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Title: The Beginning : Blood Hunter

Author: Robin Badillo

Publisher: Devine Destinies

Buy link: Buy The Beginning : Blood Hunter Here!

Rating: You Want To Read

Reviewed By: Wendy Mitchell

Blurb:

For thirty years, Raven Prince has lived just fine with no mate and no hassles. The carefree vampire, happy to be the odd-girl-out in a small, close-knit coven, lusts for one thing and one thing only-human blood. The more handsome the snack, the happier she is.

Thorne Abbott, on the other hand, only has a taste for the blood of the vampire that savagely murdered his father eleven years before. The determined human won't rest until that craving is satisfied, even if it means getting himself killed in the process.

A sexy game of pool in a small-town bar throws a wrench in both of their plans and ignites a flame so hot, neither could have extinguished even if they wanted to.

The hunter and the hunted battle with themselves and each other as passion, love and a quest for truth sends them on a deadly mission that's sure to either destroy them…or set them free.

Can lovers from different worlds manage to see past their differences, or are there good reasons why the two species should never unite?

Will it be friend or foe that goes bump in the night?

Review:

Thorne Abbott is a vampire hunter obsessed with finding and punishing the vampire that destroyed his family. With the help of his uncle and two cousins, Thorne is closer than ever to getting the vengence he so desperately needs to gain peace for himself. When he and his cousin Brett go into town to blow off some steam, Thorne sees the most beautiful woman he has ever laid eyes own.

Raven Prince is a daughter of a backsliding hell and brimstone preacher, and she is also a vampire. Going to the local pool hall for a quick snack, she is instantly drawn to Thorne. She knows this is no ordinary human, but she doesn't know just how much they are about to change each others lives.

This book kept me hopping. The twist and turns the characters take was sometimes maddening. The hero of the book, Thorne, was kind of an anti-hero in ways. He had severe issues that he hasn't dealt with, and was almost insecure in some aspects. He is only 26, so the accurate depiction of a young man just finding his way, was to me a lovely surprise. Sure we all like uber confident superheroes in our books, but this spin just made me love Thorne to pieces.

Raven has been waiting for a man to sweep her off her feet. That's why she hasn't taken a mate in all these years. Although Thorne does this, literally, Raven sees herself as the dominant in most of their dealings. I liked this aspect alot. In the scene where Raven demonstrates vampire sex *whew* that was waaay hot!!! Only towards the end does Raven ever question her beliefs, and it totally fits this character.

This is the first book in a new series for the author, and she has given herself some terrific secondaries to work with. Brett and Hayden, Thorne's vampire hunting cousins. Raven's coven brother Jacobe, and the coven leader Sylvia. Plus there is a HUGE surprise at the end the Ms. Badillo simply must follow up on. The Beginning certainly lived up to it's title, and left me wanting more.

Title: Silent Heat

Author: Vonna Harper

Publisher: Ellora's Cave

Buy Link: Buy Silent Heat Here!

Rating: You Could Read

Reviewed by: Gabrielle

Blurb:

Deaf since age ten, Carlee Cooper has become a master gardener. She has developed a teaching greenhouse, funded by her rich landlord, at the local high school and she lives in the small guest cottage behind his home. Although she's attracted to him, she doesn't have much self-confidence when it comes to men.

Her landlord, BDSM Dom York Bridges, knows a sub when he sees one-when he touches and smells her. Carlee is drawn to York's control and power. She'll submit to the red collar her Masterplaces around her neck and his cuffs on her wrists, for now…

Review:

Carlee has been deaf since childhood and hides herself away from the world because of this. Yet her landlord sees nothing wrong with her and finds himself enjoying her company. On his arrival home from his latest trip York sees her as something else and suddenly Carlee and York find themselves with a whole different relationship that is more than just landlord and tenant.

Silent Heat is an interesting story of two people finding love. York is a well-experienced Dom who finds himself loosing interest in the world of BDSM. He is a man that knows what he wants and is in it for the long haul. Carlee does not see herself as everyone else sees her and when she starts to come out of her shell she blossoms. Watching Carlee find herself and begin a relationship with York was a nice read.

As hot as the love scenes were in this story I had a hard time falling into the world of Carlee and York. The connection just didn't happen for me with these two. I enjoyed both York and Carlee as separate characters but had a hard time with their relationship. Even though this was not a favorite for me Vonna Harper is a good writer and I will be sure to look for more from this writer.

Title: Dhampir Passions

Author: Mary Corrales

Publisher: Eternal Press, 2009

Buy Link: Buy Dhampir Passions Here!

Rating: You Could Read

Reviewer: Nerine Dorman

Blurb:

Can everlasting love be found in a paranormal cauldron of greed, bloodlust, passion and murder?

Living in the post-war American Western Barrans, Linea Kamiya is in danger of becoming a vamp master's minion. While she hides Desmondi's evil mark from the townsfolk of Whickeup, the town council intends to take her farmland for themselves. Linea's only hope lies with an enigmatic stranger.

Raduslav Dracula is hunting for the vampire who stole the Draculesti Bloodstone from his family's gravesite. When Radu's attraction to Linea turns physical, he knows he will have to battle with his heart as well as the demon Desmondi.

Is the half-blood Dhampir strong enough to embrace his own cursed nature to defeat Desmondi?

Review:

Dhampir Passions presents an intriguing premise in its dystopian futuristic setting but misses the mark when it comes to solid world-building and overall execution. For one, I feel that there's a lot of "tell" but not enough "show". It's all fine and well to have mutant "Mammoth Wheat" but I wanted to see this; know more about the mechanics and sociology of this post-apocalyptic world. The villagers seem to react with mob mentality, as an example. A lot of intriguing threads are presented, but are not fully developed.

The pacing also needed attention, progressing often in a very haphazard fashion. As a reader I felt rushed, the characters not given enough space to develop their motivations, which were murky, at best. At times the text felt awkward and some of the word choices out of place. Linea comes across as a bit of a Mary Sue, Radu idealized and a bit too stoic for his own good. I wanted to connect with them, but couldn't.

I felt that the author was holding me at arm's length, as though I were reading the script for a TV programme. In fact, I felt that distance of a viewer, rather than reader, who emotionally engages with a story. I really wanted to like Dhampir Passions but, to be quite honest, it needed a lot more work before publication. This is very much a case of "almost, but not quite there" for author Mary Corrales.

Title: Family Ties

Author: Jamie Hill

Publisher: Books We Love Publishing Partners

Buy Link: Buy Family Ties Here!

Rating: You Gotta Read

Reviewed by: Val

Blurb:

With a couple of dead bodies thrown in, Detective Brady Marshall's stolen goods case has just become a lot more interesting. His love life takes a turn for the better when he meets Gina Morris, a feisty waitress at the club where the latest victim has surfaced. A happily unattached ladies' man, Brady isn't looking to settle down.

Review:

The passion between Gina and Brady sparks the moment they meet. Brady Marshall is a full on hottie whose character is multidimensional. I almost feel like he grows into the man he is meant to be when he meets his match in Gina. Gina is not your ordinary woman. She's not the type to get jealous if her man looks at someone else which could easily happen given her line of work. The way that Brady and Gina relate to each other just makes you want to sigh and say "Aw, how romantic is that?" These two have the passionate relationship I love to see in my hero and heroine.

One thing I loved about this book was since Gina is Italian, she would throw Italian words around and then have to translate to Brady what she had just said. After a while, he grew accustomed to certain words. On top of that, Brady's partner is also Italian. I am thrilled when I read a book and am not simply entertained but learn something along the way as well. It's always an added bonus.

Family Ties started out with a bang and kept me on my toes throughout the entire book. I must say that Family Ties is a little bit different than other books because of who you think is the bad guy is and how things are wrapped up in the end. I'm not going to drop any spoilers but I will simply say that you have to read this book. The ending has a twist you won't expect.

Ms. Hill did an outstanding job with the plotline, and I was literally biting my nails the entire time I was reading. There is one thing that Ms. Hill did and that was keep me awake at night. I couldn't put this fast paced, action packed book down. I HAD to find out what happened next. It was addicting. Ms. Hill has a gift of hooking the reader and not letting go until the very last word. And even then, there was a description of Family Secrets (the first book in the series). It's now on my HAVE TO BUY list. So let me just leave you with this one suggestion. You really want to go out and buy this book. It's a 114 page book that is filled with every emotion you can think of. You won't want to miss this one. Ms. Hill is an author to watch.

Title: Sex Symbol

Author: Tracy H. Kitts

Publisher: Ellora's Cave

Buy Link: Buy Sex Symbol Here!

Rating: You Need to Read

Reviewed by: Gabrielle

Blurb:

Lucy Harper always thought of herself as an ordinary woman, but she suddenly finds herself in extraordinary circumstances. Her sleepy hometown of Peace, Mississippi, turns out to be far from peaceful, what with shapeshifters, vampires and other departures from the "good ol' Southern boy" stereotype cropping up. Her best friends are all hiding devastating secrets. Her ex-boyfriend is suddenly interested in making up. Her sexy new boyfriend is not only the hottest guy she's ever met, he's got some pretty big secrets himself, including what he really is and what he does-besides providing the best sex she's ever had, that is.

And her new tattoo might be more than a picture of her favorite flower-according to the local werewolf pack, it's a "sex symbol". There may be a fight to the death over who gets to claim her as mate.

Review:

When her new neighbor moves in next-door Lucy finds her life thrown into chaos. Friends and enemies have all changed sides and Lucy must find out not only whom she can trust but also whom she can love. Will she trust her heart to Eramus when things go awry or has Lucy been hurt too much already but does she have the time to decide? With werewolves attacking at every side Lucy must quickly find herself and what she wants.

Sex Symbol is a great read that had me hooked right from the start. Lucy is a great woman. She takes what life has thrown at her and deals with it, always ready to fight and get back on her feet. Lucy cares for her friends and is willing to stand by their side no matter what happens. Her new neighbor Eramus turns out to be more than she thought. He is a great man who loves with all his heart and will die to protect Lucy. Watching the attraction grow between the two was a great read. The two make a great couple. Lucy is feisty enough to stand by her man until the end even to the death if necessary and Eramus understands her need to do so.

Not only do we get to meet Lucy and Eramus but we also get introduced to many other wonderful characters in this book. I adored Ozzy, Chase and Justina each one with their own secrets and problems to hide, yet no matter what happens the three friends stand together and by Lucy's side fighting with her.

Tracy H. Kitts weaves a wondrous tale full of love and magic. I would love to visit Lucy and her friends again maybe even find out more about Ozzy or Crazy Wolf. With endearing characters full of emotions and depth this is a book that should not be missed.

Title: The Shadow Zone: Winning Madeleine

Author: Isabella Jordan

Publisher: Changeling Press

Buy Link: Buy The Shadow Zone: Winning Madeleine Here! Rating: You Want to Read

Reviewed By: Janelle

Blurb:

While tailing a Lycan soldier through the Shadow Zone, the dying world of the humans, the vampire Maddox finds himself falling for the frail, beautiful prostitute his subject visits. When Madeline is caught in the crossfire, Maddox takes her under his protection, and offers her a life with him as her exclusive client.

The Lycan, his plans foiled, wants revenge, putting everyone Maddox knows in danger. Maddox has only one recourse -- hunt the hunter, before he becomes the prey.

Maddox can deal with cold-blooded killers and the deep and seedy underworld of the Shadow Zone. But he has no clue how to win Madeline's heart. What will happen to him if she can't see past the monster to the man who wants her, body and soul?

Review:

This story is good, but nothing exceptional. The plot is well tread and the pace is smooth, but it takes no chances and nothing is a real surprise.

The characters are pretty stereotypical, but are used to their fullest extent so don't come off as stiff. The hero is sweet and the heroine is innocent and the bad guy is slightly off. The supporting cast is fairly bland, but they don't interfere.

The sexy is good and has plenty of spice. It also becomes an interesting point of interaction between the characters.

Overall, nothing special, but a good bedtime story.