Double review for Demon Hunter series by Cynthia Vespia

Title:Demon Hunter: The Chosen One
Author: Cynthia Vespia
Genre: Dark fantasy
Source: Request from publisher 
Format eBook

Do you know what horrors lie beyond these pages? Costa Calabrese has just uncovered the truth about his past. Some truths should never be revealed. When you learn you’re the son of the worlds foremost and feared hunter of demons, life’s rules inevitably change. Now Costa has been chosen to walk in his famed father's footsteps and take up the role his bloodline demands of him...whether he wants to or not. He is a killer of killers, laying waste to the scourge of evil that threatens the existence of mankind. He is the chosen one. He is the Demon Hunter.

Title:Demon Hunter: Seek and Destroy (#2)

Author: Cynthia Vespia
Genre: Dark fantasy romance
Source: Request from publisher 
Format eBook

As the newest demon hunter, Costa Calabrese has a lot to contend with when the portal to hell opens up in his backyard. Aided by his constant companions, Talisa and Paralay, they must face evil in many forms. But what happens when familiar faces become your opposition? Will love be enough to conquer evil?

Demon Hunter: The Chosen One 

3 Stars

Sexual-0 In Demon Hunter you met Costa. He’s quite young at 16, but don’t take this is a teen or YA read. Oh no, you see Costa has to follow his fathers foot steps and take on demon hunting’s bloody task. This story is written in Costa POV. You get some great action with vampires, demons and shape shifter. Theirs is a sight romance build in this story, so I am looking forward to book two.

Demon Hunter: Seek and Destroy (#2)

3 ½ stars
Sexual- 2

I enjoyed Seek and Destroy better then the first. Costa is at sea and the sea gods have not been on their good side. I liked the setting, characters and the action Costa brings in against zombies and shape shifters. You also get a romance build between Costa and Talisa. Lots of action and I am looking forward to book three.
Seek and Destroy can be read alone, but I would suggest reading Demon Hunter first. 

Review of Dirty Valkyrie (Book #3) by R. M. Sotera

Title: Dirty Valkyrie (Book #3)
Author: R. M. Sotera
Source: Requested Review
Genre: Paranormal Erotica - Vampires and Immortals
Format: ebook - 94 pages
Release Date: 2/1/2011
Author's Website

Brandi Lui has come to terms with her Valkyrie demi-goddess heritage and she's all right with it. But when it comes to falling in love, she's determined to have a man with a mortal pulse. That is until she re-unites with a Frenchmen from New Orleans with an appetite for everything Valkyrie.

Laurent Bovier, a breathtaking Master vampire, sets his sights on Brandi only to have his uncontrolled passion for her cause him problems. He commits the worst discretion known to the vampire community, taking the life of a Sire-Guardian's property. For his crime, the Sire-Guardian wants Laurent to kill Brandi. Will love conquer all or will an immortal hunger change their lives forever?

Rating -

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My Review -

Dirty Valkyie is the 3rd book in the series by R.M. Sotera that focuses on Laurent Bovier, a gorgeous French vampire living in New Orleans and Valkyrie demi-goddess Brandi Lui. Readers first met theses two in the previous books and although Jett and Sophia have important parts in this book the main focus is the growing passion that develops between Laurent and Brandi.

After the second book I truly wanted Laurent to find someone who would return the passion that he so much wanted to share with someone special. Luckily he didn't have to wait long as he found a special connection with Brandi who is Jett's sister. Now Brandi on the other hand has her own prejudice against vampires that she needs to overcome, but soon finds that she can't resist the growing charm of Laurent. Come on ladies who could resist a tall, dark, gorgeous vampire with a smooth French accent that makes everything that comes out of his mouth sound as smooth as velvet and make you melt from the heat behind it.

As Laurent tries to convince Brandi that he is the one who completes her, together along with Jett and Sophia, they continue their quest to try and save the world from evil being unleashed. As if that is not enough Laurent has to protect them from a menacing group of vampires who are intent to enacting their form of punishment. At one point in the story a major turning point occurs that changes the fate of two of the characters that will play a significant role in future books. All I will say is the way the book ends the reader is left wondering what now.

CONFESSIONS OF AN IMPROPER BRIDE Blog Tour and Giveaway

CONFESSIONS OF AN IMPROPER BRIDE
DONOVAN SISTERS, BOOK 1
Jennifer Haymore
Publisher: Grand Central Publishing
August 1, 2011
ISBN-13: 978-0446573146
Historical Romance
Mass Market Paperback, 384 pages
Requested from Publisher
Jennifer Haymore Website

TWICE TEMPTED

Serena Donovan left London six years ago, her heart broken and her reputation ruined by devilishly handsome Jonathan Dane. Now, with her family's future in peril, she reluctantly agrees to return to England and assume her late twin's identity. The price? Marry a man she doesn't love and spend the rest of her days living a lie.

Jonathan Dane, Earl of Stratford, has become an incorrigible rake, drinking, gambling-and trying to forget Serena Donovan. Yet the moment he's introduced to the prim and proper "Meg", he recognizes the sensual young woman who captured his heart. Haunted by his past mistakes, he refuses to lose Serena again. But convincing her to trust him is no easy task. Claiming his lost love means exposing the truth and destroying the life Serena has sacrificed everything to rebuild. With the future of all the Donovan’s at stake, and their undying passion capable of triggering yet another scandal, how much will Jonathan and Serena risk for a chance at true love?

                                                                       

Serena Donovan lands in London with her 19 year-old sister, Phoebe, in tow. Her mission, should she succeed: Convince the Town she is her twin sister “Meg”, marry the fine and upstanding Captain William Langley, and find a good match for her sister. HA - Easier said than done! Especially when Jonathan Dane enters the picture. (Which he does quite frequently and so eloquently; appearing just at the right moment between Serena/Meg and William.) She despises the lies and deceit that make up her life. Yet, she continually asks herself, “What would Meg do?” As it gets closer to the wedding day, Serena/Meg realizes she still loves Jonathan, and the passion they shared has never died. Now, Serena/Meg has to make the tough choices – for her sisters - and she doesn’t want to hurt William.

The secondary romance of Phoebe and Sebastian is predictable and falls short. Yet, it does lead to one of the tenderest moments between Jonathan and Serena/Meg.

I usually avoid twin-switching identity stories because I find the idea preposterous. Anyone who knows a twin intimately (not necessarily sexually) will know the person is a fraud. However, with CONFESSIONS OF AN IMPROPER BRIDE, there were a few things that made the story a bit plausible.
---Serena was absent from England for six years (during her years between 18 and 24).
---She was cajoled into portraying Meg for the good of the family. After all, her sisters needed to be well situated.
---Jonathan knew immediately, with his heart, body, and soul, upon seeing “Meg” that it was Serena. Even though he kept telling himself it was Meg.

The positive feature of this novel is Jonathan. He is a grand example of a hero redeemed. He loves Serena so vehemently that he will do anything and everything in his power not to lose her, or hurt her or her family again; but to eventually possess her as his own. Yes, he has a reputation as a rakehell of the highest order for the past six years, but all is not as it seems. When his one true love, Serena died, Jonathan died, and there was no reason left for him to continue. He drowned himself in every vice he could find trying to dull the pain. Until he realized - the pain would never go away.

Ultimately, I did not like the way this book ended. I view it as a HFN. However, I am certain fans and followers of Ms. Haymore will delight in the romance of Serena/Meg and Jonathan, as I did.

Giveaway:  Thank you to Grand Central Publishing/Forever for this awesome Giveaway. 

Giveaway guidelines:

-Giveaway begins August 12, 2011, and ends at midnight on August 15, 2011.

-Two copies will be given away:  One to a U.S. resident and one to a Canadian resident.

-Only residents of the U.S. or Canada are eligible to win.

-No P.O. Boxes, please.

-Giveaway copies will be sent directly to winners.

-Additional BBPR Giveaway Rules and Policies HERE. 

Please leave a comment below with your email to enter. 

ARC review Wings of Fire (The World of Ascension #3) by Caris Roane

Title: Wings of Fire (The World of Ascension #3)
 Author: Caris Roane
Source: Author request
Genre: Paranormal romance
Format: Mass Paper back
Release Date August 30, 2011

By night, the winged warrior Antony Medichi fights the death vampireswho threaten his world. By day, he hunts the rogue vampires who invade Mortal Earth. But deep in his heart rages the fiercest battle of all—his soul-searing passion for the one mortal he is sworn to protect…the one woman he is doomed to love.

Parisa Lovejoy is so beautiful, and so powerful, that Antony cannot fight the feelings she arouses. But his unexpected love only intensifies his strength as her Guardian—a strength that is put to the ultimate test when Parisa is abducted. Her captor, Commander Greaves, enslaves mortal women for their blood. If Parisa hopes to survive—and ascend—she must forge an even deeper bond with Antony…in the flames of eternity.

Rating-

Sexual-

Oh My Goodness! Caris Roane does it again with Wings of Fire it’s super-hot and exciting, I loved it! This has become one of my favorite series because Caris is consistent in keeping the romance tops along with the paranormal elements complex, clear to read and exciting.

Anthony and Parisa romance sizzled on these pages. When we last left these two in the second book, Parisa was taken by Greaves. This book starts off with Anthony still looking for Parisa and he has been for a while. He will not stop until he finds her. Parisa wants to escape from Greaves, but she hasn’t been able to just yet. While being held captive Parisa meets a lady that she finds a connection to and really wants to help her, but with no way to even help herself get out she sure can’t help anyone else, just yet that is. Graves is having a woman put to death to only be brought to life again and it‘s not pretty. Once Parisa finds this out and she escapes no one will stop her from trying to save this woman, even Anthony.

Once Anthony and Parisa are back together they have a lot on their plate, but the one thing they can’t escape from is the breh-hidden. I myself found this book way hotter in the romance and sex department than the first two. This couple is very special and let me tell you once they start their Breh-hidden OMG. It was different hot and awesome. I give you a couple of clues floating and wings on fire. Once their Breh-hidden starts, something bad starts happening that could cost all of the warriors everything.

Again you meet the next hero and heroine in this book so you get a good feel for them, I just love that. You also get the other warrior and their now wives along with the head honcho Endelle. I can’t wait for the next book to come out, I already like the heroine.

This is one hot fast pace action story that no PNR reader should be without. Although this can be a standalone I would suggest starting from the beginning or you’ll miss some good stuff. Glossy is in the back.

This is one of the best series I have come across. I love how each book has a buildup that gets better and better as you read.

Review Dirty Deed (Book #2) by R. M. Sotera

Title: Dirty Deed (Book #2)
Author: R. M. Sotera
Source: Requested Review
Genre: Paranormal Erotic - Immortals and Vampires
Format: ebook - 68 pages
Release Date: Jan 01, 2011
Author's Website

A scorned woman on the run. A Viking demon slayer torn between the love of his life and his lineage.

Las Vegas powerhouse, Sophia Dahl, is planning a wedding. Hers. But when she finds out before a romantic dinner that her dirty dancer fiancé, Jett, is actually a Norse demi-god slash Viking demon slayer and is betrothed to someone else, her world as she knows it turns upside down.

Jett embraces his new duties, but his attempt to include Sophia in the First Rite sex ritual to power meld with Sasha fails. His betrayal sends Sophia running to the French Quarter of New Orleans and into the arms of a master vampire.

Can Jett and Sophia’s true love survive the seismic shift and new people in their lives? Or will Sophia’s speak now, think later attitude cause her to become dead as a doornail?

Rating -

Sexual -

My Review -

Dirty Deeds is the 2^nd book in there series by R.M. Sotera and I must state you should read book 1 (Dirty Dancer) before reading this only to understand what is happening in this book.

First off I have to say this book hit an emotional chord for me and I'm happy to say the author improved from the first book by getting into the characters' psyche. The book did have some very intense sex scenes (there was a little F/F/M going on which I'm not into, but it wasn't to the level that it made me feel uncomfortable), but what really pulled it together for me was the emotional development in the relationship between Jett and Sophia.

Not to spoil it for readers, but there was a part in the book that made my heartache for Sophia and the betrayal that she went through. I found myself angry at Jett for his conduct, his lack of explanation to Sophia for his actions and for the ultimate betrayal that would be very difficult to forgive. Looking at that point I felt Sophia forgave Jett too easily and he never asked for her forgiveness.

I enjoyed book 2 more then the previous book in the series as the author not only give us a hot romance but action, intrigue and the emotional development in the characters to make the readers care about their well-being. This is one book that stayed with me after reading it and I think the main reason is I just couldn't believe how the betrayal was played out and how much it hurt Sophia. I'm intrigued to read book 3 and see how this drama will unfold.

Discussion of the month August 2012

This months event is called. Is it paranormal romance or urban fantasy? It will run Aug 25-28th. I thought we might kick it off as the discussion of the month. I know these two sub-genre runs really close together, so close that we may never get it all straight but for now I believe we can help each other in telling the telling the difference between them. 

 First and far most I am a romance reader. I have tried several urban fantasy series and I just can't hack them. There's is a few writers that have wowed me. One is Stacey Kennedy she writes a mixture of both and I really enjoy them. Then again she does focus a lot on the romance and that's why I can stand it. 

To me if a books main focus is a love affair between two people or in this case paranormal creatures with a Happy Ever After even if the setting is in an urban setting it's paranormal romance to me. 

For instance

Sherrilyn Kenyon's Dark-Hunters series.

Lynsay Sands Aregneau series.

Pamela Palmer A Feral Warriors series. 

Thea Harrison The Elder Races series

Etc.

Urban fantasy main focus is on one character and the story. 

Sometimes there can be sex or a coupling involved, BUT  the romance is not the main focus of the story. As a matter a fact there's a lot of people that does not like to read sex, so they go for this sub-genre to get a paranormal story in an urban setting without the sex or at least a lot of it.

Kim Harrison's Rachel Morgan novels

Night Huntress, a series by Jeaniene Frost with Cat and Bones

Charrline Harris Sookie Stackhouse series. 

As for Laurell K Hamilton. I have no clue where to put her. I think she just like to write to keep us scratching our heads on where to really put her LOL. 

You can also tell another difference. Paranormal romance's books usually have an ending with a couple getting a  Happy Ever After. Then the next book go's on to another couple. Where's to urban fantasy the main character keep on going like the energizer bunny. In some cases he or she will take on may partners during the series. 

This is my opinion on how I tell the difference. Now please share yous. 

Don't forget to stop in during the event so you can hear some authors POV on this. I have seen their post and they give out some awesome advice. 

Check out Felicity Heaton's Her Dark Angel summer offer!

It's time for another fantastic summer deal from me. I love rewarding readers with special offers or signed swag packs and the like. This time, I'm celebrating the release of Her Guardian Angel (Her Angel romance series #4) and I want to share my excitement and my love for this series with all of you.

To celebrate Her Guardian Angel (Her Angel romance series #4) and my Her Angel series, I'm offering Her Dark Angel (Her Angel romance series #1) for JUST $0.99 until August 28th!

The offer is available direct from my website, at Amazon Kindle Stores, and at Smashwords with the use of a coupon. Ebook formats include epub (Nook, Sony, Kobo), mobi/kindle, pdf and html.

Her Dark Angel
Felicity Heaton
An angel without a mission, Apollyon lives trapped in Hell guarding the bottomless pit. Surrounded by endless darkness, he longs to fly free on Earth once more but his master hasn’t called him in centuries. When the call finally comes, it’s to serve a new master, a beautiful woman he has often watched over, a woman who has always captivated him.

Serenity is shocked when a gorgeous black-winged angel shows up in her city of Paris claiming that she called him when she was only casting a simple vengeance spell. He’s no other than the angel of death! When Apollyon offers to obey her and help her have revenge on her cheating ex-boyfriend, she can’t resist the temptation, but can she resist him? Can an angel as dark as Apollyon ever fall for a mortal woman like her?

Dark, passionate and erotic, Her Dark Angel is a tale of intense desire and deepest forbidden love guaranteed to get your heart racing.

ALL OF THE STORIES IN THE HER ANGEL SERIES STAND ALONE, JOINED BY CHARACTER AND WORLD ONLY, AND DO NOT NEED TO BE READ IN ORDER.

SPECIAL OFFER: Her Dark Angel is only $0.99 until August 28th! (Normally $2.99)

This special deal is available from:
Author's website: http://www.felicityheaton.co.uk/ebooks.php?title=Her%20Dark%20Angel
Amazon Kindle: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00408AQ98/
Amazon Kindle Germany: http://www.amazon.de/dp/B00408AQ98/
Amazon Kindle UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00408AQ98/
Smashwords: http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/22429 (use coupon code WG47J at checkout)

This is copied off of Felicity Heaton's blog I had permission to do this.

Review of Dirty Dancer (Book #1) by R. M. Sotera

Title: Dirty Dancer (Book #1)
Author: R. M. Sotera
Source: Requested Review
Genre: Paranormal Erotica - Immortals and Vampires
Format: ebook - #101 pages
Release Date: June 24th 2010
Author's Website

Sophia Dahl, Las Vegas powerhouse executive, brains behind the expensive yet unsuccessful male review, Gods of Greece, meets Jett Donivan, creator and owner of the flourishing rival show, Decoeur’s Dream. Prepared to ruin his illustrious career, she attacks him during a show, but her tactics backfire. Her driving need for vengeance subsides. She finds herself captivated by his stage presence and is sure of three things—the way her heart skips a bit each time Jett glances her way can’t be good, the way his gaze reflects a need to consume her is worse and, the way her body desires to cover his spells T-R-O-U-B-L-E. Jett can’t believe his luck. The woman he has admired for years is at his show, but she’s pissed. Using his warrior powers and cunning, he subdues the exec. But now that she’s tied and cuffed backstage, will he be able to make her see reason and prove his love? And if he does, will he be able to keep his family lineage and other job, fighting demons, secret?One night together will change their lives forever.Story done in collaboration with C.R. Moss. For Jay’s point of view and to find out her destiny, read Dirty Little Demons by C.R. Moss.

Rating -

Sexual -

My Review -

Dirty Dancer is the 1st book in the series that delves into the world of Viking immortals, gods and the forces of evil that they battle. Of course in the midst of these paranormal creatures there is a developing romance between Jett Donivan, a Viking Immortal who works as a male exotic dancer in Las Vegas and Sophia Dahl, a Las Vegas powerhouse executive.

What was enjoyable about this novel were the intense, passionate scenes between Jett and Sophia. The author was able to describe their scene quite so vividly that you wished you were Sophia.

However, there were aspects about the book that I felt that it was missing something. The development of the relationship between between Jett and Sophia moved very fast, perhaps too fast, to the point that it was a little unrealistic and predictable. There were aspects in the book where scenes needed more elaborations or were wrapped up too easily without any conflict or consequences involved.

Overall in general I enjoyed the concept of these two people giving into their desires for each other. I mean who wouldn't like a gorgeous, male exotic dancer/Viking immortal rocking your world. I just wished there was more emotional depth developed between Jett and Sophia and more paranormal action. That being said, I'm looking forward to reading the second book in the series to see what happens to this couple as it ends with questions that need answering.

Review Break Out by Nina Croft

Title: Break Out (A Blood Hunter Novel, Book 1)
Author: Nina Croft
Source: Publisher request
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Format: eBook, 116 pgs
Release Date: July 5, 2011

Irreverent. Irresponsible. Insatiable. Who says immortals can't have any fun?

The year is 3048, Earth is no longer habitable, and man has fled to the stars where they’ve discovered the secret of immortality—Meridian. Unfortunately, the radioactive mineral is exorbitantly expensive and only available to a select few. A new class comprised of the super rich and immortal soon evolves. The Collective, as they’re called, rule the universe.

Two-thousand-year-old Ricardo Sanchez, vampire and rogue pilot of the space cruiser, El Cazador, can’t resist two things: gorgeous women and impossible jobs. When beautiful Skylar Rossaria approaches him to break a prisoner out of the Collective’s maximum security prison on Trakis One, Rico jumps at the chance. Being hunted by the Collective has never been so dangerous–or so fun!

If you are looking for a quick romance that delivers hot and delicious with lots of sexual tension than this novella is it.

Break Out by Nina Croft is one of my new favorites. I love when I get my hands on a novella that starts off strong and just gets better. I was impressed how well the story flowed nicely with each scene and each character introduced perfectly. I never felt like I was left to fill in missing details because the story was too big for a novella.

Ricco is a very old, very clever and very sexy vampire that's just taken Skylar up on her offer to make a lot of money and break a lot of rules. With one condition, Ricco has an added request to the offer for a bonus payment. All he and his crew have to do is break into the highest level of the maximum security prison on Trakis One to break out a prisoner. No problem right?
Well, the job made not be a problem, but for Skylar staying focused on it may turn out to be. Ricco has a certain unresistable charm and when things get a out of control, a little too soon, Skylar learns they have a lot of hot chemistry between them. If only Skylar would admit to her feelings for him and stop running away the fun could get started. And why run away when you have one determined sex hungry vampire interested in you? Because Skylar has a secret and she is determined to keep it while finishing the job. She just has to keep her distance from Ricco. Easier said than done because Ricco doesn't care about her excuses. He is going to get Skylar alone again to finish what they started. Afterall, they have a deal! He just has to get her to stop avoiding him. A little more honesty from Skylar as to who she is and why she is really there would be nice too, but it doesn't matter to Ricco. He knows how he feels and he knows he wants Skylar.

Nina throws just the right amount of hints in there to drive you crazy with curiosity and keep you turning the page to find out what in the world is going on. I literally couldn't stop reading once I got started. It was such a sweet story and the sex scenes were hot. There was just enough to leave me panting for more! I can't wait to read what's next in the Blood Hunter's series and see what she has planned for the other characters in this novella, especially Al!

I highly recommend you stop and read Break Out as soon as you can!

Review of WILD OASIS by Casandra Pierce

WILD OASIS
Cassandra Pierce
Aspen Mountain Press
July 18, 2011
ISBN: 978-1-60168-423-1
Genre: M/M Paranormal Romance
Ebook, 146 pages
Publisher Requested Review
Aspen Mountain Press Website
Cassandra Pierce Website

After ending his first serious relationship with a man, Jonathan Blake heads for Oasis, a desert community where he can start a new life. There, he is strongly attracted to his sexy but secretive new neighbor. To his surprise, Lynch seems to return his interest, but flees or shuts down emotionally whenever they begin to get close. To complicate matters, his ex-lover, Dominic, soon shows up and tries to rekindle their romance.

Meanwhile, Lynch is struggling with a unique dilemma of his own. Not only is someone he can't identify trying to kidnap or kill him, but the full moon is looming. He's afraid that if he gives in to his attraction toward Jonathan, the results may be tragic.

My Ratings
Review

Sexual

The characters are all one dimensional and I knew what to expect from them. No surprises here. Jonathan: ‘O, woe is me. Everybody hates me, I’m gonna eat some worms’. Lynch: Continuingly running and hiding from his problems. Wants someone to chase after him and make it all go away. Dominic: The arrogant and beautiful ‘no one can refuse me’ vampire. Although, he did have the best lines:

Believe it or not, Brent was the one who brought me to my senses. He’s a pretty package, but he can’t compare to you. Just like some mangy shapeshifter can’t compare to me. True, you might wake up after a night with me and find a couple of puncture wounds in sensitive places. Wake up after a night with him, and you might find yourself infested with fleas.

This WILD OASIS felt more like a dry mirage. It was never explained why the relationship didn’t work out between Jonathan and Dominic. When the posse from the condo, Wild Oasis, went to The Club, I never understood the reasoning behind ‘the curtain’. The intrigue behind the kidnapping of Lynch is thin – very thin. What I missed the most while reading this was passion: No snap, crackle, pop, heat, sizzle, burn. More like a flatline -----------------

Reading the book blurb, I had a suspicion this was a paranormal romance. No matter, the paranormal aspect is just about nil and way too tame for an M/M paranormal romance. Yes, there are numerous erotic events, including anal penetration, but I didn’t feel any emotional connection between the characters. It was more like friends with benefits. *looking at watch* “Done yet? I’m Oscar Mike!”

Review Night Walker by Lisa Kessler

Title: Night Walker (The Night Series #1)
Author: Lisa Kessler
Source: Publisher Request
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Format: eBook, 265 pgs
Release Date: August 2, 2011
Author Website
He gave up his soul for a second chance to love her...

Two and a half centuries ago, Calisto Terana lost everything when a zealous priest murdered the woman he loved. Now, desperate for another chance to love her, he wants redemption for the mistake that cost her life.

She’s haunted by dreams of her own death...

After catching her fiance with another woman, Kate Bradley returns to San Diego to clear her head. The last thing she needs is romance, but after meeting Calisto she's drawn to him in ways she doesn't understand.

They’ve waited in the shadows for centuries...

Calisto has no doubt Kate is the reincarnation of his lost love, but the Fraternidad Del Fuego Santo has a new watcher with dark ambitions of his own. As old enemies reemerge and a new threat arises, the betrayal that enslaved Calisto to the night might destroy the only woman he’s ever loved again.

Rating -

Sexual -

My Review:

Night Walkers, rogue monks in a secret Brotherhood, a megalomaniac monk and a love that spans centuries make for a great sensual paranormal romance in this first of Kessler's new The Night series.

This is actually two stories in one: 1) Calisto's life 200 years ago as Father Gregorio Salvador with his love, and loss, of Tala and 2) Calisto's life present day finding Kate and wooing her amidst the dangers of the Brotherhood. Kessler does a good job of handling the past and the present. Every time the story takes place in the past, it is prefaced with the year.

Calisto Terana - what a cool name, is a shapeshifting, blood drinking, dregs of society killing, Night Walker -- so much more than the so-called vampires, former monk and a healer. He is sure Kate is Tala reincarnated; she has the mark. It has been soooo long. He knows she is no longer his Tala and doesn't know him. He longs to touch her but doesn't. How easy it would be to slip into her mind and make himself exactly what she wants. But if she falls in love with him again, he needs to know it is real. This is his second chance and he's not going to blow it. Calisto is stunned to learn that the Brotherhood is watching Kate too.

Kate, music teacher and choir director, meets Calisto in the back courtyard of a church and is captivated by him. It is disconcerting that she never felt any danger from him, a stranger in the dark. She thinks of him as "sexy eye candy". Looks him up online and is surprised to find he is "the founder of her mother’s favorite charity". She dreams of Tala being raped while pregnant. She's had this nightmare since she was a child. Still gun shy over her ex-fiance's betrayal, she doesn't want to give Calisto a chance. She runs even though she's afraid she's already in love with him after just two meetings. She feels as if she's know him forever and yet she knows nothing about him.

Kessler knows how to write a sexy scene without a lot of specifics. In addition to the requisite bedroom scene, there is a hot bathtub scene.

I loved this story and I thinks fans of the paranormal romance and vampire genres will too.

How about the drool-worthy cover?

Warning Spoiler Alert!!!
There is a HEA ending.