never disappoint you.

LIGHTNING ROUND

Favorite Movie: The Holiday

Favorite TV Show: The Vampire Diaries

Favorite Dessert:  Chocolate anything

Dark or Milk Chocolate:  Definitely dark

Last Book that you read:  River Marked by Patricia Briggs

Favorite Author: It’s a tie between Patricia Briggs and Charlaine Harris

Pink or Red Roses: Red

Favorite Food: Spaghetti

TRC: Thank you Mandy for answering our questions.  It has been a pleasure.

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

Amanda has offered a copy of her new release HIS DARK EMBRACE  to one lucky member at The Reading Cafe.

1.  To be eligible, you must be a member at The Reading Cafe.  If you are not, please sign in using the Log-in at the top or by using one of the social log-ins.

2.  You MUST post a comment.  Please answer one of the LIGHTNING ROUND questions.

3.  Open to Canada and continental USA only.

4.  Contest from June 11 to June 15, 2012

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CJ ELLISSON Vampire Vacation Series

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 CJ ELLISSON Vampire Vacation Series-overview

Meet Vivian. She’s a 580-year-old vampire who exudes sex, has a talent for drama, and is passionate about two things: her human husband, Rafe, and their resort for the undead. Her ability to project physical illusions has created the perfect vacation spot—a dark, isolated Alaskan hideaway where visitors can have their wildest fantasies come true.

Vivian knows the best performance requires perfect timing, but the powerful vamp is put to the test when she discovers a corpse in a locked guestroom minutes before the next arrivals. Always cool-headed, Rafe hides the body, convinced he and Vivian can find the culprit without disturbing their guests.

Juggling the increasingly outrageous demands of their customers while tracking a killer isn’t easy. Will their poking and prodding give them the answers they need, or will it uncover secrets Vivian would kill to protect?

LINK: AMAZON Kindle

 

 

Free Short Story Read! Click here to read it on the site! A small glimpse into the past… to 1945, when our couple reunites after almost two decades from first meeting.

 

 

 

Vivian thinks she can control every aspect of a deadly game with her usual manipulations… but what if she can’t?

Seven vampires and seven werewolves pay to hunt a supernatural criminal across the cold, vast grounds of an Alaskan resort. The one to catch her, and live through the encounter, will increase their power by feasting on hers.

The tiny vampire they track is more than she appears, however. To escape a fate of ten years in silver chains, she’ll do anything to survive the weeklong excursion. This time, the darkness holds more than just the stinging bite of the Arctic—it holds death.

Journey along, in this next installment of The V V Inn series, for a wild ride as the tale is told through the eyes of all her new seethe members.

LINK: AMAZON Kindle

 

In this much-anticipated third installment of the V V Inn series, our sexy couple journeys to Argentina, bringing half their seethe along for the ride.

Vivian and Rafe venture into the Seat of Darkness, the Tribunal’s base, to uncover who’s plotting against them and why. From a cold, windy island off the southern Argentine coast, to the decadence of Buenos Aires, the group has plenty to keep their attention—seductive twins, deadly games, and a bunch of bloodsucking fiends who hate our much-loved, despotic innkeeper enough to see her dead.

Asa and Jon remain in Alaska, to manage the famous inn as it opens doors to a new type of guest. Visiting werewolves go on their first exploration of the property, looking for big game—hormones run high and shots ring out across the tundra. Soon, the hunters become the hunted and the peaceful getaway resembles a battleground.

How many will survive the next five days and will they ever be the same again?

Warning: This book contains very explicit sex scenes and is not intended for readers under 18.

LINK: AMAZON Kindle

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