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ETERNAL BLOOD (Mark of the Vampire 2.5) by Laura Wright-a review

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ETERNAL BLOOD (Mark of the Vampire 2.5) by Laura Wright -a review

ETERNAL BLOOD by Laura Wright

ETERNAL BLOOD is book 2.5 (novella) and January 2012 release from Laura Wright’s Mark of the Vampire series.

Gray Donahue is an Impure, one of the many Halfling breed of vampires.  Along with his ability to hear the thoughts of others, Gray wants nothing more than to ease his pain with sex and blood. But his pain is multi-faceted. As an Impure Gray is hunted by the Eternal Order of Vampires; as a brother, he is heartbroken about his sister’s secret:  and as a son, he blames himself for the death of a loved one. 

Hoping to rid the world of the Impure, the Order is known to abduct and perform inhumane and torturous procedures all in the name of purity. And when Gray is captured and held prisoner in the Order’s hidden cells, he is shocked and sickened with the knowledge that there are things worse than the pain of existence.  But Gray is also numbed when there are others, like himself that know more about his family history than he ever knew.

Once again, we meet Dillon-the cold and frosty pure-blood vampire who rescues Gray from his impending procedure only to be brought back into a vortex of sexual need and hunger.  But this time-Dillon is his target and there is definitely a spark of something between the ‘unhappy’ couple.

Eternal Blood is a quick read- the continuing story of betrayal and heartbreak for the Impure of the species.  Laura writes a compelling story that only furthers our curiosity about the relationship between Gray and Dillon, and teases our senses in the world of the Mark of the Vampire.  Looking forward to Eternal Captive.

Reading Order
1. Eternal Hunger
2. Eternal Kiss
3. Eternal Blood (enovella)
4. Eternal Captive
5. Eternal Beast

LINKS TO ORDER
KOBO
Amazon Kindle
B&N Nook

Reviewed by Sandy

 

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ETERNAL HUNGER (Mark of the Vampire #1) by Laura Wright-a review

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ETERNAL HUNGER (Mark of the Vampire #1) by Laura Wright-a review

ETERNAL HUNGER (Mark of the Vampire 1) by Laura Wright

ETERNAL HUNGER is the first storyline in Laura Wright’s sexy and romantic Mark of the Vampire series. Featuring a series of pure vampires and half-breeds known as impures, Laura takes the reader on an adventure of that will make you cry and make you laugh and in the end, make you want more.  Eternal Hunger introduces the Roman’s-a trio of close-knit brothers who would die to protect each other-Alexander, Nicholas and Lucian Roman.  This is Alexander’s story.

Alexander Roman is a vampire, bred from the DNA of one of the most hated and feared vampires imaginable-the breeding male.  But when he experiences ‘morpho’  approximately 100 years before his time, Alexander knows the The Order-The Eternal Breed was calling him home and this was one mission he was going to refuse.  But finding himself alone and in pain minutes before the sun was about to rise, Alexander had no idea that his life was about to change –forever.

Dr. Sara Donohue worked with trauma patients at the psyche ward and she was especially close to one patient in particular=her brother Gray.  Traumatized from a fire that killed their father, Sara has never forgiven herself for Gray’s injuries, and has dedicated her life to finding a way to reach into Gray’s mind and erase the memories of that painful day.

Sara was being stalked by a former patient whose mental state had fractured and finding herself in a strange room, in a strange house with a beautiful man with fangs, was not what Sara had in mind. But something about the man called to Sara’s soul-she recognized the pain in his eyes. Their attraction to one another was instant but they were both hiding a secret that neither would share.  And it was Alexander’s secret that would put both of them at risk.

Vampire lore and history, stated that each male would find his true mate at the time of the ‘morphing or the change’.  But Alexander and his brothers had refused to buy into the stories of eternal love, yet something about Sara had called to Alex when no other female would do

Meanwhile, The Order has demanded that Alexander Roman hunt for the impure vampire that was attempting to bring disorder to the Eternal Breed.  But what Alexander and his brothers discover is something more powerful than merely an impure with delusions of power.  Someone on the inside knew more than they were saying, and the Brother’s Roman were pawns in a game of power and blood.

The relationship between Sara and Alexander is tested when a female vampire claims that Alex is her true mate.  Jealousy is an unknown feeling for both Sara and Alex, but both experience the pangs when each is placed in a position that could threaten a building love.

ETERNAL HUNGER is the introductory story that outlines some of the premise behind The Order and the Eternal Breed of vampires.  Laura writes a fascinating tale of vampire history and lore that culminates with the hero finding his one true-mate.  The surprise ending will answer a few questions and the threat against one of the other brother’s will come to fruition.  Nicholas’s storyline is next.

My only complaint is Laura’s use of the C-word when describing the love-making between a couple.  It detracts from the scene, and although it is only a word, it is a word that is mostly used in a derogatory and abusive situation in the real world.  A rose by any other name is still a rose-and I guess the same could be said for the C-word.

Reading Order
1. Eternal Hunger
2. Eternal Kiss
3. Eternal Blood (enovella)
4. Eternal Captive
5. Eternal Beast

Reviewed by Sandy

 LNKS TO ORDER
B&N Nook and Paper books
Amazon Kindle
Amazon Paper Books
The Book Depository
KOBO

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Vampire Vacation by CJ Ellisson-a review

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Vampire Vacation (The V.V. Inn #1) and Just One Taste by CJ Ellison-a review

VAMPIRE VACATION (The V.V.Inn Book 1) by C.J.Ellisson

NOTE: Series contains Mature Adult Content

VAMPIRE VACATION is the first book in C.J.Ellisson’s V.V.Inn series focusing on the adventures of Vivian Alexandria-a 580+ year old ancient vampire with a special ability. Located in Alaska, the V.V.Inn caters to the supernatural side of humanity including vampires and werewolves, where Vivian makes all of their fantasies come true ala Fantasy Island. Vivian is the epitome of sexual desire and oozes enough sex appeal to invoke the imaginations of the guests. But Vivian specializes in manipulation, and her ability makes the guests see and hear, what she wants them to see. As the only remaining ‘manipulator’ of her kind, Vivian aka Dria has the power to control even the most ancient and her past history as an enforcer has placed her on the top of the feeding chain when it comes to power and fear. But not everyone is happy with Vivian’s success.

Vivian’s long time mate and husband Rafe stands beside his wife at all times. Although he is not a supernatural, Rafe consumes enough vampire blood to keep up with his wife’s demands and very busy lifestyle. Without a Seethe, Vivian is virtually a one-woman machine. She has never felt the need to accumulate vampires or servants to follow her every command. But events at the V.V.Inn have turned fatal when a dead body is found in one of the guest rooms, and no one can account for his identity and how he was able to find his way into the Inn unnoticed. Security at the Inn will have to be updated and increased, and a new member will soon be added to Vivian’s small family at the Inn.

Several factors begin to fall into place, when Vivian begins to notice that some of her new guests are hiding secrets. But with her powers, she will eventually discern the identity and what precipitated the dead man’s appearance. And what Vivian finds will send shock waves through the Inn.

Jonathan is a werewolf who has worked with Vivian and Rafe for 7 years. Knowing Vivian is happily mated to Rafe, has not stopped Jon’s feelings for the ancient vampire. Never mated, Jon was hoping that perhaps Vivian would change her mind, but Rafe and Vivian’s relationship is based on love and no matter the circumstances, Rafe will always come first with Vivian.

We are introduced to several of the Inn’s employees including Paul the chef-one of the few humans who has not requested that he be a donor. But Paul has a family and does not wish to risk their lives, so he prefers to keep his personal and private life separate. But events at the Inn will place everyone in danger when the person suspected of murder begins to attack those closest to Vivian and her family.

In the end, Vivian will have the Seethe she never wanted and Rafe will be happier with the security recommendations of an ex-military soldier who now spends his life as the undead. Vivian is a heroine who knows what she wants, takes no prisoners and tells it like it is. Vampire Vacation is a great start to C.J. Ellisson’s The V.V. Inn series, and I am looking forward to all of her books.

Reviewed by Sandy

JUST ONE TASTE by CJ Elisson

JUST ONE TASTE is a pre-quel short story, approximately one chapter in length and focuses on Vivian as she re-unites with Rafe after more than a decade apart. At the present we are not sure what has happened between the two, but there is a definite sexual attraction and one that Vivian (aka Dria) does not want to pursue.

Dria is a 580year old female vampire with the special ability to manipulate reality, and an ability that is far too powerful in many eyes. But JUST ONE TASTE does not reflect the power that Dria can wield especially when a man from her past needs a place to stay for the night. Raphael was a young 17year old boy when Dria walked away from his mother’s ‘yoga’ studio but the attraction between the couple has never waivered in all those years. Rafe has apparently sought out Dria, and is willing to take their ‘friendship’ to the next level.

JUST ONE TASTE is exactly that-just one taste or small snippet – a quick look back to when Dria and Rafe first re-connected. Now that they are husband and wife, their adventures at the Vampire Inn continue with each storyline. If I am not mistaken, CJ’s new novel will focus on the backstory (pre-quel) of Vivian and Rafe.

Reading Order
1. Vampire Vacation
2. The Hunt
3. Big Game
4. Just One Taste (prequel)

LINKS TO ORDER:
Amazon Paper Book
Amazon Kindle
B&N Nook and Paper book
KOBO

Reviewed by Sandy

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A Vampire’s Vindication by Alexis Morgan-a review

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A Vampire’s Vindication by Alexis Morgan

A VAMPIRE’S VINDICATION by Alexis Morgan

A VAMPIRE’S VINDICATION is the 4th storyline in Alexis Morgan’s Vampire Series. Although written as a novella, it was a fairly short storyline introducing vampire Griff Tyler and chancellor Keelie Bronson. Under the assumption that Griff was responsible for her father’s death, Keelie is stunned when she learns the identity of her father’s real killer.

Following her mother’s death from lymphoma, Keelie Bronson must face some realities. She is alone, the man suspected of killing her father is paying too much attention to her and the attraction between the couple is palpable. But it is the contents of the envelope that her mother left behind, that has everyone anxious and looking for a means to an end.

Griff Tyler is a wealthy vampire with connections but it is his brother Becan whom appears to be making up for lost time. Hoping to find out the truth behind the death of Keelie’s father so that he can take control of the family estate, Becan attempts to force Keelie into revealing the contents of her mother’s envelope. But it is the protective nature in Griff that steps in, warning the others, that Keelie Bronson is his.

Keelie must face reality when it is revealed that her mother’s house belongs to the Tyler Clan of vampires. But upon her mother’s death, the house must now revert back to Griff’s family. Stunned that she no longer has a home, Keelie attempts to pack up the remains of her mother’s life, when the house is rocked, by several explosions and fire consumes what is left of her mother’s things. Hoping to secure Keelie to a safe place, Griff calls in reinforcements to help locate the person responsible for the attack on the home.

Thinking the perpetrator is Griff’s brother the search party is stunned to find that Becan was a victim, as much as Keelie. When the truth about her father’s death is finally revealed, it is a saddened Keelie that must face the ghosts that have haunted her all of her life.

A Vampire’s Vindication is a quick read, and one that is not necessary to the series storyline. This particular novella may be read as a stand-alone, as it does not impart any pertinent information, but like most novellas, the story is interesting and adds another dimension to Morgan’s Vampire series.

Reviewed by Sandy

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All I Want For Christmas by Alexis Morgan-a review

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All I Want for Christmas by Alexis Morgan-a review

ALL I WANT FOR CHRISTMAS by Alexis Morgan

Alexis Morgan’s ALL I WANT FOR CHRISTMAS can be found the in the December 2011 Christmas anthology-A Vampire for Christmas. Like most short stories it was a quick and easy read, the plot was interesting, the characters are lovable, but most of all, it will warm the heart-at any time of the year.

Eagan McHale doesn’t like Christmas. The cold makes him miserable and the twinkling lights-don’t even start. But several missing teenagers, has the vampire/undercover officer on the hunt. As the mangled and blood-drained bodies begin to mount, Eagan suspects newly turned or young vampires testing their prowess as predators. But night after night, Eagan is drawn to a little café, where the most beautiful woman haunts his dreams.

Della Breit, café owner and Christmas lover, keeps her clients happy, the hungry fed and her employees safe and warm, but a stranger in a long dark coat, mystifies and amazes. When the dark haired man finally enters the diner, she knows her life is about to change-forever.

As the story progresses, Eagan worries that his need for Della may inhibit his ability to think straight and keep his mind on the task at hand-hunting down rogue vampires, but when Della asks for Eagan’s assistance with decorating the shop for Christmas, he is surprised how quickly their relationship moves forward. There is an immediate attraction between the couple, and one that does not go unnoticed by the ever-present werewolves who work and tend the diner. Knowing that Eagan is not the only supernatural being who currently vies for Della’s attention, he tries to pull away, but an accident at the café, has Eagan dropping everything to tend to the woman who has invaded his thoughts. When Eagan attempts to heal Della, using both his tongue and his blood, he knows it was a mistake. He is now connected to the woman for all time.

The couple quickly amp up their relationship into one of sexual heat and chemistry, and when Eagan feeds during sex, he knows he is lost. This is his mate and the draw of her blood, will forever be his need. But when he senses her distress, not only does he hunt for the cause, but the werewolves who work with her, assist in the rescue of his mate.

WE are introduced to Tenn (chef), Lupe (friend) and Harry (client)-all supernaturals, as well as Daniel, the young boy caught in a loop of vampire feeding. Here’s hoping that Alexis continues their stories, in upcoming novels or novellas.

All I Want for Christmas is a wonderful addition to the anthology A Vampire For Christmas. As anthologies go, some stories need to be told, while others should have been left on the shelf, but All I Want for Christmas is definitely a story you will want to read. My only complaint.—it didn’t last longer.

Reviewed by Sandy

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A Vampire’s Salvation by Alexis Morgan-a review

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A Vampire’s Salvation by Alexis Morgan

A VAMPIRE’S SALVATION by Alexis Morgan

A VAMPIRE’S SALVATION introduces Cord Kilpatrick- a vampire convicted 15 years ago of murdering his best friend and business partner. Although the body was never found, Cord has always professed his innocence, but now that the lead investigator chancellor Olivia McCabe has requested his presence, all bets are off. This can only mean one thing-his execution.

Chancellor Olivia McCabe has always known that Cord was innocent in the disappearance of his business partner, but the incriminating evidence was too strong. Ever vigilant, Olivia kept her eyes and ears open for any clue that would help free Cord from prison and the heavy labor he has had to endure for 15 years. With most murder convictions, the death sentence is carried out immediately, but without a body, Cord’s future has been hanging in the balance. And there are other clues pointing to someone close to Cord, who may be responsible.

Cord’s release from prison coincides with the discovery of his ‘recently’ deceased business partner. And it is now up to Olivia and Ambrose to find the real killer. But in the end, all Cord wants is his life back to normal with the woman he now wants to share his life. And what of his previous life and family? Someone from his past is no longer a part of his future, but has caused him enough damage that he may never recover.

A Vampire’s Salvation is another novella in Morgan’s Vampire Series. Like the other storylines, the pace is fast, the relationship has already been established and their story is over too quickly. I am a fan of the Vampire series, and I hope Alexis Morgan continues to write about the lives of the chancellors, vampires and humans that connect with each other –from her heart.

Reviewed by Sandy

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What’s At Stake & The Vampire’s Desire by Alexis Morgan-a review

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What’s At Stake & The Vampire’s Desire by Alexis Morgan

WHAT’S AT STAKE by Alexis Morgan

WHAT’S AT STAKE is the first storyline in Alexis Morgan’s Vampire series, and can be found in the anthology The Mammoth Book of Vampire Romance. Shorter than a novella, What’s At Stake is basically one chapter in length and introduces Chancellor Jocelyn Sloane and her future vampire mate Rafferty O’Day, who will figure prominently in future storylines and novels.

Rafferty O’Day stands accused of murdering a human. For reasons only he is aware, he suspects his less than happy ex-fiance Petra is behind the murder and the set-up. Trusting no one other than the one person closely connected to the events leading to the murder, Rafferty requests to see Chancellor Sloane.

Jocelyn Sloane is a Chancellor-a hybrid human/vampire mix, and the woman who has sparked a flame in Rafferty’s soul. But with her position as Arbitrator on the North American Coalition, she can longer sit in judgment without biasing the outcome of the hearing. Hoping to access a fair hearing for Rafferty, Joss (Jocelyn) calls in her mentor and boss Ambrose to hear the evidence and charges.

Rafferty and Joss’s relationship enters the inevitable next step-one that they had both been previously accused. Knowing that there is the possibility of a death sentence waiting for Rafferty, the couple explore the depths of which love may take them, if there is ever to be a future for them both.

When a rather irritated Petra is called in to testify, it only takes one look at Joss and Rafferty together, for her to lose everything that has ever mattered—including possibly her life. The punishment for murder is severe and Chancellor Ambrose is the final authority on all things-vampire.

What’s At Stake is a very short novella, taking only a few minutes to read. But I would suggest, if you consider reading Alexis Morgan’s Vampire Series-What’s At Stake is a necessary read-as Joss and Rafferty will play a major role in some of the upcoming storylines.

 


THE VAMPIRES’ DESIRE by Alexis Morgan

THE VAMPIRE’S DESIRE is the first book (but 2nd storyline) in Alexis Morgan’s Vampire series of novels. Set against the backdrop in the fictional town of New Eire, The Vampire’s Desire introduces a new breed to the vampire line-up of characters-Chancellor-vampire/human hybrid, with the power of a vampire but the ability to walk in the daylight.

Chancellor Ambrose O’Brien despises being stood up and by all people, the beautiful vampire Miranda “Randi” Connor. It wasn’t, in fact a date, but a meeting between the warring factions in a land-claims deal that was quickly spiraling out of control. And with Miranda’s wayward family members in attendance (Kurt and his wife Otka), the only thing that was under discussion was the wine and dessert list. Where was Miranda and why had she missed this important meeting?

Miranda Connor is a pure-bred vampire heiress who is capable of challenging the strongest of opponents sitting at any conference table, but a deadly attack in her home, has left her shaken and wondering who would want to kill her family. But when Chancellor Ambrose O’Brien suddenly appears at her front door, she knows her life is about to change. Calling in reinforcements, Ambrose is quick to call in his investigation team, and reign in his anger over the thought that Miranda could have been one of the victims. His attraction to the female vampire was growing and with that came the knowledge, that perhaps she was more than just a casual business acquaintance.

Hoping to secure Miranda in a safe place, Ambrose takes Miranda to his secluded apartment, but any thoughts of safety are soon wiped away, when his state of the art bachelor pad is suddenly rocked by explosions and engulfed in flames. On the run, the couple is soon caught in a game of tag, trying to elude a number of cars tailing their vehicle. But safety and security are fleeting, when Ambrose and Miranda are once again ambushed, while hiding out at friend’s former house.

Ambrose and Miranda’s relationship builds quickly as the storyline progresses. While temporarily secure in the friend’s home, the couple no longer yield to their sexual desires. When Ambrose offers his vein to the woman in his arms, he knows that she is the one for him; the one he will protect with his life.

Finding themselves tied and locked in a blackened basement, Ambrose and Miranda realize they are not alone. Kurt is also held captive, secured by his scheming wife and her lover-hoping to gain control over the Miranda’s family lands. With an escape plan in the works, the trio finds themselves face to face with their captors. But it is a quick thinking Ambrose, that knows, as one of the most powerful Chancellors, that he has the ability to enact punishment-deadly and swift.

The Vampire’s Desire is a short story introducing Alexis Morgan’s world of vampire series. There is just enough background information that the reader is not overwhelmed and with the mention of a few names, a foreshadowing of many novels to come. Although I have previously read a few of her novellas in other anthologies, I look forward to reading the entire series to date.

Reviewed by Sandy

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HEART OF THE WARRIOR (AKM 2) by Donya Lynne-a new release review

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HEART OF THE WARRIOR (AKM 2) by Donya Lynne-a new release review

HEART OF THE WARRIOR (AKM 2) by Donya Lynne

HEART OF THE WARRIOR is the second novel (released May 25, 2012) in Donya Lynne’s All The King’s Men paranormal vampire series. This particular storyline features a M/M relationship between two AKM warriors Severin and Arion. Sev has known that Ari would one day be his mate, but it will be Ari’s need for acceptance by his family that will force the newly mated couple into a world that neither one expected. Contains some BDSM, M/M scenes.  Adult content.

Sev and Ari’s relationship turned personal between the pages of Donya’s Rise of the Fallen. There is an attraction between Ari and Sev that is hard to deny. But the author has added a twist when a vampire finds his mate he will enter the CALLING-a need so great, that separation and rejection is both physically and emotionally painful. And over the course of the new-found bonding, separation is inevitable when one warrior is too frightened to come out or acknowledge his feelings in public.

Sev’s relationship with his mother is close. As a single parent raising a hybrid vampire Sev’a mother has known pain and sorrow. And it is the story of his conception that has hurt Sev the most, knowing how his mother has suffered at the hands of an attacking vampire. But Sev has a secret that he and his mother share and one that could ultimately end his career. As a vampire/dreck hybrid Sev knows that if his true heritage were revealed rejection from the force would be the least of his worries. Finally finding a mate and losing him to the knowledge that he was not willing to admit the truth about himself will cause both men to enter the SUFFERING and the pain will be shared by everyone-involved.

Arion’s family is connected, but their prejudices and bigotry have always been difficult for Ari. Although he tried to enjoy the pleasures of women, he was never willing to admit that he felt nothing. And there was also his best friend Io, who held to the same beliefs and bigotries as his parents. Knowing that his relationship with Sev could mean the end to all that he has known was something that Ari needed to consider before admitting that Sev was his mate.

But Sev’s past will soon catch up. Lakota Bannon-his father wants a reunion with both he and his mother. And as a former agent for the Department of Vampire Dreck Affairs, Severin was involved in an undercover operation that ended fatally for Sev’s former lover. And to complicated matters, Gabriel’s sister Gina has made it her mission to see that all the agents involved would die just like her brother. The drecks are trafficking cobalt, making addicts of the rich and famous vampires, and two of Sev and Ari’s fellow warriors will find themselves facing more than an angry vampire or two.

Heart of the Warrior and the author Donya Lynne will focus on many of the different aspects of a same sex relationship. Donya treats the relationship with respect and the sexual encounters are romantic, loving and hot. Like many same sex couples, Sev and Ari will face rejection from friends and family, but in the end, the love and support from others, will be the ultimate show of approval and acceptance. There are many moments that will cause a tear or two to fall, some will require a tissue and others will make you think-what if?? Heart of the Warrior is a romantic story about two people who will overcome the odds and find love, when so many others have not.

REMINDER: Donya is offering ONE e-copy of either RISE OF THE FALLEN or HEART OF THE WARRIOR to one eligible Reading Cafe member.

Reviewed by Sandy

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