Bite Club

Looking for me?

2012-03-12T00:40:00.000-07:00

Stop by VampChix and check out my review for A Clockwork Christmas. See you there!

Want to win?

2012-03-10T08:23:00.001-07:00

Head on over to VampChix & Bite Club to enter! (Do not enter here at this blog.)

An autographed copy of Emma Holly's HIDDEN DEPTHS! To be entered to win, just leave a comment below (open to US and worldwide; state country please).

James and Olivia Forster have been happily married for many years. Their grown-up daughter is thriving, as is their successful family-owned business. A harmless kink here or there spices up their love life, but never in a million years do they imagine the kinks they’ll encounter while sneaking off to their beach house for a long hot weekend. Certainly, they don’t expect their understanding of the world they live in to be turned upside down. Anso Vitul has ruled the wereseals for one short month. He hardly needs his authority questioned because he’s going crazy from mating heat, a condition made more tormenting by having been forbidden to have sex with a female. Anso’s best friend and male lover Ty volunteers to help him find the human mate his royal genes are driving him to seek. To Ty’s amazement, Anso’s quest leads him claim not one partner but a pair. Ty would object, except he too finds the Forsters hopelessly attractive. When this hot-blooded foursome embark on their erotic voyage, more than the ocean is going to make waves.

Contest: A Searing Wind

2012-03-05T08:27:00.000-07:00

Thanks to the generous folks over at Gallery books one winner will receive this entire series (books 1 and 2 in paperback, and book 3 in hardback)! Just leave a comment with your thoughts on history mixing in with fiction. I am a huge fan of these sorts of books because I think its an interesting way to learn while having fun, and in this case, not many books on Native Americans have been done. These aren't paranormal or anything, but I couldn't pass up the opportunity to share. Definitely check out their website for more information. Good Luck! This is open to U.S. residents only.

About the book:

Recovering from their wounds, Black Shell and Pearl Hand race the invader Hernando de Soto westward. The fires of Mabila have destroyed most of de Soto’s supplies, and cost him dearly in horses and irreplaceable men. But just ahead lie the greatest warriors in Black Shell’s world, and the people who exiled him in disgrace—the Chicaza. Desperate to earn redemption, Black Shell is thrust face-to-face with the cunning de Soto and locked in a deadly game of wits that will determine the fate of their world. But who’s the bigger threat—de Soto or Black Shell’s poisonous and unforgiving kin? If Black Shell, Pearl Hand, and their loyal dogs can win the battle of Chicaza, the Spanish invader will be broken forever. As Horned Serpent and the terrible Piasa gambled so long ago, in the end, everything hinges on Black Shell—but at what staggering cost?

About the authors:

W. Michael Gear and Kathleen O’Neal Gear are the authors of Fire the Sky and Coming of the Storm, the second and first book in the Contact series, as well as more than twenty international bestsellers that have been translated into twenty-three languages. Their novel People of the Raven won the Golden Spur Award in 2005. In addition to writing both fiction and nonfiction together and separately, the Gears operate an anthropological research company called Wind River Archeological Consultants and raise buffalo on their ranch in northern Wyoming. They welcome readers to their website at www.gear-gear.com.

Review: Watcher, Book 1 of The Chosen by Roh Morgan

2012-03-02T00:00:00.005-07:00

Book Description:

Predator. Killer. Monster.

The words echo in Sunny Martin’s head each time she looks in the mirror. Since the night she was torn from her car and drained of her blood, Sunny’s fear of the hungry beast within her is rivaled only by the fear of exposure.

Her lonely struggle to survive on the edge of the human world leads Sunny to the mountain peaks of Colorado where she meets Nicolas, the enigmatic leader of a hidden society.

Their passion, tainted by betrayal, violence, and murder, reveals a shocking truth behind Sunny's savage nature and drives her toward an agonizing Choice between her heart and the last remnant of her human soul.

Jenny's Review:

Sunny hates the monster she has become. She wishes she could go back to her old life, and still watches her daughter from a distance. She is sad to see her daughter mature without her and also to see that she now has a grandchild that she will never know. After yet another incident where the beast escapes her Sunny finds herself on the move again. She is determined this time to keep as far away from people as possible, and be close to the forest to let her inner beast get its fill. Sunny is not prepared to meet Nicolas, to whom she feels an immediate pull toward. Nicolas is a very old vampire who is interested to learn about this new Chosen one, who is different than any Chosen he has met before. But as Nicolas tries to draw Sunny into the Game that the Chosen ones play, she is resistant and doesn’t understand what is happening. When she feels the stress of all the new rules and the over controlling from Nicolas she tries to run back, to be more like herself, and is attacked. When she comes to, she realizes that she is no longer in control, and finds herself being taken further away from who she was and wants to be. Can she fight to stay with Nicolas and love him like he loves her, or will the fact that he is trying to change her prove to much for her and push her away?

This was an interesting book. It was full of confusion for the main character who is lost in this new world of the Chosen’s hierarchy and way of life. It shows that even when you stray very far from yourself, it is hard to make changes and the moral compass that you find yourself battling with will never go away fully. Told from the main character, Sunny's, point of view you really get to know her as a character and feel the pain she is undertaking with her struggle to find peace with what she is becoming. But I felt that the character of Nicolas was just strange, and the book never lets on to anything with him, except for little inserts here and there about what he is thinking. It is obvious that he is trying to control and change her, and I think that I was frustrated by this. All in all, it was a good read and the writing style was easy to read and drew me in.

Author website:

*Just a warning for those opening links at work or something: the site has music playing in the background.

http://www.rohmorgon.com/

*Reviewed by Jenny

*This book was sent for review by the author.

Review: Blood Rights by Kristen Painter

2012-02-28T00:00:00.058-07:00

Anna here~ Just wanted to chime in and comment on how stunning this cover is. I don't often get the chance to buy books these days, but when I saw this book at Target I simply had to buy it. No other cover looked quite the same sitting n the shelf, and I adore the delicate beauty and color scheme. The other books in the series all have the same style of cover and I find them equally as beautiful. I'm really looking forward to reading this series, and only passed this along to Jenny so that it could be reviewed faster. I'd love to hear what you think, of both the book and the cover. Cheers!

BLOOD RIGHTS
Gothic Urban Fantasy

October 2011 Rebellion has a price…

Born into a life of secrets and service, Chrysabelle’s body bears the telltale marks of a comarré — a special race of humans bred to feed vampire nobility. When her patron is murdered, she becomes the prime suspect, which sends her running into the mortal world…and into the arms of Malkolm, an outcast vampire cursed to kill every being from whom he drinks.

Now, Chrysabelle and Malkolm must work together to stop a plot to merge the mortal and supernatural worlds. If they fail, a chaos unlike anything anyone has ever seen will threaten to reign.

Jenny's Review:

Chrysabelle is a comarre, meaning she is a human bred to feed the noble of the vampire community. All is going according to plan until the vampire patron ends up dead and she runs away. Chrysabelle is just seeking a place to be safe when she travels to her aunt Maris’s house, but knowing who is after her means she knows she needs to hide better than that. Seeking a safe place in the mortal world is quite difficult and Chrysabelle finds herself with Malkolm. Malkolm is a vampire who has been branded an outcast, because he kills everything he feeds from. He is a cursed vampire who cannot control the beast within him. He lives with Doc, who is only able to turn into a house cat, and Fi, who Malkolm killed and who is stuck with him as a ghost. In trying to help Chrysabelle Malkolm accidentally becomes her new patron so when her aunt Maris disappears they must work together to find her and fight some of the most horrific vampire villains. Villains who will stop at nothing to get what they want and hurt the human world forever. The only problem is that the beast within Malkolm truly wants to get out and drain Chrysabelle of the sweet smelling blood she holds inside her.

This was a thrilling book! It keep me reading and reading. At first I was sort of lost in the language and the story line, but after a couple chapters I did not want to put it down. The way the characters are all intertwined together and act around each other works very well. Chrysabelle’s job as a human bred for vampire feeding was quite interesting as she had many talents that surprised even the vampires. The way the two main characters act around each other create the perfect tension in the book. The mystery and action were perfectly planned in this book making you crave more. The ending of course leaves you hanging for the next book in the series, which I need to go out and find so that I can finish the story of Chrysabelle and Malkolm.

The next books in the series:

Flesh and Blood

Bad Blood

Upcoming Releases:
FORBIDDEN BLOOD (House of Comarre short story) Spring 2012
OUT FOR BLOOD (House of Comarre book 4) Fall 2012
LAST BLOOD (House of Comarre book 5) Spring 2013

Author websites and blog:

http://kristenpainter.com/

http://www.kristenpainter.blogspot.com/
http://www.houseofcomarre.com/

*Reviewed by Jenny for VampChix and Bite Club
*This book was purchased by moi.

another winner

2012-02-21T07:00:00.001-07:00

The winner of the Into the Darkness contest is:

tetewa

Please email me with your mailing information and I will forward it along to the appropriate party. Congrats!

Winner

2012-02-20T23:47:00.000-07:00

Just call me the White Rabbit! The winner of my healthy eating contest is:

ML

Please email me at lunaticcafe (at) gmail. com with your mailing information and I will get that grab bag of random books sent off this week. Congrats!

The Secret Circle ~The Return~

2012-02-18T23:20:00.008-07:00

Cassie tells Melissa she’s moving back into her grandma’s house since she’s coming back. Charles is surprised to hear that Jane is coming back.

Cassie goes home to find her door open. She grabs an umbrella and yells that she's called the police. Jake is inside and he says he saw something. They find a circle of ash and salt around the house. The witch hunters are in Chance Harbor. Jake tells her that Issac was furious when he told him the medallion was destroyed. She tells him that she can take care of herself and he mocks her for using the umbrella, but she tells him with a little personal magic it can be a weapon and she lightly zaps him with power through the umbrella. He leaves.

Cassie got a job working at the coffee shop and she sucks at it. Adam shows her how to carry the tray and tells her where the orders go. She confides in him that someone was in her house, probably witch hunters and that she moved out of Diana’s even though Jane isn’t really on her way home.

Faye and Melissa are in the coffee shop and Faye is needling Cassie. Callum comes in and invites them to a party. Melissa tells Faye that Callum can be trusted.

Cassie lies to her grandma about staying with Dianna when she calls to check in. Someone knocks on Cassie’s door. “Hello Cassie. My name is John Blackwell. I’m your father.” Cassie wants to know how does she know he’s her father and he tells her that she senses it. She tells him that she’s gotten used to him not being around and he needs to go. He wants her to meet him at the boardwalk in a hour and nobody can know he’s here. He stayed away to protect her and her mother.

Adam shows up and asks Cassie to see a movie or get something to eat. She tells him that something came up, but she can meet him later. She breaks down and tells him that her father showed up. That he came back because he felt her activate the medallion. Adam warns her that he’s here for something other than to protect her. Cassie insists she can find out the truth.

Faye gets a call from Diana that she hasn’t heard from Melissa. Diana is worried after everything that happened with the Devil’s Spirit. Faye tells Diana that Melissa went to Callum’s party and they probably need to go get her. Diana and Faye go to Lee’s house to find out where Callum’s place is. Lee insists they aren’t going alone and that Callum will use people to get what he wants.

Cassie meets John on the boardwalk and she tells him that she doesn’t him. I don’t know where to start. I’m sure I don’t trust you. He tells her that she has to give him the medallion. She realizes that he came there for only one thing. She tells him she destroyed the medallion and that she doesn’t need his protection. She leaves and gets into her car. Eben the witch hunter is in her car and he grabs her.

At Callum’s party, Melissa asks Callum about his ‘voodoo’ and Callum tells Melissa that Lee is a total scammer. He gives her a totem and he says he’ll do all the work. He slams his ‘power’ into her and she likes it.

Diana, Faye, and Lee arrive at Callum’s place and Diana tells Faye that Lee is protective of her and its sweet. Faye scoffs and goes off to find Melissa.

John Blackwell is at his old house and Jake comes looking for her. Jake tells John that they found salt ash around her house and the witch hunters are in town. John sets off to find Cassie and Jake follows him.

Jake goes and finds Eben and offers up John Blackwell in return for Cassie’s life. Evan agrees.

Cassie wakes up and Eben says he didn’t expect to see John Blackwell again. Cassie says “You’re afraid of him.” They drop stuff in Cassie’s eyes and mouth.

John goes to see Adam and Ethan interrupts. He tells John he needs to leave. John tells him that they have unfinished business, but he has to find his daughter.

Jake is outside the boathouse waiting on John and he tells him that the witch hunters have Cassie. They go to confront them.

Back at Callum’s, he locks Melissa in with him and demands to know what she is. She tells him that if she actually has as much power as he thinks she does, does he really want to test it. He lets her leave and she runs into Faye and Diana. Diana tells him that Adam just called and Cassie’s in trouble. Melissa tells Faye that the totem actually takes power… not give it. Faye confronts Lee and tells him that she can’t believe she trusted him. The group leaves.

Jake trades his life for Cassie’s and she goes with her dad. Eben tells Jake that Cassie will take care of killing her father for them.

Callum confronts Lee and he knows about Faye and Melissa being witches. He tells Lee that he’s using Faye, but Lee warns Callum to stay away from them.

Cassie is spelled to kill her dad and she starts doing a spell and circles him in a ring of fire. She begs him to stop her, knock her down or something. He refuses to hurt her and she continues to do the spell.

Jake is at the mercy of the witch hunters. He tells Eben that they had a deal. Eben goads him and tells him that his father said nearly the same thing. Adam bursts onto the scene and magically throws Eben against a tree impaling him on a limb. The rest of the circle shows up and Jake tells them that Cassie is spelled to kill her dad.

The group finds Cassie and her dad and they use a spell to stop her and break the link to the spell. Adam coaches Cassie to repeat the spell for them. They break the spell and John tells Cassie that after the fire the elders stripped her mother’s powers and it affected him. Dark magic took everything he ever cared about. She wants to know how Evan spelled her if he’s not a witch and John tells her that he and Evan go way back. He’s not a witch but he must be working with one. I am not the man I used to be. I care about keeping you safe. I destroyed it. Now there is every reason. You can’t protect yourself. Eben spelled me. How? Eben and I go a long way back. Then he’s working with one. But until I find out, I’m staying right here in Chance Harbor. He tells Cassie that he is not the man he used to be. He cares about keeping her safe and he’s not leaving Chance Harbor.

Faye comes home to find Lee in her room. He tells her that he would never do anything to hurt her. She nastily tells him that “Nothing says I care like a power sucking totem.” He takes the totem and snaps it in half and they start to make out.

Elsewhere….. Lee’s girlfriend is wide awake.

John goes to see Jake. Jake tells him that iIt was the only way to stop the witch hunters. John thanks him for saving his daughter’s life. He tells Jake that he knows he cares for her and that they should work together. John warns him that tonight is only the beginning of the hunters coming for them

While John and Jake are preparing to protect Cassie, she goes to the boathouse and she cuddles with Adam.

**********************************************

My Thoughts...

I have to say that I was just a little disappointed in John Blackwell. To find out that he doesn't have any powers, much less "evil" powers was a huge let down. The whole season was talking about her father and he was evil incarnate... and.... NOTHING. I can only hope that he's lying and hiding his power.

What did you guys think about John Blackwell. Do you think he has hidden intentions and is hiding his power?

The Vampire Diaries S3 ~ All My Children~

2012-02-18T13:00:00.000-07:00

Elena wakes up and checks her phone. No call from either Stefan or Damon. She calls Damon and tells him that she’s called him ten times. She says that they need to talk and if he’s upset about last night then he needs to get over it. He assures her that he’s been busy and he’s over it. He ends the call and turns over to Rebekah still in his bed.

Damon walks Rebekah to the door and she tells him that she expects he will come calling soon enough. Damon opens the door and Elena is standing there. Rebekah smirks and leaves. Elena demands to know if Damon had stopped taking vervain and wants to know what is wrong with him. She realizes that he has slept with Rebekah on purpose and she accuses him of lashing out at her. Elena shares that she’s upset in her part of killing Elijah and Damon tells her it’s a win/win. Stefan comes in and agrees with Damon. She doesn’t need to screw this plan up too.

Rebekah completes her walk of shame and Kol calls her a strumpet, but is envious she’s having fun. Klaus agrees to take him out to have fun since Kol brings up the whole ‘dagger in the back’ thing.

Elijah tells Rebekah that he’s worried about their mother. She was burning sage and doing a privacy spell. He tells her that Esther hates what they are.

Elena and Bonnie are trying to replicate the privacy spell and Caroline is helping them by listening outside the door. Elena is venting about Damon and Caroline assures them the spell isn’t working and she can hear every word about “Damon the vampire gigolo.” Bonnie tells Elena that Esther came to see her and Abby and that she wanted to introduce herself since she’s channeling their entire bloodline. She wants their help and the original children will be dead by midnight. Elena looks shocked.

Damon is impressed that both he and Stefan stood up to Elena. He also tells Stefan that it’s not his fault that Elena was jealous he slept with Rebekah. Stefan points out that Rebekah just tried to kill her less than 48 hours ago. Damon scoffs and tells him that he can go sweep her off her feet but make sure she doesn’t screw up Esther’s plan.

Elijah shows up at Elena’s and he wants her to go with him. He takes her to the woods where their original settlement was. She tells him that she couldn’t imagine the place over a thousand years ago. He shows her where the caves used to be that he played in and where the wild horses grazed. He alludes to the caves under the area that kept them safe from the savagery of the full moon. He tells her that he’s disappointed that she lied to him because it’s not in her nature. She tries to tell him she didn’t and he points out that her heart rate jumps when she lies. He tells her that Esther lied to them saying that she wanted them to be a family. He says that she wishes she could help and he says you need to be careful what you wish for. He stomps a hole through to the caves, grabs her and jumps through it.

Elena tries to find her way out of the caves and Rebekah confronts her. She tells Elena that Elijah said not to kill her unless she runs.

Damon calls Alaric because they can't find Elena. He’s with Meredith and Damon tells him that he’ll deal with Elena. Meredith tells him that his CT scans were clear and maybe he was compelled to forget who stabbed him

Klaus and Kol are at the Grill and tell Alaric and Meredith they’re there just to blow off some steam and Kol seems intrigued by Meredith.

Abby wants to know who’s the creep lurky guy and Bonnie that it’s Finn one of the sons. Esther is please to work with the witches that locked away Mikael and fought Klaus so bravely. Esther wants to bring peace and balance to nature.

Damon returns home and Elijah tells him and Stefan that he has Elena and Rebekah will kill her if they don’t stop his mother. Damon tells him that he’s a little rusty on killing a thousand year old witches. Elijah tells them that Esther is drawing power from the Bennett bloodline. The line must be broken. He wants one of the Bennett witches dead. Stefan and Damon both balk at the idea and Elijah reminds them that Rebekah will take great pleasure in killing Elena.

Rebekah gets a call from Elijah and tells Elena that the brothers are going to save her. It’s annoying—but makes her the perfect hostage.

Damon comes up with a plan to dagger one of the children and all of them should react to the effects of the one being daggered. They enlist the help of Caroline, Alaric and Meredith to distract Kol and Klaus.

Caroline walks into the bar and goads Klaus into following her outside and tells him that his expensive jewelry and his romantic drawings won’t win her over. He begs her to get to know him and she tells him that she’s too smart to be seduced by him

Esther had made the pentagram and is preparing for the spell. She mumbles a lot.

Meredith gets the attention of Kol and she tells him to get lost. He tells her that he likes pretty little things with a sharp tongue. Alaric comes up to him and confronts him and daggers Kol. Meredith and Alaric carries him out of the grill. and Meredith—why don’t you get lost—I like pretty little things with sharpe tongues—

At the same time, Rebekah starts to turn grey like she was daggered. Finn also turns grey and falls much to the annoyance of Esther. She knows something is wrong. Klaus doesn’t react the same way, but he knows something is wrong. He yells at Caroline and she swears she doesn’t know what he’s talking about. He takes off to find Kol.

Klaus confronts the group—Alaric, Meredith, Stefan, and Damon and tosses Alaric aside and pulls the dagger from Kol.

Elena takes the chance and runs. She gets into the area where no vampires are allowed before Rebekah can catch her. Rebekah tells her that the tough act doesn’t suit her and she goes and finds a gasoline can. She douses Elena with Gasoline and then tosses it around the cave. She lights it on fire and tells Elena she can come out or burn.

Meredith takes Alaric to her place and tells him that he might have a concussion. He asks about Elena and she tells him that Damon and Stefan will take care of Elena and she will take care of him.

Damon and Stefan realize they have no choice but to break the Bennett bloodline and they realize that Elena will hate one of them. They flip a coin to see who does it.

Elijah, Kol, and Klaus show up at the ritual their mother is doing. Elijah tells her that killing her own children is an atrocity. Klaus threatens to send her back to hell. She tells them they are monsters. She felt every death and she suffered with the blood they spilled. They are a curse on this earth. She tells them they’ve wasted their time.

Stefan confronts Bonnie and he tells her that Elijah will kill Elena and they have to stop it. Bonnie tells him that Esther is channeling their bloodline. He tells her they have to find another way. Meanwhile Damon has grabbed Abby and seemingly snaps neck.

Outside the fires flare and they all realize the link has been broken. Finn and Esther are gone.

Rebekah tells Elena she can come out now that the boys have turned your witch friend’s mom into a vampire. You’re free to go.

Bonnie is with her mom while she goes through the transition. Caroline won’t let Elena see Bonnie because in reality Elena is the reason all the bad stuff keeps happening to Bonnie.

Damon says everything is right in the world again, now that Elena is safe. Stefan tells him that he lost the coin toss, it should have been him that turned Abby. Damon tells him that he’s not blind… Stefan wants to be the ‘old’ Stefan. Stefan tells him that part of him is gone. Damon scoffs and asks him when was the last time he drank human blood? He admits he hasn’t drunk since he almost drove Elena off the Wickery bridge. Damon smirks and says “you’re welcome.” Stefan tells Damon that he still loves her. Damon admits that he does and he thought he could win her fair and square. But Elena doesn’t want him. It’s for the best because he’s better at being the bad guy.

At home Elena finds a note from Elijah. He tells her that he did things he abhors to protect his family. If anyone can understand, Elena can. He will always carry his regret always and forever.

Rebekah storms into the house and wants to know where the bloody hell is everyone. Elijah tells her that they have no mother, only Esther. But she was right… for all his talk of virtue; he maims and kills to get what he wants. He admits to using Rebekah’s hate of Elena to use her. Rebekah tells him it was to protect them. He tells her that their mother made them vampires, but they turned themselves into monsters.

While throwing his drawings of Caroline into the fire, Klaus tells Rebekah that he thought she’d be gone by now. He tells her that Elijah is leaving and that Kol, Esther, and Finn fled. Rebekah tells him that even though he killed their mother, he was the only one who has never left her. She tells him that there is a sapling of the great white oak tree that can kill them. It’s not over.

Alaric wakes up and goes through Meredith’s things. He finds a knife and she tells him he wasn’t supposed to see that. He looks up and she has a gun. She shoots him.

**************************************
I hate to admit this, but I am getting so tired of Elena already... she is in no way my favorite character. At this point Caroline is my favorite girl, although she keeps getting sucked into Elena's problems and messing up a relationship with Klaus.

I know Klaus is doomed to die and a relationship with Caroline is futile... but I can ALWAYS hope.

I am glad Damon and Stefan both stood up to Elena, but I can already see Stefan sliding back into that docile Elena drone. UGH......

So what are your thoughts on the episode?

Review: All Things Wicked by Karina Cooper

2012-02-16T00:00:00.117-07:00

Juliet Carpenter thought of the coven as family, but when she falls for a man who betrays them all, she’s left alone and desperately searching for a reason why. Caleb Leigh has spent the past year in hiding, unable to escape his demons. When Juliet finds him again, her need for vengeance clashes with the hunger still burning between them.

It’s a fight born from the embers of a half-forgotten attraction and the wounds of a past too raw to ignore. With enemies circling and secrets threatening to consume them, Caleb has no choice but to fulfill a promise made long ago—protect her, save her. Even if it costs him his blood, his body … and what’s left of his mind.

Review:

I'd like to start of by saying that I read this book in one afternoon, cramming in reading time between housework and kid events, which is saying something because lately I can barely find time to breathe, let alone read. I had the chance to read Lure of the Wicked a number of months ago, still need to review it even, really enjoyed the combination of action and romance, so I was looking forward to seeing how things played out in this one. Although I like Lure of the Wicked better, I wasn't disappointed by this installment at all.

All Things Wicked brings Juliet and Caleb front and center, and despite how they first meet, again, things get hot real fast. They have a past, a sordid connection that makes their lust even more complicated, as if being hunted by the bad guys wasn't enough. Juliet believes that Caleb has betrayed her, I won't say why, and Caleb is keeping a very difficult secret, and I won't share that either. I enjoyed the exchanges between them, even the ones that didn't involve kissing and touching, and found that they complimented each other quite nicely.

Caleb is a protective type guy that isn't afraid to kick ass, even when that means he must make the hard choices. Whatever it takes to protect the ones he loves, that's fine by him. Juliet is more delicate than that but not in a wimpy way, although it took me awhile to get that about her. At first, she seemed easily manipulated, almost like she just accepted that her role wasn't to be a warrior chick or anything, but she eventually learns that witch powers do not a woman make. She still wears her emotions more obviously than others, just not in a weak way, and she is forced to deal with some real doozies. These nuances of her character made her more real, and I was able to see why Caleb wanted to protect her. The romance isn't easy by any standards, something that adds to the action packed storyline.

My only complaint would be that at times I wanted the action to move along and let me get to the secondary plot, or secondary characters. Mission Director Parker Adams and the uber mysterious Simon Wells, for example. I wanted more of that political secret spy element, because quite honestly, I can't figure out who is betraying who, and why. The Holy Order is supposed to be the bad guys, but they have more leaks than that wiki site, and I suspect more will be revealed in that area. All Things Wicked has something for everyone, part thriller, part action, all romance.

I wouldn't call this a standalone title simply because you get a lot of information thrown at you concerning previous characters and storylines, something I enjoy in such a complex world, but that might make new readers confused. So do yourself a favor and start at the beginning.

Author's very cool website:
http://teatimeiniquity.tumblr.com/

Books in the series:
Before the Witches (prequel)
Blood of the Wicked
Lure of the Wicked
No Rest For the Witches (novella 2.5)
All Things Wicked

Reviewed by Anna Dougherty
This book was sent via the publisher for reviewing purposes

Contest and Promo for Into the Darkness

2012-02-13T00:00:00.049-07:00

Anna here~ I remember being a young girl, no older than 12 or 13, reading the V.C. Andrews classic, Flowers in the Attic, that horrific tale of small children locked in a room by their own mother, and what strikes me even now is the stark, raw emotions conveyed on each page. I cried for these characters, and I loved with them too. My mother bought me a complete set and I devoured them all, loving each one more then the last. Then I moved on to the Casteel series, and My Sweet Audrina. You could almost say that I grew up with these books. Admittedly, I didn't keep up with all the titles released, and I think my next big book crushes came with Kathleen Woodwiss and Lavyrle Spencer, deeper romances that were more complex, and adult. Then of course, my beloved, Chelsea Quinn Yarbro, and the sweeping adventures of Saint-Germain, which remains my favorite vampire romance of all time.

But, I've always had a soft spot in my heart for V.C. Andrews and I'm thrilled to offer my blogging friends a chance to read Into the Darkness. Just leave a comment with your first romance title, your favorite V.C. Andrews book, or you could even let me know what you think of posthumously published books.

Bestselling author V.C. Andrews portrays her most romantic couple since Troy and Heaven in the Casteel series…in this twisting tale of desire and obsession, reality and dreams.

As lovely as one of the precious gems at her parents’ jewelry store, Amber Taylor is shy and introspective—qualities misread by others as being stuck-up and superior. Facing a long, lonely summer working at the family shop, Amber’s world lights up when the Matthews family suddenly moves into the house next door, a property that has stood neglected for the longest time. And when she meets Brayden Matthews, an only child just like her, Amber soon becomes infatuated with this handsome, quirky young man who seems to know her innermost feelings almost before she does, who takes her places she never knew existed in her small town. Their connection is electrifying, unlike anything Amber’s felt before. But as quickly as he appears, Brayden vanishes into the darkness. And finding out the truth about him will push Amber Taylor to the edge of madness….

An atmospheric journey of passion and suspense that builds to a jolting, unforgettable finale, Into the Darkness showcases V.C. Andrews at her best.

Become a Fan http://www.facebook.com/OfficialVCAndrews

Leave a comment for your chance to win! Open to US only. Good luck!

The Vampire Diaries S3 ~ Dangerous Liaisons~

2012-02-11T18:54:00.009-07:00

Matt and Elena visit Alaric in the hospital and they chat while he walks her out to her car, but someone is watching them. Elena backs her car out and it looks like she runs over something. When will Matt ever learn to never leave her alone? Elena is always into something!

She gets out and Rebekah slams her against car. She tells Elena that stabbing her in the back hurt and she starts to bite Elena. Elijah shows up and saves Elena and tells Rebekah to leave. She tells him he’s pathetic—that they’re both pathetic and leaves. Elijah looks at Elena and tells her that they have some catching up to do.

Damon and Stefan are at Elena’s and realize that the original mother was in the coffin. Elena tells them that Elijah promised that the original family wouldn’t hurt any of them. Elena tells them that she believe him. It seems that Elena has a connection to Elijah. There is a knock on the door and there’s an invitation to a ball. It seems the original family is having a house warming party. Elena says she’s going and Damon tells her that she’s not. He takes the invitation and tells her that she’s not going. Seriously, after two seasons you think the brothers would learn that Elena is going to do EXACTLY what Elena wants to do.

Rebekah and Kol banter back and forth and Klaus tells him to go back to staring in the mirror. Kol seems to be the annoying little brother that you want to lock in the closet. No wonder Klaus daggered him. Ester and Klaus have a chat about peace and acceptance and Klaus really can’t believe that she’s forgiven him. She tells him that he has to give his family time… they’re pissed off because he put daggers in their hearts. She assures him that it’s going to be a magical evening.

Tyler leaves a voicemail for Caroline and he tells her that he’s fixing himself and he’s sorry about her dad. That’s totally supportive… leaving her a voicemail about her dad dying? Really classy there. She hangs up and notices the box on her bed that holds a very beautiful dress and a note from Klaus telling her to save him a dance. Score one for Team Klaus.

Elena and Caroline are talking about the ball and Caroline says it’s just some weird Cinderella fetish. Elena confides in Caroline that she is going to the ball even though she told Damon she wouldn’t. Rebekah shows up at the grille and invites Matt to the ball to the annoyance of Caroline and Elena

Damon talks to Carol at the ball and she assures him when the oldest deadliest vampires move you’re your town an offer peace, you welcome them with a smile. Kol introduces himself to the mayor and Damon wants to know if they’ve met. Kol tells him that he’s met a lot of people and he doesn’t particularly stand out. Yep Kol’s a dick.

Elena shows up at the ball (of course) and immediately catches the attention of Damon with how elegant and pretty she looks. Stefan gets to her first and wants to know what she’s doing. Damon is furious she’s even there. She takes both of their arms and they escort her into the ball.

Caroline is at home pawing through her closet but she decides to wear the dress that Klaus sent. She arrives at the ball and he is immediately struck by her beauty. She walks past him saying I need a drink.

Elena meets Finn and he tells her that she will have to be alone to meet his mother. Esther appears on the stairs and welcomes them all to the party. Elijah invites them to dance in the ballroom as is customary. Damon catches Elena before she heads up the stairs and tells her it will be rude to not dance.

As Damon and Elena dance he tells her that she looks stunning.

Klaus and Caroline are dancing and he tells her that he heard about her father and he’s sorry. She cuts him off telling him don’t. He tells her that she looks beautiful. She tells him that she didn’t have time to shop. He asks her what her excuse for wearing the bracelet is. She ignores the comment. He tells her that she’s a good dancer and she says that she’s had training. “I happen to be Ms. Mystic Falls.” He smiles slowly and says “I know.” I LOVE these two together. They suit each other so well.

Elena is swapped off to dance with Stefan and he tells her that she can look out for herself. She says she needs to talk to him.

Caroline wants to know what Matt is doing at the ball with “that she-devil” and he asks her what she’s doing with Klaus. She tells him not to get her started.

Elena tells Stefan that she needs to get in the room alone with Ester and he has to help her. She can do this. He agrees.

Rebekah and Kol discuss Matt and she tells him that she’s planned to kill Matt since he’s close to Elena. He says that he’s in. Yep Kol’s still a dick.

Elena lures Damon into an empty room and Stefan snaps Damon’s neck. He tells her tat Damon won’t be down for long and she needs to go.

Elijah talks to Elena on the way to see his mother and he wants her to tell him what Ester says. Elijah doesn’t trust her. Elena tells him that she will tell him. She is oh so wrong for lying to him.

Esther welcomes Elena and apologizes for trying to have her killed. She tells Elena of her plan to bind all of her children together and then kill them. She goes on and on about how she upset nature and they are abominations. I wonder how long before it comes out that it was Esther all along that wanted to kill their children and Mikael was just doing what his wife would have wanted.

Caroline is outside getting some air when Klaus finds her. She’s looking at one of the horses and she tells him that she likes them. Klaus opens up to her and tells her about Mikael severing the head of his favorite horse. She tells him that she’s spoken for by Tyler and he said that he thought they broke up. She gets angry and says “yeah because of you and our freaky sire bond.” He smirks and says “so you’re NOT spoken for.” She sort of smiles back but tells him that yes she likes horses, but she also likes people and they like her, so she’s going back inside.

Esther is explaining to Elena that she changed her children into vampires to protect them, but they ravaged the town with no remorse. Elena asks her if she knows how to kill Klaus. She tells Elena of the spell to bind her children with the toast tonight. She needs Elena’s blood—just a drop—to bind them together. If one of her children dies… they all die. Esther tells her that she made abominations and it was her duty to kill them. Elena agrees to give Esther a drop of her blood. Esther also notes that Elijah is the most suspicious and that Elena will have to try hard to convince him.

Kol and Rebekah agree to meet outside so he can kill Matt. …Yep Kol’s still a dick.

Damon wakes up from having his neck broken and he’s furious. Stefan tells him that his emotions are getting in the middle of everything and ruining their plan. Stefan tells him to stop being such a controlling dick. You can ALMOST see the old Damon flare up in his eyes… but alas not yet. We’re still stuck with caring Damon.

Matt and Rebekah are walking outside and they stop at his truck and he tells her that he can’t just compel himself a Maserati. He gets his coat from the truck and drapes it over her shoulders. She starts to tell him she’s a vampire doesn’t get cold, but she stops and just enjoys the moment with him. She looks around and hurries him back inside before Kol hurts him.

Elijah asks Elena how was his mother and she tells him that she’s intense and she only wanted to apologize for trying to have me killed. Esther appears on the stairs and she completes the champagne toast.

Elijah Drinks

Klaus Drinks

Rebekah Drinks

Kol Drinks

Finn Drinks

All of the original children are closer to being linked.

Klaus shows Caroline some of his art collection and she asks him are the guards at the Louver. He says that’s their fault. He says that art is one of his passions. She notices that he draws and she —Klaus—one of my passions—that’ realizes that there’s more to Klaus that just wanting to kill people. She just hit on the truth that his father didn’t love him so he is creating hybrids. He tells her it’s time for her to go. She leaves. I wonder if anyone has ever spoken to Klaus that way and lived before Caroline.

Rebekah tells Kol to leave Matt alone. By the look on his face you know he’s not going to. I really don’t like this bratty kid.

Damon confronts Elena and tells her that she should be here and she says she doesn’t like going behind his back. He says he’s sorry for trying to keep you alive. He says he’s mad at her because he loves her.” She looks at him and says “Maybe that’s the problem. In his eyes you immediately see the switch that is flipped between nice Damon and bad boy Damon. Elena knows it too. She tries to say that she didn’t mean it, but he stops her and says she’s right, that he cares too much, he’s a liability and how ironic is that. Caroline interrupts because they can’t find Matt.

Kol catches Matt attention out on the balcony and he introduces himself and shakes Matt’s hand. Kol crushes Matt’s hand. Damon interrupts them and shoves Kol off the balcony and jumps down and starts to break his neck. Stefan stops him and asks him if he’s crazy. Damon smirks and looks at Elena and says “Maybe a little—far be it for me to cause a problem.” He walks away from the party leaving a stunned Elena and Stefan to look on. Damon with a backbone is back!!!

Caroline leaves a message for Tyler that she misses him and she wishes he were there. She notices another jewelry box on her bed. She rolls her eyes and says “seriously just give up already.”

She opens the box and finds a rolled up drawing of her and the horse from tonight. At the bottom it says “Thank you for your honesty” The look on her face tells it all… She likes him.

Esther tells Finn that Kol and Rebekah disgraced the family tonight. She does feel bad about Elijah because he’s so morale. Finn assures her she’s doing the right thing. She reminds him the spell that she’s doing will bind them together and he will die too. He tells her that he will be ready to die when the time comes.

She cuts his hand and his blood falls onto a piece of parchment that has the children’s names on it. The blood covers each name and forms a creepy family tree.

Elena tells Stefan that she just signed everyone’s death sentence. He tells her that as long as Klaus dies that everyone else is collateral damage. He asks where Damon is and she tells him that she’ll call him. Stefan doesn’t understand the fight between him and Kol and Elena tells him it was just Damon being self-destructive. That she said something she didn’t mean. He scoffs and said ‘So did I’ and starts to leave. Elena runs after him and she wants to know how he pretends like he doesn’t feel anything. He says that he refuses to feel anything because if he does feel, then all he feels is pain. He says that he hurt her and he bit her. If he lets himself feel then all his feels in pain and he’s not going to do that. I hate that she chases after Stefan all the time… it’s getting annoying and weak.

Rebekah tracks Matt down at the grille and apologizes to him. He tells her that he went to a dance and got his hand crushed and doesn’t have health insurance. That she’s pretty and fun but he really needs her to leave him alone.

Damon who is there drinking mocks her saying she was rejected by the captain of the football team. He tells her that she needs someone more durable anyway. She asks him if he has anyone in mind. After a long look between them… the burst into Damon’s room ripping each other’s clothes off and kissing and grabbing. The hottest scene in the whole season!

Wow.

*************************************************************

My thoughts on this episode...

I'm really tired of Elena chasing after Stefan. He bit her and terrorized her. I'm really wish she'd open her eyes and look at Damon and realize he loves her.

I am loving the Caroline Klaus story line. I think it would be SUCH a deep story line if the writers would just leave Klaus alive long enough.

I also think Elijah has feelings for Elena and I think that a story line like that would be so easy to evolve and keep us on the edge of our seats.

What do you guys think? What do you think with happen with Esther's plan to kill her children? What is Elena going to say when she finds out Damon slept with Rebekah.

The Secret Circle ~Valentine~

2012-02-11T14:30:00.005-07:00

Faye and Jake wake up together and she’s “trying” to sneak out but wakes him up. He basically tells her to get out but they end up doing the deed AGAIN. Let me return to my comment from last week… Ewww I am not amused.

Faye Diana—I felt a clear connection to my father—I’m goingto go try again—not relying on a guy

Faye and Melissa plan a slumber party and Melissa invites Diana and Cassie.

Adam asks Cassie what she was talking to Jake about. She tells Adam that she told him that he doesn’t know me at all. Adam asks her out for Valentine ’s Day and she tells him that she’s going to Faye’s for a slumber party. She tells him that she can go another day.

A hooded figure is watching Cassie as she runs out to her car to get a book.

Lee turns up at Faye’s place and brings her some sort of power totem. He tells her to leave it by the bed.

Jake is talking Issac (the witch hunter) and he tells Issac that he saw what Issac did to his parents. Issac tells Jake that John Blackwell led them to slaughter. Issac wants the medallion and Jake tells him that he’s not going to let him hurt Cassie. Issac tells him that evil will start to come for Cassie and they can’t stop it as long as she has the medallion.

Cassie is at the house heading into the basement when she actually sees the hooded figure waiting for her and the screams and runs back up the stairs. She runs into Adam and she tells him what she saw. Oddly enough he suggests that she talks to Jake because he has the most information on the witch hunters.

Diana and Melissa accidently break the “doll” (power totem) that Lee gave to Faye. Diana tells Melissa that she doesn’t really belong at Faye’s and Melissa assures her that she wants her there. She shows Diana the Devil’s Spirit that she has and Diana tries it.

Jake and Cassie are talking about the symbols on the robe that she saw and he tells her it’s from the Medaris clan. Their whole clan was wiped out years ago. She doesn’t seem impressed that ghosts are coming after her now.

Diana and Melissa are high and they do a “spell” to make the pizza guy hot. Diana says she’s going to make out with the pizza guy. The doorbell rings and Melissa runs for it, flings it open and kisses Lee

Cassie is gathering her things to head over to Faye’s and there are two hooded figures outside her window.

Lee warns Faye again about Devil’s Spirit and the damage it can do.

Diana tells Cassie that it’s girls night and she doesn’t want to talk about Adam.

Jake goes to talk to Issac again and he tells him that Cassie is being haunted by a dead witch. Issac tells him that their blood spilled in a church not far from where they are. John Blackwell killed them all and took their powers. That medallion holds their powers. Those witches will come for them since Cassie has activated it, every dead witch within miles and miles will come for her. It holds the power of a thousand dead souls.

Cassie is telling Diana (who is still high) that she saw a ghost in the basement of the old house. Cassie says that she just can’t talk to dead people. Faye says that maybe they can. She brings out a Ouija board and Cassie uses the medallion as a pointer. It spells out “Sacred.” Cassie tells Melissa that she’s going to go see Adam because she’s not in a partying mood and she’s bringing them down. She leaves.

Jake comes looking for Cassie and Melissa tells him that she’s with Adam.

Cassie is driving to Adam’s and the medallion starts to choke her. She wrecks.

Jake rushes over to Adam’s and he tells Adam the story and that they have to find Cassie before the witches do.

Cassie crawls out of her car and confronts the two hooded figures and then chases them through the woods.

Adam calls Diana and wants to know where Cassie is. She snarkily tells him it's ironic him and Jake both looking for Cassie and she hangs up on him.

Jake and Adam realize she’s headed for the sacred ground of the church and if she’s in the church she can’t use her magic.

Faye asks Diana how it feel being replaced by Cassie. Diana tells Faye that she’s just jealous about her friendship with Melissa. They realize that Melissa is nowhere to be found. They find her seizing on the floor. They rush her to the bathroom and make her vomit.

Cassie ends up in the church and surrounded by the ghosts. They possess Adam and they tell her they want the medallion. They threaten to cut Adam’s wrist if they don’t get it. She ends up using it to make them leave.

Jake tells Issac that the ghosts are gone. Issac is pissed that Jake didn’t bring back the medallion.

Melissa admits to Faye that she screwed up back in Junior High School by ignoring Melissa. But she vows she’s not leaving Melissa again

Lee visits his girlfriend that is apparently in the hospital. He gives her the match to the totem he gave to Faye.

Faye tells Melissa and Diana that Lee says Devil’s Spirit is dangeround. Diana tells her that he’s a really good kisser. They end up having a pillow fight.

Cassie goes with Adam to the boat and she sees the dinner he had planned pre-possession. She tells him that he was right and that she let the “idea” of her dad overshadow the reality. She starts to cry but Adam wipes her tears and they kiss.

***************************************

My thoughts...

I hate the Cassie/Adam story line.

I do like it that Adam is getting more of a backbone and standing up for himself.

I HATE Faye and Jake together. It's too predictable. Bad boy and Bad girl together? Seriously? UGH. The Cassie/Jake relationship has so much more potential for sparks to fly and things to happen. Adam and Cassie are just too.... blah for me.

So tell me what you guys thought... I'm interested to hear your thoughts on Cassie's father too.... is he really the epitome of all evil or is there something deeper going on?

Sugar free? Is it even possible? And some contest news!

2012-02-10T00:00:00.000-07:00

I'm trying to make some serious lifestyle changes, primarily giving up refined sugar and switching to a diet that focuses on natural, whole foods. The difficulty on this is fairly high because you all know that I am hopelessly addicted to Pepsi, mainly fountain Pepsi. So I have given up on my beloved fountain drinks and have been successful for about 3 weeks now, but it's a struggle every time I am out and about, because I want to swing in to my favorite QT and grab a cold drink. I literally have to talk myself down each and every time, but it is getting easier. At home, I just try to stick with my unsweetened iced tea (the only right way to drink it, despite what you crazy southerners might think) and lots of boring water.

The next phase means that I need to eliminate refined sugar in the food I eat, and at the moment I am confounded by veggies. I love to snack on raw veggies but I certainly can't serve my kids like that all the time. I'd be facing full scale rebellion! My monsters aren't picky eaters by any stretch, but we are all getting bored with steamed vegetables. Any ideas? Know of any good cookbooks that focus on healthy and tasty cooking? Hook me up!

How is this paranormal, you ask? Remember Bunnicula? The cute little rabbit that sucked her veggies dry? Not good enough for you? How about I sweeten the pot with a couple of books to giveaway?

Leave me a comment giving me a recipe idea or tell me about a cookbook you love, and I will pick one lucky reader to get a grab bag of books, including but not necessarily limited to, Angel of Darkness by Cynthia Eden, and The Hunter by Theresa Meyers. Due to postage concerns this has to be limited to my U.S. readers only.

You can also post recipe ideas on the FB wall...I've been trying to check at least once a week:)

Review: Banished by Sophie Littlefield

2012-02-09T00:00:00.001-07:00

Book Description:

Delacorte Books for Young Readers

Sixteen-year-old Hailey Tarbell can't wait for the day she'll leave Gypsum, Missouri, far behind, taking only four-year-old Chub, the developmentally-delayed little boy her cruel drug-dealing grandmother fosters for the state money.

Jenny's Review:

Hailey Tarbell lives with her grandmother in Gypsum, Missouri and really does not have a lot going for her. Her grandmother is not the ideal parent (she deals drugs and allows men to come to the house to smoke and get drunk) and Hailey ends up having to take care of her foster brother, Chub, who has something wrong with him. Her school is hard because she is an outcast who everyone stays away from and she does not understand why. One day a student hits her head in gym and Hailey is drawn to touch her, when she does she starts whispering words and then the girl wakes up. This experience scares Hailey who does not understand that she is a healer, with the powers to heal others. When some strange men show up in her town and she finds some things hidden in her closet she starts to worry. Then her aunt Prairie shows up and tells her that they need to escape Hailey does not know what to believe. She didn’t even know she had an aunt. But when the strange men storm her house and her grandmother is killed Hailey runs with Prairie. On this journey she finds out about her mothers past, who her father is, and much more about her gift. But will it be enough for her and Prairie to stay safe and to keep Chub safe with her?

This was a great book. I did not want to put it down! I felt for the character Hailey as she struggled to find her place in the world. And felt sorrow for her that her life with her grandmother was not better for her. I love how the characters emotions were portrayed because you felt like you knew her. I thought the story line was good because you really couldn’t stop reading when the action was going on because you wanted to see how it was going to play out. I thought the twists at the end were definitely unexpected, and the book totally leaves you hanging. That was the only frustrating part, I want to know what happens. I turned past the last chapter and thought "Wait a minute that cant be the end!!". Thank goodness this is the first in the series because I can’t wait to read what happens next!! Great high school or older read, the fact that the grandma deals drugs out of the house makes it a little difficult life situation for younger readers.

Other books in the series:

Unforsaken (available now)

Author website:

http://sophielittlefield.com/

*Reviewed by Jenny

*This book was purchased for personal reading.

Review: Blood and Bullets by James R. Tuck

2012-02-07T00:00:00.001-07:00

Book Description:

He lives to kill monsters. He keeps his city safe. And his silver hollow-points and back-from-the-dead abilities help him take out any kind of supernatural threat. But now an immortal evil has this bad-ass bounty hunter dead in its sights. . .

Ever since a monster murdered his family, Deacon Chalk hunts any creature that preys on the innocent. So when a pretty vampire girl "hires" him to eliminate a fellow slayer, Deacon goes to warn him--and barely escapes a vampire ambush. Now he's got a way-inexperienced newbie hunter to protect and everything from bloodsuckers to cursed immortals on his trail. There's also a malevolent force controlling the living and the undead, hellbent on turning Deacon's greatest loss into the one weapon that could destroy him. . .

Review:

If a vampire infestation ever becomes a real concern, hey, it could happen, I'd want Deacon Chalk in my corner. 100%. No questions asked. This southern badass has an arsenal of tricks up his sleeves, all delivered with vicious precision. Who knew a toothpick could be so deadly? And he has wicked knowledge of all the best guns, ammo, and he definitely knows just where to shoot.

The writing style of James R. Tuck brings another unique male voice to the urban fantasy/vampire scene, by combining exceptional detail with complex, yet relatable characters. Chalk had his world turned upside down when his family was slaughtered by vampires, yet instead of playing victim, he chose to do something about it. Even the secondary characters, like Father Mulcahy, Larson, Charlotte, Kat and Tiff, bring something valuable to the story, bringing humanity of all types to the story. More importantly, this cast of characters are what keep Chalk slugging along in a world full of ruthless vampires. He isn't afraid to die, but he doesn't necessarily want his friend to meet that same fate, so they stand together. In an odd sort of way the employees at Polecats are Deacon Chalk's new family, and they all understand the dangers that hunt in the night.

A little bit Blade and a little bit Laurell K. Hamilton...even some of the word choices, like "flavor of power" reminded me of my favorite vampire executioner, only with decidedly less sex. Actually, I think we get a whopping one kiss, maybe two, so if your looking for a sexy romp then this might not be for you BUT...if you want a bloody, action-packed thrill ride full of evil vampires and one ass-kicking bounty hunter, well, Blood and Bullets is exactly what you need.

Other books in the series:
That Thing at the Zoo (prequel novella/available now)
Blood and Silver (August 2012)

Author website:
http://www.jamesrtuck.com/index.html

*Reviewed by Anna Dougherty
*This book was sent by Kensington and the author in exchange for an honest review.

winner

2012-02-06T22:52:00.000-07:00

The winner of Anne Marsh's His Dark Bond is:

Barb P, who said... I love the angel books! So far one of my fav angel books is Cynthia Eden's book Angel of Darkness from her new The Fallen series. I haven't read any of Anne's books yet and would love to give it a try. Thanks for the awesome contest!

Congrats, Barb! I also love The Fallen series from Cynthia Eden and recommend her books to anyone looking for a super sexy romance. You should be hearing from me shortly, so I can collect information and whatnot.

The Vampire Diaries S3 ~ Bringing out the Dead~

2012-02-04T13:00:00.000-07:00

Elijah tells Klaus they have a lot to discuss. They fight and Klaus pulls a dagger out of Kol to stab Elijah. Elijah warns him that he’ll have to deal with Kol instead. Klaus wants Elijah to help him destroy Stefan.

Alaric is hung over again. He whiskey dialed Meredith at 2 am. Elena tells him not to feel guilty about moving on.

Sheriff Forbes shows up with the stake that was used to kill the medical examiner and it has Elena’s prints on it. Alaric confirms it’s from the lake house and one of theirs.

Elena calls Damon (who happens to be walking around in a field) and tells him about the Sheriff’s visit. He says that it must be Alaric’s psycho girlfriend. Alaric says “you’re on speakerphone Dick.” Damon tells them he has to go that he’s having tea with an old friend. Damon greets Elijah as his favorite original. He wants to know if Elijah has any idea what “Klaus killing weapon” is in that coffin.

Stefan bullies Bonnie and her mom into hurrying up with the coffin. Stefan can’t go into the cave where they are working on the coffin because if he goes in, vampires can’t get out. (remember this part—it’s important later)

Elena confronts Stefan about the medical examiner’s death. He wants to know if she had asked Damon about who’s he has killed recently.

Meredith asks Caroline if she can get her dad to calm down because he’s pissed she used vampire blood to save him. Caroline realizes that her dad has left the hospital so she calls him. She hears his cell phone ringing and she and Elena goes to find him. They find him stabbed and dead—with vampire blood in his system. He wakes up and he tells Caroline that he isn’t going to feed. He’s willing to die.

Bonnie and her mom realize that it takes two to open the coffin. So they repeat the spell.

Damon tells Stefan that he and Elijah have scheduled an old fashioned sit down between him and Klaus. Stefan says he’s not going and Damon mans up and tells him to get over it… he kissed Elena and if it weren’t for Klaus turning him into a huge dick, that kiss wouldn’t have happened. So get dressed and get happy

Alaric takes inventory of everything and has to admit that Meredith had a chance to take the things used to kill the founding family members. Elena tells Alaric to be careful.

Elijah and Klaus meet with Damon and Stefan. A stressful dinner ensues with snarky comments and snarky looks being passed between the four men. Klaus finds it amusing that the triangle between the Salvatore brothers and Elena mimics the triangle between not only Katherine—Klaus—and Elijah but also an earlier triangle between Klaus—Elijah—and the original doppelganger Tatia. Klaus tells them it was Tatia’s blood that was in the wine that made them vampires. Klaus tells Damon and Stefan that the best thing for Elena is for her to marry a human and lead a long healthy life. To have kids and grow old with someone safe. She is in too much danger with the Salvatore brothers because of their feud

Elena sits with Caroline while they wait on her dad to die a natural death. They discuss everything from Tyler possibly killing the founding family members, to Meredith. Elena shares her hopes that Alaric has a normal girlfriend and not a murderer. Caroline decides she’ll force her dad to feed so that he can live. Elena tells her that this is last choice and he should be able to make it. Caroline cries and Elena comforts her. Matt shows up and helps.

Bonnie gets angry with her mom and tells her that she’s not trying. She says that the witches are mad at her. Bonnie counters that with the fact that she isn’t open to it. She needs help. They try the spell again and it sounds like it unlocks. Bonnie says they’re close and runs out to text Damon. Left alone with the coffin Bonnie’s mom gets a scare when something thumps inside coffin and tries to open the lid.

Stefan tells Klaus to get his coffin back that he and the originals would leave Mystic Falls and never return. Klaus says that he won’t leave Elena behind and that the worst thing for Elena Gilbert is the two of them. Damon gets up and says he needs some air. Klaus offers Stefan a woman to drink from.

Matt walks Elena home and tells her that their town is just messed up and none of them should have to live that way. The lights won’t turn on in Elena’s house and she sees bloody foot prints and hand prints all over the place. She finds Alaric stabbed in the hallway. He tells her he doesn’t know who stabbed him and that she has to kill him since she’s supernatural—the doppelganger—and he’ll come back.

Stefan accuses Klaus of trying to drive a wedge between him and Damon. Klaus tells him he’s doing a good job of that on his own. Stefan tells him to make an counter offer to his and Klaus tells him that he offers Elena’s future happiness. “She needs to be rid of the lot of you and maybe marry that nice football player.” Stefan looks like he’s going to agree and shakes Klaus’s hand, but then tells him no deal. Klaus breaks his arm and holds Stefan’s hand in the fire.

Damon tries to stop him but Elijah keeps him pinned to the wall. He instructs Damon to go get the coffin and he’ll let Stefan live. He also tells Elijah to go with him. Stefan tells Klaus to just kill him and Klaus wants to know where the fight has gone… where was the ripper?

Caroline spends some time with her dad and begs him to not leave her. In a touching moment he tells her that this is what it means to be human. He dies.

Elijah turns back up in the door way and asks Klaus where are your manners—you forgot to offer dessert. He flips the cloth off a silver tray and there are three daggers on it. Klaus looks frightened. It seems Elijah and Damon pulled the daggers out of Kol, Fin, and Rebekah. All four siblings are un-daggered and PISSED. Elijah tells Damon and Stefan to leave… this is family business. Fin stabs Klaus through the hand and Kol takes a shot. He turns to run and Rebekah stabs him in the stomach tell him “This is for our mother.” He screams that he can’t be killed. Elijah agrees, but they are leaving him alone. Rebekah vows to kill that doppelganger wench and he’ll be alone… “forever and always.”

Elena and Matt are still sitting with Alaric and she tells him that she can’t lose any more family. She cries in his arms. Alaric wakes up and he doesn’t know who killed him.

Damon and Stefan take a walk through the woods and Stefan tells Damon that taking the dagger out of Elijah was a good idea. Stefan admits that he loves Elena. Damon says he does too.

Damon and Stefan go to the cave where Bonnie and Abby were. They find them passed out. Stefan says whatever was in that coffin is gone.

As the Original siblings are preparing to leave Klaus alone and without a blood source for more hybrids, the door opens and in walks their mother. The children are shocked.

She walks up to Klaus and asks him if he knows why she’s there. He says you’re here to kill me. She tells him that he’s her son and that she forgives him. She then turns to the rest and say I want all of us to be a family again.

The Secret Circle ~Medallion~

2012-02-04T10:00:00.000-07:00

Cassie and Adam have a chat about not trusting Jake and that Adam cares about Cassie. He brings up the kiss and walks away.

Faye and Jake run into each other and Jake tells her that jealousy isn’t a good look on her. She tells him that Cassie isn’t his type.

A mysterious woman turns up on Cassie’s doorstep and tells her that she’s been reliving the memory of the boat fire for the past 16 years. She was the one that told Cassie that she didn’t belong on the boat during Jake’s memory trip. Lucy Gibbons is a physic that realized that Cassie was visiting and not actually there. Lucy was close with the old circle. She says she thought John Blackwell died and the medallion was lost. Cassie tells her that she has it. She agrees to meet with Lucy later.

Dawn is unpacking groceries when mysterious cuts appear on her hand. Ethan shows up and tells her that he will get the crystal back and the next time she crosses him will be her last.

Ethan tells Diana that he wants to throw Adam a surprise party. He also apologizes for hurting her and assures her that Adam cares about her.

Jake and Cassie are fiddling with the medallion and the house starts to shake around them. She tells Jake to run but Cassie can’t move. He tackles her and the shaking stops. They have a tender moment of staring into each other’s eyes and they get interrupted by Adam who wants to know what the hell is going on.

Adam tells Cassie that she doesn’t know Jake and even though she’s trying to protect them, she doesn’t know what the medallion can do. She agrees that he’s right.

Jake wants to know if they are done and Cassie glares at him and says they’re going to see Lucy.

Melissa and Faye are partaking in some Devil’s spirit so Melissa can wake up her “inner Melissa”.

Cassie and Jake show up to see Lucy and she tells them she’s a psychic. Cassie tells Lucy that the medallion is how her father escaped. Lucy tells them that it needs to be unlocked and activated and she can get the spell. Cassie tells Lucy to meet at her father’s old house.

Dawn warns Lucy that she was marked and was told to never return to Chance Harbor. Dawn wants her to find the other crystals for penance for betraying the circle long ago.

Cassie and Jake realize the medallion is gone and she realizes that Adam is the only one who knows where her hiding spot is.

Ethan and Adam have a nice father son moment.

Faye and Melissa are at the party getting high on Devil’s Spirit. Melissa says she feels shiny

Diana and Ethan make speeches about Adam and him always doing the right thing.

Ethan and Charles have a chat about the things they have in common and that Diana and Adam have a lot of affection for each other. Charles says he needed a visit from his mother to realize how many bad choices he’s made. He drugs Ethan’s drink.

Cassie tells Adam happy birthday. He gives Cassie the medallion back and he tells her that she needs to be careful around Jake. He has killed witches for being what she is.

Callum and Melissa have eye sex while Faye wants to know if he brought the drugs. Jake interrupts them and tells Callum to get lost.

Adam thanks his dad for the party and the effort that he’s making. Ethan tells him that he’s not feeling well but hasn’t been drinking. He goes and passes out because of the drug that Charles gave him.

Cassie and Jake have a conversation about Adam wanting to protect her and she wants to know if he’s killed witches before. He stays silent and she walks away.

Cassie gathers the circle to meet at the old house to activate the medallion.

Lucy shows up at Dawn’s house and tells her that she was always on the right side… just not hers and then she stabs Dawn.

Charles searches through Ethan’s clothes and gets the crystal back. He then goes to see Dawn and finds that she’s been stabbed. He uses the crystal to bring her back and she’s grateful.

Lucy shows up a little late and they convene their circle. After chanting for a while, Melissa starts to wobble. She realizes it feels the same as the spell that Faye and Lee did at the school. Cassie agrees something is not right and realizes the medallion is sucking their magic not unlocking. She turns her own magic on Lucy and the fire almost burns Lucy. Cassie demands to know where her father is and Lucy swears she doesn’t know where he is. Cassie tells Lucy to leave Chance Harbor and never come back. Lucy takes off running and Adam starts after her, Cassie tells him to let her go… she’s not coming back

Jake tells Cassie that he will help her and she tells him that she doesn’t think that’s a good idea that she’s nothing like him.

Melissa goes to meet Callum and he provides her with more Devil’s Spirit and she tells him that he reminds her of an old boyfriend. He warns her to be careful. She tells him that she can take care of herself. He smirks and says “No doubt.”

Jake calls Faye and she meets with him. They are immediately all over each other kissing.

Lucy meets with a witch hunter who tells her that she failed. She was supposed to bring the medallion back to him. He steps into the light and his face is burned. He was apparently on the boat the night of the fire. She tells him Cassie was too strong, he tells her that he’ll see for himself and cuts her throat.

Cassie is alone with the medallion and the house starts to shake… you hear her whisper “Daddy?”

***************************
My thoughts....

Jake and Faye how could you? You belong with Cassie not Faye. Ewwww. That's my thoughts on that one.

Melissa and Callum had sparks flying between them and I'm not so sure that's a good thing, but it was certainly hot and Melissa NEEDS a distraction. Other than drugs--and Faye.

Adam and Diana just need to get back together. This is getting old and painful.

Charles saving Dawn was a surprise.... I wonder if he thought about letting her die.

Way to go Cassie! I'm so proud! She's become strong and does not need a boy to save her. She can pretty much set fire to whomever she wants, but isn't is time for a love interest that is her own and isn't out to kill/lie/want another girl??

What did you guys think? Any thoughts?

His Dark Bond contest!!!!

2012-02-03T00:00:00.003-07:00

Today I am thrilled to be hosting a contest for His Dark Bond, the latest super sexy paranormal romance by Anne Marsh. I'm new to this Fallen angel series, but after looking at this cover, and poking around Anne's website, I think I need to fix that real soon. After all, who doesn't wish they could drink in the pleasures of humanity? Zer is my kind of angel *wink*

Want to win a copy of this gorgeous book? Just leave me a comment about Fallen Angels, Sexy Angels, or both. I'll draw announce a winner on Monday!!! Thanks to Anne Marsh, and the generous folks at Kensington, this contest is open to all my blog readers, so that means all my international followers have a chance to win!! Good Luck.

Cover blurb:

HE HUNGERS FOR HER BODY . . .

Zer is no angel—well, not anymore. He’s explored every flavor of sin imaginable, drinking in the pleasures of humanity. But now he must find the woman who carries his salvation in her very blood…a woman like Nessa St. James.

AND HER SOUL

Nessa has considered the bargain the Fallen offer. Anything she wants in exchange for accepting Zer’s bond? No way. Not her. Not when she finds out about the mind-blowing ritual involved, and the marks of surrender that will ink her skin. But with a serial killer to stop and centuries of experience on his side, this is one job Zer’s going to nail.

HIS DARK BOND, Kensington Brava, February 2012

BURNING UP Kensington Brava, November 2012

THE HUNT, Dorchester Love Spell

BOND WITH ME, Dorchester Leisure

http://www.herfallenangel.com

Early Review: Tangled by Erica O'Rourke

2012-01-31T00:00:00.013-07:00

Book description:

A month ago, Mo Fitzgerald risked her life to stop an ancient prophecy and avenge her best friend's murder. Now, she only wants to keep her loved ones safe. But the magic—and the Chicago Mob—have other plans.

Mysterious, green-eyed Luc is back, asking for help—and a second chance. Colin, her strongest protector, is hiding a shocking secret. And inside Constance, the magic is about to go terribly wrong. Tangled in a web of love and betrayal, Mo must choose between the life she's dreamed of and the one she's destined for.

Review:

In the second book of the Torn trilogy, Mo Fitzgerald is trying to get back to whatever normal life she can have. But it sure isn’t easy. Constance, Verity’s little sister, has just started developing her magic skills, but has no idea that it's even happening, so of course, cannot control what it does to herself and those around her. Mo has no choice but to call on Luc to come to the rescue. When he in turn asks for her help, she feels she cannot say no because she wants to help Constance and this is the only way she can do so. Even if it will ultimately cost her life.

Meanwhile the daughter of the detective that died during a magical episode in the last book is trying to blackmail Mo into giving her details about her Mob tied uncle Billy, and Mo doesn’t know if she should help her or not. When Mo finds out part of the truth that Colin is hiding from her (that her father is coming home from prison) her world seems to be out of control. The more Mo finds out about what her uncle is really doing, and what he's capable of, the more she tries to help Constance by being a part of a magical war. Trying to really find out if Colin feels the same about her pushes Mo over the edge. Can she figure out how to balance it all and help save those she loves from the Mob and the Magic that is surrounding her?

This was another great book. The characters left right off from the first book, so I suggest that you pick that one up before reading this one. It will help you understand the background to the story. I think that (again) the hidden details of this book make it special. There are things that are not quite ever said that help keep you reading to figure out, because you know that something is just not right about certain people and you can tell they are hiding things. I think that the bond between Mo and the two young men in her life is interesting. She is wanting so bad to have Colin, but cannot help being drawn to Luc when he is around. I really like the writing style as it is fluid and easy to follow. I think that this is a great high school or older read. An all-in-all great book. There is going to be one more book and I am anxious to see what is going to happen in the end.

Other books in the series:

Torn

Tangled (available February 2012)

Bound

Author website:

http://www.ericaorourke.com/

Reviewed by Jenny for VampChix
This book was sent via publisher for review

Eep! True Blood Season 5 Promo!!

2012-01-30T15:54:00.000-07:00

Season 5 - Buried Tease

I'm still here

2012-01-29T23:57:00.000-07:00

I know the postings have been sporadic lately but my life outside of books has been a demanding bitch as of late. Between Flyboy heading off to the sandbox, a vile flu bug invading my home, school projects that must be completed, heart monitors and sugar free eating...yep, just like I said, bitch with a capital B. I can count on one hand the comments I've left lately, and that pisses me off because I miss my bloggy friends. Now that I've gotten into my deployment groove, and have handled what I can handle for the moment (is that even possible?) I think you'll be seeing more of me around the blogosphere. My batteries just need a recharge so I can get my reading mojo back online:)

The next couple weeks might be spotty but I will be using my time wisely, catching up on reviews, author guest posts, and contests! I have a boatload of books to giveaway so I'm thinking that March might just be one big bookish celebration. You'll have to stay tuned!

Don't forget that we have our weekend episode recaps for Vampire Diaries and Secret Circle, courtesy of Betty. And we'll have a couple of reviews up this week as well. I appreciate your patience and friendly emails...thanks!

Anna

Review: Frost Moon By Anthony Francis

2012-01-23T00:00:00.039-07:00

Book description:

In an alternate Atlanta where vampires and werewolves prowl the night, magic is real, and tattoo magic is the strongest magic of them all, a serial killer is targeting the magically tattooed on the full moon.

Dakota Frost, best magical tattooist in the Southeast, learns from the police she may be a target ... just when she receives a lucrative commission to ink a magic tattoo for a werewolf before the next full moon.

Caught between the rough and tumble world of the werewolves, the law and order rules of the vampires, and a sexy man-in-black whose motives are in doubt, Dakota must tread carefully to survive- because she doesn't know whether her werewolf client is the tattoo killer ... or the next victim.

Jenny's Review:

Dakota Frost is not an ordinary tattoo artist, and her tattooed body is not normal either. She is a magical tattoo artist and her tattoos literally come to life. They move when she commands them, and she has tattooed herself (by herself). Many people would fear her as she stands six foot two and has a purple and blue Mohawk, but as she is finding out, someone is looking for people like her. Dakota is told by the police and special forces that there is someone targeting magical tattoos, then skinning them off of the person, leaving them for dead without their tattoos. Dakota also is being challenged by a world famous magician, (who likes to discount people’s magic). He says that she cannot hold the power of magic when she tattoos. If that is not enough, there is a werewolf looking for a magical tattoo to help him control himself during the full moon. All in the busy life of a magical tattoo artist, or in the life of someone being hunted? Can Dakota keep herself and her friends safe from whatever the forces are that are trying to get them?

This was a great book full of action! It was a great mystery thriller with a ton of magic, and many vampires (good and bad) and werepeople (all types). This book had a level of suspense that kept me reading. (I wish my life was not so busy because I did not want to put the book down, I would have read straight through without stopping if I could.) I thought that Francis added so much to his characters making them all connected in different ways. Dakota is friends with many different types of people and they all come to her aide when she needs it, many of these people she had known her whole life, some she had just met but they were all drawn to her personality. I will tell you I was not able to figure out the ending, and that really made the book even better. I love to try to solve the mystery but was unable to and so the ending was great for me. Great, Great Read! And since it is a series, the fun is going to continue!!

Author website:
http://dakotafrost.com/

Other books in the Skindancer series:
Blood Rock

Reviewed by Jenny for Bite Club
In compliance with all the book and blog rules and regulations, I should disclose that I won this book in a contest and passed it along to Jenny for review.

The Vampire Diaries S3 ~ The Ties That Bind~

2012-01-21T00:19:00.007-07:00

Bonnie has another dream about the coffins and how to open them. The dreams keep pointing toward her mom.

Elena and Bonnie are going through records of all the Abby Bennett’s listed in the US. They come to an understanding about Jeremy’s safety and what Elena did. Damon pops up and compelled someone to dig more deeply into the records and found a match for Abby Bennett. He wants to go, Elena, tells him no.

Bonnie notices the sparks flying between the two. Bonnie asks what is going on and Damon spills the beans that they kissed.

Tyler shows up at Caroline’s to apologize and he’s got her dad with him. They say that her dad can break the sire-bond to Klaus. Caroline agrees to try.

Alaric invites Meredith to dinner.

Damon tells Alaric that there is two red flags about Meredith, one her ex called her a psychopath, and two; he ended up dead with a stake through his heart.

Klaus shows up at the Salvatore house and he’s blasting the stereo. He says he’s enjoying their stalemate. He wants to know how “crazy Stefan” is working out and does he have any friends left?

Bonnie and Elena are on a road trip to see her mom and she wants Elena to spill details on kissing Damon. Bonnie asks if it was good and Elena says it doesn’t matter it won’t happen again. Bonnie doesn’t look impressed. Stefan calls Elena and wants to know where they’re going. Elena tells him that they are going to the lake house and Stefan knows they are going to see Bonnie’s mom because he’s in Elena’s house looking at the information for Abby.

Klaus calls his hybrid and tells him to go to Abby’s house and do what they talked about.

Bonnie and Elena show up at Abby’s house, but she isn’t home. Jamie greets them and Bonnie is relived to know that they aren’t related.

Caroline’s dad has tied up Tyler and tells him that he has to turn so that he doesn’t feel like he owes Klaus anything. If he can turn with no pain then Klaus didn’t do him much of a favor. They make Caroline leave and Bill makes Tyler angry enough to turn and he breaks free from the chains.

In an awkward family reunion, Abby tells Elena that she was best friends with her mom. Then a vampire came to town looking for the doppelganger. Abby used her magic to bind Mikael and took him to the cemetery in Charlotte and didn’t come back. Her magic was gone.

Elena leaves Bonnie and Abby alone and Stefan shows up telling Elena that it’s a nice lake house…

Damon shows up at the hospital and confronts Meredith. She injects Damon with vervain and blood-jacks him.

Jamie hears Stefan and Elena arguing and comes to help. Stefan thinks he compels Jamie to stay out of it, but Jamie goes to get a shotgun full of wood bullets and shoots Stefan. He tells them that someone arrived earlier and told him that if anyone interfered he would have to kill himself. He ties up Elena and leaves Stefan writhing in pain.

Inside the house, Abby uses a herb to make Bonnie pass out and mutes her magic. Elena sees Abby dragging Bonnie out of the house. After they leave she asks Jamie what did they say about her. He says that she was not to be hurt. She tells Jamie that the ropes are hurting her. He loosens them and she whacks him in the head with the gun and rushes to help Stefan.

Damon tells Alaric that his doctor (Meredith) vervained him and then blood jacked him. He was right that she was a psychopath.

Bonnie’s mom takes her to the hybrid and makes her tell where the coffins are located. But Abby does give Bonnie her phone to warn her friends.

Klaus is at the witch’s house when Damon shows up and he says that he will tear him from limb to limb andt hen only when Damon is a writhing mass of blood will he rip his heart from his chest. Damon just smirks and the coffins appear. But one is missing. Klaus makes a smart remark about Damon hiding behind his witchy friends and in squalor no less and the witches take offense and use their power to floor Klaus. He threatens to kill the whole Bennett line and they stop. Damon tells him that he wants the missing coffin more that he wants to kill him.

Alaric goes to the hospital to find out what is going on with Meredith. She tells him that she gave Damon enough vervain to keep him out for hours and he tells her that Damon drinks it. She shows him that she uses the blood to save people that wouldn’t normally survive. Bill Forbes comes in from an actual animal attack and she uses Damon’s blood to save him.

Elena is trying to help Stefan and she digs around near his heart and pulls out the wood. He says that she’s changed, she’s strong and tougher. She says that we all had to change. He says it’s good to know. She tells him that she has to tell him something and that she doesn’t feel guilty about what she did, she feels guilty that he doesn’t know. She tells him that she kissed Damon. He looks wounded and gets up and walks away. She goes after him and begs him to say something. He admits the bridge and the blood was too far. She says thank you. Stefan says she shouldn’t have lied to him with Klaus still alive someone needs to be with her. She tells Stefan that she didn’t plan on kissing Damon. He tells her that she’s better than Damon—that she’s better than the both of them. She kinda looks pissed.

Bonnie is still talking to Abby and she tells Bonnie that she kept her end of the bargain and Jamie is safe. Bonnie starts to leave and Abby wants to help. Bonnie says she can’t because she has no magic. Abby is willing to get it back even though she doesn’t want it so she can help Bonnie.

Tyler goes to see Bill to apologize because he lost control again. Bill tells him that he has to change many more times to stop hurting. He has too or he won’t let Tyler near Caroline.

Alaric shows Meredith that he’s a vampire hunter—well semi-retired. Meredith tells him that he’s trying to get out of taking her to dinner and wants to know how he survived getting hit by a truck. He shows her the ring and won’t let her touch it. She asks him if he’s afraid she’s supernatural… They kiss and Elena interrupts them. Meredith leaves and Alaric is embarrassed. Elena tells him that it’s okay… he moved in to take care of them when he didn’t have too. Jenna is gone and it’s okay to move on.

Stefan arrives home and Damon is there. He observes that Damon is still alive. Damon tells him that he was only able to get out the one coffin. Damon asks how Elena is and Stefan punches him in the face. Damon says that he takes it that the two of them had a chat. Stefan starts to walk away and Damon says they should talk about this…. He pulls a dagger out from behind his back. Stefan’s is shocked and he says… What did you do!?

Klaus’s hybrid wants to know what his plans are… but Klaus doesn’t have a chance to answer. Before he turns around Elijah has ripped the heart out of the hybrid and says “Hello Nicklaus, what have I missed?”

I hate to say it... but I really wasn't excited about tonight's episode... and NO not just because Damon and Elena had only a short amount of screen time.

The episode just seemed sluggish and too much of Bonnie and her Mama drama. I want Bonnie to be a strong-kick ass--witch who doesn't take anyone's crap. She seems too weak and helpless sometimes. I really wish the writers would flesh out her character more.

Also seriously--Damon's a vampire--who has supernatural speed--and he can't get 5 coffins out of the old house?? This doesn't seem right to me. He could have called Carolin if he had needed that much help. It just wasn't believable that he couldn't move those coffins.

By the way.... ELIJAH IS BACK!!! Just had to get that out of my system. :)

What were your thoughts? Did you like this episode or did you feel it was more of a filler and a waste of time?

The Secret Circle ~Witness~

2012-01-20T23:54:00.006-07:00

Jake is back and he tells Adam that he’s keeping an eye on Cassie. The council is going to use the ritual that they used to kill Cassie’s father… to kill her. Cassie tells him that she didn’t know about witch hunters being at the boat. He says that the only way to keep her safe if to figure out what ritual was used. He tells her that she knows where to find him

Adam tells Cassie that she can’t trust Jake and she says that she does because he cares about her. He tells her that he uses people.

Dawn and Diana are having coffee and they get Charles’s attention. He tells Dawn not to use his daughter against him. She says the circle is bound, they have two crystals and they are on the way to getting their power back. He knows she’s up to something and that he’s not helping since she wanted to kill his mom.

I’m not really sure what’s going on with Faye, Lee, and the new kid on the block Callum but it’s creepy/weird. Lee used to deal something named Devil’s Spirit and of course Faye is intrigued.

Jake snarkily asks Cassie did she get Adam’s permission to come see him. She wants to know if he wants to kill her. He tells her that if he did he would have left her in the school fire. He confides that he saw the fire that killed their parents but can’t remember what happened. He has a spell that can help her get into his memory and see what happened.

He tells Cassie, Diana, and Adam that he followed his parents and that he saw them on the boat but he can’t remember anything past that

Diana and Adam discuss Jake and the spell and that Diana tells him that she would do the spell with Jake if she could because she wants to know what happened

Jake and Cassie go to the boatyard to get something that was on the boat the night the fire happened. He says that he couldn’t find his parents and that he could hear other people on the boat.

Dawn goes to see Ethan and she says that she and Charles got into an argument and that he choked her. He has magic. Ethan says he’ll take care of Charles

Jake and Cassie do the memory spell and it works. They appear on the boat and can see Jake and Nick’s parents. They try to follow Jake’s parents and the Jake gets hurt with pain in his head. He can’t go on. Cassie breaks away from him and follows his parents. Jake is jerked back out of his memories but Cassie is still locked in.

Ethan calls Charles and tells him that he knows he has a crystal and that he killed Henry. Charles asks Ethan if he’s sober. And Ethan tells him that he’s as sober as a church mouse and that he’s going to tell the council.

Adam and Diana arrive in time to find Jake trying to shake Cassie out of his memories… but she’s watching what happened. The witch hunters were trying to kill her dad. They killed the other witches and tried to use a ritual to kill John Blackwell. It didn’t work and the fire started. A medallion falls from John Blackwell’s hand as he walks away from the pole he was tied to. The fire starts to choke Cassie and Adam, Diana, and Jake get her to breathe.

Adam demands that Jake goes back in and get Cassie. Adam helps him do the spell and he goes to get Cassie. He sees his mom and tries to get to her, but they wake up out of his memories. She tells the group that witch hunters betrayed their parents and the truce they offered was a trap. She says that she didn’t see anyone else but Ethan. Adam says that Ethan wasn’t there. She insists that she heard Ethan’s name and voice. She tells them that it was awful and she specifically tells Jake that his mom and dad were so brave and they wanted safety for Nick and him.

Charles shows up to talk to Ethan and Ethan knocks him out and takes the crystal. Charles tries to tell him that Dawn can’t be trusted, apparently that doesn’t matter to Ethan

Cassie goes to the boat looking for the medallion that she watched her father drop. Jake shows up and she tells him that maybe it should have stayed locked away. He said he wanted to know the truth and that it was so easy for the witch hunters to manipulate him and use him. She shows him the medallion and tells him that her father was wearing it and then dropped it. It saved him. He says he’s glad he came back. Cassie wants to know if this was the only reason he came back. He gives a soulful look and she tells him things are so complicated… she’s thinking about her dad and if he got off the ferry then he’s alive. Jake tells her that he is buried not too far from his parents.

Adam takes Diana home and she asks if Jake came back to hurt them. He says he doesn’t know what to believe. Diana tells him that Jake is in love with Cassie. Diana doesn’t know how to do this… to be friends and Adam tells her that she knows him better than anyone else

Dawn goes to see Ethan and wants to know if Charles hurt him. He tells her that he’s going to hold on to the crystal. Looks like Ethan isn’t a dumb as he can look.

Callum shows up and gives Faye a substance called Devil’s spirit.

Cassie and Jake are in the cemetery digging up her father’s grave. She tells him to wait and wipes away some of the dirt from his headstone and then tells him that she realizes that it’s insane. Jake opens the grave and they find animal remains. Cassie father is not buried in his grave…………………….

I really enjoyed tonight's episode!

I'm so glad Jake is back because I hate the non-chemistry between Cassie and Adam. Adam seems like he's weaker than Cassie and he can't keep up with her. Jake seems to be tough and strong enough while still giving Cassie those looks filled with feelings.

I wish Faye would get smarter. I know she's not stupid but she needs to wake up and realize that the world does not revolve around Faye.

What do you guys think? Team Jake/Cassie or Team Adam/Cassie?

Review: The Hunter by Theresa Meyers

2012-01-20T00:00:00.000-07:00

Book description:

They're the Chosen—Winchester, Remington and Colt—brothers trained to hunt down supernatural beings using the latest steam-powered gadgetry. It's a hard legacy to shoulder, and it's about to get a lot more dangerous...

A Devil Of A Job

Colt Jackson has gotten his name on many a wanted poster with success in the family business: hunting supernaturals across the frontier. Lately, though, there's a sulfur stink in the wind and the Darkin population is exploding. A rift in the worlds is appearing. To close it, Colt will have to do the unthinkable and work with a demon to pass arcane boundaries no human alone can cross.

Except when he summons his demon, he doesn't get some horned monstrosity: he gets a curvy redheaded succubus named Lilly, who's willing to make a bargain to become human again. He also gets Lilly's secret expertise on the machinations on the dark side of the rift. And her charm and cleverness help to get them out of what his silver-loaded pistol and mechanical horse can't. Of course, when all hell breaks loose, he might have to sacrifice his soul. But what's adventure without a little risk?

Review:

First, let's start with the cover because let's be honest, most if us form our first impressions while browsing bookstore shelves or cruising around online. I liked this cover straight off, primarily for the steampunk elements that aroused my curiosity. Seriously, the metal gear horse is awesome enough and then you figure in the bracers, boots and that dangerous looking ray gun...I'm a total geek. And the sleazy part of me just thinks any dude sporting a thigh holster is way hot. I've never been the cowboy type but that might just change her real soon. Essentially, with The Hunter you know exactly what type of book you're getting. Then you see the author and it's cemented...this should be good, real good. I love that sort of excitement!

As expected, I thought the characters were interesting, complex and choc-ful of secrets. It was an added treat that we actually meet all three brothers, Colt, Winchester, and Remington, along with the three women that I'm guessing will snag their scrumptious little hearts, Lilly, Candy, and the Contessa. The interactions between brothers reminded me quite a lot of the Winchester brothers from Supernatural, and I found myself making a few Sam and Dean comparisons. Much of the demonology seemed familiar too, like sealing demon deals with a kiss, but I don't think this detracted from the story at all. For me, this was a typical first book in a series with loads of worldbuilding, character introductions, and explanations.

I enjoyed all the steampunk, especially the scenes with Marley. He's this eccentric inventor (highly paranoid) that is a cross between Q (Bond), Bobby (Supernatural) and Alfred (Batman). Besides that, who wouldn't love spectro-photometric oglifiers? I might need some of those. Let's not forget Miss Balmora, the almost perfect robot Marley is building for the British government. Too cool. Could use one around the house. The romance wasn't as dominant in the story as I would have liked, maybe not as steamy, but I am anticipating that will change with future books, less set up and more character development. Another aspect that I did like quite a bit was the setting, mainly because I was raised in Arizona so I easily recognized the Superstition mountains and all the accompanying legends surrounding that time. It always add an extra kick when you can pick out places in a book, like you know a secret that other readers might not get.

I'm anxious to get my hands on a copy of The Slayer, out in April. These brothers are an adventurous handful and watching them be tamed will be a thrill.

Author website:

http://www.theresameyers.com/index.php

Coming soon (April 2012):

The Slayer

2012-01-18T11:20:00.001-07:00

Review: Lord of the Abyss

2012-01-17T00:00:00.099-07:00

Book Description:

As the Dark Lord who condemns souls to damnation in the Abyss, Micah is nothing but a feared monster wrapped in impenetrable black armor. He has no idea he is the last heir of Elden, its last hope. Only one woman knows—the daughter of his enemy.

Liliana is nothing like her father, the Blood Sorcerer who’d cursed Micah. She sees past Micah’s armor to the prince inside. A prince whose sinful touch she craves. But first she has to brave his dark, dangerous lair and help him remember. Because they only have till midnight to save Elden.

Review:

The final book in The Royal House of Shadows was far and away my favorite of the series, and I'm sad to see the series end. How much fun did we all have reading these books, like a monthly installment plan, with each author creating a new spin on the classic fairy tale, embellishing the paranormal elements to create a new type of storytelling? I loved everything about this concept and hope that The Royal House of Shadows series was successful enough that maybe we will see this type of collaboration again. The consistency within the world was amazingly good throughout, with one highlight being the voice changes from book to book.

Lord of the Abyss was a Beauty meets the Beast retelling, with both characters sharing the roles of each because Micah wasn't entirely beastly and Liliana wasn't exactly your classic beauty. This role reversal worked very well for me and it was the one element that endeared me to the story in much the same way that the Disney version did. However, that is where I'd say the Disney comparisons should end. As with all of Nalini Singh's romantic couples, Micah and Lili are expertly written with plenty of passion and heat.

Spoiler-ish area:

My only complaint is that the ending of the book felt rushed and the Blood Sorcerer was defeated quite easily. One one hand, this doesn't matter a whole lot if your focus is the relationship between Micah and Lili, and if that is the case then you are plenty satisfied because of all the endings this one felt the most complete in regards to the happily ever after that we associate with fairy tales. However, if you focused more on the curse of Elden, defeating the Blood Sorcerer, and the relationships of all the siblings, then you might feel that the ending was fast and lacked closure. I would have liked to see everyone together, battling and defeating evil, powerful and complete because love conquers all. That might just be me.

Website info:
Royal House of Shadows
Gena Showlater
Jill Monroe
Jessica Andersen
Nalini Singh

Books in the series:
Lord of the Vampires
Lord of Rage
Lord of the Wolfyn
Lord of the Abyss

Reviewed by Anna Dougherty
This book was obtained from NetGalley for review purposes

Winner!

2012-01-15T10:33:00.000-07:00

Shelley B wins the copy of Emma Holly's MOVE ME!

Shelley, please send your snail mail address to vampchixmail@gmail.com

Congrats!

The Vampire Diaries S3 ~ Our Town~

2012-01-14T10:00:00.000-07:00

Damon is in the shower and Elena is training at Alaric’s. Alaric knows something is up with her but she denies anything is wrong.

Stefan comes to get Damon and they rush off to meet with Bonnie. Who is trying to open the coffin when she hears someone in the house. Damon and Stefan arrive at the right time and Damon rips out the hybrid’s heart.

Elena is decorating Caroline’s locker for her 18^th birthday. Bonnie gets there a little late, and Elena tells Bonnie about compelling Jeremy to leave town. Bonnie is not pleased.

Stefan tells Damon that it’s time to call his Klaus’s bluff.

Jeremy tells Bonnie that he can have a better life in Denver and she gets angry that those are the exact words that Elena said. She doesn’t like that his free will is being screwed with.

Caroline runs into Tyler and she says that she can’t talk to him that he almost got Jeremy killed. Tyler tells her that he can’t put her first… he wants to but he can’t. He says he’s sorry and gives her a charm bracelet.

Klaus tells Rebekah to have sweet dreams and has Wendi store Rebekah. Stefan shows up at Klaus’s house and demands that the hybrids leave town. Klaus says he had hoped he would free Stefan and they’d pick up where they left off. Stefan says to remove the hybrids from Mystic Falls or he will remove them himself. He then cuts off Wendi’s head.

Caroline is surprised by Bonnie, Matt and Elena wanting to celebrate her birthday and she doesn’t feel like celebrating. Because she’s dead.

Klaus tells Tyler that he has to bite Caroline and Tyler refuses and asks him what the hell is wrong with him.

Damon tells Alaric that he can’t predict who Stefan is going to kill.

Elena, Caroline, Bonnie, and Matt go to hang out in the cellar. Elena says that Caroline never got a proper funeral. Bonnie lights the candles on the cake and each person says something ‘sorta’ nice about Caroline.

Damon and Alaric show up at the Founder’s party. Alaric says let’s get a drink, write a check and get out. Dr. Fell says hello to Alaric and that she’s surprised he was out and about. He says he has nine lives and she tells him that’s handy in a town full of vampires. Alaric seems surprised that she knows but she’s part of a founding family. Klaus has told Carol Lockwood that he will protect and take care of Tyler if she will force Stefan to back off. She tells Damon that the council will take action if Stefan isn’t calmed down.

Bonnie and Elena get into an argument and Matt tells them they’re ruining a perfectly good funeral.

While Damon is off dealing with the council Alaric interferes with Brian Walters and Dr. Fell’s argument.

Stefan arrives at the Founder’s party and grabs a knife then stabs a hybrid intending to decapitate him. Damon catches him and says no dead hybrids at the founder’s party! Damon tells him to beat Klaus you have to be smart and Stefan returns that to beat a villain you have to be a better villain.

Tyler shows up where the ‘funeral’ is going on and says he didn’t mean to crash the party. He asks to speak to Caroline.

Matt tells Elena that he just wants them both to be happy. She says she had no right messing in Jeremy’s head. But she can’t lose anyone else she loves.

Tyler tells Caroline that he takes it back, that Klaus can’t control him. He tells her he loves her and they start to kiss. He kisses down her neck and ends up biting her. She screams at him to leave her alone.

Matt and Elena go looking for Tyler and Caroline. Stefan knocks Matt out and grabs Elena. Damon calls Elena’s phone and realizes that Stefan has Elena. He tells Klaus that Stefan has Elena and he knows his brother very well and even he doesn’t know what he’ll do or how far he’ll go.

Elena wants Stefan to let her go and he says that maybe he will just turn her into a vampire. He speeds to Wickery Bridge (the same bridge her parents died on). He calls Klaus and tells him that he’s going to turn Elena into a vampire and he won’t have a blood source for his hybrids anymore. Klaus tells him that he won’t do it. Stefan rips open his arm and forces Elena to drink his blood. Klaus hears her struggling and screaming. He tells Stefan that he’s won he’ll make them leave. Stefan stops the car and Elena jumps out furious. She tells him that her parents died on this bridge... How could he do this? He says that he lost her the moment he left town and that getting even with Klaus is the only thing he has. She asks him if he’s trying to make her hate him and he says he doesn’t care what she thinks.

Matt takes Caroline home to her mom and Klaus shows up at her door. He says that he can save Caroline and he just wants the support of the sheriff. She invites him and he goes to Caroline’s bedroom. Caroline opens her eyes and sees Klaus.

She asks him if he’s going to kill her. He says “On your birthday? Do you really think that low of me?” She answers yes. He moves the blanket to look at her bite. He says “That looks bad. My apologies, you were collateral damage, nothing personal. I love birthdays.” Caroline asks him “Aren’t you like a billions years old or something?” Klaus smirks as says that she should ‘celebrate that you’re no longer bound by the trivial human conventions.” She tells him she’s dying. He says that he could let her die if that’s what she wants. That is she believes that her existence has no meaning. He’s thought about it once or twice over the centuries. But there is a whole world out there for her filled with great cities, art and music and genuine beauty and she can have all of it. She can have a thousand more birthdays, all she has to do is ask.

She tells him that she doesn’t want to die and he pushes up his sleeve and gently pulls her into his arms. He offers her his wrist and says “There you go sweetheart, have at it.” She groans and bites into his wrist. He rests his chin on her head and tells her “Happy Birthday Caroline.”

Damon drops Elena off at her house. He asks her if she’s going to be okay and says that she will have to be. He tells her that Stefan pushed Klaus to the limit and he blinked. Stefan won that round. She tells him that Stefan’s method sucked! He touches her chin and asks her again if she’s okay… she tells him that he can’t kiss her again and that it’s not right. He says he knows but that it’s right… it’s just not right now. He smiles at her and tells her goodnight. She stands and watches him leave.

The next morning Elena is hugging Jeremy and she tells him to be safe and he tells her that she has to let him go eventually, Alaric is waiting. Bonnie rushes up the steps and tells him that he wanted to say goodbye. They hug and he leaves.

Caroline wakes up healed and sees a jewelry box on her stand. The note card says “From Klaus” She opens it and sees a beautiful diamond bracelet.

Matt meets Elena at Wickery Bridge. He jokes, “You aren’t going to jump are you?” She laughs and says no. But she was thinking about the girl that should have died on that bridge and that girl would be disappointed in her. That girl would have never been in love with vampires. Matt says that the girl he used to know was a great girlfriend, but the girl she is now is a great friend. He plucks some flowers and gives the “old” Elena a funeral.

Dr. Fell finds Alaric is day drinking and she’s glad she’s not the only one. She confides that she lost a patient and he tells her he just put a kid on a plane. He tells her it’s a long story.

Sheriff Forbes calls Damon and he shows up at a crime scene. She says that it’s Brian Walters the medical examiner and Dr. Fell’s old boyfriend. He was stabbed with a stake but he wasn’t a vampire. It was a murder.

*************

I have to say that I normally don't concentrate such effort on the dialogue between most characters in my blogs... but the discussion between Klaus and Caroline stunned me. This is the one time I've ever seen him show any emotion for anyone outside his family.

I am already dreading the end of the season where the gang will find a way to kill him and we can't see his more human side come out they way it did with Caroline. I think this is going to be a relationship that is going to develop a bit more and I really wish he didn't have to die.

What do you guys think about the budding relationship with Klaus and Caroline?

Do you think Damon will get more Elena time?

Who do you think is in the coffin that won't open. I have a really good idea who it is.......

The Secret Circle ~Fire and Ice~

2012-01-14T07:00:00.000-07:00

Spoiler Alert! This week had a TON of stuff going on... read on for a witchy good read... =)

Cassie and Diana discuss Jake and the possibility he won’t come back. Diana assures Cassie it’s for the best. The circle won’t be as strong but they are better off. They try to do a spell to change the color of a dress, but Cassie sets it on fire.

Adam’s dad tells him that he’s going to chaperone the dance and that he hasn’t had a drink in a couple of weeks. He’s sorry for hurting Diana and Adam.

Cassie voices her concerns that she can’t do a spell without it turning bad. Diana tells her that it was probably just a fluke.

Melissa, Diana, and Cassie decide to go to the dance together.

Adam and Cassie go check out the city records to see if there is anything about her dad. Adam distracts the secretary and Cassie uses the computer to look up her father. She gets an address of 7 Briar Hill. Adam freaks and tells Cassie he has to show her something.

Faye and Lee are up to no good. He tells her he can get her individual powers.

Adam takes Cassie to the abandoned house and shows her an address sign. It’s the same house her father owns. Adam tells her that he threw some of the older stuff in the basement. They decide to go check it out and Adam ends up asking Cassie to the Fire and Ice dance. She tells him that she can’t hurt Diana and she can’t think about it. He tells her that it’s all he thinks about.

Faye tells Melissa that Lee can help her get her powers and Faye tells her that it’s not a good idea.

Cassie still hanging out in the basement and hears something. She finds a sigil burned into the ceiling of the basement.

Diana and Melissa are reminiscing about being friends and hanging out. Cassie comes in and shows them a drawing that she made of the sigil. She tells them that she saw it in her book. She realizes that Faye stole a page from her mom’s book and is pissed. She calls Faye and demands she bring the page back.

Faye asks Lee about the spell and he tells her its old school and it will extract the dark magic. Cassie won’t be hurt. They go to the school dance and perform the ritual after stopping by Cassie’s house to steal her necklace. Faye notices a light on in Nick’s house next door.

Cassie asks Adam’s dad if her dad had anything to do with the fire and he says that she doesn’t need to know and that she is not defined by her parents.

Melissa and Diana discuss moving on and Diana goes to ask a boy to dance. Adam watches Diana dancing with the new guy and seems to be amused she’s moving on.

Adam asks Diana to tell Cassie that it’s okay to be friends with him and that she’s moving on.

Faye and Lee complete their spell and now she has Cassie’s powers and the circle is suffering. They each start to collapse and Cassie tells Faye she’s a selfish bitch. Faye makes Lee tell her how to undo the spell and she gives the powers back, but the damage is done. The school is on fire and the decorations are shattering. They realize Melissa isn’t with them and Cassie goes to get her. She uses her powers to part the fire so she can get Melissa. She is overcome by the smoke and collapses. The last thing she sees is a pair of boots before she passes out.

Cassie and Melissa wake up outside, not knowing how they got outside. The circle tells Faye that this is the second time she’s almost killed them all. She lashes out at Cassie and leaves.

Diana drives Melissa home and Melissa says that she’s Faye’s friend and that they were pretty harsh on her.

Faye goes to see Lee and she gets flirty with him. Telling him that she’s done with the circle.

Adam finds Cassie in the basement of the abandoned house. The joke around and end up kissing.

So what did you guys think?

*******************************

I'm still torn on the Adam/Cassie relationship... I was so happy that Jake is back. He looked kind of hurt that Cassie was in Adam's arms. Which hot guy are you wanting Cassie to choose?

Do you think Faye will ever settle down and stop doing things that almost kill the rest of the circle?

When will Melissa finally stick up for herself and stop following Faye around? Yeah they're friends but there is a point when you become a doormat.....

Please leave your comments and thoughts :)

Review: Night Reigns by Dianne Duvall

2012-01-13T00:00:00.001-07:00

Book description:

Ami isn't much for trusting strangers. She has a hard time trusting anyone. But she's no coward, and she's no pushover in the protection department either. So when she comes across a mysterious warrior taking on eight deranged vampires on his own, she doesn't hesitate to save his bacon. Of course, that was before she realized what one little rescue would get her into . . .

Marcus Grayden has been an immortal protector of humanity for eight hundred years, and at the moment he's not interested in backup. From the moment Ami arrives in his life, he can't deny that she's strong, smart, and extremely skilled at watching his back. But she's also destroying his protective solitude and stirring desires he can't bear to awaken. After all, whatever her secrets — how can she defeat death itself?

Review:

Right off, I really liked this book and found myself thinking about the world and characters long after I put the book down for the night. I found it refreshing that both characters were able to kickass and take names, forming a formidable partnership in the war with vampires, and that they formed a friendship before jumping in the sack. Ami is a severely damaged woman that harbors a dangerous secret, her trust issues are only the beginning of her problems. I won't give anything away, you know I hate spoilers, but I did feel that her vulnerabilities and reactions were believable and realistic. Marcus is a true warrior and he has spent his many years fighting mostly alone, with no help from a Second. It's written like he was about to head off the deep end into total recluse mode, living only to fight. Both Marcus and Ami have depth and emotions that are easy to feel. Marcus was what I call a comfortable guy, easily at home in the kitchen or helping around the house but fierce and strong in a fight. He is also compassionate and isn't too afraid of his emotions. This relationship developed with equal shares of trust and respect, with a healthy dose of lust thrown in.

One thing that I feel should be pointed out, I did find some of the world/lore behind the characters to be reminiscent of the Dark Hunter world created by Sherrilyn Kenyon. For example, the Dark Hunters have Hunters/Squires and Immortal Guardians have Immortals/Seconds. DH fight daimons and IG fight vampires, and both worlds have it so the baddies are just a twisted version of the good guys. Ash leads the DH and Seth leads the IG, both guys having many secrets and unseen abilities. These similarities are more like flattery and less like copying, but it was something that I noticed straight away.

I'd love a chance to go back and read book one, Darkness Dawns, just so I can see how the relationship played out between Roland and Sarah. Despite being part of a series I had no problem at all following the events of Night Reigns, and I really just want to read the first book because I enjoy Dianne Duvall's writing. I was also pleased that there would definitely be a book 3 because the secondary characters are plentiful, but bummed that the wait would be so long, all the way until October.

Other books in the series:
Darkness Dawns
Night Reigns
Phantom Shadows (coming soon)

Author website:
http://www.dianneduvall.com/index.html

Reviewed by Anna Dougherty
This book was sent via publisher for review purposes

Required reading?

2012-01-11T00:40:00.001-07:00

I stole a few moments on the computer to browse through my Google reader to see what's happening around the book world and came across a post at The Book Lady's Blog about the fantastical idea of required reading on a global scale. Interesting premise and worthy of discussion, at least I think so, because the goal would be to change the world, and not in a Mojojojo evil mastermind kind of way.

So it made me think, so scary when I am sleep deprived, about what single paranormal title would I deem required reading. Not to change the world or anything, but maybe to entice a reader to the genre. Would I choose Urban Fantasy? Horror? Or Romance? How would I ever be able to choose just one? I was going to narrow my initial search just to books I read in the last year, since it's well after midnight and I really do need to sleep someday, but I can't. Maybe because the books are too fresh in my mind or because last year really had some amazing titles (The President's Vampire, Kill the Dead, Hard Spell, Den of Thieves, Dead Mann Walking, Snuff~just to name a few).

So I changed my tactics to a book that has sentimental value for me and immediately came up with an answer...

Hotel Transylvania by Chelsea Quinn Yarbro!! This was the book that started it all for me. My mother gave me a copy almost 25 years ago and I can still read it on that same emotional level to this day, and I do quite often. Yarbro's novels offer so much more than a romance because each book provides a detailed history of times gone past, so vivid that you become part of it. Saint Germain struggles to find his place in the world, much like we do in our own time. The books touch you on an intellectual level as well as on the romantic level, and I will always have a special place in my heart for the relationship between Madelaine and Le Comte Saint Germain. I love the entire series!

So tell me, what would your one paranormal book be? Leave a comment and you might just win a new book for your trouble. I've been cleaning the office area and the book box is plenty full.

My lost review for Hard Spell by Justin Gustainis

2012-01-10T00:00:00.003-07:00

My original review for Hard Spell was supposed to be posted back when Justin Gustainis did a guest post in August. I'm not sure what happened, only that somehow Blogger ate the post and I never checked on the status. As I was trying (mostly in vain) to clear my computer area and organize the enormous backlog of books, I came across a note reminding me to put my review up at Goodreads. Only when I checked, no review was found. So, my apologies to the author for messing that up because I'm not always a airhead and because I truly enjoyed the book. The review will be posted at VampChix and at Goodreads...and I've double checked this time!

Book description:

Meet Stan Markowski of the Scranton PD’s Occult Crimes Unit

“Like the rest of America, Scranton’s got an uneasy ‘live and let unlive’ relationship with the supernatural. But when a vamp puts the bite on an unwilling victim, or some witch casts the wrong kind of spell, that’s when they call me.

“My name’s Markowski. I carry a badge.

“Also, a crucifix, some wooden stakes, a big vial of holy water, and a 9mm Beretta loaded with silver bullets.”

Review:

Stan isn't the nicest guy. He doesn't always say or do the nicest things. So why do I like him so much? Over the course of Hard Spell he goes from being a sarcastic jerk cop to being a father that has been forced to make very difficult decisions, and struggles every single day with the outcome. Stan is a hard nosed detective that investigates crimes involving vampires and other supernatural beings. He's very good at his job and has made more than a few enemies. Stan also has a reputation for speaking his mind and taking on the bad guys head on. His sarcasm, attitude, and foul mouth are hysterical, and actually make him a more likeable guy. Yes, Stan could use a course, or twenty, on manners...remember that attitude I mentioned? Not everyone he meets likes it. But I have to say, I am rather fond of Stan.

It's not just the characters that make Hard Spell a stand out novel either. The criminal element was well planned and developed, horrific without being too over-the-top. I thought the depiction of a world full of monsters was believable as well. Sort of CSI (the Las Vegas version) meets True Blood (minus the sex). I'd love to read more. Truthfully, Hard Spell was part of my Top 10 for 2011 and I highly recommend the book to anyone wanting a taste of a different type of vampire/monster novel. Justin Gustainis was one of the few authors last year that made me want to read about non-romantic vampires, like Jon Merz and his Lawson stories.

Hard Spell is the first Occult Crimes Unit Investigation. The sequel, Evil Dark, is coming April 2012. Hooray!!

THE ROOK by Daniel O'Malley

2012-01-09T10:01:00.002-07:00

MTV Shows

MOVE ME by Emma Holly — Contest!

2012-01-08T15:49:00.003-07:00

Bite Club has a treat for you today! Emma Holly's latest, MOVE ME, features a sexy fairy masquerading as a handy-man in the mortal realm in order to earn his freedom from those who torment him. But the real sensual torments come in the form of mortal, Belle and her dreams and desires. An extremely sizzling read that you'll want to check out if you like fairies, snug little cottages in the woods, and hot, no-holds-barred sex!

This book is part of the Hidden series. To read an excerpt, go here.

We have a paperback copy signed by Emma Holly to give away to one lucky reader! Tell us your favorite TV or movie character who is a fairy? Winner announced at the end of the week!

The Vampire Diaries S3 ~ The New Deal~

2012-01-07T10:00:00.000-07:00

***The mid-season premier caused fan girls to scream all over the world....If you haven't seen the episode... watch out for spoilers... ***

Bonnie has a dream about the Stefan, the caskets, and the old witch’s house.

Elena is out jogging and gets scared by a guy in hoodie running behind her

Elena tells Bonnie that Stefan betrayed them and he’s gone. Bonnie asks about Damon and Elena says that Damon is being Damon.

Alaric is at the grille looking for Jeremy and Damon is day drinking. They find out that Jeremy was fired a month ago.

Jeremy has developed a bromance with Tyler and is ‘hanging out and shooting stuff.’ He tells Tyler that Alaric feels responsible for them and he doesn’t mind. Tyler tells Jeremy it’s pretty cool being a hybrid and to shoot at him with the crossbow. Jeremy does and Tyler catches the arrow. He tells Jeremy the only way to kill him is to decapitate him.

Damon and Elena are discussing Jeremy when Klaus turns up at the grille. He’s with the same guy that was running behind Elena. Klaus tells them that he might fancy having a home in Mystic Falls and that he’s looking for Stefan. Elena tells him that Stefan is his problem not theirs anymore. Klaus tells them that Stefan stole from him and he wants him found.

Bonnie takes a trip to the old witch’s house and finds Stefan. He tells Bonnie that the witches hate Klaus as much as he does and he needs her help to hide the coffins. She says she doesn’t have enough power and Stefan tells her the witches will help her. They magically hide the coffins.

Alaric and Elena stage and intervention for Jeremy and he tells them Tyler is waiting on him, he can’t stay for dinner. Elena and Alaric don’t like him hanging out with Tyler, so Jeremy invites Tyler into the house.

Klaus goes to talk to Damon asks him if he wants to discuss his epic failure of a plan. Klaus tells Damon that Stefan stole his family, and Damon tells him that he doesn’t work for him. Klaus says that they only respond well to violence and a demonstration is in order. He makes a phone call.

Elena confronts Tyler about the differences between compulsion and being sired. Tyler tries to explain, but gets frustrated and leaves. Alaric and Elena try to tell Jeremy that Tyler is bad news, but they turn around to find that Jeremy has taken off his ring and has left the house.

They find Jeremy outside and standing in front of a car. Alaric pushes him out of the way, but gets hit in the process. Elena and Jeremy carry Alaric inside after making sure he was wearing his ring. Jeremy realizes that Tyler got him to stop drinking vervain and took his bracelet.

Damon and Elena go to the old witch’s house after Bonnie tells Elena where Stefan is. Elena tells Stefan that Klaus tried to kill Jeremy and he’s going to try to kill every one she loves until he gives the coffins back. He says that he doesn’t care and it’s her problem. She slaps him and leaves. Damon tells her to go handle her brother and he’ll handle his.

Damon confronts Stefan and after a tussle in which Damon stabs Stefan with a stick, Damon learns that Stefan stopped him from killing Klaus because his hybrids would have killed Damon. Damon tells him to stop saving him. They agree to work together to stop Klaus but Elena can’t be a part of it.

Jeremy confronts Tyler with a crossbow and he tells Jeremy that he didn’t think that Klaus would try to kill him. Then he tells him that he should get home before dark and that Klaus won’t stop until he gets those coffins.

Elena gets home to find Alaric back in the land of the living, but something is wrong. He’s coughing up blood and Elena calls an ambulance. The EMTS come to take him to the hospital, but Klaus’s hybrid compels them to go away. He tells Elena to let him in.

Jeremy shoots the hybrid in the back and calmly walks into the kitchen telling Elena he’s not dead. He gets a meat cleaver and lobs off the hybrids head. Jeremy proclaims ‘Now he’s dead.’ He helps to take Alaric to the hospital.

At the hospital Alaric is already recovering and Dr. Meredith Fell is fascinated with his recovery. She tells him he either has a guardian angel or he’s sold his soul to the devil. He agrees that it’s a little of both. You can tell she’s intrigued.

Elena has told Klaus to meet her at the Salvatore house. She trades Rebekah for her brother’s safety. She tells him that Stefan is his problem but he tells her that she has plenty of loved ones… Bonnie, Caroline…. Damon. She warns him that Stefan isn’t the only one that will want him dead. She told him that Rebekah knows what he did to their mother.

Alaric asks Jeremy if he’s okay and he says that he shot a hybrid in the back and then cleaved off his head… it sucks… but he’s got to get used to it.

Damon gets rid of the headless hybrid and assures her that it will be okay. She tells him that she traded Rebekah for Jeremy and that no she doesn’t trust Klaus or Stefan. He assures her that they will fix it and everything will be okay.

Klaus sadly re-stakes Rebekah because he knows she will come after him because of their mother.

Elena, Alaric, and Damon go to speak to Jeremy. Damon tells him that they’re going to have another one of their chats. Damon compels Jeremy that he is going to leave Mystic Falls and go stay with family in Denver. He’s going to go to a new school, meet girls, and live a safe life. He won’t think twice about Mystic Falls.

Bonnie and Stefan are discussing the coffins and she tells him about the dream and that one coffin that she saw Klaus in while clutching his mother’s necklace. It won’t open and it is sealed with a spell. She is going to try to get it open.

Outside Elena tells Damon she can’t stop thinking about the last time she had him compel Jeremy. He tells her that she’s lucky to have her as a sister and she tanks him for everything that he’s done. He confides in her why Stefan betrayed them. She wants to know what it means and he says that he’s an idiot. He thought that he could finally stop feeling guilty for wanting what he wants. His brother’s girl. He starts to leave and then says that if he’s going to feel guilty, then he’ll feel guilty for this… and he KISSES HER. She kisses his back and his whispers ‘goodnight’ and then leaves Elena stunned on the porch. (Insert the fangirl scream heard round the world.)

*******

I am so happy Damon finally got a real kiss from Elena. I have to admit I do hope that Elena chooses Damon over Stefan, but I don't think it'll last...

What do you guys think? Do you think Damon and Elena will be happy or will Klaus and Stefan put a stop to it?