ARC Review White Dawn by Susan Edwards

Title: White Dawn
Author: Susan Edwards
Source: Requested Review
Genre: Historical Romance
Format: e-book; 90,000 words
Release date: Mass Market original release- May 2002; e-book re-release- November 21, 2011

Broken-hearted and abandoned in the wilds of America's untamed West, sixteen-year-old Emily Ambrose is rescued from certain death by solitary trapper John Cartier. Though she's learned the hard way not to trust any man, she can't help but feel safe with the kind stranger.

John can't imagine anyone willingly letting Emily go. Her strength and beauty call to him, but it is clear her wounded heart needs time to heal, and he won't settle for just her body. He vows to return Emily to civilization—and to resist the desire growing between them, unless she turns to him out of love.

Emily is drawn to her rugged but gentle rescuer, and begins to feel the passion that a woman can feel for a man. But she can't embrace a future with John as long as she's haunted by secrets of the past...





Rating-





Sexual-





My review-

I admit that I have a soft spot for historical romances, particularly those set during the more “Wild West” times of American history. This is book one of a series of twelve all together, but this book stands well on its own.

You are immediately drawn into the struggle of Emily facing a missionary father who seems to have a grudge against women. Your heart aches for the things he says to her and you feel as if you are there with her as her journey begins, bringing her into John’s life. From there, you are entranced as a friendship grows between them and soon blossoms into love. One particular plot point was easily predictable from the get go, but it didn’t detract from the overall story. The love scenes in the book are very well written and give you just enough of a visual to feel the characters’ emotions without being too much at the same time.

If you are interested in a nice, leisurely read, I highly recommend “White Dawn”. I’m looking forward to reading the next three in the first set of four books in the series.

Review of THE KRAKEN'S MIRROR by Maureen O. Betita

THE KRAKEN’S MIRROR
The Kraken's Caribbean, Book 1
Maureen O. Betita
Decadent Publishing Company, LLC
January 31, 2011
ISBN: 9781936394678
Erotic Paranormal Romance
Ebook and paperback, 212 pages
Author Requested Review

Captain Alan Silvestri is a man haunted by a strange curse. Good luck is his to command, but it comes at the cost of any place to call home or people to reckon as family. Resigned to die and shunned by all, he is forced to sail every three days, until he begins to dream of a special woman.


Treated by our youth-oriented society as invisible and sexless, Emily Pawes is ready to move on with life. She attends a pirate festival, hoping to recapture the make-believe magic she knew as a young woman. Lucky to win an interesting bit of booty at a brick-a-brac stand, she finds herself transported by the Kraken’s mirror through a magical portal to a land of Hollywood piratitude, where swashbuckling heroes own iPods. With little choice, Emily embraces the madness. Playing pirate has to be safer than falling into the arms of handsome Captain Silvestri, right?


When they meet, sparks fly, passion flares. He needs her to be free, but more than that, he needs her to be whole. Setting sail and uncertain of who actually controls the wheel, they seek ways to defeat his curse of good luck and discover the Kraken’s mirror has plans for them. Will Emily stay in this pirate haven to fight alongside him or will he lose her because of his curse?

My Ratings


Review

Sexual

What a delightful, remarkable, and unexpectedly peculiar world Ms. Betita has created in her rendering of the 17th century Caribbean. Yes, you will find pirates, but you will also find out-of-place electrical devices, updated plumbing, among other strange oddities. The style of writing is refreshing as it blends the plain spoken (unrepentantly crude), modern day Emily with the pirate-ese of the regular crew of characters. I’m not sure if paranormal romance is the correct sub-genre for this book. It does contain a bit of vampires, zombies and werewolves, but I’m more inclined to label this as a sci-fi/fantasy romance. I don’t care what you label it – I label it fantastic!


The best parts of this book are the hero and heroine. (And the supporting characters, Davis, Jezzie, Mick, Tink, and the story.) Of course, you say, that’s the way it should be, but wait, there’s more. They aren’t your above-average sculpted, late twenty-something, to-die-for beauty/hunk. Emily is 53 and Silvestri is 65! But don’t let that fool you into thinking these two can’t rock the boat, stir the water, make waves….


One of the best pieces of banter is between Jezebel, who Captain's the Quill and Emily:

“Pawes, you’ve been on the ship three weeks now and you pull your share.  You work the lines, you mend the sails, help out in the galley.”  The captain tilted her head.  “But Tink is right.  You need to get laid.” 

“Oh, fuck off!  What is with this crew?  Nothing but overactive libidos!  You all think a cock is the answer to everything!”  Emily rolled her eyes, disgusted at the constant poking about why she wasn’t dragging one of the hands off to her bunk.

“You want a woman?  Fine.  Hell, Tink tends to swing both ways.”
 Emily faked a gag and backed away.  “Everything isn’t about bed partners!”
 “Well, it’s often the answer on this ship.”….. 

Emily settles into life on the Quill as best she can, learning new skills and trades. She wonders if she’ll ever find the portal to return to her own time. Emily’s insecurities ring true: Because of her age, why would any man give her a second look? But when she is “rescued” by a “tall captain” and a night of debauchery ensues, all of her doubts start to fade. I simply adore her. She makes the most of her awkward situation. She’s not afraid to cuss, curse, and swear – damn it! Oh, and Emily has a partner that adores, worships, fill in the blank, her!


I was enchanted by this story. Silvestri’s curse is the center of the story which everything else revolves: The secrecy of Alan and Emily’s relationship, Alan’s lack of friends and the reason he keeps to himself. Witchcraft and voodoo are woven in so effortlessly, you don’t even notice. Granted, I doubted having a sea monster, and a Kraken at that, as being a good guy wasn’t going to fly, but Ms. Betita will charm you with her tale.

Review A Wolf's Duty by Jennifer T. Alli

Title: A Wolf's Duty
Author: Jennifer T. Alli
Source: Requested Review
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Format: Ebook; 300 pages
Release date: December 13, 2010



As the last werewolf prince, it is Tobias' birthright to be King and lead his people, keeping their existence hidden from the humans they have lived beside for centuries and those that have hunted them, dedicated to their extinction. But Tobias has no mate and without one he can never be King. His two hundred year search is only brought to an end after a mysterious call for help. Alex has not had an easy life and despite the happiness that Tobias brings, his arrival makes her life no less complicated. Her connection to Tobias is strong and almost instantaneous, overcoming the years of caution and mistrust that living with her abusive, father has caused. As hidden secrets from Alex's past are unearthed, revealing how extraordinarily different she truly is, Alex is pulled irrevocably into Tobias' world, but as they soon discover his world is no less dangerous than the one she left behind. When their two worlds collide will their love survive or will his duty and her differences keep them apart?



Rating-



Sexual-



My review-

Generally, I am not a fan of werewolf novels. Most of the time, werewolves have been villains in other stories. It seems that they started gaining some popularity as romantic lead-ins after the "Twilight" series came out. As I am not a fan, my view point never really changed and I admit that I tended to avoid many werewolf stories. Those I did read (or in the case of movies: watch), were mingled with their lifetime struggle with vampires; ie. Underworld, Van Helsing, etc.

"A Wolf's Duty" may have me re-thinking that thought process. Instead of your typical werewolf story, Tobias and the other wolves in the story are not a clan of wolves infected by lycanthropy, cursed to live their lives based on the faces of the moon. These wolves are more like shapeshifters, which was an intriguing concept alone. Add into the mix a realistic heirarchy amongst the clans, or packs, my interest was definitely piqued.

I enjoyed Alli's telling of Tobias' journey to find his true mate, which leads him to Alex. What I liked most about Alex, as a character, was that she wasn't too strong, nor was she too focused on what could be perceived as her many shortcomings in comparison to Tobias. There's a good balance between the romance and acceptance of who they are and their relationship to one another. There are not many erotic scenes between them, but those that are there are very hot.

If you are looking for a good paranormal romance, you'll enjoy "A Wolf's Duty" and I recommend it. When I began reading it, I devoured 3/4 of the book in a short period of time. This is only book one in a trilogy and I look forward to moving onto the next story in the series.

Review of SHADOWED SOUL BY by Stacey Kennedy

SHADOWED SOUL, a 1NS Story
Stacey Kennedy
Publisher: Decadent Publishing
Date: October 7, 2011
Genre: Erotic Paranormal Romance
E-book, short story
Author Requested Review

Four months have passed since Ellie’s heart was broken by her cheating boyfriend, Gerrid. Sick of mourning, she sets out in search of one thing, a man to make her forget. Madame Eve, a matchmaker, arranges for Ellie to meet just the man at Nocturnal Nightclub in Miami. Bryce is not only sexy as sin, but full of mystery. He does things no man should be capable of. Ellie might question his fast speed, cold hands, and even the way he bites at her skin―if he wasn’t so determined to awaken the part of her that’s been buried by lies.

Days have passed since Bryce’s last feeding and his vampire hungers demand to be sated. But feeding is not his only intention. Ellie seeks to be a different woman, to gain power for herself, and Bryce plans to push her to discover it. To show her she can do things she never thought possible and force her to see the strength she yearns for already lives inside of her.

Ellie will have to choose, expose all of herself, or remain hidden in the dark shadows. But Bryce will have to make a choice of his own—let her go or keep Ellie forever?

My Ratings

Review

Sexual

If you’re not familiar with the 1NS series of short stories, well then, you are in for a treat.

Ellie has been depressed and feeling worthless ever since her last boyfriend dumped her.  She decides to use the services of Madame Eve and 1NS (One Night Stand) to treat herself to a night of no-strings attached, uncomplicated, completely fulfilling debauchery.  Bryce on the other hand had grown tired of string of women coming through the revolving door.  The services offered by Madame Eve allow him to satisfy his physical needs and give something back to the women in return.

For a short story, Ms. Kennedy packs a wallop.  Just enough emotional pain, love lost, and self-esteem issues to get you involved with the characters but not overburden the story.  Ellie’s one-night stand is more than she ever expected; as Bryce worships her and brings out the woman hidden inside.  But oh no, this is not a one-way street.  What Ellie unknowingly offers Bryce is too good to be true. 

Get out the fan and ice water and keep them close by – you’ll need them.

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.

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.

Review of BOUND BY LAW (Men of Honor #2) by S.E. Jakes

BOUND BY LAW (Men of Honor #2)
By S.E. Jakes
Samhain Publishing, Ltd.
August 9, 2011
ISBN: 9781609285081
Genre: M/M Contemporary Erotic Romance
Ebook, 157 pages
Author Requested Review
S.E. Jakes Website

The one man he can’t forget is the one whose memories could destroy them all.

After the one man he trusted disappeared, it took Law Connor ten years to take a chance on another relationship. Trouble is, right about the time he’s finally ready to let go of the past, the past stages a hostile takeover.

Back when they were teens, Styx was the boy with no memory. He and Law had each other’s backs until he was forced to leave to keep Law safe. Now a CIA agent, he’s finally discovered who he is, and why he’s a hunted man.

Detective Paulo McMannus has almost succeeded in helping Law forget his lost love when Styx comes plowing back into their lives. No way is Paulo giving up his lover without a fight.

Suddenly Law finds himself on the run with Styx, the man who can still bring him to his knees...and with Paulo, the man who brought him back to life. The worst part? He can’t choose between them. And it’s getting harder to remember why he should.

Product Warnings: Contains rough language, rougher sex and warriors who fall hard for one another.

My Ratings
Review

Sexual

We were introduced to LC “Law” Connor and Paulo, with a glimpse of Styx, in BOUND BY HONOR. The story continues here when Law takes the plunge on another chance at love with Paulo, only to have Styx come bursting back onto the scene after being absent for 10 years (or was that 16 years?).

Because of his past connection to Styx, Law’s life is being threatened. CIA Agent Styx shows up out of nowhere and tells Law they, (Law and Paulo) are in deadly danger and need to move to a safe house. Well, this goes over like a ton-o-bricks with Paulo, but as circumstances stand, they have no other choice.

It’s during this time at the safe house(s) where you learn the backstory of the men and what motivates them. Especially what has happened to jog Styx’s memory and have him take action. Styx initially left all those years ago to protect the one he loved, and has been doing it ever since. Law finally found love again after many years in Paulo and doesn’t want to lose it, but is torn between the two men. Paulo knows what he has with Law and is ready to fight for it, but an attraction to Styx catches him by surprise.

There is an element of suspense woven throughout the book as Styx, Law and Paulo stay one step ahead of the goons. (Oh yeah, they’re all alphas: Styx – CIA; Law - former Delta Force; Paulo - Detective.) The sorrow is also tangible when their past comes to light. The main story is during the time spent in the safe house(s) and the conflict the men have coming to terms with the love they have for one another. During this time, Paulo demonstrates his love for Law by making the ultimate sacrifice.

After being dazzled by Damon and Tanner in BOUND BY HONOR, I couldn’t wait to read Law’s story. Unfortunately, there were times that I was plain bumfuzzold by this book. I would lose track of who said what. Take this passage for instance:

“You don’t know what I did. What kind of guy I was. What if what you know is only what you think you know? I might not be who you think I am.”
Styx looked so troubled at his own words that Law could hardly stand it. “I know enough,” he told Styx fiercely.
“I’m dangerous.”
“So am I.”
Styx pushed away. “You and Paulo should hide. Away from me.”
“No.”
“I’m not giving you the choice.”
“I’m through letting you push me away for my own good. That’s just as dangerous and it’s obviously not working.” Styx was protecting him again – the fucking asshole.

And the 10 years (or was that 16 years?) thing? Who intentionally waits in this day and age that long to find love? Yes, I have a real problem with that. Continuing with that same conversation above, I give you:

“I’ve been ruining your life for ten years.”
“Don’t flatter yourself,” Law scoffed, the truth of that statement hitting him harder than it should, because although he’d never considered his pining for Styx something that ruined him, he’d definitely been pining. Hoping. Waiting, like a fucking girl.
Jesus Christ.
It had taken ten years – actually, sixteen if he counted when Styx originally left – to open himself up.

One more, then I quit, promise. These guys have Daddy (and Mommy) issues. Not your run-of-the-mill, “My son is a homosexual so I am going to disown him,” issues – OH NO. Nothing that simple. They included a bigoted pervert, a mafia assassin and a child abuser. Of course, all were homophobic and have more issues that what I’ve listed here.

Oh, and in case you are interested, BOUND BY LAW IS surging with manlove. You’ll find yourself occupied with D/s, bondage, DP, anal, oral and, of course, ménage a trios.

These three men may be bound by Law, but their HEA is cemented by Paulo.

Review of JABRIL, Vampires in America #2, by D. B. Reynolds

JABRIL, Vampires in America #2
D. B. Reynolds
ImaJinn Books
Published July 15, 2009
ISBN: 9781933417875
Genre: Paranormal romance
Length: ebook, 252 pages
Author Requested Review
D. B. Reynolds Website

Houston, Texas—Cowboy boots, baseball and journeys to the stars . . . right?

Wrong. Because Houston is also home to Jabril Karim, one of the eight powerful Vampire Lords who control all of North America. And as Private Investigator Cynthia Leighton will soon discover, not all Vampire Lords are created equal. For Jabril is the face of evil in the new world, a vampire who values no life but his own, who enslaves those he desires, steals whatever he covets and destroys anyone who stands in his way.

Running from L.A. and its seductive Vampire Lord, Raphael, Cyn sees the Houston job as a welcome refuge, a place to get away and heal her broken heart. But Texas will be no vacation. For in Jabril Karim, Cyn will confront a true enemy, one who will go to any lengths to satisfy his lusts, enrich his coffers and expand his power.

Fighting for the lives of two young sisters, Cyn’s journey will take her through the streets of Houston and back to L.A., where the human police are determined to bring Raphael down for the murder of one of their own. But the danger doesn’t end there. For Jabril has set his sights on Cyn, and he will stop at nothing to have her.

My Ratings
Review

Sexual

JABRIL doesn’t skip a beat and picks up right where RAPHAEL ended. Cyn, suffering from a broken heart and wanting to put distance between herself and Raphael, heads to Houston, Texas, when she is offered a job from the powerful Vampire Lord, Jabril Karim. Unfortunately, when she meets Jabril, she is disturbed at what she finds.

Lord Jabril hires Cyn to find his runaway “ward”, Elizabeth. He is also aware of Cyn’s connection with Raphael. Jabril is a sleaze. He is cruel and uses his minions and blood slaves for his nefarious, selfish purposes. Cyn accepts the assignment to find “Liz” and secretly decides to get Liz’s sister, Mirabelle away from Jabril.

Liz and Mirabelle have been under Jabril’s care since the death of their parents many years ago. Mirabelle was turned into a vampire by Jabril, but Liz was not. He needs both sisters for one thing: their inheritance aka money. These sisters are as different as night and day. Liz has a strong backbone, learns to take care of herself, and has managed to stay away from Jabril for the most part. Whereas, Mirabelle has become sacred and cowed, submissive to a point of slavery.

Cyn is ever the badass heroine with a heart of gold. She does get Mirabelle away from Jabril and back to LA at the peril of her own safety and heart. She has to call on Raphael for his protection for Mirabelle, and Mirabelle must formally ask Raphael’s permission to live in his territory. The reconnection of Cyn and Raphael begins (read “hot and bothered”). As Raphael opens up to Cyn and reveals a bit of his past, he makes a confession. It is a tender and moving moment when Cyn realizes just how vulnerable love has made Raphael.

“So, having at last met a foe I could not defeat, I fled,” he said in disgust. “Rather than face you in my weakness, I thought to leave you behind, to forget about you, which I thought was surely possible. After all, how could one human overwhelm me with feelings in such a short period of time?”

JABRIL is captivating with the evolution of Mirabelle and the development of Cyn and Raphael. But the shit hits the fan when Jabril decides to intercede and make his play. That is when the action really starts and our girl Cyn comes to life. Beware: bloody, gory vamp violence with a bit of good ‘ole human know-how mixed in to even the odds. I expect nothing less from Ms. Reynolds! JABRIL ends with a superb twist I sure didn’t see coming!