9.29.2008

Bitten to Death Review

Bitten to Death is the fourth installment in the popular paranormal/fantasy series featuring CIA assassin Jaz Parks and her boss/partner/potential love interest/vampire, Vayl. This latest adventure takes us to the ancient city of Patras in Greece where Vayl must face a group of vampires that he has known for hundreds of years.

Vayl was part of a Vampere Trust until he decided to leave, which is absolutely unheard of. Jaz and Vayl are in Greece to infiltrate the Trust in hopes of finding the elusive, dangerous, Edward Samos, also known as The Raptor. Samos has plans for what he wants to do with The Trust and Jaz and Vayl must stop him before he gets his way.

While staying in The Trust’s mansion, Jaz, her brother Dave, and Vayl, start to notice the magic and powers the artifacts have over them. The new Deyrar, or supreme leader of The Trust, is an evil woman named Disa who has a long history with Vayl. With her in power everything is bound to go wrong and as Jaz learns more details about Disa, she yearns to take her out. But killing Disa will have catastrophic consequences since she has sneakily bound herself to someone in The Trust who Jaz would not want to see die.

How will Jaz find Samos and take out the bad guys when Disa is playing dirty? Will Jaz and Vayl take the next step in their relationship and admit that they have feelings for each other? Will this mission end in key players being assassinated?

Bitten to Death is a fantastic new chapter in Jaz Park’s life. I was a little disappointed that Cole and Cassandra weren’t around as much but this gave Dave’s character a chance to further develop. There aren’t any big revelations in this story but the reader gets a bigger glimpse of the big picture.

Vayl is still obsessed with finding his sons, and this puts his life in danger once again. Also, the relationship between Vayl and Jaz is slowly becoming more intense and Jaz’s healing is still in progress over the loss of her friends. Overall, Bitten to Death was another fun adventure that kept my interest and was unputdownable. I look forward to the next installment, One More Bite, due out in January 09.

9.26.2008

Promo for Midnight's Daughter

Product Description from Amazon

New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Karen chance has written a paranormal—with bite. Dorina Basarab is a dhampir—half-human, half-vampire. Unlike most dhampirs, though, Dory has managed to maintain her sanity. Now Dory’s vampire father has come to her for help— again. Her Uncle Dracula (yes, the Dracula), cruelest among vampires, has escaped his prison. And her father wants Dory to work with gorgeous master vampire Louis-Cesare to put him back there.Although Dory prefers to work alone, Dracula is the only thing that truly scares her—and when she has to face him, she’ll take all the help she can get…

Midnight's Daughter will be released on October 7, 2008! Remember that date!!

Preorder on Amazon

Preorder on Barnes and Noble

Promo for The Mammath Book of Vampire Romance

Product Description from Amazon:

The biggest names in paranormal romance have created a fascinating array of 30 short stories of hot blood and inhuman passions that will leave you thirsting for more. Authors include Sherri Erwin, Caitlin R. Kiernan, Jenna Black, Jenna Maclaine, Raven Hart, Delilah Devlin, Keri Arthur, Kimberly Raye, Alexis Morgan, Lilith Saintcrow, C.T. Adams, Cathy Clamp, Susan Sizemore, Dina James, Colleen Gleason, Barbara Emrys, Savannah Russe, Shiloh Walker, Vicki Pettersson, Rebecca York, Rachel Vincent, Amanda Ashley, Karen Chance, and Nancy Holder. These ain’t your mother’s vampires!

The Mammoth Book of Vampire Romance is out now!

Order from Amazon

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9.24.2008

Dead is the New Black Review

The small town of Nightshade is known for its odd occurrences dating back several hundred years. So you may understand that it came to no surprise to Daisy when her ex best friend Samantha Devereaux showed up at school dressed completely in black, paler then normal, and dragging a coffin around as her latest accessory.

Samantha is the head cheerleader at Nightshade High School and the most popular even though the girls are only juniors. Whether dragging around a coffin was the latest cool thing to do or if Samantha was now a walking dead person, Daisy does not know. Either way, Samantha seems different and needs to be watched extra carefully.

Daisy comes from a family of psychics but she is a norm with no powers to speak of. While her sisters can read minds and use telekinesis, her mother uses her powers to help the police solve crimes. The latest case involves a dead teenage girl. Daisy enlists her best friend Ryan Mendez to help her solve the mystery. But when one by one teenagers are having seizures and wind up in the hospital with mysterious illnesses, Daisy realizes they must work quickly before another person ends up dead.

Will Daisy and Ryan solve the case or will they end up the latest victims to this supernatural person? Who is the culprit and how come the police haven’t caught them by now? Will investigating this case reunite Samantha and Daisy as friends?

Dead Is the New Black is the first book in a new paranormal Young Adult series by Marlene Perez. The story moves along at a fast pace with romance, humor, and a mystery to keep readers intrigued. The characters are completely original and eccentrically hilarious.

I would have loved to read a book like this as a teenager and I am sure the Young Adults that this series is geared towards will find a lot to their liking in this story. Overall, there’s plenty of fun to be had in Nightshade, so dive right in and enjoy!

9.21.2008

Happy Birthday Carolyn!!



Deja Demon Review

Kate Connor is not your typical housewife. She leads a secret life as a Demon Hunter and only a select few people know the truth. Unfortunately, Kate’s husband Stuart isn’t one of them and it’s getting awfully hard to find new hiding spots to hide the demons until they can be properly disposed of.

Kate has an Easter party to plan but demons and zombies keep showing up in her backyard! When she isn’t planning a party, volunteering for the PTA, or helping out her church, she has to also work on her daughter Allie’s training to become a Demon Hunter.

However, it’s Kate’s former husband Eric, now known as David, who is really becoming a problem for Kate. After bringing him back from the dead, his soul now resides in a man named David, a teacher at Allie’s school. Kate is conflicted over her feelings for David and tries to keep him hidden from her husband. There’s no way Kate could explain to Stuart that she’s a Demon Hunter and that her former husband is back from the dead! Or can she?

Lately, Kate is constantly dodging demons wherever she goes. Kate along with her daughter does some research and they discover that a former enemy is back and has catastrophic plans to take over San Diablo, California with zombies. It is up to Kate to figure out how she will defeat them before the prophecy comes true.

Time is ticking away and Kate, David, and Allie are lost for answers but if they don’t act quick they won’t be alive to talk about it. Will Kate and David be able to defeat their enemies or will this story end in another death?

DEJA DEMON is the fourth installment in the Demon Hunting Soccer Mom series. This was the first book that I’ve read in the series but everything was nicely recapped so I was able to fully understand prior events.

DEJA DEMON had a little bit of everything that I like in a book. There’s romance, humor, suspense, adventure, paranormal elements, chick lit, and mystery. Overall, I loved this book and would recommend it to paranormal readers who want something fun and different to read.

9.18.2008

Pretty new purses






Aren't they gorgeous?!! I just ordered them online from Vera Bradley's official site tonight. They're having a big 40% off sale on discontinued styles and colors. This style the Lindsay (click on all the different designs to see them there) is being discontinued so it's on sale for alot cheaper then normal. Here's a link to the sale purses. But just make sure after you click on the purse that it doesn't say: This particular style and color combination is available only through authorized Vera Bradley retailers at this time. Because after calling the 1800 number I found out that means theyre out of that particular one if it says that. Most of the tote ones theyre out of but they still have the Lindsay ones I just got. They're normally $67 and they're on sale for $40.20. If you know brand names, that's pretty damn good for Vera Bradley. TJ Maxx sells them too but nowhere near as cheap. Amazon also has them on sale now but for $46 instead of $40. But anyway, I love the colors in these patterns and I just had to show you guys. Aren't they gorgeous? Do they look too out of season though? That's the only thing I was worried about. I think the turquoise one is winter- ish but the pink is more summer. But the pink is so colorful!! Which do you like better? And tell me theyre not out of season colors and I can still wear them! LOL :) What kinds of purses do you like?

9.15.2008

The Bride of Casa Dracula Review

Milagro De Los Santos has found her prince charming in the successful plastic surgeon, Dr. Oswald Grant but if she wants to walk down the aisle with him, she must abide by some old fashioned vampire rules. The Vampire Council is putting their foot down and Milagro must obey everything they demand of her or she will not become a member and enjoy the financial benefits of being in their secret club.

Their first order is for Milagro and Oswald to cease all sexual relations and cohabitation before marriage. This rule would ordinarily not be so fully enforced, but since Milagro is new to their community and unique with her own type of genetic anomaly, the council decides to enforce it. Instead of the distance apart making the heart grow fonder, it is a double edge sword that further alienates Milagro from her future husband.

When Cornelia Ducharme shows up at their house to keep a watch on everything and to teach Milagro what she needs to do to prepare for the wedding, Milagro is steaming with fury. Cornelia and Milagro don’t necessarily get along very well and to have this woman bossing her around isn’t helping things.

Shortly after Cornelia arrives at the ranch, Milagro starts to notice things going wrong. It’s starting to feel like someone is trying to sabotage her wedding to Oswald! Things are becoming ruined, missing, and after a serious accident, Milagro starts to think someone is out to get her.

Add into the mix, the mysterious, sexy, and dangerous Lord Ian Ducharme, and Milagro has a lot of temptation on her hands. One touch from Ian and Milagro’s scenes go on fire, but how can she give in to her desires when she is about to get married!

Will Milagro be a dutiful bride and obey all of the Council’s rules or will she tell them to go to hell and do her own thing? Will Milagro finally make it down the aisle and marry Oswald or will someone put a stop to her dream wedding?

THE BRIDE OF CASA DRACULA is a delightful, suspenseful, charming, page turning, excellent third installment in this addictive series featuring a cast of colorful characters who each shine through the pages of this novel. I adore Milagro and was rooting for her throughout the entire story to find true happiness. There are plenty of twists and secrets to be revealed and readers will be very satisfied with THE BRIDE OF CASA DRACULA.

After now having read the other two books in this series, I do think it only gets better and better with each new book. I have found a new favorite author to add to my keeper shelf and I can’t wait to read the next book starring Milagro De Los Santos. Overall, THE BRIDE OF CASA DRACULA is a fabulous book with a touch of comedy, romance, suspense and mystery all rolled into one.

9.14.2008

Wicked Ways Review

Wicked Ways
By Cynthia Eden

Miranda Shaw is a high school computer teacher whose past relationships both failed leaving her with not one, but two ex fiancés. After meeting a man named Paul Roberts online, she decides to meet him for a date. Paul quickly becomes the Date from Hell when his fangs come out and he starts biting and sucking blood from Miranda.

Luckily, Miranda’s handsome new neighbor, Cain Lawson, comes to her rescue after hearing her screaming. After some researching of Paul Roberts, they discover he is quite dangerous and they must find him before he attacks again. Despite being terrified of the vampire, Miranda isn’t scared of Cain even though he’s a Shifter. She finds him extremely sexy and while hunting their prey, a relationship starts to develop between them.

Together Miranda and Cain hunt for Paul, a serial killer vampire, who is on a murdering spree and won’t stop until someone kills him. Will they be able to find this dangerous vampire and put an end to the murders? Will Cain be able to protect Miranda from this vicious killer?

WICKED WAYS is an exciting paranormal romance story with tons of suspense and excitement. I adored the characters, the romance, the suspense, and the twists. Cynthia Eden has a fantastic short story in this anthology and readers will be pleasantly surprised on how great it really is. Overall, this anthology was a very enjoyable read and I look forward to reading more books by both authors.

Miss Congeniality Review

Miss Congeniality
By Shelley Laurenston

Dr. Irene Conridge has no time in her life for a man. She isn’t interested in sex, making friends, or having a boyfriend. She’s a workaholic and would rather have her nose in a book then hang out at the mall.

Irene first met Niles Van Holtz at college when she was a guest professor and him a student. He tried to put the moves on her then but she wanted nothing to do with him. Despite Irene’s obvious disinterest in Holtz, he still pursues her constantly. When Irene ends up in a scuffle with some wild animals, Holtz is the one to come to her rescue.

Holtz is a werewolf and knows that Irene will be targeted again if he doesn’t mark her as his. But how do you mark someone who doesn’t want anything to do with you? In the mean time, bad guys are after Irene and while her friendship is still developing between her and Holtz, she chooses not to inform him of this little tidbit. Will Irene’s secret put her life in jeopardy? Will Irene finally give in to Holtz’s charm and realize he isn’t so bad?

Miss Congeniality is a fun werewolf story with a healthy dose of romance and some suspense to keep readers riveted. This was the first story that I’ve ever read by Laurenston and I found it to be enjoyable. Overall, Miss Congeniality is a nice short read that romance readers are sure to enjoy.

9.10.2008

YAY JENNIFER!!!

Fantastic news about Jennifer Rardin's Series over here

Contest

There's a contest at this link to win TWO copies of Breaking Dawn by Stephenie Meyer. Hurry over and enter now! Earn an extra entry by blogging about it!

The Devil You Know Review

THE DEVIL YOU KNOW is the second book in a series featuring an exorcist named Morgan Kingsley. We first met Morgan in The Devil Inside when she found out that she was possessed by the King of the Demons, Lugh. Unlike with other demon hosts, Morgan is still fully in charge of her body. For some reason demons are unable to fully possess her and this makes Morgan very unique.

When The Devil Inside left off, Morgan’s brother Andrew had lost his demon, Raphael, and was left for dead. Morgan claimed to have lost her demon Lugh so people wouldn’t attack her to get to him. But the truth is that she is still possessed by Lugh and she’s trying to keep it a secret.

Unfortunately, the demon Raphael is on the run and out to kill Andrew so he doesn’t tell anyone what he’s heard while being a host. During Andrew’s recovery, Morgan takes him into her house to protect him. But there’s another demon named Der Jager aka The Hunter who is also jumping into bodies illegally to gain access to Morgan. Without knowing if her friends and family are really themselves or have Der Jager inside of them, Morgan must constantly be on the look out.

On top of everything else going on in her life, Morgan has just found out that her identity is a lie. There’s a dark family secret about her true parentage and her parents do not want her to know about it. There’s also that hospital stay from when she was thirteen years old that Morgan has no clear memory of.

When Morgan’s parents decide that they’re not going to help her or answer her questions, Morgan decides to investigate herself. But what she finds out will forever change her life and her relationship with her loved ones. How will Morgan cope with the revelations that she uncovers about her life?

THE DEVIL YOU KNOW is a superb second installment in this fabulous new series. There isn’t any S&M in this book unlike The Devil Inside which had a lot of scenes that made me uncomfortable. There is a little bit of erotica but not as much as in the previous book.
The concept of hosting a demon because it’s a privilege is a crazy idea but Jenna Black pulls it off wonderfully. It slightly reminded me of the movie Fallen (with Denzel Washington) with the demon jumping into whatever body he touches.

The characters are well developed, the suspense and mystery is exciting, and overall I loved everything about THE DEVIL YOU KNOW. The story moves along at a fast pace with fight scenes and excitement on every page. The conclusion is a cliff hanger that will leave readers in suspense for the next book, The Devil’s Due out on November 25, 2008. Jenna Black’s writing leaves me glued to the pages and intrigued, what more can I ask for?

Anya Bast Contest

Click here to enter The Chosen Sin Celebration contest

9.02.2008

Spectre Review

Spectre is the second book in Phaedra Weldon’s phenomenal series featuring Zoe Martinique, an Astral Traveler. After a traumatic experience, Zoe became able to travel out of her body by meditating. But ever since her dangerous meeting with an entity named TC aka The Archer, things have changed dramatically.

For one, Zoe lost her voice in her battle with TC. Secondly, Zoe has become extremely powerful and wonders if she is just a Wraith or something even more sinister now. With one touch from Zoe, a dying person leaves this earth and goes on to Heaven, or so Zoe would like to think. Where they really go, nobody knows. But every time she releases a soul, it gives her all of this energy, and feels good, too good. What is happening to Zoe? What is she becoming?

Zoe’s relationship with Detective Daniel Frasier is going great but Zoe’s secrets may cause a lot of problems between them. Daniel has no idea who and what Zoe really is. To make matters worse, Daniel doesn’t believe in ghosts or anything super natural. When Daniel and Zoe both end up investigating a case with missing body parts, Zoe must do her best to hide all of the super natural elements of the case from Daniel. Add into the mix, Joe, the mysterious man Zoe met in the morgue after an Astral Travel flight gone wrong, and things become hectic in Zoe’s world.

I adored every page of this suspenseful, original, imaginative novel. As a child, I remember hearing about astral projection and wishing it were something real that I could do. When I heard of this series, I knew instantly that I would love it since it’s so different from anything I’ve read and something that I’ve always been interested in.

Weldon writes extremely well with vivid scenes that the reader can imagine perfectly. The bad guys are all too real and by the end of this book, I guarantee you will almost believe that astral traveling is real and something you could really do! The story ends with an awesome cliff hanger that left me BEGGING for the next installment. Overall, Spectre is absolutely wonderful and I have a new favorite author to add to my keeper shelf.