Review of A Touch of Crimson (Renegade Angels #1) by Sylvia Day

Title: A Touch of Crimson (Renegade Angels #1)
Author: Sylvia Day
Source: Requested Review / NetGallery
Genre: Paranormal Romance - Angels, Vampires and Werewolves
Format: ebook - 368 pages
Release Date: October 4th 2011
Author's Website

Adrian Mitchell is a powerful angel leading an elite Special Ops unit of Seraphim. His task is to punish the Fallen-angels who have become vampires-and command a restless pack of indentured lycans. But Adrian has suffered his own punishment for becoming involved with mortals- losing the woman he loves again and again. Now, after nearly two hundred years, he has found her-Shadoe-her soul once more inhabiting a new body, with no memory of him. And this time, he won't let her go.

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My Review -

The concept of angels, vampires and werewolves living among humans and seeing angels as powerful and sexy beings with raw passion had me very excited to read this book. The book had real potential in the beginning, but the more I read the book the more the world began to unravel, fall apart lose its appeal.

The beginning had a beautiful set up with Adrian running into his beloved Shadoe reincarnated in Lindsay at a chance encounter at an airport. The strong physical attraction between them had so much potential in terms of not only providing the reader with some enjoyable moments reading about their physical encounters, but also getting to know the characters and their emotional makeup. Unfortunately the world that the author tried to build up crumbled due to inconsistencies in some key plotlines.

As I read the book I kept finding inconsistencies and hypocritical situations that it made it difficult for me to develop a connection to Adrian and feel sympathetic for him despite his physical appeal. Perhaps what made it difficult to accept were the issues surrounding the nature of angels and the reason behind Adrian's hatred of vampires.

There were several contradictions that were mentioned in various parts of the book that made the world confusing to follow. At one point in the book Adrian states that angels are not to experience mortal love, but then later states that they can have sex. This leads to the confusing nature of what is happening with Adrian. He is angel who fell in love with a mortal and had sex with her and as his punishment his love is reincarnated over and over again throughout the centuries. Yet the fact has been stated that the consequence for an angel falling in love and having sex with a mortal is having their wings taken and turned into a vampire. Later on one of his closest angels confesses to him that she has fallen in love with a lycan which results in the angel and her love being hunted down. However, Adrian makes the other angels know, without a doubt, that he is having sex with Lindsay. It is these contractions that made my head spin at times and made it difficult to feel for Adrian because I felt he was being hypocritical.

Despite the flaws in the world building the book will appeal to both paranormal romance and urban fantasy fans. The series has the formula for some amazing interactions to develop between the characters and action that will please urban fantasy fans. I can see that the series has the potential to keep the readers on the edge of their seats, but the inconsistencies need to be cleaned up so they don't throw off the flow and interest in the books.

Review of Power of the Moon (Power of the Moon #1) by Tina Carreiro

Title: Power of the Moon (Power of the Moon #1)
Author: Tina Carreiro
Source: Bought from Amazon.com
Genre: Paranormal Romance - Vampires
Format: ebook - 291 pages
Release Date: May 3rd 2011
Author's Website

Dark. Sexy. Thrilling. Miakoda Starr sees things about people, including their auras. When she tries to help a homeless man whose aura has him marked for death, she throws herself in the middle of an unknown world and is in more trouble than she knows.

Soon she meets Detective Cole Barnett, a man that shatters her world in more ways than one, and shows her a life of fear as well as desire.

Respected for his self-control that took years to master, Detective Barnett never allows the vampire within to take over – until Mia.

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My Review -

There was something in this storyline about a young woman who has always felt different and misunderstood and a vampire who senses that she is the one he has been searching for to fill the void in his undead life that captured me.

This is the first book in the series and I can't wait to read the next one! When a book is able to keep me so glued to the pages that it keeps me up past my bed time and I find myself thinking about the characters and the situation they are currently dealing with during the middle of the day then I know it is a great indication to me that this is a great book.

There is so much happening in this book that it is difficult to know where to begin to describe what makes it fabulous. Lets start off with the characters Cole and Mia. The author does an amazing job in creating characters that are not only so well described that you can visualize them so clearly in your mind, but with personalities with such depth and emotions you feel that you truly know them and connect with them on a personal level.

What can I say Cole is a damn sexy vampire who is so hot to look at and so damn charming that he can make a woman have an orgasm just by looking at her.

Mia is a woman who has an unusual gift that makes her different from everyone else and based on her past experiences in relationships it makes it almost impossible for her to give herself completely and put her trust in others.

What brings these two together is a series of usual deaths that Mia has accidentally learned is the work of vampires. The next thing Mia finds out is she is being brought into a world she never knew existed and a passion she doesn't know she can give into. The intimate scenes between Mia and Cole are intense, teasing and makes you wish you were the one in Cole's arms.

This is an action packed novel that will have you glued to the pages and a tempting, teasing romance that will have you panting. This is a book that will please both urban fantasy and paranormal romance fans. While reading this book I felt it had similarities to being a cross between Charlaine Harris' Sookie Stackhouse series and Jeaniene Frost's Night Huntress series. It had elements of a young woman who is an outcast for being different due to her unusual gift and her inability to having meaningful relationships. She is brought into a world that humans don't know exist where some vampires are the good guys trying to protect the balance in both worlds.

At the end there is a preview to book 2 which continues where book 1 left off and it left me screaming because I needed to know what was going to happening next.

Review of RAJMUND, Vampires in America #3 by D. B. Reynolds

RAJMUND (Vampires in America #3)
Author: D. B. Reynolds
ImaJinn Books Publisher
Published July 30, 2010
ISBN: 9781933417097
Paranormal Romance
Novel, ebook, 260 pages
Provided by Author for review

Buffalo, New York—Thundering waterfalls, great sports teams . . . and a treacherous Vampire Lord who is slowly losing his mind.

New York City vampire Rajmund Gregor is the undisputed master of The Big Apple. He bows to no one but his Sire, the Vampire Lord Krystof, who has ruled the Northeast for hundreds of years. But when Krystof summons Rajmund to his headquarters in Buffalo, Raj finds his master slowly descending into madness and his territory crumbling around him. Raj is the only one of Krystof's children strong enough to seize power, but he’ll have to save his master before he can destroy him. Several women have gone missing and the local police are convinced a vampire is behind it. Is Krystof so lost to reality that he’s capturing and murdering human women? Is a rogue vampire moving into Krystof’s territory for the kill? Or is it something far more insidious, something that could threaten the existence of vampires everywhere?

Sarah Stratton is living a lie. Her past holds a secret she shares with no one—not even her good friend Cynthia Leighton, the West Coast vampire lord’s mate. It's a secret that could destroy her carefully constructed life as a professor at a Buffalo university. It’s also a secret that could save the lives of the missing women. To save them, however, she must enter Buffalo’s vampire community and put herself into the care of Rajmund Gregor. But can she trust Raj, the dangerously seductive vampire who wants to lay claim to far more than her secrets?

Before I get started, I would like to take this moment to apologize to Ms. Reynolds for my tardiness in posting this review. My delay is inexcusable and in no way reflects on Bitten By Paranormal Romance blog as a whole.


My Ratings:
Review

Sexual

There was one thing I didn’t like about RAJMUND – the cover. Out came my trusty, imaginary pencil and presto….. Chris “Thor” Helmsworth. Aahh…much better.

Raphael and Cyn make a brief appearance in the beginning to meet with Rajmund (Raj) in NYC to take care of “business”. While they are there, Cyn wants to meet up with an old friend, Sarah, who is currently living in Buffalo. It’s during this NYC get-together when Sarah and Raj first meet and the sparks start to fly. Don’t expect the same type of characters (hero and heroine) in Rajmund and Sarah as you find in Raphael and Cyn. These two are just as alpha and independent in their own way.

Sarah is psychic and it has come back to haunt her dreams. Instead of letting them destroy her, she uses them to find the kidnapped girls. Yes, she doesn’t want anyone to find out who she really is because of what happened in the past and she doesn’t want to live through that nightmare again. Yet, she can’t stand by and let young women die because no one will believe her. So, she takes action on her own.

Raj is a very powerful vampire who basically rules NYC. He is strong enough to overthrow his Sire - if and when the time comes. Rajmund is the alpha who radiates self-assurance, supremacy, and intellect. He truly cares that his children and human assets are well taken care of and all of their needs are seen to.

However, when Rajmund and Sarah start to work together on finding the missing girls, things really start to heat up. The playful banter, serious sharing, and, oh, the sexual tension. And then the big misunderstanding, which breaks both of their hearts and mine too. Fear not, missing girls still need to be found; Sarah still needs to be rescued; girls need to chat.

A shout-out for Emelie: Rajmund’s lieutenant has a few tricks up her sleeve. I like her; I really do!

Ms. Reynolds’ Vampire in America Series is one you must put on your TBR and/or Keeper Shelf. I started reading the series a bit backwards; reading the last book, SOPHIA, first and then continuing on in the correct order. I have rated all of the books ‘5 An Alpha Howl’, but RAJMUND, gets the Top Bite Award. Move over Raphael, there’s a new Lord in town.

Bitten’s She-Wolf Pack Thursday Review for August - DESTINY UNITED by Leia Shaw

DESTINY UNITED (Shadows of Destiny #2)
Author: Leia Shaw
Date Published: July 4, 2011

Genre: Paranormal Romance
Length: ebook, 224 pages
Author Requested Review            
                                               

Erin Bolton knows her former foster sister is a sorceress and a witch, but she wants nothing to do with that world. Fear dictates her life, panic attacks disable her, and only alcohol gives her the freedom she craves. The day before her twenty first birthday, a tall, dark, and terrifying vampire, Marcelo, turns Erin's world upside down. He convinces her that he was sent to escort her to the safety of the Underworld, where her sister is waiting. But she wonders, who will keep her safe from him?

Marcelo postponed his eight hundred year search for his wife to perform a small favor for the Queen of the Underworld. When the errand turns into a week long journey across the country toting a fragile female, his life takes a turn for the unexpected. Especially when, on Erin's twenty first birthday, he discovers there is more to this girl than meets the eye. And now instinct claims she's his. His mate. Meant for him, and him alone. Forever.

Can Marcelo give up his dream of reuniting with his long lost wife to be with the woman his body yearns for? Can Erin conquer her deep-rooted fears and confront the destiny only she can fulfill?



Review Ratings

            



Kris’s Ratings

Review: 5 – An Alpha Howl
Sexual: 2 – Steamy

I really enjoyed this very suspenseful and romantic story. I should have read the first book first though. I will definitely go back and read it. I'm dying to know more about Sage. I loved Marcelo. He was a total alpha, but also extremely sweet after he realized Erin/Aila was his mate. Erin was a stitch. I couldn't help but feel sorry for her at the same time I was rooting for her to kick some butt. I loved the action in the story and enjoyed the world that she has created. Although there was a lot of action, there was also plenty of dialogue, romance, and time spent getting to know and care about the characters. I also really enjoyed the author's style of writing. I just wish that I didn't have to wait until 2012 for the next one!

Cynthia’s Ratings

Review: 2 – A Small Howl
Sexual: 2 – Steamy

I’m not quite sure where to begin with this because quite honestly there were more than a few things that didn’t sit well with me. So, just the highlights.

The tone of the story is too flippant. Marcelo and Erin/Aila seem to be constantly bantering with each other. Marcelo ‘chuckles’ and Erin/Aila calls him Ballsy. Erin has social anxiety and suffers panic attacks because she was raped; therefore, “no grocery stores, no restaurants, and no shopping malls.” I don’t understand why she would have a revolving door of boyfriends to do her bidding. When copulation finally occurs between Aila and Marcelo, this is their post-coital pillow talk:

“Holy fuck,” Aila said, breaking the powerful silence.
Marcel chuckled. “I’ll say.” He pulled her into his arms. “But there was nothing holy about it.” He kissed the top of her head and ran his fingers up and down her bare arm. Goose bumps covered her body. Would she ever be immune to this man?
“So, my god-kissed mate, what do we do now?” he asked.

Last but not the least, the central theme of the story, DESTINY UNITED, never came to fruition. While another, concerning Marcelo, was brought to the forefront and just stopped…right there…nothing more.

What I did enjoy was the undertone of a D/s relationship between Erin/Aila and Marcelo. Marcelo being the very dominating Vamp that he is and Erin the Timid; it was a natural that he would control and protect Erin/Aila as necessary. The dressing room scene was especially entertaining. Watching Erin sprout from the frightened human to the powerful fae was a delight.

Ollie’s Ratings

Review: 3 – One Good Howl
Sexual:  4 – Four Alarm Fire #@!%$

Destiny United follows Erin, a young college student desperately trying to make it in the world dealing with panic attacks and social phobia gets her world turned upside down by a vampire sent by her sister to bring back to the Underworld.

Marcelo didn't like that fact that his original mission had to be sidetrack by this little favor for the Queen of the Underworld but before he knows it, it turns out to be the best thing that has ever happened to his undead life.

As Marcelo tries to escort Erin safely to the Underworld he not only has to fight of forces bent on destroying Erin before reaching the Underworld he at the same time tries to control his growing possessiveness and attraction to this timid young girl.

Marcelo was a delicious treat to read because he eluded such raw power and passion for Erin. When I say raw passion I mean this vampire offered more to Erin then she could handle in more ways than one. However, I found myself getting frustrated with Erin at several points in the books mostly because of her inability to trust Marcelo and going against him. She either didn't tell him everything, shot him to ran away from him and/or walk into danger when Marcelo knew she would be in danger.

The other aspect that bothered me was the whole destiny aspect surrounding Erin near the end of the book that never explained why she was chosen. The explanation lacked depth which could have been more thoroughly explored and could have provided more insight into her past and how it would lead to her future responsibilities.

WildAboutBones’ Ratings

Review: 3 – One Good Howl
Sexual: 2 – Steamy

I loved the story line! After all, what's not to love about the Underworld, sexy vampires, sorcerers, werewolves, the fae, a dragon shifter and a fae war with a romance in the middle of all of it?

Marcelo, an 843 year old vampire, is sent to find Erin by her sister Sage, the Queen of the Underworld. When he sees her the first time, he thinks date rape bait who has sexy down to a science.

Erin, human with a little extra, thinks of Marcelo, "he was sexy as hell", as soon as she gets over her panic attack. She has a debilitating social phobia that is only overcome by alcohol ... lots of alcohol.

When she hits her 21st birthday her life is turned upside down, well more than it already had been for the past couple of days. Is Marcelo her destined mate or is the fae, Unseelie prince Kieran?

"Let’s do the time warp again" a reference to The Rocky Horror Picture Show? Gotta love it. Even though this is the second in the series, you'll have no problem with reading it out of order. I think the characters were a little bit flat and the story could have used more "meat" but again the story line was very good.

I think paranormal romance and urban fantasy fans may like this one.

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?

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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.

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?

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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.

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.

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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.

Bitten's She-Wolf Pack Thursday Review for July - DARK IS THE NIGHT by Brindle Chase

DARK IS THE NIGHT
Book #1 of the Dark Justice Series
Brindle Chase
Published by Forlorn Hope
Date: June 22, 2011
ISBN: 0012872229
Genre: Erotic Paranormal Romance
Ebook, 173 pages
Book provided by Author for Review
Brindle Chase Website

Katherine Wells is Cleveland's top homicide detective and she's hot on the trail of the Antoinette killer. The string of burnt and beheaded bodies have little in common, except they keep turning up. In search of clues, she encounters Alexander. His intoxicating old world persona captivates her and she suddenly finds herself in a torrid love affair. The passion is overwhelming and her sense of law falls into blissful chaos.

As an elder vampire, Alexander struggles for anonymity in the modern world. Killing isn't personal; it's to prevent them from becoming the undead. His kind can't be discovered. With Katherine's investigation getting too close to the truth, the other vampires demand he eliminate Detective Wells.

Katherine discovers Alexander's supernatural secret and he learns Katherine's the detective he must silence. The revelations are shocking. He's everything she ever wanted and everything she stood against. Torn between a love like no other and the law she's sworn to uphold, she must choose. Against time, the police and the other vampires, they must destroy the evidence she's collected and join the undead.


Review Ratings

Bitten's She-Wolf Pack's Ratings and Reviews

Laurie’s Ratings:

Review: 5 – An Alpha Howl
Sexual: 4 - Four Alarm Fire

I really enjoyed taking a walk on the darker side of paranormal romance with Dark is the Night. This is a darker vampire romance with the added suspense storyline that author Brindle Chase has brought into the paranormal romance world. If you still like your vampires with bite this maybe for you, but be warned Brindle writes vampires that kills. Oh yeah, that’s what I like most about it. Vampires are predators they need to kill for their livelihood and in saying this they also need a darker tale that puts a little fright into someone and I think this book does a good job at doing this. I do hope Brindle will write more of these because they are hard to find in today’s paranormal romance world.

Alexander and Katherine’s connection starts right off and heats the pages up all the way through. Don’t get me wrong these two have a lot of tension between them you see one doesn’t want to turn the other and the other one wants to be turned, so you get a ride with some strain.

I recommend this one to those who likes the darker side with some *fans self* hot sex. One scene has a little F/F. I myself don’t care for the F/F, but it didn’t bother me that much because it was very light.

Cynthia’s Ratings:

Review: 5 – An Alpha Howl
Sexual: 4 - Four Alarm Fire

If you’re looking for the sanitized, romanticized or even (GAH someone slap me) the twinkling day-walking vampire – thank you Mr. Chase, because you won’t find them here. Mr. Chase has created a world that puts the vampire right back where it all began. In the shadows, at the top of the food chain; peering down at us with those mesmerizing eyes, captivating us with their beauty. Harkens back to the day of the vampire as true predator.

Katherine and Alexander are drawn together by an unquenchable need and lust; their passion the only thing they have in common. Little do they know, however, they do hunt each other in a totally different way. Katherine is searching for the killer in a string of horrendous murders, which Alexander has committed, but only in self-preservation. As Katherine’s investigation closes in on a suspect, and she thinks it may be Alexander, her outlook on life changes. Alexander knows he must take action to prevent his kind from being exposed or he forfeits everything.

From Page One, I was hooked by Mr. Chase’s writing style and world building. Nothing ho-hum, tedious, or lagging. On the contrary, at times I was a smidgeon overwhelmed. DARK IS THE NIGHT will satisfy readers of the paranormal, suspense, and erotic romance genres. There is one short f/f/m scene, but don’t get your panties in a wad Girls.

I would be remiss if I did not caution you of the graphic sex and violence in DARK IS THE NIGHT. Well, the sex you expected, but the violence you may not; this is not for the faint of heart. I feel the violence (and sex, of course) is warranted. They play a very large part in the development of not only the relationship of Katherine and Alexander, but of how Katherine sees herself and to what lengths Alexander will go to protect her.

Some of you may find Katherine’s actions unbelievable (it is fiction), but ask yourself this question: What would you do for love? Where is the fine line? The real, true, ever-lasting, can’t live without, he/she completes me, love. What Mr. Chase has penned is a bit reminiscent of Etta Place and Bonnie Parker (just two examples that come to mind). Except that Mr. Chase has delivered it to us wrapped via an uber-sensual vampire in the delicious tale of two souls colliding with each other, overcoming the frightening odds, and having their HEA. BRAVO! After all, this is romance!

Ollie's Ratings:

Review: 3 – One Good Howl
Sexual: 4 – Four Alarm Fire

DARK IS THE NIGHT not only delivers some very hot and intense passionate scenes, but also returns to the concept that vampires are predatory killer driven by the instinct to hunt and feed from their victims. Though I enjoyed the concept and the hot sex scenes, there were elements that threw me off and made it difficult for to connect with the characters.

At the beginning of the book I felt as if I was transported to a 1940's detective movie by how Katherine “spoke”. At first I tried to ignore the imagery that kept popping in my head that I was watching a Humphrey Bogart movie with the Katherine saying (not the exact words but the same feeling) “I was standing in the corner watching the blood slide down the wall while I lit a cigarette” or how she would say something and then say en it with “I said”. It became hard to put myself into the scene and feel as if I was standing on the sideline watching in as I do with other books.

What I did enjoy was the development of Alexander and how he was both a powerful force not only physically but also emotionally. His determination not to draw Katherine into his world was endearing, at the same time it did not take away from his strong persona.

Katherine on the other hand, I had a harder time understanding her personality. Her tough as nail demeanor did not settle well with me. I found that there didn't seem to be a natural progression from Katherine's original persona to accepting and giving herself completely so quickly to Alexander. If the author provided more glimpses into the tender side of Katherine emotional make up then it would have been easier to accept her transition.

Now for times that Alexander and Katherine got it on were hot and intense, but sex scenes alone can't make up for the lack of connection for the characters. During the first half of the book I had to struggle to read through, but by the second half it became easier due to the increase in action. Though there were parts I didn't connect with I still enjoyed the overall storyline and of course Alexander. Now he is vampire I would love to spend my nights with.

WildAboutBones Ratings:

Review: 3 – One Good Howl
Sexual: 4 – Four Alarm Fire

Chase combines vampires, murder, torture and undeniable, irresistible, insatiable arousal in this dark paranormal romance. The story is told in first person from Alexander's and Katherine's points of view.

Usually the domain of the antagonists, the romantic male lead in this story is a vampire in the more traditional vein: cold blooded predator, kills when feeding, turns a victim simply by feeding upon, must behead and burn to kill to make sure victim doesn't turn, to kill must behead and/or remove the heart to kill, no sunlight, etc.

Alexander, a 1000 year old vamp and the male lead, is full of contradictions. He insists he has no morals and yet he feels remorse when killing, feels it is wrong to kill when not hungry or indiscriminately, has a sense of fair play/honor and laments the fact that humans have no chance against the superior vamps. He talks as if he belongs in centuries past ... hasn't bothered to keep up with modern slang or speech patterns (which can make for some difficult reading at times -- like trying to read one of the literary classics from 19th century). Alexander is stunned by the beauty of the goddess who is Katherine. He is aroused by her on so many different levels -- he is afraid. Afraid of what he'll do to her. "But to not kill her went against my very nature .... To kill her I could not. But to drink of her, I must. She would turn if I did." He finally admits she is his soulmate. He can't be all bad if he makes Kat think of things like "those "I love you and I’m going to make love to you for all eternity' kisses." Wow.

Chase incorporates some really dry and dark twisted humor in the story which had me chuckling:
"One cannot have their fun and expect someone else to clean up after them."
"Killing is our nature; it’s nothing personal."
"A smart jock. There’s an oxymoron for you. Rare, but not impossible."
"I had a vibrator and a bottle of vodka waiting at home with my name on them."

Katherine, "Kat", is 33, 5'7", a size 6 and relatively good looking. All of which can make her job as the top homicide detective in the city hard. She wears a ring to discourage the come-ons, "A lot of guys have trouble with the notion of being told no and I was tired of saying it." She avoids romance, she doesn't have time for it. "If you can imagine the day when a semi-attractive woman can walk into a bar and say loudly ‘I need to get laid. Any takers?’ and strike out, then I’ll mark that day as the end of the world." Kat literally bumps into Alexander and is "mesmerized" as he "was more beautiful than any man I could have ever imagined". She "stood there gawking like an idiot as he smiled down on [her]. Worse, [she] openly swooned, damn it all to hell." She is humiliated to find she has turned into a stuttering idiot.

Chase can write some seriously hot scenes. Like the scene in hotel, when Alex gets Kat naked, kissing the heck out of her but then has the nerve to back out saying he has no control. And leaves! Excuse me! In that case, why did he take her to the hotel? In the beginning of their relationship, he is such a tease and not in a good way. Another smoking hot scene up on the roof in the snow. A steamy scene in the kitchen in front of the stove while she's cooking - yep, while she's cooking. There is the couch scene while he feeds her mac 'n cheese. Alexander is apparently so good, she blacks out almost every time she comes.

So even though it can be somewhat hard getting used to the way Alexander thinks and speaks, putting aside the dark nature of the plot, this is a very good story. I give it a 3.5 of 5 for content and 3.5 of 4 on the sexy scale. Perhaps a story urban fantasy, horror and vampire fans will enjoy more so than paranormal romance fans who don't care for the dark side.

Warning Spoiler Alert!!!
There is a HEA ending ... kinda ... they are together now in immortality loving each other and she's having the best sex of her life ... well ... unlife. But, she's now a murderer with a beast inside her who needs to be fed and controlled.

Bitten's She-Wolf Pack Thursday Review for June - SAMSON'S LOVELY MORTAL (Scanguards Vampires, #1) by Tina Folsom

Samson's Lovely Mortal (Scanguards Vampires, #1)
Tina Folsom
Originally published May 25, 2010
Novel length; Erotic Paranormal Romance
Available in paperback and digital forms
Book was purchased or available as free download
Tina Folsom Website

Vampire bachelor Samson can't get it up anymore. Not even his shrink can help him. That changes when the lovely mortal auditor Delilah tumbles into his arms. Suddenly there's nothing wrong with his hydraulics ... However, trying to hide the fact he's a vampire is all of a sudden not his only problem, because when compromising documents are found in Delilah's possession, Samson wonders whether she's the one who has more to hide than he does.

REVIEW AND RATING SYSTEM

OUR REVIEWS

WildAboutBones' Review:

Rating:  4  - A Pack Howl
Sexual:  4 - Four Alarm Fire


This first in Folsom's Scanguards Vampires series is set in San Francisco and has an opening line that certainly grabs your attention: "Let me suck your cock." This paranormal romance comes complete with vampires, embezzling, betrayal, a mortal love, romance, a little humor and a precious gift.

Folsom has created some very believable characters - both primary and secondary ones, even if she uses much of the traditional vampire lore with only a few twists. The story line is somewhat inventive although it is fairly similar to Lynsay Sands' A Bite To Remember Argeneau series story.

Sexy, 6 ft. tall Samson, the male lead, is a vampire having an impotence issue (which is virtually unheard of in a vampire) until he mistakes Delilah for the vamp stripper his friends hired for his birthday party. When she leaves so does his erection.

Delilah, a human forensic accountant and the female lead, is having the nightmares again and then suddenly finds herself in the nightmare in reality. When Samson mistakes her for the stripper and kisses her, she has a "severe attack of lust" and she hasn't felt aroused in a long time.

The story has some great humorous lines in it such as:
"Great, a shrink operating from a dungeon and a Barbie doll as the gatekeeper!"
"Coffins were out. Tempur-Pedic mattresses were in."

Sexually, I rate this as a 3.5 out of 4. There is sensual teasing in a theater and lobby, hot petting in a limo, sexy lovemaking on the rug in front of a fireplace and a very provocative shower scene, not to mention an entire night spent having sex in bed. There is also an angry spanking and anal sex scene that takes place on the couch between secondary characters which is the reason this doesn't have a 3 rating.

This was a very quick read for me - a single afternoon - which I enjoyed. I look forward to reading the other books in this series to see what mischief the secondary characters get into. Paranormal romance and vampire fans should thoroughly enjoy this book.

Warning Spoiler Alert!!!
This comes complete with an HEA.

Cynthia’s Review:

Ratings:  4 - A Pack Howl
Sexual:  4 - Four Alarm Fire

A love story of Samson and Delilah. I know, it sounds corny, but it works.

Samson believes the woman in distress that shows up on his doorstep is his “surprise” birthday gift stripper from his friends. This case of mistaken identity leads to a passion that can’t be denied, secrets revealed and deception from unexpected sources. An original storyline that includes a powerful vampire with ED and several vampires who visit a psychiatrist on a regular basis. If the opening sentence of this novel doesn’t grab your attention, then someone needs to check your pulse – STAT! Oh, and yeah, it’s a dead giveaway of more to come…..

Although the plotline was thin and I could see where the story was going, it was fun getting there. Samson was a bit “over-the-top” at times and it took Delilah F-O-R-E-V-E-R to grow a backbone. The cast of characters are intriguing and the humor sprinkled throughout the story didn’t detract from it. I sure would like to be a fly on the wall when Amaury has his sessions with Dr. Drake. *giggle* (Sorry, Girls, I keep thinking of Rick Springfield!) Ms. Folsom puts a different spin on her vampire lore; it’s a breath of fresh air.

Laurie (Bitten By Paranormal Romance) Review:

Rating:  5 - An Alpha Howl
Sexual:  4 - Four Alarm Fire

Date Read: August 30 to September 01, 2010

I do believe I have found my favorite erotic book for this year and it also has my favorite genre paranormal. This book is romantic, witty and pure down right hot. The author does a wonderful job in how she brings this erotic romance together. I was floored as I keep reading and the story keeps getting deeper. It has humor, twist and turns, surprise’s danger, villains, an excellent cast of vampire male characters the author can run on and OMG the sex is amazing there is a little spanking and rear door. This is not a short Novella it has over 300 pgs.

Samson is owner of Scanguards, (in other words he is filthy rich) he has a mishap that leaves him impotent. He tries everything even goes to a shrink. When his birthday come his friends let him know there is a stripper on the way. So his day is getting worse he can’t get it up and now he has to have a stripper there needless to say he is not a happy camper. Until someone comes crashing in his door.

Delilah lives in New York and works for Scanguards and is sent to California to help audit at the office there. Little does she know on her way home one night after getting take out she is walking in the pouring down rain and some man tries to hurt her. She runs to the closet house and asks for help. Little did she know the owner would think she is the stripper.

Things I loved.
I loved how the author takes you into the hero and heroine past and helps them overcome their issues together; it just makes for a better romance for me. I also loved how the author introduces you to the next character in this book, so you already know him and what he’s like. The book reads more like a paranormal romance added with the erotic, it’s something I've been looking for.

Ollie’s Review:

Rating:  5 - An Alpha Howl
Sexual: 4 - Four Alarm Fire

Date Read: December 25, 2010 to January 07, 2011

Paranormal Romance/Erotica writer Tina Folsom has the reader panting and craving more with Samsom's Lovely Mortal. If you love a hot and passionate paranormal romance then you are going to LOVE Samson's Lovely Mortal. This is one book where I do not want to give too much information away because I want the reader to experience and savor every page-turning moment. What I will tell you is the lead character, Samson, is the owner of Scanguard Enterprises and who happens to be a gorgeous vampire with a slight problem. Delilah is a mortal woman who literally falls into his world and stirs feelings and emotions that he has never felt before. What ensues is a passionate romance that not only includes very hot, intense sex scenes but the development of a truly loving relationship. There was one point in the book where the emotional build up was so intense that you could feel the character's heartache and pain that I broke down crying and had to put the book down several times to compose myself to continue on. I really enjoyed how Tina developed the mythology surrounding vampires with a very interesting one that will definitely put a smile on your face. I'm a big romantic thus the development of the relationship and the many hot sex scenes had me glued to the pages.

5 Stars for an intense book that will leave you needing a long cold shower or perhaps several.