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Tuesday, October 20, 2009:
Top 10 reasons why I think you should read "Some Girls Bite" by Chloe Neill (2009)
 They killed me. They healed me. They changed me.
Sure, the life of a graduate student wasn't exactly glamorous, but it was mine. I was doing fine until Chicago's vampires announced theirexistence to the world-and then a rogue vampire attacked me. But he only got a sip before he was scared away by another bloodsucker... and this one decided the best way to save my life was to make me the walking undead.
Turns out my savior was the master vampire of Cadogan House. Now I've traded sweating over my thesis for learning to fit in at a Hyde Park mansion full of vamps loyal to Ethan "Lord o' the Manor" Sullivan. Of course, as a tall, green-eyed, four hundred year old vampire, he has centuries' worth of charm, but unfortunately he expects my gratitude-and servitude. Right...
But my burgeoning powers (all of a sudden, I'm surprisingly handy with some serious weaponry), an inconvenient sunlight allergy, and Ethan's attitude are the least of my concerns. Someone's still out to get me. Is it the rogue vampire who bit me? A vamp from a rival House? An angry mob bearing torches?
My initiation into Chicago's nightlife may be the first skirmish in a war-and there will be blood...
Of course I have to give a shout-out to Mandi from Smexy Books for bringing this one to my attention. I admit I was feeling rather vamped out, but I'm ever so glad I decided to listen to her and read "Some Girls Bite". The girl knows what she's talking about.
10. The Setting. I love reading books set in Chicago, so check, this one fits the bill. Makes me want to visit each and every spot, even if it is all made up in Chloe Neill's head.
9. The Heroine. I love strong, funny heroines who don't take themselves too seriously, and Merit is all that and more. It's interesting getting her perspective on becoming a vampire against her will, and adjusting to all the changes and rules.
8. The Best friend. Mallory is not just Merit's roommate, they are also the best of best friends, as close as sisters, and she always has Merit's back. She's not just a sidekick; she's got a life and gig of her own. She's sassy, uber smart, and dealing with her own revelations.
7. The Mythology. Being somewhat of a purist, I like it when the history stays close to the original (i.e. Bram Stoker's Dracula is my reference guide here). So there are some elements of the vamp world that are very much in line with the granddaddy of all fangbangers. But that doesn't mean I don't allow for some variety. Chloe mixes it up here and makes it interesting, moreso than those damn BDB chaps. Chloe doesn't have designer everything, and she's got issues that make her interesting. Totally dig that.
6. The Mentor. OMG from the minute Catcher Bell came on the scene, wearing that Public Enemy Number 1 t-shirt, I was in lust. Damn, that boy is fine, and I want me some of that. He's my kinda bad boy, wearing jeans, oozing sex appeal. His woman is a LUCKY woman, and if I didn't like her, I'd seriously hate her. Plus, there's that whole mysterious thing going on. Just WHO is Catcher Bell???
5. The Family. Between the heartless Richies that are mortified by Merit's new situation yet have no compunction trying to use it to their advantage, and the blue-collar grandpa who thinks of Merit as the apple of his eye, Merit's got her hands full with familial responsibilities. At least her grandfather loves her unconditionally and offers a safe haven from her parents.
4. The Weapons. Okay so I tend to be fascinated by the gratuitious violence in vamp novels, and nothing says I want to chop your head off quite like a shiny, sharp sword. But Merit has to learn how to use it first. And that's when Catcher comes in. It's all about honor....
3. Shapshifters and Witches and Nymphs, oh my. In addition to the vamps who have recently come out of the coffins, Chicago is beset with a whole lot of additional otherworldly characters who each have their own individual personalities and unique quirks, and Merit's head is spinning with all this new-found knowledge.
2. The Wealth. Okay, despite Merit wanting to live life on her own terms, she can't possibly deny the perks of being a part of Cadogan House and the idea of living in such luxurious accommodations. Rich, lush, tasteful, the massive and classy pile of bricks is tempting to even the most resistant of principles, so even Merit's impressed it doesn't resemble a Vegas brothel with heavy goth overtones. The Liege has got taste.
1. The Hero. Yum. Granted, Ethan Sullivan isn't exactly hitting all my hot buttons, but the guy is mega rich, incredibly experienced, and sexy in a lithe, panther-like manner, so I figure it's only a matter of time before I succumb to his predator-like chamrs. With the need for a Mr. Darcy-like personality adjustment, and a sensuality that lights Merit's fire, she's got her hands full trying to keep her hands off of her Liege. Yet despite all of Merit's good points, he isn't too happy about the fact he is massively attracted to her against his will, and this could present a big problem for their future. Still, Ethan is the top dog, and his appeal cannot be denied. Like I said, yum.
**Honorable mention**: Morgan. Vamp from a competing house who has the hots for Merit and she most likely also has the hots for him. Didn't like him none too much by the end of the book, but I hear that change is a'comin'. Can't wait for Morgan to persuade me otherwise....
So???? What are you waiting for? Grab your copy today and find out what all the fuss is about.
Rating: ****1/2 out of *****
Labels: Chloe Neill, vampires
posted by Stacy~ at 10/20/2009 07:45:00 AM
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Tuesday, August 12, 2008:
"The Bleeding Dusk" by Colleen Gleason
 Paperback: 368 pages Publisher: Signet (February 5, 2008) ISBN-10: 0451223268 ISBN-13: 978-0451223265 The undead of Rome are racing to unravel an ancient mystery – and only one woman can stop them...
As Rome prepares for its Carnivale, the new leader of the city's vampire hunters – Lady Victoria Gardella Grantworth de Lacy – must prove herself as never before. For, to gain access to the secrets of a legendary alchemist, Rome's vampires have allied themselves with creatures as evil and bloodthirsty as they are.
Reluctantly, Victoria must turn to the enigmatic Sebastian Vioget for help, just as Maximilian Pesaro arrives to assist his fellow slayers – no matter what the sacrifice. Desire puts her at the mercy of Sebastian, while loyalty binds her to Max, but can she trust either man? Especially when a seductive vampire begins luring her into the shadows...
Normally I wouldn't read the next book in a series so soon after finishing the previous installment, but Colleen Gleason has me hooked on her vampire world and I just can seem to help myself. I had both the 2nd and 3rd books with me when I went to San Fran, not really sure if I'd get a chance to read them, but finding myself making the time (it helps when your roommate is just as much of a reader as you are - thanx LadyB!) May contain spoilers**** In this third episode of the Gardella series, Max has gone to visit Lilith, queen of the vampires, eager to find a way to rid himself of the permanent bites she's left on him. Of course it can be done, at a price, one he's not sure he's willing to pay... Meanwhile in Rome, Victoria gets some unexpected, and not necessarily welcome, guests when her mother and mum's two best friends show up, concerned about Victoria and bemoaning her lack of a husband. Victoria is not sure how she's going to evade her mother and continue to hunt at the same time, but this is the least of her worries. As the Illa Gardella, she's got a new problem to be concerned about: in the form of several be-headed bodies. To top it off, it's Carnivale. What better time for the vampires to come out to play? Victoria also realizes that there is something of her Aunt Eustasia's that is missing, something vital, and the last person to be near her was Sebastian Vioget, a secretive and seductive Frenchman who confuses Victoria as much as he attracts her. Unable to locate him, she turns on his dangerous grandfather Beauregard to relay her message, barely surviving the encounter unscathed. But instead of Sebastian, she unexpectedly runs into fellow Venator Max Pesaro, a man who confuses her even more, yet is also responsible for her most recent heartbreak. But new trouble, mixed with old, is brewing, and all their attentions are taken up with this latest threat. Just when Victoria thinks she can trust the men in her life, secrets are revealed, destinies, lost, and someone is bitten by a vampire, someone who will willingly drink the blood offered in return.... My thoughts: Sebastian or Max? Max or Sebastian? The gap between the two is much closer than it was after reading book 2, yet with Sebastian still in the lead. Despite his untrustworthy ways, Seb has strong feelings for Victoria, possibly stronger than he imagined they could be, and this may turn out to be his salvation. Whereas Max keeps his thoughts and feelings close to his sleeve, not revealing what's really in his heart. I love the still waters that run deep, but come on, I need a little something more to go on here, Max baby. I want to see the unrequited song and dance, pretty please. I find myself wavering between irritation and amusement over all the men that fall at Victoria's feet. It's enough to give a girl a mighty ego, and I might have to hate her but then something happens to bring Victoria crashing down to reality, and she becomes real again. I love that she's confident, but when she gets too big for those britches, something happens to put her in her place. I get such a kick out of Victoria's mum and her BFFs, who are delightfully air-headed and obsessed with parties and dresses and gossip, so much so that the thought of vampires is truly more a gothic novel than a distinct possibility. Poor Victoria. Once again Ms. Gleason is not going to make things simple in order to give us our Happy Ending. I love the history of the Venators, the mythology of it all. I love that Gleason has created a world where there are consequences and conditions, and sticks with the basic foundation of that world, creating rules and prophesies that are not easily shattered in a convenient fashion. No. Oh no. Oh, okay. The ending of this book wasn't nearly as heart-wrenching as what happens in "Rises The Night", but it was still painful to watch. Bad things happen to good people, and vice versa. It's a messy existence, that of a Venator, and even they can't be victorious all the time.
I am as hooked as ever on this series, wishing it never had to end. I already have the 4th installment, and I figure, why wait? No reason, as far as I can tell. And since Colleen is going to be in town for a booksigning this Friday, it's perfect timing to get completely caught up. So off I go, to get lost in the Gardella series once again.... Rating: ****1/2 out of ***** Colleen Gleason is at RomanceNovel.TV today! Labels: Colleen Gleason, reviews, vampires
posted by Stacy~ at 8/12/2008 04:42:00 AM
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Sunday, August 10, 2008:
"Rises the Night" by Colleen Gleason
Mass Market Paperback: 352 pages
Publisher: Signet (June 5, 2007)
ISBN-10: 045122146X
ISBN-13: 978-0451221469 The glorious nineteenth-century city of Rome gives rise to a new threat from the Immortal Undead...
Victoria Gardella has been a vampire slayer for just over a year, balancing her life as a peer of Society with the dangerous role that takes her out on moonlit streets, stake in hand.
As Victoria races across Europe to stop what could be the most deadly army the Gardellas have ever faced, she is accompanied by the unlikely Sebastian Vioget, a man as tempting as he is untrustworthy. But when Victoria discovers that she has been betrayed by one of her most trusted allies, the truth will challenge all her powers as a Venator – and as a woman. It took me awhile to pick up this book after reading "The Rest Falls Away", which had quite the emotional ending. Yet I chose this one for my flight to San Fran, and I was glad I did. This series is addicting. After a difficult year, Victoria is back on the streets, eagerly seeking out vampires to stake. While she'd been away, she'd spent the time in mourning, and in training, honing her Venator skills. She is more than ready to get back to fighting, and finds a new danger than what she's used to. She also has not seen Sebastian since the night of the fire, and she can't forget the untrustworthy Frenchman and his seductive charm. But as usual, he manages to show up when she least expects it, only this time she's not the only one surprised. There is unfinished business between them that Victoria is not completely sure she wants to deal with, yet it's difficult to resist him. Max is another story. The brooding Venator has returned to Italy, and Victoria is glad of it. She doesn't need his disapproving looks or comments interfering with her slaying. But her Aunt Eustasia is worried; she hasn't heard from him in months, and has no idea where he actually is. After a series of events, and with the uncertainty of Max's whereabouts, Victoria decides to go to Italy, where she talks vampires with Lord Byron and tries to navigate the sophisication of Italian society. She also discovers more about the world of the Tutela, humans who are vampire sympathizers and obsessed with immortal life. And while in Rome, she also finds Max, who is not happy to see her. Not one bit. While in Italy, Victoria discovers a great threat: Akvan's Obelisk, an object that has the power to control the undead for anyone who gets their hands on it. Now her problem is wondering who she can trust while trying to prevent the obelisk from falling into the wrong hands.... My thoughts: Victoria is wiser now, more tragic, yet also more realistic about her expectations of her role as a Venator, and the responsibilities and limitations that go along with it. Having lost someone she loves, she knows she cannot walk away from her calling, and will do whatever she must to protect the world from demons, vampires, and unscrupulous humans. I really began to respect her more here, and sometimes I forget how young she is to have so many burdens and suffer such tragedy. Sometimes she's impulsive, and headstrong, but I believe her heart is always in the right place. Okay, I admit it: I'm totally drawn in by Sebastian, and despite the fact that Victoria doesn't fully trust him, there is an attraction, and an affection there between them that cannot be denied. I can't help it, it's the whole "luscious French accent, let me see your vis bulla, I'm-too-sssexy to fight vampires" attitude Sebastian had going on right from the start. I'm into it, though I have a feeling that Ms. Gleason is going to throw me a curveball with Max. Well, I'm willing to be convinced. Bring it on. Much like how I enjoyed that Dracula appeared on "Buffy the Vampire Slayer", I thought it was cool to see Dr. John Polidori and Lord Byron in Victoria's world. I dig it when legend and/or actual history is exhibited into a work of fiction. Just makes the story that much more interesting, especially after reading up on Polidori and how he died at a young age. Does make you wonder, no? NOOOOO!!!! I know there was a reason for it and it sometimes sacrifices have to be made, especially the most difficult kind, but, but, how could you???? And if you've read the book, you know exactly what I'm talking about - a betrayal of the worst kind. This is why I can't let myself consider Max, at least not at this point. That HURT. I hated Max, absolutely completely felt such rage that reason didn't come into it. Didn't matter if he was devastated by what he had to do, I wanted Victoria to stake him. No, I wanted to stake him myself.
Just like at the end of book #1, my heart was heavy and very sad, yet also hopeful (since I had book #3 already in my possession). To me, this is a sign of a clever and adept writer because I am conpletely drawn in and cannot wait for more. My emotions are engaged, and I don't feel that I'm being strung along just for the hell of it. I give Ms. Gleason credit because I was all vampired out, but my extreme love of BtVS tempted me to pick up this series and actually read it, and I've had absolutely no regrets, and I'm nowhere feeling burned out or bored by yet another vampire storyline. This series is strongly compelling, interesting, jolly fun, and grabs your attention right from the start. I don't find myself flipping through pages waiting to get to the good stuff because it's all good stuff. And I want more of it. Much, much more. Rating: ****1/2 out of ***** Labels: Colleen Gleason, reviews, vampires
posted by Stacy~ at 8/10/2008 12:01:00 AM
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Tuesday, June 24, 2008:
...you're gonna really like this book. Yes, I am late to the party, and that's my own damn fault. I had the books for quite some time, and have brought them on a few trips, but never cracked open the pages. My bad, because now that I've started it, I don't want to stop. Now the question is: Max or Sebastian? Have you ever read a book way after the fact and wondered what took you so long? Which book was it? Labels: Colleen Gleason, vampires
posted by Stacy~ at 6/24/2008 05:40:00 AM
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Sunday, December 09, 2007:
Kiss of Midnight by Lara Adrian
Mass Market Paperback: 432 pages
Publisher: Dell (May 1, 2007)
ISBN-10: 0553589377
ISBN-13: 978-0553589375
INSATIABLE DESIRE. ENDLESS SEDUCTION. ONE TOUCH IS JUST THE BEGINNING. He watches her from across the crowded dance club, a sensual black-haired stranger who stirs Gabrielle's deepest fantasies. But nothing about this night--or this man--is what it seems. For when Gabrielle witnesses a murder outside the club, reality shifts into something dark and deadly. In that shattering instant she is thrust into a realm she never knew existed--a realm where vampires stalk the shadows and a blood war is set to ignite.
Lucan Thorne despises the violence carried out by his lawless brethren. A vampire himself, Lucan is a Breed warrior, sworn to protect his kind--and the unwitting humans existing alongside them--from the mounting threat of the Rogues. Lucan cannot risk binding himself to a mortal woman, but when Gabrielle is targeted by his enemies, he has no choice but to bring her into the dark underworld he commands.
Here, in the arms of the Breed's formidable leader, Gabrielle will confront an extraordinary destiny of danger, seduction, and the darkest pleasures of all . . . .
Yes, another vampire book. I'd seen this one around and thought it looked interesting, but everytime I picked it up at the bookstore, I'd think "ugh, another vampire book" and put it down again. I didn't want yet another take on the same old, same old. Then recently "Dear Author" did a review for the 3rd book in the series, "Midnight Awakening" and I was intrigued. I thought "what the hell?" and bought all 3 books.
It started out rather slow for me, and I worried that I picked up this book too hastily, but I soon found myself enjoying the story. Gabrielle reminds me a bit of myself in that she's more of a loner and not so much the party girl like her closest friends are. Gabrielle Maxwell is a photographer, and when we first meet her, she is suffering through a showing at an art gallery owned by her best friend Jamie. In celebration, Gabrielle, Jamie and two of their friends, Megan and Kendra decide to go out and celebrate, though Gabrielle would just rather go home and unwind, but not wanting to be a downer to her friends, she tags along to a hot new nightclub, La Notte, and ends up witnessing a brutal murder.
Horrified, she runs directly to the police, and is frustrated to find out that no one believes her, until later when Lucan Thorne shows up on at her door. He knows what she's seen as he is a Breed vampire, and a warrior who fights vamps gone bad, aka Rogues. See, all vamps are susceptible to Bloodlust, and once the addiction has taken over, there is no chance of going back. A vampire who has given into the Bloodlust is a mindless host, ruled by their uncontrollable need, and has no compunction about brutally killing innocent humans to feed their addiction. Some, who know their demise is eminent, choose to let the sun destroy them, while others, enthralled by their addiction and the so-called power that comes along with it, become Rogue vampires. These are the vampires Gabrielle saw that night, ravaging a human to death.
Of course Lucan has no intention of telling Gabrielle any of this. Instead he plans to take her cellphone, loaded with images from the night of the murder, and return it to her once any incriminating evidence has been destroyed. He also intends to erase her memories of that night, and eliminating any danger she may be in because of what she knows. Gabrielle turns out to be strongly resistant to Lucan's mind control, and as he is powerfully attracted to her, instead of disappearing without a trace, he can't seem to keep away from the dark-eyed, serious beauty. He knows he must however, as he has no intention of claiming any woman as his own. His loyalty is to his people, and as a Gen One vampire, he is their leader, and that is a role he doesn't take lightly. He deals in death and violence. He cannot afford to be distracted from his pledge.
While this is all going on, a mysterious enemy is planning world domination(!) As Master to Rogues and human Minions alike, this old and powerful enemy has plans to lead an all-out war against the Breed warriors, with the intention that the world will become his playground. He has already set his plan in motion, and both the Breeds and the humans will experience grief and betrayal as the battle commences.
I liked this story, felt there were some fresh ideas to this vampire world that I'd not seen in others I've read, and still others that have been a bit overused. Some readers may notice a few commonalities with the Black Dagger Brotherhood series. Fortunately I can say that other than a few brief instances, none of those comparisons detracted me away from this telling of Breed world. One of the elements I enjoyed is that Ms. Adrian "shows" us that Lucan is a tortured hero not just because she says he is, but because he has relentless demons of his own to battle, mainly his own slow descent into Bloodlust, a powerful demon that not even a happy ending can easily exorcise. Gabrielle also battles her own pain, but does so without becoming stupidly stubborn and reckless. For the most part, she comes across as a smart, sympathetic heroine, one who, except for one brief relapse, doesn't put herself into dangerous situations just to prove she's a big girl who can handle herself. I liked her quiet strength, despite her fears of what Lucan is and how he lives.
I would have liked to have seen Lucan and Gabrielle spend more time together. There is a distance between them that isn't easily breached. I do like that Gabrielle doesn't shy away from Lucan when he is at his worst, and he learns to accept her care at his weakest moments. Yet a lot of time was spent apart, as Lucan kept pushing her away from him. Hopefully we will see more of these two in the following books, and get a better understanding of the history of the Breeds, and what exactly motivates their enemy. There are still some intriguing secrets left to uncover, and I'm curious to find out what they are.
Rating: **** out of *****
Labels: Lara Adrian, reviews, vampires
posted by Stacy~ at 12/09/2007 08:44:00 PM
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Saturday, December 30, 2006:
Erin McCarthy's vampire fixation
I heart Erin McCarthy. I feel no shame in saying that. She writes amazing, sexy stories that can also make you laugh out loud, and for a reader, that can be a rare thing of beauty, but Erin manages to do it with ease. I have every book she ever wrote (that I know of, anyway) and look forward to each new story more than the last. Now Erin is venturing more into the world of vampires, and while it seems like every single romance writer on the planet is creating their own take on Dracula, Erin is joining forces with fellow author Kathy Love and taking her world one step further with her vampire band, " The Impalers". The first release will be in late 2007. They even have a blog, and the "band" is playing some real dates over New Year's. So if you're in the Big Easy, check 'em out. Labels: Erin McCarthy, Impalers, vampires
posted by Stacy~ at 12/30/2006 08:14:00 PM
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