Review Defying The Covenants by Celina Summers

Title: Defying The Covenants (Vampire Covenants #3)
Author: Celina Summers
Source: Requested Review
Genre: Paranormal, Historical - Vampires
Format: eBook, 368 pgs
Release Date: March 30, 2011
Publisher Website




As the Conclave prepares to confront the Russian renegade Grigori Volkonsky, Marguerite von Wittershiem has been shunted aside. Her husband and mentors hope to keep her out of danger by assigning her the unglamorous task of protecting the written lore of their people.

But their plans go awry when a traitor within the Conclave betrays them all to the enemy. As the most powerful vampires in Europe fall to Volkonsky’s minions, Marguerite must find not only the strength to stand alone but the ability to withstand the greatest threat that the hidden world of vampires has ever faced. If she fails, the immortal races and humanity will be destroyed.

In order to ward the Covenants as she has sworn, Marguerite must be prepared to defy them as well.




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My Review:

This is a historical vampire story, the third and final book in the Vampire Covenants trilogy, which takes place in 1788 - 1789 Europe during the time of great famine and rioting before and during the French Revolution. It starts in Paris and then moves to Bucharest, Budapest and the Carpathian mountains with the famine and rioting spreading all over Europe.

Marguerite, our female lead, is an independent young English vampire of a little more than 1 year turned against her will at the age of 22 by a ancient rogue vampire. She is married to Gunther, a much older German vampire and eldest and strongest of the vampire Elders are her teachers, mentors and guardians. She is a seer & empath tasked with the survival of a library and its contents, the "lore of our people", the ancient scrolls of knowledge about the vampires. She is later forced to take on the Elder leaders of Europe in the vampire war. Her youth is not the only hindrance. In the eyes of the centuries old Elders she is also short and a woman in the later part of the 17th century. It is very easy to underestimate her, especially so when pitted against a Russian warload bent on not only taking over Europe but also taking her and the special Elder's sword she was bequeathed. Marguerite chafes at being kept out of the action under the yoke of protection of her mentors and guardians. She takes matters into her own hands, sneaks away and engages the enemy.

While I did enjoy the story, I was hindered by not having read either of the first two books in the series. There were very many things I was confused about and that were left unexplained as if they took place in the earlier books. Additionally, there were many German and French phrases used that I needed a translator for since the author didn't explain what they meant. Luckily there are several web pages which will do this for you.

Summers separates the story into five parts the author calls Books. Personally I didn't see the need for the separations as the story continued virtually uninterrupted so the separations seem like a waste of five pages.

While not a romance, the prologue features the love between the female lead and her husband (with sexual scenes alluded to) and later there is some unrequited love which could be the basis for another stand alone story.

Review Ascension by Caris Roane

Title: Ascension (The World of Ascension #1)
Author Caris Roane
Source: Requested review
Genre: Paranormal romance with a touch of Sci-fi- vampire
Length: Novel -mass paperback
Authors website 

Kerrick is a vampire warrior on a mission—to protect powerful mortal Alison Wells as she goes through the rite of ascension, or transformation into a vampire.  But along the way, Kerrick gets caught in a feirce, forbidden attraction to the woman he been assigned to watch over.  After his beloved wife was murdered by evil blood vampires, Kerrick took vows never to get involved with a woman again, for he knows that he’ll risk her life if he gets too close.  But when a powerful army of blood vampires learns about Alison's extraordinary powers, they're determined to take her down.  Now Kerrick has no choice but shadow her where ever she goes--even if it means losing his heart for eternity.

Rating-

Sexual-

Caris Roane has an awesome start for a hot paranormal romance series in The Guardian of Ascension Series. I found Ascension very compelling and thrilling to read. I have seen some compare this to other major paranormal romance authors, I didn’t see this one bit in fact, I like the way Caris stuck more to the romance in her story then other authors and with the touch of Sci-Fi world build with the characters traveling between different dimensions, oh yeah, defiantly very different from the rest and explained easy.

In this book you get one hot vampire warrior and one sexy very dangerous heroine. I like that the author wasn’t afraid about creating a very strong heroine, so much so, her power can kill people and it does (you'll have to read and find out who). Alison is no ordinarily human. You’ll just have to read to find out what all this extraordinary this woman can do. I wouldn’t say the hero Kerrick is tortured, but he has some issues that take a bit to overcome, but he is always proud of Alison no matter what she throws at him. I loved how the author bought these two together and build their romance. The sexual tension is smoking all the way through the book, the sex is very steamy, but there’s not a lot of it and it takes a long while to get to it. Yeah, I know I don’t have to have it that much, but crap the tension was so hot it was killing me LOL.

The other warriors in very present in the story and the author also gave a peek to who may be the next mate for a couple of them. It just makes reading a series so much exciting because you cant wait for the next book to see what’s going to happen.

Now, I want to say, the author has a very deep storyline with a lot going on, plus quite a few different characters, so be preprepared for going back in fourth between characters. It can be confusing at first until you get to know them, so just take your time. The cussing can be a bit much, so if your one who doesn’t like it be prepared.

I recommend this to any paranormal romance lover. I don’t think you’ll be disappointed in trying this series, especially if you love romance with some dangerous action.  

Guest Post/Interviews

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Review Her Accidental Angel by Melisse Aires

Title: Her Accidental Angel
Author: Melisse Aires
Source: Requested Review
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Format: eNovella, 142 pgs
Release Date: Mar 31, 2011
Publisher Website





Kari thinks a weight loss spell in an old book is worth a try. Unfortunately, while it does make her thin, the spell is a trick that unleashes a centuries old famine demon.

Fallen Guardian Angel Rahmiel once defeated the famine demon and was bound to it so he could fight it if it ever descended to the earth again. But there is the little problem of his imprisonment in ice. While the demons reappearance gets him back to Earth, what he needs to stay out of prison is a bonding ceremony with a human woman--like Kari.




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Sexual -


My Review:

This is a enjoyable sweet, sensual romance with a demon, a virgin, an angel, a summoning ritual gone bad and a battle.

Kari, the heroine, is an insecure overweight, young and inexperienced 22 year old who tries to take the easy way out to lose weight unwittingly unleashing a famine demon. The demon is unsuccessful in killing her but leaves her size 14 body a svelte size 4 with food issues.

Rahmiel, the sexy hero, is an angel who has literally been "on ice" for eight thousand years released only when the demon is summoned. When he meets Kari, he can't keep is hands off her. They have sex in mid air while flying and in sensual bath (involving an interesting use of the tub's water jet), beach and other waterscape scenes.

The reader is also treated to another mini romance between secondary characters. Possibly the basis for a sequel? There is much material here from which Aires could create a nice little Harlequinesque paranormal romance series.

This may be a little tame or vanilla for some because the only things that could considered risque are some oral sex and the use of a water jet in the tub. So it really falls between a Steamy and a Hot sexual rating. At 142 pages it is a fast read.

Review Kane By Eliza Gayle

Title: Kane (Black Cougar #2)
Author: Eliza Gayle
Source: Requested Review
Genre: Erotic Paranormal Romance - Shifters
Format: eBook, 233 pgs
Release Date: April 2010
Author Website





Kane Gunn is beyond frustrated. He has a kill order to fulfill and after weeks of chasing his quarry he's boiling over with tension. Then he catches the woman who's become his obsession and Kane becomes consumed by a desire that overwhelms everything...including his quest for justice.

Lara is determined to seek revenge against the were-cougar guardians. Consequences don't matter and distraction isn't an option. Until she finds herself face to face with the pair of green eyes that have been haunting her day and night. Time is of the essence as the tables are turned and a tenuous truce is formed.

In the face of passion enemies become lovers, tempting fate, testing trust, and satisfying an undeniable need. Lies and secrets. Corruption and Revenge. Choices that change lives. Don't miss the revelation...of Kane.




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My Review:

What happens when you discover unbridled lust for someone you hate and who tried to kill your brother? The second book in Gayle's Black cougar series. The subject of our hero's desire is the female antagonist from the first book in the series. One of the unanswered questions from the first book is answered here.

The basic story premise is a good one. At 233 double-spaced pages, this is another fast read. There is betrayal by a friend, shocking revelations and sex (an interesting shower scene, couple of outdoor scenes, a Jacuzzi tub scene and a quick somewhat unclear anal scene) with a little bit of reluctant, unconventional romance thrown in. While not as sensually hot as the first book, there is alot of chemistry going on.

Kane, the main lead, is the easy going brother forced into being the clan enforcer and guardian when his brother is banished from the clan for at least a year for mating outside the clan. While he kills when necessary, he doesn't like to.

Lara, the female lead, is a real hard witch and it is difficult to call her the heroine. Agressive, strong-willed and apparently evil, she comes off as nasty and willing to do anything to get revenge. She has been molded from an early teenager to hate and get revenge so it is very hard to be sympathetic or like her when she shows a little weakness and humanity. Kane eventually and affectionally describes her as having "wicked dark side and a knack for creating havoc". Gayle is very successful in creating a character that is very easy to not like. You would think this would hurt the story but it really doesn't - it works well.

While I did enjoy the story, there is so much foreshadowing throughout the story that it is very easy to figure out the secrets, and there are several, only some of which are unveiled by the end. Less than half way through the book I had already figured out what was supposed to be subtly alluded to. There was also a small continuity issue.

If this and the first book were interweaved together into a single book, both stories would have reaped great benefits and made for a potentially 4 or 5 star full length novel.

The story ends on a cliffhanger which hopefully is answered in the next book in the series. One wonders since there are three brothers and no other real characters developed partially or fully, if this will end up being a trilogy instead of a series.

Review Lucas by Eliza Gayle

Title: Lucas (Black Cougar #1)
Author: Eliza Gayle
Source: Requested Review
Genre: Erotic Paranormal Romance - Shifters
Format: eBook 230 pgs
Release Date: June 1st 2010
Author Website





Kira MacDonald is in trouble. Plagued by false visions and erotic dreams of a man she's never met, she fears losing both her psychic powers and her sanity. The cure? Finding and bonding with her mate. The stubborn red-haired warrior might not want one, but fate has other plans, plans that include her rescuing Lucas Gunn.

As the Guardian of his shapeshifting clan, Lucas Gunn lived a quiet, solitary life until he was kidnapped, examined, and tortured. Now imprisoned, his only tie to the outside world is the memory of his dreams and the passionate woman who appears in them. He thought she was nothing more than a vision. Then she came for him.

An uneasy alliance, a mating call that won't be denied, rituals that must be honored, and unrelenting enemies who will stop at nothing to get what they want. It all comes together in the first of Eliza Gayle's sensational Black Cougar Series. Passion and pride. Duty and danger. In the end, there's really only one choice...for Lucas.



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My Review:

This is the first in Gayle's sexy Black Cougar series. It has a very good story line. I think in the future, this could be the basis for a full length print paranormal romance novel. At only 230 double-spaced pages, it is a very quick read. There is action, clan opposition, shifters, a witch, a budding romance, as well as a nefarious plot against our hero. The sex is very hot - on a scale of 1-4, it is a 3.5 including one anal scene, some spanking, one short m/f/m scene and talk of bondage (but no action).

The hero, Lucas, is definitely an alpha male who makes a lot of assumptions (and you know what they say about assuming things) however in the end turns out to have a loving and forgiving nature.

The heroine, Kira, is a psychic in a mental meltdown due to the mating urge that makes serious PMS look and feel like a day in the park. However she is lucid enough to be seriously wary of mating - she isn't going to let some male subjugate her. She has some family issues as well. Even so, the chemistry between these characters is smoking.

There is also a nice foreshadowing for the subject of the next book in the series.
While I did enjoy the story, there were some continuity issues and several unresolved/unexplained things, perhaps due to page length and/or word count constraints? Because of this, the ending feels quite abrupt and I felt left hanging - but definitely wanting more of this story.

There is a sneak peak of the next book in the series at the end.

Review of SWEPT AWAY BY A KISS by Katharine Ashe

SWEPT AWAY BY A KISS, Rogues of the Sea #1

Katharine Ashe

Publisher: Avon

August 1, 2010

ISBN # 9780061965623

Historical Romance

I borrowed this from my local library

Paperback, 382 pages



Katharine Ashe Website

A SECRET IDENTITY

When pirates storm Viscount Steven Ashford's ship upon the high seas, it brings him closer than ever to the nefarious criminal he seeks to ruin. Only one seductive detail threatens his victory: the scandalous beauty imprisoned with him, Lady Valerie Monroe. Temptation has never been so intoxicating or so forbidden, for Steven is disguised as a French priest. If they make it off the ship alive, to protect her from his enemies he must never see her again ...

AN UNDENIABLE LOVE

Back in England, and under the ton's scrutiny for a reckless past she hasn't escaped, Valerie dreams of the breathtaking "man of the cloth" with whom she shared her greatest adventure. Then he reappears in society under his true identity, Viscount Ashford, but, despite the danger, their consuming passion cannot be denied. Now standing in the way of their desire are Valerie's wounded heart, Steven's lone destiny, and a villain who will stop at nothing to crush them both.

My Reviews

Rating

Sexual

Ms. Ashe has written a romance of epic proportions with her debut novel, SWEPT AWAY BY A KISS. She has gained another loyal fanatic follower with her story of Steven and Valerie. I knew I would be swept away by the time I read the first 25 pages. Ms. Ashe’s voice sang to me like a choir of angels.





Valerie is a fearless heroine. Yet she doubts any man could love her. Steven *sigh* is a swashbuckling but gallant popinjay. Because of Steven’s mixed heritage, he feels he will never be a part of polite society.





The story opens with Valerie returning home to England after a two year stay in Boston. She had been shipped off to America because of her scandalous ways. Before the ship gets underway, she spies a Jesuit priest.

Valerie narrowed her eyes against the gathering dusk. Her girlish imagination had once conjured up a mysterious figure just like this, a man of privilege and power who nevertheless bore a heathen’s heart past redemption.





But Valerie was no longer a girl, and the sight of this very real Jesuit’s broad shoulders stretching his mantle taut stirred in her an entirely womanly appreciation.

The journey of Valerie and Steven is magnificent. It takes you from the peril of the high seas to the intrigue of the parlors of the ton. Their passion sizzles as they deny and succumb to their desires. A few of the scenes are so hot, you will feel yourself melting! Ms. Ashe has written beautiful, longing lust. All of this and more while being entangled with pirates, Ladies and Lords, secret identities, and mistruths during the Christmas season.





SWEPT AWAY BY A KISS is reminiscent of one of my favorite movies, THE SCARLET PIMPERNEL. Be sure to read the Author’s Note at the end of the book. You will find the information invaluable. As for me, this is surely a keeper. I’m off to the bookstore: CAPTURED BY A ROGUE LORD made its debut on March 29, and I have two books that I need to add to my library! Oh yeah – cover alert with Paul Marron!

Review Her Accidental Angel by Melisse Aires

Title: Her Accidental Angel
Author: Melisse Aires
Source: Requested Review
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Format: eNovella, 142 pgs
Release Date: Mar 31, 2011
Publisher Website






Kari thinks a weight loss spell in an old book is worth a try. Unfortunately, while it does make her thin, the spell is a trick that unleashes a centuries old famine demon.

Fallen Guardian Angel Rahmiel once defeated the famine demon and was bound to it so he could fight it if it ever descended to the earth again. But there is the little problem of his imprisonment in ice. While the demons reappearance gets him back to Earth, what he needs to stay out of prison is a bonding ceremony with a human woman--like Kari.





Rating -



Sexual -



My Review:

This is a enjoyable sweet, sensual romance with a demon, a virgin, an angel, a summoning ritual gone bad and a battle.

Kari, the heroine, is an insecure overweight, young and inexperienced 22 year old who tries to take the easy way out to lose weight unwittingly unleashing a famine demon. The demon is unsuccessful in killing her but leaves her size 14 body a svelte size 4 with food issues.

Rahmiel, the sexy hero, is an angel who has literally been "on ice" for eight thousand years released only when the demon is summoned. When he meets Kari, he can't keep is hands off her. They have sex in mid air while flying and in sensual bath (involving an interesting use of the tub's water jet), beach and other waterscape scenes.

The reader is also treated to another mini romance between secondary characters. Possibly the basis for a sequel? There is much material here from which Aires could create a nice little Harlequinesque paranormal romance series.

This may be a little tame or vanilla for some because the only things that could be considered risque are some oral sex and the use of a water jet in the tub. So it really falls between a Steamy and a Hot sexual rating. At 142 pages it is a fast read.

Interview with Paranormal Romance and Erotic Author Danielle D. Smith GIVEAWAY!!

Please welcome Paranormal Romance and Erotic Author Danielle D. Smith

Queentutt - Hello Danielle, First let me say that I am so excited to have this opportunity to interview you, thank you so much for taking the time out to do this interview.
Danielle – Thanks for having me, Queentutt! I am more than honored to be here!
Queentutt - Would you tell us a little about yourself?
Danielle –  Let’s see… I am a Southern California native currently living in San Diego, where I am the proud owner of a very buff piece of man candy (aka my husband) and a big book and DVD library. I am sort of a jack-of-all-trades: aside from writing professionally I am a fine artist and freelance illustrator. I have studied everything from costuming to tattooing, and I have a pretty nice (and ever-growing) collection of tattoos myself, including a big stunning winged gravestone skull emblazoned across my chest from shoulder to shoulder. I won’t be getting any new tattoos until at least next year, since I am expecting my first child, which is beyond awesome. Overall, I am a little bit of a hipster artsy-fart (minus the handlebar moustache, of course!), proud as punch to be the lovable black sheep of my family.
Queentutt – Who or What inspired you to write?
Danielle – I have always wanted to write, ever since I was small. Writing and art seem to go together like cookies and milk…or sex and cigarettes. ;-) My parents tell me that I would sit at the table and try to “write” stories even before I actually knew how to. I “told” my first poem to my mother at the age of two and she wrote it down. Wasn’t too shabby for a toddler! HA! I published short fiction and poetry in school newspapers and journals when I was a teenager. I actually let writing fall by the wayside for a number of years to focus strictly on painting. Then, about two years ago, I was hit with the urge to write a story about an artist who gets a commission—something that simple. That story became PSYCHE’S GATE, my debut novel, a dark fantasy tale with strong paranormal elements and a nice dash of the romantic. Three traditionally published books later and several more in the works, I have not looked back.
Queentutt – You have two great books out that I have had the great opportunity to read which are Psych’s Gate and Black Dog & Rebel Rose. Can you tell us a little about them?

Danielle – I’d love to! Psyche’s Gate (Buy Link: Amazon - BN - Liquid Silver - All Romance - Fictionwise ) is my debut novel and the first book of what will be a five novel saga. This dark fantasy tale tells the story of Psyche, a very young (and very poor) artist, and Alexius, a powerful warrior angel long ago banished to wander the earth as punishment for disobedience. Psyche is offered the commission of a lifetime by a very wealthy stranger; Alexius has been sent to stop her from creating what her client wants in order to earn back his stolen wings.  Naturally, they meet and fall in love, leaving Alexius desperate to keep Psyche safe from her wicked client and his fellow angels, no matter what the cost. The story is very dark and gritty, and at times starkly violent—no fluffy romance here.

 

Black Dog and Rebel Rose (Buy Link - Amazon - Solstice Publishing - Smashwords - Fictionwise ) is a “spinoff” story from Psyche’s Gate, and is an erotica novel through and through. This rollicking horror romp introduces Skriker, a Harley riding, heavily tattooed half-demon bad boy hunter. Skriker is basically like Billy Idol on demon crack, and he melts panties like no other. When he gets word of a very fun vampire hunt in an abandoned town, he speeds out to get a piece of the action. Here, he runs into a fellow hunter—a woman—also looking to blow away a nice vamp nest. They start out competing and end up falling crazy in love. The big issue is that Rose, Skriker’s new catch, is no ordinary woman—she’s a Nephil, a half-angel, who just so happens to be Alexius and Psyche’s now grown daughter. And her daddy isn’t going to be too happy with his baby girl stepping out with a half-demon! This story is packed with action, gore, smoking hot sex, and a few really great one liners.

Queentutt – Excitingly I just heard that you just released a new book called “In The Neon”. Can you tell us a little about it and what type of book it is?

Danielle –  This book is really special, because it is my very first fully illustrated novel. It has always been my dream to publish a book featuring both words I have written and artwork I have created, and this publication has seen that dream come to fruition. 

IN THE NEON (Buy Link - Amazon - Solstice Publishing - Fictionwise - Bookstrand )is a prequel to all of my current titles and tells the story of Faust and Annie, Skriker’s parents—this is the story that “started it all”, since it takes place maybe 6 years before Psyche’s Gate. Faust is a Collector demon, born directly from the flames of Hell. He has walked the world for millennia, his sole job to “pluck the world’s wicked fruit” and toss them into the Fire. He is perfectly content with his duties—and his natural wickedness—until the night that he spots a beautiful blonde dancer, Annie, standing on the back step of a strip club called The Neon, smoking a cigarette. He sneaks in to meet her, and finds her to be intelligent, witty, and kind. Soon they form a bond. That bond eventually heats up and Faust finds his redemption through Annie’s love. His fellow demons, however, have a differing opinion of that transformation, and Faust must do everything in his power to keep Annie safe. The story is achingly romantic, but also has the fingerprints of what defines my work as outside the “romance” mainstream: gore, action, and horror. I created over 30 original illustrations for this book, both full page and “spot” images, and these artworks really bring the story to life in the reader’s mind. Communicating through my own artwork is very important to me—it always has been. Even with my book covers I am painfully picky. I utterly cringe at the idea of some stock image being used to represent my characters. So IN THE NEON is truly a dream come true in so many ways.

Queentutt - Where can we find out more information about your work?
Danielle - You can find out all the details at the following locations:
Web site: http://www.danielledsmith.com 
Goodreads:  http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4110512.Danielle_D_Smith 

Queentutt - Out of all the books you have written, do you have a favorite heroine or hero that holds a special place in your heart?
Danielle – As far as heroines go, Rose is it. She’s the most complicated character I have ever written—she’s both as tough as nails and incredibly fragile—her half-angel, half-human ancestry has left her extremely fragmented, and she has a lot of issues dealing with that. Her journey is tougher than anyone else’s in these books so far. In a lot of ways, she has a lot more growing to do—she has yet to come into herself, despite her stunning beauty and prowess as a huntress and warrior.

Heroes are a toss-up—I don’t think I could pick just one hero. I adore Skriker, with his incredibly quirky personality and sexy over-the-top style, and he resonates so well with tons of readers who get such a kick out of him and adore him—I get emails all the time from fans telling me that Skriker is an ultimate fantasy for them. He’s the easiest character for me to write, the exact opposite of his girlfriend. But I also have a huge soft spot for Rose’s gorgeous angel father, Alexius. He’s  completely fascinating—his angelic ancestry makes him a fish out of water unlike any other. But he is also deeply, almost achingly sensual when it comes to his human love. He gave up everything for Psyche and their daughter, and that makes him amazing to me. I can’t choose one of my boys over the other, but my fans sure seem to—there’s a split between Skriker Girls and the Alexius Girls, for sure!

Queentutt – Would you tell us a little of what you’re working on next?
Danielle – Oh, boy, am I glad you asked! My next project slated for publication is my first anthology, something that I am crazy excited about! Titled HUNT, this collection will include short stories and novellas focusing on the adventures of Skriker and Rose as they travel around the world hunting paranormal and supernatural horrors. Thus far, the “couple of the year” have hunted in New Mexico, Italy, Sweden, England, and Israel, and readers can look forward to meeting a cast of new and interesting characters, including a Navajo shaman with a mystical gift, Skriker’s female tattoo artist who has done more to him in the chair than just tattooing, Rose’s first sexual partner who is not who—or what—you might expect, and, of course, Skriker’s beloved pet hell hound, Trash…as a pup. I am also working hard on the next book in the Psyche’s Gate series, Nephil’s Curse, the longest and most complicated of my books yet—many secrets and nice chunks of backstory will be revealed!

Queentutt - What are some of your favorite author’s and some of your favorite books you’ve read?
Danielle - I think that books, and their authors, that helped me along while working on my own novels should be listed as favorites, since my entire list is WAY too long! Some of these would include American Gods and Neverwhere by Neil Gaiman, the first five books of The Dark Tower series by Stephen King,  John Ajvide Lindqvist’s Let The Right One In, The Phineas Poe Trilogy by Will Christopher Baer, The Crow by James O’Barr, and numerous short stories by Tanith Lee and Elizabeth Bear, such as The Terrible Glory of Its Wings.

Fun Questions

Queentutt - What is your favorite color?
Danielle – Lime green! It’s my “happy” color. If I ever had that dream art studio/writing den, the walls would be painted this psycho shade.
Queentutt - Do you have any pets?
Danielle -  Sadly, no. I am a big bunny rabbit lover and had a wonderful little Netherland Dwarf for four years—he was like our child. Unfortunately we lost him, and his brother not long after, and haven’t had the heart to look for a new pet. When I’m ready again, my next will most likely be a Chinchilla or a Sugar Glider. I would also adore a big black wolf dog, but you need a huge yard for one of those—my top floor balcony residence is definitely not appropriate for that type of beast! Since I’m pregnant, our next pet will most likely be child-friendly.

Queentutt - What your favorite movie and TV show?
Danielle -  Supernatural is a huge favorite—I love me some Winchester action, and Castiel is, of course, a fish-out-of-water favorite. I also enjoy watching UFC and MMA fights with my hubby (I used to fight, and hubby is a fighter currently), and catching any documentaries I can find on History, Discovery, Animal Planet, PBS, or any of those stations—I am a certified documentary nut. History, science, mythology, anthropology—I love it all! Favorite films (again, short list) include Let The Right One In (Swedish version), The Lost Boys, Edward Scissorhands, Corpse Bride, Gladiator, City of Lost Children, Predator, Predators (yeah, I like dick flicks), the short films of Svankmeyer, and every film that Wes Anderson has ever done. There are tons more but that is a short, short list!

Queentutt - Do you have a favorite food or place to eat?
Danielle –  Oh, I am a foodie WHORE. San Diego is a fantastic foodie destination—we are quickly catching up to Los Angeles, Seattle and San Francisco as a town for good easts, so I love lots of places all around town. A quick list of favorites would include Blue Boheme, which does amazing country French (and the best gnocci in town…mmmm, duck bacon), Alchemy with their fabulous fusion cuisine, Zia’s Bistro, a homey yet upscale Italian place that is like “Cheers” to me, Alexander’s for Venice-meets-California, Barrio Star for upscale healthy Mexican, Haiku for excellent sushi, and Sea Rocket Bistro for great seafood and vegetarian cuisine. Wow, that’s a lot of places to try…if you’re ever in San Diego, now you know where to go. ;-)

GIVEAWAY

Danielle will be giving away an ebook of "In the Neon" to one lucky winner.  Because Bitten by Paranormal Romance loves its followers, one lucky winner will receive a pdf/ebook copy of "Black Dog & Rebel Rose".  All is required is be a follower and make a comment along with your email address so we can contact you if you win.  Good Luck Everyone!

Review: In The Neon by Danielle D. Smith

In The Neon
Danielle D. Smith
http://www.danielledsmith.com

Paranormal Romance / Erotica

Faust.

A True Native demon born directly from the Pit. Sent by his Superiors to pluck the world’s wicked fruit and send those souls screaming to Hell in a hand basket. In the gritty red light district of a nameless city, he will encounter his first taste of salvation.

Annie.

A Swedish beauty whose seductive profession belies her intelligence and tenderness. She will capture the demon’s heart from afar, coaxing him to ignore his wicked duties, if only to be seen and felt by her. In this most unlikely of places, mortal and demon will save each other, heart and soul. But redemption is forbidden to a born servant of Hell, putting all that Faust holds dear at terrible risk…

From dark fantasy author Danielle D. Smith comes a gritty paranormal tale of redemption through love...the first of Danielle's books to be lavishly illustrated by the author.

Coming from Solstice Publishing in Spring 2011 for Kindle, Ebook, and Print markets worldwide.

MY REVIEW:

SEXUAL:

Absolutely Brilliant Writing!

What a fantastic read and a perfect book to come out with after her latest new release Black Dog and Rebel Rose. The story was a fun and fast pace read, I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough.

I was immediately drawn in to the demon side of Faust and fell in love with his sexy character as he fell for Annie and learned he could have feelings and love. I loved Annie too and admired her determination to get through life and her self-preservation even though she had been through many hardships.

The chemistry and erotic scene between Faust and Annie was electrifyingly HOT. I loved the whole demonic realm vs. the angelic realm saga and thought the author was brilliant in how the HEA explains how her hero SKriker from Black Dog and Rebel Rose came about.

The illustration’s throughout the book were absolutely beautiful. After reading this, I just wanted more. GIVE ME MORE!!!!

Guest author Virginia Cavauagh and giveaway!

Please welcome author Virginia Cavaugah!

Thanks, Laurie for allowing me to come here today and share a little bit about my new release Deceptions of Night, book two in the Order of Night series.

Shortly after beginning to write Secrets of Night I came up with Lex’s character.  At first I just needed him as a secondary character in that story, but as I continued to write I just fell in love with him.  He had to have his own story.  But Lex is very willful and not just any woman could handle him.

 

Coming up with the heroine, Shayla was fun.  I needed her to be just the right blend of tough and soft. When I put these two on the page together they took on a life of their own. 

Here is the blurb and an excerpt from Deceptions of Night.

Blurb:

Tempers run hot through the members of the Order of Night as Lex tries to settle in as the new Triad vampire.  But when a jaguar attacks him in his bed, his life gets turned upside down, and he discovers a new meaning to keeping your friends close and your enemies closer.

Kill the triad vampire or your brother dies.  Shayla grudgingly accepts the assignment.  But she soon realizes that success is easier said than done as she lies prone, trapped against the floor and secured by the body of one pissed off sexy leech.

The enemy of my enemy is my friend.  Lex wants answers, and Shayla wants her brother returned alive.  They form a shaky truce as they seek out the man who has both.  Fierce attraction pushes them closer as mistrust tears them apart.  Deception lays in wait around every corner as they struggle to find the mastermind behind the traitors to the Order of Night.  As the tension rises, desire begins to burn with an intensity that threatens to consume, leaving them to question whether they can find what they seek with their lives and hearts intact.     

Excerpt:

Lex grunted and tightened his grip around the jaguar. The wildcat leaned all its weight to the side and rolled them into another table that sat at the end of the love seat. Lex hissed as his back hit the table leg and the table broke, sending all the stuff on top of it crashing to the floor. His hold loosened, and the jaguar took advantage, swiping its claw across the side of Lex’s face. “Ahhhh! You fucker!”

The cat scrambled away from him, claws sliding across the tile. He reached out and caught one back leg, causing the animal to trip. Then the jaguar turned and sank its teeth into his forearm. Lex decked the cat, and it let go. He didn’t give the hellcat one moment to recover before he’d tackled it back to the ground, this time putting the shifter in a choke hold from behind. The shifter halted all attempts to evade him as he applied pressure to its neck.

“Shift back into your human form now!” Lex ordered through labored breaths, but the jaguar made no move to comply. He increased the pressure and felt the jaguar’s limbs tense as its air flow was cut off. His hold eased up a bit. “I won’t ask again.”

A faint light shimmered under him as the jaguar began to shift. He moved accordingly to keep his hold as the jaguar slowly changed into the form of a human; a very naked female human. “Damn it,” he exclaimed on a frustrated sigh.

If you haven’t gotten a chance to check out the first book in this series, Secrets of Night, now’s your chance.  I will give one copy of Secrets of Night away today.  To have your name entered into the hat just comment below and make sure to leave your email address. 

(insert Secrets of Night cover)

Blurb:

When the tenuous peace between the Sorceresses, Vampires, and Shape-Shifters is

shattered, Kierra, Sorceress Senator for the Order of Night takes it into her own hands to

discover the reasons why.

As the Vampire member of the Triad for the Order of Night, Kale is no stranger to

war, but isn’t eager to battle anew without cause. His investigation into the allegations

that the Shape-Shifters are the breakers of the peace treaty are thrown askew when the

woman who has haunted his lusty dreams is found doing recon of her own.

As the body count rises and more women disappear, Kierra and Kale race against the

clock to uncover the secrets the Shape-Shifters are keeping. Imminent war and forbidden

attraction threaten to implode their progress, while Kierra’s secrets may very well tip the

scales of power.

Best Wishes,

Virginia Cavanaugh
Authors website 


 Virginia is giving away one PDF copy of Secrets of night, first book in the series. Please leave a comment or question for Virginia along with your email.

Guest romance author Kristina Wright and giveaway!

Please welcome author Kristina Wright!

Ohh… paranormal erotic romance! Doesn’t that make your imagination conjure up all sorts of delicious possibilities?  When I signed on to edit Dream Lover: Paranormal Tales of Erotic Romance for Cleis Press, I was looking for sizzling hot stories involving all sorts of paranormal elements.  The authors didn’t disappoint me! I received hundreds of stories about ghosts, mermaids, werewolves, demons, vampires, possession, witchcraft, magic and more.  These stories represent the very best of paranormal erotic romance by some of the finest erotica and erotic romance authors.

If you like your paranormal romance on the steamy side,  Dream Lover: Paranormal Tales of Erotic Romance will keep you up late into the night.  The collection includes stories from seventeen amazing authors who pushed the boundaries of paranormal erotic romance to deliver uniquely sensual stories of otherwordly delights. The authors in the collection include Justine Elyot, Delilah Devlin, Shanna Germain, A.D.R Forte, Craig Sorensen, Kristina Lloyd, Saskia Walker, Sacchi Green, Nikki Magennis, Alana Noel Voth, Victoria Janssen, Lana Fox, Lucy Felthouse, Kate Pearce, Madeline Moore, Ericka Hiatt and myself, with a foreword by bestselling erotic romance author Megan Hart.

Here is an excerpt of my story “Thief of Hearts” to give taste of what you can expect between the pages of Dream Lover:

“Why are you in my dreams?  Why are you here?”

His immobile face, as immobile as any sculpture, softened and he looked sheepish.  “I live in your dreams.  Until I’m—“ he flung his arms out, as if searching for the right word, “reinstated, so to speak, I am confined to your dreams.”

I frowned.  “But I rarely dream.  Or I rarely remember my dreams.”

“That’s my fault.  I—steal them, for lack of a better word.  They sustain me in this world.”

I pulled my legs up, unconsciously mirroring his position.  “You’re not only in my dreams, you steal them?  But, why?”

He let out a long, breathy sigh, as if he were tired of dealing with me.  “To survive.  For now, I exist only in your dreams, in that shadowy space between reality and fantasy.  When I’m where I belong—“ he looked toward the ceiling, “My purpose is to watch over you.”

A light bulb went off over my head.  “You’re my guardian angel?”

“Yes.”  He clasped his hands together, long fingers weaving in and out of each other in a way that made me shiver.  “My purpose is to protect you from danger.  But now we are both in danger because I can’t survive unless you sleep and dream and you can’t survive if I don’t keep watch over you.”

“That’s a conundrum.”

“You still think you’re dreaming,” he said, anger lacing his voice the way his fingers were laced over one bronzed knee.

“Oh no, this conversation makes complete sense,” I said, breezily.  “I’ve been feeling a little lonely and conjured up my guardian angel to take care of my needs.  Though, I must say, talking isn’t one of my needs.  So, if you could just get to it—“

He surged toward me with a predatory snarl.  I pressed my back to the headboard reflexively, but my body was responding to the dangerous, untamed look in his dark eyes.  I was becoming aroused.  That thought was even more shocking than the idea there was an angel in my bedroom.

“I know you,” he said, crowding me against the headboard.  Long slender fingers closed around my wrists as he pinned my hands above my head.  “I have walked through your dreams, I have tasted your very soul.”

He licked my bottom lip for emphasis, his tongue warm and wet.  I caught my breath, time standing still as he nipped my lip between his teeth.  I winced in pain, tasted the metallic tang of blood.  My blood.

“Yes,” I breathed against his cheek.

“But something isn’t right,” he sighed, releasing my wrists.  I felt a sharp pang of disappointment.  “Something is missing.”

The ache between my thighs told me what was missing, but I couldn’t voice it.  Instead, I watched him watching me.

“What do you want, Michelle?”  His voice still held a note of predatory threat, as if I should be careful what I asked for, because I just might get it.  “You are lonely.  I see it in your dreams.  But you are also needy in a way that goes beyond loneliness.”

“Needy. Thanks,” I muttered, though I didn’t deny it.

He grabbed my wrists again, but instead of pinning them over my head, he put them against his muscular chest.  He felt warm and real.  Solid. 

“I don’t think you understand,” he said, a hint of desperation in his growly voice.  “If we don’t resolve this problem, I will die.  Or at least cease to exist in the way that you understand life.  And if I die—“

Something in his expression made me swallow hard.  “What?” I whispered, my voice as raspy as parchment.

“Then you will die,” he said hollowly.  “I cannot exist without you and you cannot exist without me to protect you.”

Dream Lover Book Blurb:

Supernaturally sensual and captivating, the stories in Dream Lover will fill you with a craving that defies the rules of life, death and gravity. Kristina Wright presents a magical potion of sexy and romantic stories filled with male fairies and mermen, as well as darkly erotic tales of ghosts, shapeshifters and possession. Two clairvoyants explode in desire as they silently probe one another's innermost thoughts. A maiden releases a man set in stone from his mysterious garden and finds herself embraced by a passion that had been trapped for centuries. Dream Lover is an exhilarating collection filled with fantasy lovers who will take you to places you've never been before.

About the Editor:

Kristina Wright (www.kristinawright.com) is an author, editor and college instructor.  She has edited the Cleis Press anthologies Fairy Tale Lust: Erotic Fantasies for Women and Dream Lover: Paranormal Tales of Erotic Romance and her forthcoming anthologies include Best Erotic Romance 2012 and Lustfully Ever After: Fairy Tale Erotic Romance. Her first anthology, Fairy Tale Lust: Erotic Fantasies for Women was nominated for a Reviewers’ Choice Award by RT Book Reviews and was a Featured Alternate of the Doubleday Book Club. Kristina’s erotica and erotic romance fiction has appeared in over eighty-five print anthologies, including With This Ring, I Thee Bed; Bedding Down: A Collection of Winter Erotica; Nice Girls, Naughty Sex; three editions of Best Women’s Erotica; four editions of Best Lesbian Erotica; six editions of the Mammoth Book of Best New Erotica and the erotic romance collections Seduction, Liaisons and Sexy Little Numbers.  She received the Golden Heart Award for Romantic Suspense from Romance Writers of America for her first novel Dangerous Curves, which was published by Silhouette Intimate Moments.  Her work has also been featured in the nonfiction guide The Many Joys of Sex Toys and magazines and e-zines such as Clean Sheets, Good Vibes Magazine, Libida, The Fiction Writer, The Literary Times, Scarlet Letters, The Sun and The Quill.  Her nonfiction essay “The Last Letter” is included in the epistolary anthology P.S. What I Didn’t Say: Unsent Letters to Our Female Friends and her articles, interviews and book reviews have appeared in numerous publications, both print and online.  She is a member of Romance Writers of America as well as the special interest chapters of RWA, Passionate Ink and Fantasy, Futuristic and Paranormal.  She is a book reviewer for the Erotica Readers and Writers Association (erotica-readers.com) and the book club moderator for SexIs Magazine’s Naked Reader Book Club (nakedreaderbookclub.com).  She holds degrees in English and Humanities and teaches English Composition and World Mythology at the community college level.  Originally from South Florida, Kristina has lived up and down the East Coast with her husband, Jay, a Lieutenant Commander in the Navy.  They welcomed the addition of their son Patrick in December 2009 and are expecting their second son in August 2011.

Where to find Kristina 
kristinawright.com

Kristina has an autographed copy of Dream Lover, a Dream Lover button, a postcard of some of my anthologies and some delicious chocolate to give away to one of your readers! Please leave a comment or question below along with your email to enter. Open to both US and International.

Kris's review can be found here