Archive for Vampire Romance
The third book in the Black Swan series.
A Summoner’s Tale – The Vampire’s Confessor by Victoria Danann
If you have been following the Black Swan series you will know that everything that has happened in the first two books, My Familiar Stranger and The Witches Dream leads to the events in The Vampire’s Confessor. This sizzling story of loves won and lost weaves a tale of magic, mystery and intrigue with each individual book telling its own love story.
The Vampire’s Confessor Takes the Characters Deeper
But to get the true insight of each character, I really recommend starting at the beginning. This is especially true when looking at the gestalt of the whole group and how they interact. The relationships among them are vital and frankly what makes this series so enjoyable. The first book sets the tale with our introduction of our main characters (right down to the dog) and the next book brings in secondary characters to add flavor to the plot. This third book mixes them to just the right amount for a wonderful series filled with intelligent, caring and often humorous beings.
Baka Gets His Turn
For those of us who have been following the series, you will be pleased to find out that in this book we follow Baka’s story. A bit darker than the previous two books in the series, it lends just the right sense of gravity and yet brings us more intimately into Baka and his life story. For many of us, this is the story we have been waiting for, and are more than amply rewarded here.
For this is one vampire who has a story to tell of the man he once was and how he came to be the character we met in My Familiar Stranger. As usual with all of Danann’s stories, the sensual is nicely balanced with the human touches to make us all feel like these are characters we know and care deeply about.
You can download the Kindle version of The Vampire’s Confessor or order the paperback for delivery. I think it is always nice to have options!
Can love finally come to Qhuinn and Blay?
If you have been following the Black Dagger Brotherhood, of which this is the 11th book, you are in for a treat. For many, the hot couple that everyone has been waiting to get their HEA is Qhuinn and Blay. The two men have slowly gone from friends to close friends to something more. What that something more is on an emotional level, they have not always been ready to disclose or explore. Until now.
Meanwhile, the battle for the throne continues. The Brotherhood has become endangered from the outside by a couple of new players. Qhuinn thought he was ready to settle into a real family with his Chosen female, but sometimes surprises come from the strangest of places. We see plenty of back story on Qhuinn and come to understand better the machinations behind the scenes. This is indeed the one we have all been waiting for. All I can say is, it has been well worth the wait.
You can pick up your copy of Lover at Last in paperback or hardcover or download it for instant reading on your Kindle tonight.
The further adventures of Sam and Jared.
The Bite that Binds by Suzanne Wright
In The Bite that Binds, the Binding Ceremony will bring vampires Jared and Sam even closer together. It is a commitment they are both looking forward to. But during the week leading up to the ceremony Sam begins to have visions, ones she cannot explain of a woman reaching out to her. With the decision to try and find out why she is having these visions and follow them, Sam puts herself in danger.
This just sends Jared’s already overactive protectiveness into overdrive. There are few things as dangerous as a very alpha vampire protecting his love. But while Sam is not exactly the damsel in distress type, her usual kick butts now ask questions later style seems to be much more limited lately. Can it be a product of the dreams or is it something more?
The first book of this series, Here Be Sexist Vampire (who can resist that title?) gave us the development of the romance between Jared and Samantha Parker. You would think with the ultimate question of whether they would finally recognize this passion resolved the story would be ended. But The Bite that Binds takes our two vampire lovers on a new and even more important quest. It also shows Suzanne Wright’s readers just how well she can build on a set of characters. This time around we grow with the two and find out more about their world. They grow as well, as their love deepens.
While Jared doesn’t lose his cocky ways or Sam her take no prisoners attitude, they mature in many ways here. What is more, we get to be a part of that growth. The very things that made these two such delights in Here Be Sexiest Vampire remain important in The Bite that Binds.
You can dig deep into your own copy of The Bite that Binds when you download the Kindle version or order online the delivery of the paperback today.
The third book in The Kings series.
The Warlock King by Heather Killough-Walden
Jason is The Warlock King. A user of dark magic, he is one of 13 Kings over individual tribes: Phantom, Goblin, Werewolf and others including of course Warlocks. Like the others he knows it is time for him to take a Queen, for she will fill a void in him. But Chloe, though she knows she is destined for it, fights the natural path for her as his queen. She is Akyri, a race that need the power of a Warlock to survive. It is the Warlock’s power that feeds them, and without it Chloe will eventually starve and turn to dust. But even knowing this, she runs from Jason because she will be servant to no-one, not even a king.
While Jason tries to secretly protect Chloe as he patiently waits for her return, danger looms around him. There are dark forces building who threaten not just Jason, but all 13 Kings. While this third book in Heather’s The King’ series does center on Jason and Chloe, there is plenty more happening here. Dangers hinted at in the two earlier books become much clearer in The Warlock King and Heather Killough-Walden proves once again what an amazing writer she has become.
If you have read the previous two in the series, you will need no prodding from me to pick this one up. The world-building is detailed and believable, the characters memorable and real. For anyone just learning about the series you can follow the story just fine reading The Warlock King. But I guarantee you, that once you have read even one book from The Kings series; you will be hunting down the others.
You can read The Warlock King tonight by downloading the Kindle version today or order the audio version online and get it shipped out to you pronto. Either way, The Warlock King is a great read.
The third in the Black Swan Series.
A Summoner’sTale by Victoria Danann
This third book in the Black Swan series centers on Baka’s tale. For those who have been following the series since the release of My Familiar Stranger, all the threads of the lover’s tale come together in this book. The series, in particular the book A Summoner’s Tale all have wonderful romance, of course plenty of adventure and most of all great characters. It is probably the characters of the Black Swan that make the series so enjoyable.
For anyone who has yet to read this series, Black Swan is a group dedicated to protecting humanity from the scourge of vampires. There is plenty of action and adventure in the series, but it truly shines in its stories of the relationships that are formed. Love is always in the driver’s seat and the journey is what the story is all about.
If you love a fantasy series with great characters, funny elements and serious drama, then I would suggest downloading your free copy of the first book in the series My Familiar Stranger. Once introduced you will jump at the chance to read more about Baka, Elora, Ram, Storm, Lithie and with A Summoner’s Tale the delicious Heaven.
You can get your copy of A Summoner’s Tale in both Kindle and paperback formats.
Deadlocked by Charlaine Harris
It looks like the fantasy romance between Sookie and Erik may indeed be DOA and it seems that no one is to blame more than the old Viking for it. Sookie is wondering just what to do with a mystical object from Faierie that her grandmother left her and the political games amongst the vampires are moving the stakes even higher. So many things come to a head in this book that it may just have your head spinning. So let’s all take a deep breath and start counting the bodies.
Sookie has been struggling with her romance with Erik for some time now, and in this book several things happen that point out she may be fighting a losing battle. I may still find the cold Viking sexy in all the right ways, but he isn’t the guy you want to count on when the chips are down. He proves it here, when others around Sookie prove they can be counted on more than Erik.
There are bodies on the lawn, and power struggles in the living room. Personally, I would not want to get in between two groups of vampires fighting over territory. When Erik gets that inevitable invitation, the one that will leave Sookie alone again, it seems easy to believe that he will take whatever path will lead him to power. It is both his attraction for Sookie and the thing that in the end will betray her. Worse yet, she knows it and even acknowledges it from time to time in this issue.
Family Matters
I love that Jason is finally growing up though here. He has always had a special place in my heart, and somehow I always knew he had it in him to take responsibility. The fact that he not only takes it on but wants to do so just makes it that much better. His is a fantasy romance that finally gets its HEA. I think it lightens Sookie’s load a bit too, to see him happy at last.
But the situation with the fae side of the family is getting out of hand. I imagine there is something in the air that makes Sookie happy to have them around, but it never seems to work out for her. This time around matters are taken out of her hands and we get to really see what the fae are up to.
Merlotte’s Bar
And Sam- what can I say about Sam? It seems the only times we see Sookie really happy is when she is working at the bar with Sam. He is the steady influence in her life, although he really needs to get some gumption, as they would say in the south. He is just too easy a pushover – but I think that may change. Now if only Sookie would just stop mooning over the vamps and notice him. There were times when I almost thought she had.
Nearing the Series End
So many good things happen in this book, and so many really painful ones. With only a few more to go before the end of the series, we can see that Charlaine is tying up some of the loose ends already. We get a glimpse of Faerie and find out just how powerful her relatives are. It is disquieting to think they could so easily leave, but we all understand better why by the end of Deadlocked.
And we also find out just how aptly titled it is, for Sookie has her heart deadlocked and she knows she must get it out of the prison it has willingly stayed in. Through it all we learn more about the political machinations of the vampires. It makes sense that creatures that live as long as they do would have this complicated and very powerful structure to their “empires”. They would also learn over time to be ruthless, for human lives are short in comparison to their own. I just wish the price was not always so high.
Chat on the Net
I know there is some bitching online about the series, how it has gone downhill, but I don’t agree. I read plenty of vampire tales, both for this site and on my own for pleasure. Charlaine still is head and shoulders above so many storytellers out there. I love that Sookie has to stop and do her laundry, bake a pie or tackle her taxes. It is what makes her human. It was great to have her taking the time to work on that tan of hers again. It is these little touches that make Sookie real to me. I am glad Charlaine has not abandoned them.
So we are heading into the home stretch here, and I am already sorry to think about saying goodbye to my Southern friends. But there are a few more adventures after this one. In the meantime, I think I may go bake me a sweet potato pie. There is a great recipe in the Sookie Stackhouse Companion I have been meaning to try!
If you are thinking this may be your next Sookie read, you can grab your own copy in either Kindle or paperback format right here. Let us know what you think!
Great Vampire Series Starring Skye Morrison
Posted by:
A barmaid in a vampire community, and she has two lovers to choose from. Is this another great vampire series with Sookie? Nope- it’s Skye Morrison and the vamp community is in Austin Texas, not Bon Temps. Right there you have a glimpse of the differences in this great little vampire series from J.L. McCoy. This is a first for her, and although a little rough in the first book, she gets her feet firmly planted early on. The series delivers a tasty vampire romance with plenty of heat along with a feel for the pulse of the music scene in Austin. It is that musical atmosphere that really sets this series apart from so many love triangle vampire books I have read. Well okay, the music along with the character of Skye.
College Girl Woes in Blood of the Son
It all starts when Skye, recently graduated from college with all the bills to prove it, has a very public row with her ex. Most days she can handle him, but somehow today was different and the ugly turned physical. When a classical tall, dark and handsome steps in to save the day she can’t help but notice him. The Irishman not only stops an ugly tirade from getting out of hand, he offers her a job that could more than help pay off those college bills. He needs a personal assistant for his new nightclub, the type of job Skye would love to sink her teeth into, so she accepts. But it turns out it is teeth other than hers that get a good workout at this club, for it is a hangout for the undead of Austin.
Skye is no wallflower, and we see that in this book as she parties with the best of them. Then there is her musician boyfriend Jameson Doyle. When her work at The Mausoleum nightclub puts her a little too close to the devastatingly handsome owner Archer Rys, things could get complicated. But working at the hottest night club for the undead can get convoluted at times, even without having a potential love triangle on your hands. Jameson is the leader of one of the hot bands in Austin and sexy sweet. Archer is rich, mysterious and aloof except for when he lets loose a bit and Skye get to see the other side of him; a side that can be very tempting. Even if Skye knows she is being drawn into a dangerous world, somehow she can’t fight it. The trouble is can she survive it?
A Blood Heat in Sins of the Father
Things just seem to heat up a notch with the second book in this great newcomer’s vampire series. In the romance department, now that both her lovers have revealed their true nature, Skye must learn how to adapt to this new world. Meanwhile, a murder takes place that puts everyone in jeopardy. When the situation calls for Skye to abandon her home and take refuge at Archer’s mansion, things go from hot to scorching. Both Archer and Jameson under one roof with her can make the attractions even more deadly, and it doesn’t help that the ever jealous Aoife is there as well.
This second book in the series really takes the whole action up to the next level, with more danger, more sensual moments and tons of suspense. Music continues to be the backbeat to the story and it is one of the elements I really love about this whole series. If you have ever been to Austin to see the music scene there, you would know that this is a pretty honest portrayal of how pervasive it is in the city. McCoy nails it without beating you over the head with it, another great touch. The whole story builds to a fever pitch at the end as we hold our breath to see how Skye, Jameson and Archer get themselves out of this one. There are crazed killers, an army of vampires on the lookout, a kidnapping and chaos ruling everywhere!
Nightmare and Retribution in The Original Sin
Our Skye has gone through the ringer by this chapter in the story. She has been torn emotionally by her connection to her lover Jameson and her continuing sexual fantasies about her boss Archer. The aftermath of her kidnapping has left her emotionally on edge with nightmares that continue to haunt her. The writing takes a bit of a dark turn here, as everything that is swirling around her begins to come to a head. It is bound to change her, and we go down that path with her as we see the aftermath of it all on Skye’s spirit as she fights the darkness within her.
This one is a real nail-biter in more ways than one. McCoy really matures as a writer here and we find ourselves embroiled in the characters as they struggle with plenty of their own demons. There is more at stake and the stark difference between the characters at the start of this series to who they are now is startling but also a natural growth of the events that surround them.
This series looks to have more books to come and I am very much looking forward to them. True, each book does have that darn cliff-hanger that I am not too fond of, but she resolves them well. Plus, I really don’t care for the covers; they all look corny as all get-up to me. However, I do love that the characters evolve, the writing gets stronger and on the whole this is a great vampire series that will keep you up reading into the wee hours of the night. Just keep that light on, ‘cause at times it gets downright scary in there!
You can grab copies of all three books at Amazon:
Book One – Blood of the Son is available in Kindle and Paperback formats
Book Two – Sins of the Father is available in Kindle and Paperback formats
Book Three – The Original Sin is available in Kindle and Paperback formats
One of the hallmarks of any vampire romance is of course the romance. But fantasy writer and award-winning erotica author C.J. Ellison felt that any creature that lives for hundreds of years is probably pretty good at long term, and hot, relationships. I mean, if anyone knows how to keep a romance going for decades it must be a vampire, right? So why then, she wondered, did so many of the hot paranormal romance books she read have everyone jumping from bed to bed? That was when Ellison decided to tell the romance story her own way. This is one husband and wife team that love to find time for a little fun on the side. For those with long term sweethearts looking to add a little spice, her VV Inn series is just the ticket!
A Red Hot Mama of a Vampire
The third book of the series just came out recently and it reminded me of how much I loved the first book, Vampire Vacation, where we are introduced to our favorite resort host who is always up to her cute little ears in trouble. The hostess is Vivian, a 580 year-old vampire who is still madly in love with her human husband Rafe.
He is of course a gorgeous hunk of humanity that feels the same way about his Vivian. The asides fly fast and furious, as does the sex, so if you are not inclined to enjoy a spicy vampire romance book, then you may want to pass on this one. But if you love well written racy adventures with plenty of the supernatural thrown in for good measure, hang on because you are in for one heck of a fun ride!
Vampire Vacation – A Supernatural Getaway
Raf
e and Vivian own and run a resort for the supernatural set. Nestled in the dark and wild lands of Alaska, Vivian’s power to create vivid illusions makes this the ideal place for the undead to unwind. Here she can make any place the one spot her guests crave and deliver to them the perfect illusion of their heart’s desire. But of course catering to the undead has its drawbacks so when Vivian discovers a dead body in a guest room only minutes before the next guest is scheduled to arrive, hubby Rafe quickly hides the corpse in anticipation of being able to deal with it later. If only their life was that simple! Before you know it, Vivian and Rafe are juggling guests, tracking down a killer and still finding time to grab a quickie in between. Like the other two books in the series, this is one you will find hard to put down once begun, as circumstances pile up and the stakes keep getting higher and higher.
A Series Worth Checking Out
Now if you are not sure this is exactly your cup of tea, author Ellison has thought of you. She has wisely made the first half of her first book in the series, Vampire Vacation available for free as a short called Just One Taste. Personally it was Vampire Vacation that got me hooked on this couple, if only for the cover. They completely give away the tongue in cheek attitude of the book and get you so into this couple that you want more instantly. Lucky for you, there is more.
The Hunt – A Hunt With a Difference
In the second book of the series, The Hunt, we are introduced to the entire seethe (like a clan but with pointy teeth!) as Vivian and Rafe host a hunt that leaves all others to shame. Vivian has a supernatural criminal on hand, and she plans to release her into the wilds of Alaska with the others in pursuit.
She has promised seven vampires and seven werewolves the hunt of their lives, for whoever manages to capture the wee criminal will have a feast that will increase their powers dramatically. That is if they live through the encounter for this is no ordinary supernatural criminal and there is, of course, more here than meets the eye. Who will look Death in the face and survive?
Big Game – Two for the Price of One
The most recent book in the series is Big Game and it is actually two stories in one book. Our intrepid couple have ventured down to Argentina to face off against the Tribunal as they dare to reveal Vivian’s biggest secret. The raunchy heart of decadent old Buenos Aires soon seduces our couple with the lure of twins, games that should have been avoided and some disgruntled old guests that may take that guarantee of satisfaction or else a little too seriously!
Meanwhile up in Alaska members of the seethe Asa and Jon take on the responsibility of maintaining the Inn while Vivian and Rafe are away by welcoming a group of werewolves. They may regret it as the hunters become the hunted and mayhem is set loose in Alaska.
All in all, you can see that these books are just plain fun. With the fine combination of sexy encounters, mysterious murders and adventure galore you can’t help but love this twosome and their undead companions. This series is a vampire romance with all the trimmings and none of the fat! I can bet that once you dip your toe into just the first book you will be back for more. If you have a kindle you can sample the free first half of the first book, called Just One Taste to see what you think of Ellison’s writing style. We are betting you will get just enough of a taste to want more. Now here are the details on how you can grab your own copies:
Book One – Vampire Vacation is available in paperback and Kindle versions.
Book Two – The Hunt is available in paperback and Kindle versions.
Book Three – Big Game is available in paperback and Kindle versions.
