Bitten by Books

Alana Piovanetti is the intriguing protagonist of Mayra Calvani’s Embraced by the Shadows. Alana is not your typical 22 year old. Just having graduated college in Boston, she has returned to Puerto Rico and has somehow managed to land a job managing La Cueva del Vampiro, the newest and hottest nightclub in San Juan. She has no experience in restaurant management, but in many ways the job seems perfect for her since throughout her life she has been drawn to the paranormal, the occult, and darkness. Read More »

Darkness Unknown is the fifth book in the Paladins of Darkness series. This is the story of Jarvis Donahue, the leader of the St. Louis Paladins, and Gwen Mosley. We’ve previously met Jarvis in the second book of the series, Dark Defender.

Gwen Mosley finds a deeply-wounded Jarvis in the woods near her farm. Jarvis had been ambushed by Others and left for dead. She notices that his wounds are healing quickly - something that she has seen happen repeatedly with her brother, Chase. She brings Jarvis back to her farm house to take care of his wounds. Gwen is hopeful that Jarvis can answer some questions about her brother. When Jarvis awakens and sees Chase, he knows that Chase is also a Paladin. Jarvis is undeniably attracted to Gwen, but the revelation about her brother complicates any relationship that he could have with her. Jarvis must introduce Chase to the world of the Paladins. Thus starts the story of discovery for Jarvis, Chase, and Gwen as their lives intersect.

I absolutely enjoyed this story. The characters are beautifully drawn. Jarvis is a marvelous alpha male. Gwen is strong, determined, and every bit as fiery as her red hair. The Paladin battle with the Others does not overwhelm the story, but serves as a backdrop to the events that take place. This, like all of the Paladin novels, is a sizzling story. I give Darkness Unknown 5 Tombstones.

Book Excerpt:“Dust motes and humidity combined to make the air too heavy to breathe. Jarvis Donahue leaned against a convenient tree and rested his weary body for a few seconds. Sweat stung his eyes, making it impossible to see clearly. When he used the hem of his T-shirt to wipe off his face, the shirt came away stained with dirt, sweat, and old blood. Some of it was his, some of it not.

This exercise in futility wasn’t getting him anywhere but farther away from his bed. One more Other to track down and kill before he could think about some serious sack time. He was in no condition to fight, but there hadn’t been anyone else left to send. Cocking his head to the side, he reached out with his senses on full alert, listening for the presence of his enemy.

Pushing away from the tree, he picked up his sword. At least he was still upright and functioning. That was more than he could say about Jake and several more of his fellow Paladins. The Handlers were scrambling to piece wounded Paladins back together and shoving the walking wounded back out the door as fast as they could. The dead were the only ones given a chance to rest, but even they would be sent right back into the fight as soon as they had a regular pulse.

For the past two weeks, the barrier had been down more than it was up, resulting in anyone strong enough to hold a sword being ordered to hold the line against the invasion. If those bastard Regents didn’t bring in some replacements pretty damn quick, the whole state would be overrun with murderous Others on a killing spree…”

Book Stats:

• Mass Market Paperback: 384 pages
• Publisher: Pocket Star (January 27, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1416563431
• ISBN-13: 978-1416563433

To purchase a print copy of Darkness Unknown click here.

Books in the Paladins of Darkness series in the order they should be read:
Dark Protector
Dark Defender
In Darkness Reborn
Redeemed in Darkness
Darkness Unknown

To visit the author’s website go here.
To visit the author’s blog go here.

Redeemed in Darkness is the fourth book in the Paladins of Darkness series. This is the story Cullen Finley, a Seattle Paladin, and Lusahn q’Arc, an Other. Lusahn is the sister of Barak, an Other, who now lives among the Seattle Paladins.

Barak was supposed to speak with his sister about investigating the blue stones that Others are bringing from their world to Earth. However, at the appointed rendezvous time, Barak is unable to meet her. Cullen waits to toss a note to Lusahn, but instead steps across to her world when the barrier is down, becoming trapped there. Cullen had an encounter with Lusahn previously where they briefly fought, for Lusahn is also a warrior. Since that encounter, Cullen could not get Lusahn out of his mind, and Lusahn has dreamed often of him. By stepping across the barrier, Cullen has placed himself and Lusahn in danger.

I really enjoyed this book. Ms. Morgan is deft a storyteller. She has woven the story of Cullen and Lusahn around the mystery of the blue stones as she takes us to the fascinating world of the Others. Learning more about the Others, their world and society enhances this story. Cullen is terrifically drawn. Luashn is a very strong female who must come to grips with both her attraction to a human and unexpected betrayals. I give Redeemed in Darkness 5 Tombstones.

Book Excerpt:

Chapter 1 Redeemed in Darkness
“The barrier shimmered and stretched thin, the beautiful cascade of color giving way to streaks of sickly light. To a lesser degree, Lusahn shared her older brother’s ability to read the barrier’s moods and knew it would fail soon. In fact, very soon.

She drew her sword. Its familiar weight kept her grounded against the flood of emotions threatening to shatter her control: anger, grief, and a sense of betrayal that ran so deep her blood boiled with it.

Barak was alive. Not only alive, but living and thriving among the enemy. He stood convicted of treason, the evidence a note written by his own hand and tossed across from the enemy world into hers. By the laws of her people, he was already condemned, only awaiting the swing of a sword to carry out the execution. Her brother, her sword, her duty.

She closed her eyes and imagined the smooth stroke of her blade biting into Barak’s neck, the slight resistance of the skin and muscle and bone giving way before the razor sharp metal. If she was lucky, or perhaps if Barak was, it would require but a single blow to take his head.
And then what?

The q’Arc clan numbered but two now. If she were to end her brother’s life, she alone would carry on the burden of their family name and honor. The idea made her sick. She had already grieved over him when he’d sought out the light of the other world, even knowing that it meant certain death at the hands of the Earth’s warrior clan.”

Book Stats:

• Mass Market Paperback: 368 pages
• Publisher: Pocket Star (November 27, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1416547134
• ISBN-13: 978-1416547136

To purchase a print copy of Redeemed in Darkness click here.
To purchase a Kindle copy of Redeemed in Darkness click here.

Books in the Paladins of Darkness series in the order they should be read:
Dark Protector
Dark Defender
In Darkness Reborn
Redeemed in Darkness
Darkness Unknown

To visit the author’s website go here.
To visit the author’s blog go here.

In Darkness Reborn is the story of Barak, an Other, who we met in book one of the series when he saved Dr. Laurel Young’s life. Dr. Young has done her best to keep Barak safe with the backing of the leader of the Seattle Paladins, Devlin Bane. However, Devlin speaks with Barak and they agree that he should transfer from Dr. Young’s lab to a different part of the Seattle organization. Barak is assigned to work with Lacey Sebastion, a geologist, who studies the barrier between Earth and the world of the Others. Lacey’s brother, Penn, is also a Paladin. He dislikes Barak intensely.

Barak is isolated in the Paladin world and despised because he is an Other. Lacey Sebastion is not thrilled the Barak is working with her. She is no fan of the Others, especially since her brother fights them. She is further dismayed by her attraction to him. Barak has no reason to expect a human woman to care for him but is undeniably attracted to Lacey. However, Barak is keeping a secret from the Paladins that could ruin his chance for happiness.

This is a terrific story. Barak is wonderfully developed. Lacey is a smart and strong woman. These are characters that you care about and hope will triumph over their differences. We learn more and more of the world of the Others in this story as Ms. Morgan artfully deepens our knowledge. This is a book that I will read again. I give In Darkness Reborn 5 Tombstones.

Book Excerpt:
“Barak’s breathing was as ragged. “Lacey, we can’t, not here.” He was right, but that didn’t make it easy to hear. He rested his forehead against hers as he lifted her hands up to sprinkle a few light kisses across her knuckles. At least he was banking the fire, not trying to extinguish it altogether.

“I want you, Lacey. I spend far too many hours thinking about how it would be to hold you naked in my arms as I pleasure you every way I can think of. The thought of taking you makes me ache.” His light eyes held hers prisoner.

The image had her demanding his kiss again. When she tugged him closer, he came willingly.
But then, he said, “But before we go any farther down this path, you have to make sure this is what you really want. I won’t take a lover who is embarrassed to be seen with me in public or who only takes me to her bed when she’s sure that no one will know.”

His words cut through to her heart, hurting her even though his intention was to protect them both. He was right. Kissing him in a fit of temper or even to offer comfort was one thing. Letting everyone in the organization-not to mention her brother-know that she’d invited their enemy into her bed would be a disaster.

He must have read her answer in her eyes because he stepped away, giving her one more measuring look as he left the lab, letting the door swing shut behind him. She’d done the right thing; she knew that for a fact. But then why did it hurt so much?”

Book Stats:

• Mass Market Paperback: 384 pages
• Publisher: Pocket Star (June 26, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1416546588
• ISBN-13: 978-1416546580

To purchase a print copy of In Darkness Reborn click here.
To purchase a Kindle of In Darkness Reborn click here.

Books in the Paladins of Darkness series in the order they should be read:
Dark Protector
Dark Defender
In Darkness Reborn
Redeemed in Darkness
Darkness Unknown

To visit the author’s website go here.
To visit the author’s blog go here.

Alexis Morgan continues her tales of the Paladins in Dark Defender, the second book in the series. Dark Defender is the story of Brenna Nichols, an historian, and Blake Trahern, a Seattle Paladin whom we met in the first book of the series, Dark Protector.

Blake Trahern was taken in by Brenna’s father, Judge Nichols, when Blake was a troubled teen. Brenna, who is several years younger than Blake, had a tremendous crush on him, but had no idea what had happened to him after disappeared from the Nichols’ household after graduating from high school. Brenna knows nothing of the Paladins or that Blake had become one of the secret warriors that defend Earth from the Others. When Brenna’s father is murdered, Blake returns to St. Louis to help in the investigation and protect Brenna.

This is a very enjoyable read. Brenna must come to grips with the return of Blake Trahern and revelations about her father, Judge Nichols, and the Paladins. At the same time, Blake is trying to solve the mystery surrounding Judge Nichol’s murder, protect Brenna, and deal with his attraction to her. In addition, the plot deepens concerning the blue stones carried by the Others as they try to cross the barrier between worlds and also who is helping them on the Earth side of the barrier.

Book Excerpt: “Murmurs and whispers danced just out of reach. Brenna remained alone in the darkness, content for the moment to stay where she was. The fury and fire of pain waited for her each time she mustered the strength to open her eyes. No, it was far better to huddle down in the black chill than to let the monsters in. The hushed voices could chat among themselves. She had no need for them.

But at some point she realized that a new voice had entered the discussion, a masculine one that wouldn’t be ignored. A woman answered his demands, sounding a bit defensive and not a little afraid as she pushed the button that summoned help.

A few seconds later, footsteps approached, another man by the heavy sound of them. He immediately started to speak, trying without success to placate the newcomer. She wished she knew why the stranger made the others nervous, but not her. On the contrary, the deep resonance of his voice comforted her on some level, making her wish that she dared open her eyes to see why that was.

Maybe if she concentrated, she could make out what they were saying. But no, shock waves of agony immediately sent her diving back down into the darkness. For now, it was enough to know he was there, watching over her. She floated under the edge of pain, content to listen for him to speak again. Trahern inched closer, pausing with each step to make sure that she was still asleep. She didn’t need to know that he’d finally come, too late to do more than bury her father and say he was sorry for . . . for so damn much. His presence would only serve to upset her, and she had enough on her plate right now without him adding to the mess.”

Book Stats:

• Mass Market Paperback: 368 pages
• Publisher: Pocket Star (November 28, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1416520376
• ISBN-13: 978-1416520375

To purchase a print copy of Dark Defender click here.
To purchase a Kindle copy of Dark Defender click here.

Books in the Paladins of Darkness series in the order they should be read:
Dark Protector
Dark Defender
In Darkness Reborn
Redeemed in Darkness
Darkness Unknown

To visit the author’s website go here.
To visit the author’s blog go here.

Dark Protector is the first book in the Paladins of Darkness series. This is the story of Devlin Bane, a Paladin, and Dr. Laurel Young, his Handler. For centuries the Paladins have been fighting a war to protect the world from the Others. Paladins have a unique physiology that allows them to suffer mortal wounds and then revive time after time. They are born to the task of defending the world. Unfortunately, Paladins over time become more and more like the Others that they battle against. They can only be revived so many times before they turn. Each Paladin has his own point of no return.

Devlin Bane is the leader of the Paladins in Seattle Washington. During the story we get to know more about what the Paladins do and meet many of the Paladins that Devlin Bane leads. We also learn that someone wants to kill Devlin Bane.

Laurel Young is a medical doctor who is the Handler for a number of the Paladins. When they are mortally wounded, she guides them back to life and takes care of them through their recovery. If a Paladin can’t recover and becomes like an Other, Dr. Young must end his life.

A hallmark of being a Paladin and a Handler is emotional detachment. Dr. Young, however, seems to really care about all of the Paladins in her care, especially Devlin Bane.

While we learn the basics about the war being fought against the Others and about the Paladins, this is first a terrific romance. I really enjoyed how Devlin Bane and Dr. Young deal with the taboos concerning the involvement of Paladins and their Handlers. I rooted for them all the way! In addition, I liked meeting some of the other Paladins (who will later have their own books). The mystery surrounding Devlin Bane is well set up and interesting. This is a terrific start to the Paladins of Darkness series.

From the Back Cover: “Devlin Bane: Born a Paladin, his is a member of an a ancient band of warriors locked in a centuries-old war against evil.

His destiny: To die over and over again to protect mankind from the Others, only to be revived each time by his mortal Handler.

But his fierce strength and courage cannot save him from gradually becoming one of the monsters he was born to destroy.

Dr. Laurel Young, who has spent years training to become a Handler, must remain detached from her patients. But each time she revives the darkly compelling Devlin Bane, he claims a little more of her soul and incites in her desires that grow wilder and wilder—even as he inches closer to losing his humanity. As the war against the Others grows more desperate, Laurel and Devlin can’t help but give in to the fierce hunger that’s sizzled between them for so long. Now they’ll face the ultimate battle together—to save a dark, passionate love that goes against every rule as they join forces t fight an enemy who is closer than they ever imagined . . .”

Book Stats:

• Mass Market Paperback: 352 pages
• Publisher: Pocket (June 27, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1416520368
• ISBN-13: 978-1416520368

To purchase a print copy of Dark Protector click here.
To purchase a Kindle copy of Dark Protector click here.

Books in the Paladins of Darkness series in the order they should be read:
Dark Protector
Dark Defender
In Darkness Reborn
Redeemed in Darkness
Darkness Unknown

To visit the author’s website go here.
To visit the author’s blog go here.

KT Pinto delivers another terrific story in Vanity, the second novel in The Books of Insanity series. Vanity is introduced to the reader in the first book of the series, as are many of the major characters in this book. At the beginning Book two Celeste, Vanity, Marco, and Talia are attempting to escape some Read More »

Celeste is the first volume in the Books of Insanity series by KT Pinto. Celeste DeCumpania is the illegitimate daughter of Julius Caesar or so it is believed. She was born and raised in a Roman army camp that followed her father through Italy. She Read More »

Eternal Lover features is an anthology that is comprised of two contemporary paranormal short stories, “A Hell of a Time” by Jackie Kessler and “City of Demons” by Richelle Mead, and two historical paranormal short stories, “The Yearning” by Hannah Howell and “Bitten” by Lynsay Sands.

“The Yearning” by Hannah Howelll

The time is 1435 A.D. Lady Sophie Hays seeks to end the curse that has plagued the women of her family for 435 years. Her ancestor Rona, spurned by her MacCordy love, cursed his descendants. But the curse also affected the woman of Rona’s line. Lady Sophie travels to the ancestral home of the MacCordy, Nochdaidh, hoping that she can find a way to undo Rona’s curse. At Nochdaidh, she meets Alpin MacCordy who is feeling the affects of the curse just like so many in his line before him. This is a fine story. Sophie is a terrific character who had me laughing throughout.

“A Hell of a Time” by Jackie Kessler

The supernatural just can’t seem to leave Jesse Harris alone. After a harrowing run in with a demon at a donut shop, Jesse (former succubus Jezebel) and her boyfriend Paul Hamilton leave New York City for a spur of the moment romantic and secluded weekend in the Catskills. Turns out the vegetation is none too pleased that Jesse is there. Jesse still has trouble confiding in Paul and things go from weird to worse. This was a terrific story with Jesse still learning how to be a human and to trust Paul.

“City of Demons” by Richelle Mead

Georgina Kincaid, working succubus, and her human author boyfriend, Seth Mortensen, are enjoying a weekend away, when Georgina’s boss, Jerome, interrupts. Jerome orders Georgina to take his place as a juror at a demon tribunal in Los Angeles. Georgina has no choice. Seth accompanies her. Georgina seems to be the only juror interested in the tribunal and seeing that the right demon is punished. On top of that she’s worried about her relationship with Seth as he seems to be becoming very friendly with a waitress at a local diner while she is on jury duty. The two threads of this story, the tribunal and the relationship, are well done.

“Bitten” by Lynsay Sands

Keeran MacKay and his father seek to avenge the death by vampire of his mother and sister. Unfortunately things do not go as planned and Keeran is turned. Two hundred years later, Keeran rescues a young lady, Emily Wentworth Collins, who was on a ship that had run into a reef during a terrible storm. He brings Emily back to his rundown castle with the intention that arrangements be made as soon as possible to send her back to her people. Emily is not interested in leaving right away for personal reasons that have nothing to do with Keeran. She sets about cleaning the castle and bringing light and life to Keeran’s very dreary home. I enjoyed reading this story. Emily is an engaging character and just the right foil for Keeran’s broodiness.

Eternal Lover is a very good anthology and a nice mix of historical and contemporary paranormal stories. I give it 4 Tombstones.

Note: “The Yearning” by Hannah Howell and “Bitten” by Lynsay Sands were previously published in the anthology His Immortal Embrace.

Book Stats:

• Paperback: 352 pages
• Publisher: Kensington (April 1, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0758225113
• ISBN-13: 978-0758225115

To purchase a print copy of Eternal Lover click here.
To purchase a Kindle copy of Eternal Lover click here.

To visit the contributing author’s websites go here:

Hannah Howell
Lynsay Sands
Jackie Kessler
Richelle Mead

Hotter Than Hell is the third book in the Hell on Earth series by Jackie Kessler. This is the story of Daunuan, an Incubus, who is one of the recurring and important characters in the first two books in the series. Daun is a high level Incubus who really loves his work. Pan, the King of Lust, wants Daun to be his second in command and become the Prince of Lust, but first Daun must pass a little test. He must seduce a soul meant for Heaven into an act of lust big enough to condemn the soul to Hell. And it’s not going to be as easy as Daun thinks it should be. On top of that it seems that demons belonging to other Sins (Envy, Covet, etc.) and sent by an unknown adversary are out to kill him.

Ms. Kessler once again shows her skill as a first rate and intelligent author. Daun is an incredibly interesting character. He’s evil, full of himself, and sarcastic. This is a journey of self-discovery for Daun as he deals with unacknowledged feelings for Jesse/Jezebel, fends off unexpected and unexplained attacks by other demons, and figures out how to deal with what he is feeling for the woman he is supposed to damn. And while Ms. Kessler points out in an Author’s Note that this is more of a dark paranormal than a romance (no HEA), I found Daun’s story very moving. In addition to the present day story of the seduction of Virginia, there are some wonderful scenes in this novel that show bits of Daun’s past. As I’ve come to expect the characters are well developed and the story moves at a fast pace. This is a sinfully terrific read. I give 5 Tombstones to Hotter Than Hell.

Book Excerpt:

CHAPTER 1
COITUS INTERRUPTUS
“Anyone in my position would’ve thought the buzzing in my head was anticipation. Five minutes to go, then the client would be eating from my hand. Literally. I had the grapes ready and waiting in the ice bucket, chilling. She liked it when I let the cluster dangle over her lips—she’d poke her tongue out, sinewy and slick against the ripe fruit, darting pink flesh over purple. Sweetness on sweetness, both begging to be sucked. Plucked. My blood pounded through me, boom boom, boom boom, sending happy signals to my brain and my balls, getting my body primed. T-minus five minutes, and counting. Small talk until then—light touches here, knowing smiles there, lying about her job and mine. Thinking about sex. Killing time.
So it sort of wasn’t my fault that I didn’t sense the demon approaching.”

Book Stats:

• Paperback: 304 pages
• Publisher: Kensington (July 29, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0821781049
• ISBN-13: 978-0821781043

To purchase a print copy of Hotter Than Hell click here.

Books in the Hell on Earth series in the order they should be read:
Hell’s Belles
The Road to Hell
Hotter Than Hell

To visit the author’s website go here.
To visit the author’s blog go here.

The Road to Hell is the second novel in the Hell on Earth Series by Jackie Kessler. The Road to Hell is the continuing story of former 5th Level succubus, Jezebel/Jesse. Jesse is human and now has a soul. She’s happily living in New York City with her gorgeous cop boyfriend, Paul Hamilton. She’s still an exotic dancer, now at Spice instead of Belles. Paul is not too thrilled with her chosen profession. On top of which, Paul and Jesse have trust issues. Jesse does not want to tell him that she was a soul-sucking succubus. Alecto, one of the Furies has popped in to ask her to willingly come back to Hell. Daunuan also pops in to put the moves on Jesse and entice her back to Hell. But when Hell goes after Paul, Jesse does what she feels she must do and all Hell breaks lose.

The events in The Road to Hell take place 1 month after the first book in the series (Hell’s Belles). Once again Ms. Kessler delivers the demonic goods. In Road to Hell Jesse faces huge challenges as she continues to learn to be human, to love, and to trust. And fortunately for us, Jesse remains funny, sexy, sassy, and determined. Again we are treated to vivid descriptions of Hell, which is rapidly changing under new management. This is another wonderful story with well shaped characters and terrific pacing. It’s a can’t-put-down read, and I give it 5 Tombstones.

Book Excerpt:
PROLOGUE: ON THE PRECIPICE
“Whoever said you see your life flash before you when you die was full of crap. You don’t see your entire life. Just the most important parts.
Or, in my case, just the most recent parts.
As I die now, feeling strong arms holding me tight, hearing a voice whisper that it’s okay, my mind plays back the events that set me on the road to Hell, good intentions and all. Faces flash behind my closed eyes, almost too fast to follow reptilian fury, the angel crying fat, salty tears. My love, my White Knight, a name on his lips that isn’t mine.
Nice to know there’s a “rewind” button that comes with life. If only there were an “erase” button for the really sucky parts…
Darkness pulls me down, my heart slows, stops…and once again, I’m in Spice.”

Book Stats:

• Paperback: 304 pages
• Publisher: Zebra (November 1, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0821781030
• ISBN-13: 978-0821781036

To purchase a print copy of The Road to Hell click here.

Books in the Hell on Earth series in the order they should be read:
Hell’s Belles
The Road to Hell
Hotter Than Hell

To visit the author’s website go here.
To visit the author’s blog go here.

Hell’s Belles by Jackie Kessler is a stunning debut novel and the first in the Hell on Earth series. In Hell’s Belles we meet Jezebel – a succubus on the run from Hell. In order to escape the bounty on her head, Jezebel becomes ‘human’ with the help of a powerful witch. Human, but soulless, evil should not be able to find her. On her way to a new life in New York City, Jezebel, now called Jesse, meets Paul Hamilton. She finds work at Belles as an exotic dancer (read “stripper”), a near perfect profession for a former succubus. She spends some time with Paul and begins to fall in love. Jesse believes that she is safe in New York City. But Hell is still hot on her heels.

Hell’s Belles is a very well written urban fantasy/paranormal romance. The story holds you from the moment you start the book until the last page. Jesse is engaging as she discovers what it means to be human. You come to care about Jesse even though she is a former soul sucking demon from Hell. The characterization is well done, not only for the main characters but for subsidiary characters as well. And Jesse does have some interesting friends in low places.

The reason for her flight from Hell is suspensefully doled out as the story goes back and forth from the present in New York City to the not so distant past in Hell. And what a Hell it is! Ms. Kessler has taken great care to show us Hell in all its demonic glory. I unequivocally give Hell’s Belles 5 tombstones.
Book Excerpt:

CHAPTER 1:
CAITLIN’S HOUSE
“On the night the Underworld put a contract out on me, a crescent moon dangled overhead like a celestial fishhook and stars bobbed in the sky. Just my luck. I’d been hoping for a raging thunderstorm, maybe some hail. You know, something dramatic. But no. I got picturesque.
Just another sign that Hell had gone to Heaven in a hand basket.
I threw a nervous look over my shoulder, unable to relax even though I sensed only the thrumming energy of Salem, Massachusetts, in the pre-dawn morning. Nothing infernal beeped on my psychic radar. For the moment, I was safe. Desperate and so terrified that I was pissing my metaphorical pants, but safe.
Okay. Deep breath, like the way the humans did it. There. Oh, right. Release it. Mental note: Humans breathe continuously.
Hmm. That was going to be a royal bitch to remember. “

Book Stats:

• Paperback: 320 pages
• Publisher: Zebra Books (January 1, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0821781022
• ISBN-13: 978-0821781029

To purchase a print copy of Hell’s Belles click here.

Books in the Hell on Earth series in the order they should be read:
Hell’s Belles
The Road to Hell
Hotter Than Hell

To visit the author’s website go here.
To visit the author’s blog go here.

Lost in the Shadows is the second book in The Shadows Trilogy by Jennifer St. Clair. The story picks up immediately after the end of the first book, Prince of Shadows. Terrin continues to create havoc in the lives of all to further his plans to rule. Skade, the Queen of Iomar, continues trying to thwart Terrin’s plans. Terrin wants Nicodemus, the ghost in Skade’s mirror, and Michael, Skade’s son. But why? What happened 10 years ago that connects them all? The plot deepens as more and more is revealed about Terrin and his plot to take over Seven Kingdoms.

I enjoyed this story and give it 4 Tombstones. Once again, Jennifer St. Clair weaves a multifaceted tale full of surprises and twists. The story moves from place to place, but is never confusing or choppy. Her writing is crisp and the characters are well drawn. The second book in the trilogy ends appropriately with a number of unanswered questions, which only serve to make me look forward to the last book in the trilogy Bound in Shadows and continue to hope that Terrin is finally defeated.

Book Stats:

• File Size: 151 KB
• Print Length: 109 pages
• Simultaneous Device Usage: Unlimited
• Publisher: Writers Exchange E-Publishing (January 7, 2011)
• Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.
• Language: English
• ASIN: B004IE9VRM

Buy a Kindle copy of Lost in the Shadows from Amazon by clicking here.

Books in the The Shadows Trilogy in the order in which they should be read:
The Prince of Shadows
Lost in the Shadows
Bound in Shadows

Bound in Shadows is the third (and final) book in The Shadows Trilogy by Jennifer St. Clair. The story picks up immediately after the end of the second book, Lost in Shadows. Nicodemus is left for dead at the castle in Leysan, the kingdom that was stolen by Terrin from the rightful heir. Skade and Michael are within the safe confines of Espen’s home. Terrin has fled. But rumors abound in the Seven Kingdoms. The Queen of Iomar, Skade, is missing. Kyne, the sister of the Queen of Severin, is sent to Leysan to investigate what has happened. She was formerly Terrin’s prisoner at Leysan and is reluctant to return. What she finds there only confirms her suspicions about Terrin. Will Terrin finally succeed in his plans to rule the Seven Kingdoms?

Ms. St. Clair wraps up her trilogy with another fact paced story. Once again we move from place to place and character to character as the story inexorably moves toward its final moments, without giving away what will happen. Terrin is truly well-drawn as are those fighting against him. This exciting story held my interest to the last word. I give Bound in Shadows 4 Tombstones.

Book Stats:

• File Size: 168 KB
• Print Length: 116 pages
• Simultaneous Device Usage: Unlimited
• Publisher: Writers Exchange E-Publishing (January 17, 2011)
• Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.
• Language: English
• ASIN: B004JN0E2I

Buy a Kindle copy of Bound in Shadows from Amazon by clicking here.

Books in the The Shadows Trilogy in the order in which they should be read:
The Prince of Shadows
Lost in the Shadows
Bound in Shadows

From the Heart is the second book in Blood Bred Series written by JennaKay Francis. Four years have passed since the end of Gift of Blood, the first book. From the Heart is the story of Baris, who is a full blood Vector. He is married to a Bleeder and witch, Anika, but his marriage is falling apart for reasons that Baris does not understand. Anika asks Baris to leave. He intends to do so after he takes Anika to the Lair to be healed from a mysterious illness. On the way, their son is bitten by a poisonous snake and Anika runs away. After bringing his son to the Lair to be healed, he sets out on a journey with Deidre to find Anika. Deidre, a friend, wants to see the world and is escaping an arranged marriage. Unfortunately for Baris, the trip does not go very well. It is clear that Deidre has an agenda when it comes to Baris. Deidre wants revenge.

This is not just a story about Vectors and witches and magic. Nor is this simply a story of revenge, of love nearly lost and of redemption. It surprisingly deals with drug addiction and does so comfortably within the confines of the world that exists in the Blood Bred series. The how of the addiction, what happens during the addiction, and the painful road to recovery are well written. I enjoyed this story and give it 3.5 Tombstones. The characters are well developed and the story moves along.

Book Stats:

• Paperback: 208 pages
• Publisher: Writers Exchange E-Publishing (January 6, 2010)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1921636130
• ISBN-13: 978-1921636134

Buy a print copy of From the Heart from Amazon by clicking here.

Books in the Blood Bred Series in the order in which they should be read:
Gift of Blood
From the Heart
New Beginnings

New Beginnings is the third book in Blood Bred series written by JennaKay Francis. New Beginnings takes place nearly 2 years after the events in the second book, From the Heart.

The Vector Sovereign has sent Jaeger (from the 1st book) to speak with Baris about helping him track down a Vector in the town of Erster. This Vector is addicted to hack, a powerful drug, and is endangering all Vectors by his behavior. Baris is understandably reluctant having become addicted to hack in that same town. He wants to think it over. Anika, Baris’ wife, is pregnant with their second child. While Baris ponders whether he should join Jaeger, Anika gives birth and falls ill. Baris brings his family to the Lair to seek a cure for Anika. Once there he encounters Deidre and is again caught in Deidre’s plans. She will save his wife, if he will help her escape. Baris feels he has no choice and agrees to aid Deidre. They leave the Lair with Sirab, Baris’ child with Deidre – a child that Baris has never seen. In the meantime, Jaegar proceeds to Erster without him accompanied by Vail, a male witch and Bleeder. They search for Adan, the hack addicted Vector.

This is the longest of the three books in the series and the most complex as it deals with three intertwined story lines. The first storyline deals with Deidre and Baris. How will Baris react to with being alone with Deidre? How will he deal with his son? The second storyline deals with Jaegar and Vail’s search for Adan. Jaeger still has doubts about himself because he is only half Vector. Will this interfere in his search for Adan? The third storyline deals with Adan himself. Will he realize that he is not in control and that the drug is ruining his life? This again is a story that deals with addiction, but in much more depth than the prior book in the series.

While this is a dark story in many ways, it is a compelling read. I give it four tombstones. The town of Erster is described in detail giving a sense of place to the story. The evils of drug addiction and the damage it inflicts both directly and indirectly are very clearly shown, if somewhat shocking at times. The story moves along well and brings the storylines together to a satisfying conclusion.

Book Stats:

• Paperback: 274 pages
• Publisher: Writers Exchange E-Publishing (May 28, 2012)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1921636149
• ISBN-13: 978-1921636141

To purchase a Kindle copy of New Beginnings click New Beginnings.

Books in the Blood Bred Series in the order in which they should be read:
Gift of Blood
From the Heart
New Beginnings

Palace intrigue and kingdom building - paranormal style.

The Prince of Shadows is the first book in the Shadows Trilogy by Jennifer St. Clair. The series focuses on the machinations of the truly malevolent villain, Terrin, and the efforts made to stop his plans. Terrin is a wizard who wants his brother’s throne and much, much more at any cost. The story is set in the Seven Kingdoms and starts in the Palace of the Kingdom of Leysan where the King has just been killed by his son, Teluride, or so it seems.

We are quickly introduced to Alban, Kyne, and a vampire. Alban is the son of Terrin and a powerful, yet untrained, wizard whose power is being siphoned by Terrin for his own use. Terrin has Alban under a spell. But who has bespelled Kyne and the vampire?

Skade, the Queen of Iomar, takes an interest in Terrin’s plans as they are old enemies. She sends her ghost to find out what is happening in the Kingdom of Leysan and determines to aid Alban, Telluride, the vampire, and Kyne.

There is a great deal to this first book in the trilogy. The story is full of twists and turns, unexpected revelations, and unique characters all woven into the unique tapestry that is the Seven Kingdoms. It’s a wonderful, fast-paced read that will leave you wondering what happens next in the trilogy - and wishing for a speedy demise for Terrin!

Book Stats:

• File Size: 209 KB
• Print Length: 159 pages
• Simultaneous Device Usage: Unlimited
• Publisher: Writers Exchange E-Publishing (January 6, 2011)
• Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.
• Language: English
• ASIN: B004I8WN96

Buy a Kindle copy of The Prince of Shadows from Amazon by clicking here.

Books in the The Shadows Trilogy in the order in which they should be read:
The Prince of Shadows
Lost in the Shadows
Bound in Shadows

Gift of Blood is the first story in the Blood Bred Series written by JennaKay Francis. In Gift of Blood, Ms. Francis first introduces us to Vectors, a wonderfully original take on vampires. This book tells the story of Jaeger who is half-human and half-Vector. His half-breed status leads to much self doubt and some self loathing.

Jaeger’s antagonist is Celd, a full-blood Vector who never fails to point to Jaeger’s mixed heritage, whether intentionally or not. Both Jaeger and Celd want the same female Bleeder, but for entirely different reasons. This compounds what is already a difficult time in Jaeger’s life as he is coming into his full Vector powers.

The world of Jaeger and Celd is inhabited by witches, Vectors, Bleeders, humans, and half-breeds. Ms. Francis reveals the details about the nature of her characters slowly and adds layer upon layer of information regarding the nature of Vector society, their need for Bleeders, the Bleeders’ need for Vectors, and the interplay between the different groups. This is a story about redemption, self-sacrifice, and love.

The era in which the story takes place is definitely pre-industrial, but serves as a simple backdrop to the story. I only wish that the Gift of Blood was longer so that the world in which these unique characters live could be brought more fully to life. This is an engaging read and a good start to the Blood Bred Series.

Book Stats:

• Paperback: 176 pages
• Publisher: Writers Exchange E-Publishing (October 22, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1920972897
• ISBN-13: 978-1920972899

To purchase a print copy of Gift of Blood click here.

To purchase an electronic copy of Gift of Blood click here.

Books in the Blood Bred series in the order in which they should be read:
Gift of Blood
From the Heart
New Beginnings

Gena Showalter’s Lords of the Underworld series debuts with The Darkest Night, the story of Maddox and Ashlyn Darrow. The Lords of the Underworld are immortal warriors who fought for and protected the leader of the Greek gods, Zeus. For millennia, each Lord has co-existed with the demon within. We are not speaking of psychological demons, but of the demons contained in Pandora’s Box or dim-Ouniak. These immortal warriors, jealous that Pandora was chosen to guard the box, released the demons and utter chaos ensued.The demons were bound to the warriors since the demons could not be returned to Pandora’s Box because it was gone. These immortal warriors, the Lords of the Underworld, have learned to coexist with and control their particular demon - more or less. Maddox (Violence), Reyes (Pain), Lucien (Death), Paris (Promiscuity), Torin (Disease), and Aeron (Wrath) all reside in a castle above Budapest, Hungary.

Maddox, bound with Violence, is doubly cursed because he killed Pandora. Each night at midnight, Reyes (Pain) kills him in the exact manner in which Maddox killed Pandora. Each time Maddox dies, Lucien (Death) takes him to hell where he is tortured until he awakens healing the next day.

Enter Ashlyn Darrow, who is cursed in her own way. She can hear every conversation ever held wherever she is. She can not control the voices. She goes to Budapest for her work with the World Institute of Parapsychology, but also to seek the help of the supernatural beings that supposedly reside there.

There is a lot going on in this book. We are introduced to the world of the Lords and learn their basic history. We find out that the Aeron has been summoned by the gods, which surprises the Lords since they’ve had no contact with the gods since they were bound to their demons. We are introduced to the Hunters who seek to destroy all evil in the world, especially the Lords. In addition to the story of Maddox and Ashlyn, we are given smaller story lines that we assume will be followed in later books in the series.

Ms. Showalter has done a very good job of world building. Anchoring her story in the myth of Pandora was refreshing and interesting. Her Lords are dark, dangerous and an intriguing mix of demon and noble warrior. The Darkest Night is a fast-paced, satisfying read, and a good start to the series.

Book Stats:

• Mass Market Paperback: 384 pages
• Publisher: HQN Books (May 1, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0373772467
• ISBN-13: 978-0373772469

To purchase a print copy of The Darkest Night click here.

Books in the Lords of the Underworld series in the order they should be read:
The Darkest Night
The Darkest Kiss
The Darkest Pleasure
The Darkest Whisper
The Darkest Passion
The Darkest Lie
The Darkest Secret
The Darkest Surrender
The Darkest Seduction
The Darkest Craving
The Darkest Touch