Release by Nicole Hadaway

Publisher: VampLit Publishing
Pages: 290

From the Cover:

“Forever.”

That’s the response Ben Gongliewski receives, when he asks Miranda Dandridge how long she’s been a vampire. He doesn’t expect the word “forever” in her reply, but then again, Ben never imagined meeting vampires, let alone demons and werewolves, during his time in the Polish Resistance during World War II. Far from being horrified, Ben discovers that Miranda and her friends have very useful … talents … especially when it comes to saving children from concentration camps. After all, in these desperate times, while the line between good and evil is clear, the one between heroes and monsters is very, very blurred.

The last thing Miranda wants at this point in her immortal life is a human lover, but as she and Ben perform rescue after daring rescue, she can’t help but be drawn to his passion to save his fellow Jews. As the War draws to a close Miranda must choose her love for Ben or her duty to her race. Ben is blindsided by a betrayal that no one sees coming, which leads to a danger where all hell is about to break loose … literally.

The year is 1944, the setting Poland in the mist of German occupation. Nazis are routing out the last of the Jewish sympathizers, resistance fighters, who have been doing their best to save the last few Jewish survivors that are left in hiding, mostly children. The war is coming to it's fateful conclusion that the resistance is struggling to prevent, the destruction of more people anyway it can. And some of Hitler's followers want even more devastation.

Miranda, Vanessa, and Rose have been working for the resistance, Miranda with the strength of a vampire, Nessa as a demon escaped from Hell and it's masters, and Rose, born with the cursed werewolf gene. Children are the only ones left that they can help, moving them through the darkness of night with a subtle calmness that only a true creature of the night can contain. The children never cry, are obedient, even calm. When Ben, a Jewish doctor pretending to be Polish meets the eclectic group of women, he is first struck by the strength, the beauty, and finally the unprotesting children who walk with the women through the dark forests to safety.

Gertrude, with her witch's blood and connections with the SS has also been working secretly with the resistance, together with her lover, Helen, combining forces with the trio of women and Ben to work as hard and quickly as possible. Father Ott helps places the children, Gertrude alerts the network, the ladies guides them to Ben, and Ben takes them to the families willing to take a chance. It all works perfectly until the unthinkable happens and Father Ott isn't who he appears to be. When Father Ott, a disciple of Himmler and the occult, starts looking for the Brides of Dracula, Cray (Miranda's brother) and Denny (a similar escaped Demon) come to their rescue. But will it be enough to save them? Or is it too late? Will the gates of Hell be flung open?

Release by Nicole Hadaway is a character drive novel, capturing the hopelessness of the Nazi occupation, combining it with the paranormal creatures that make the novel work. Miranda is a vampire unwilling to accept her destiny and heritage of a vampire needing to carry on the vampiric line of their family, strangely drawn to these humans and their struggle against the war.  She's helping Vanessa and Rose as well to adapt to their Earth bounds constraints and cursed existence. Ben is enthralled by the beauty and strength of Miranda without ever knowing what or who she is. And he's one of the rare humans able to accept what she is, and love her, which is all she was looking for unknowingly. She's drawn to Ben's humanity, something they share only distantly while Ben is drawn to her preternatural strength and abilities, both hoping for love, but a love that can never work.  Everyone around them knows, but neither Miranda or Ben will hear the truth.

Release is an involving read, taking the reader through some of the aspects of the war, touching upon the hardships that the people have to endure, and all the while telling a vampiric love story of a doomed love. It's told from the different characters viewpoints, so if you don't like character driven novels telling the point of view of the various characters contained within the story as well as the subplots that allows each character to tell their own story, then pick something else to read. It's a complicated tale with many twists and turns as are most character driven stories. If this is your cup of tea, give this book a try. It's different telling of the vampire love story, a world where if a vampire turns a human, that made vampire then becomes the monsters who are the senseless creatures killing whoever and whenever they desire. Vampires are born as sets of twins, one male and one female, psychically bound and with the ability to carry on their race. Though fairly a short book, be prepared to experience several stories going on at the same time as well as shifts in the point of view and setting. It's a story that captures your attention. I enjoyed it and recommend it to lovers of character driven paranormal.

I received this ebook from the author for review. All opinions expressed are my own.

Release by Beth Kery (ARC)

Publisher: Berkley Publishing
Pages: 336

(Release Date: February 2, 2010)

From the Cover: His need for her was so absolute, he agreed to share her with another man in order to possess her.

Genny loved her husband Max, but something was missing—a sexual charge that was instead ignited by his business partner, Sean. He was ruggedly handsome, with a heart-stopping smile and a slow, sexy New Orleans drawl that made Genny weak. The more time they spent together, the stronger the attraction between them became and when her husband offered to share her with Sean for one intoxicating night, both Genny and Sean were too tempted to refuse.

That night in the company penthouse, Max and Sean showed Genny the heights of ecstasy. But it was Sean who scored her very spirit, and one-on-one, they were red hot. But as Genny learns, there’s a price to pay for such impulsive pleasure. What began as a night of forbidden desire spirals into a whirlpool of murder, sensual submission, secrets, and a scorching passion that threatens to consume everyone it touches.

****Spoilers Ahead, Beware Before Reading****

Genny has suspected that Sean, menage partner, murdered her husband, Max, three long years ago following their tryst. Max had threatened Genny and she fears that Sean committed the dastardly deed in a bid to protect her.

Sean fears that Genny murdered her husband after their tryst and he will not allow any harm to come to her, so instead of seeking out the person he feels might have committed the crime, he protects Genny the only way he can, he keeps silent.

When Genny's house burns in a horrible fire, she has no choice but to stay at the penthouse owned by her late husband's firm. Upon arriving at the penthouse, she discovers it's currently occupied by none other than the man who haunts her dreams, Sean. When Sean discovers Genny in the penthouse, he seizes the opportunity to keep her there, stranded in a snow storm with no escape. He wants to keep her to himself, not just for now, but forever, and to do that they'll have to confront their demons. But someone else is also watching Genny and it may cost her life. Can Sean keep her safe, one more time?

Release by Beth Kery is a nice hot contemporary romantic suspense that was more than satisfying. Ms. Kery weaves a tale that tells the story of our hero and heroine. Sean is an ex-special forces soldier that has moved to the private sector, taking over the security for a corporate intel company. He's got the sweetest Southern accent that he's employees to get information, to be disarming, and to seduce the willing, and the ladies are lined up to hear that sweet Southern drawl. There's no shortage of women at his beckon call. Genny is an innocent at life, looking for a father figure, when she meets and marries her husband, Max. She only sees him as the wise, strong, careful man she's married. But Max isn't everything he appears to be. When he suggests a menage with Sean, Genny, and himself, Genny is frozen. It's a side of Max she's never seen. But Max is a multi-faceted character with still more sides. After the menage takes places, he first blackmails Sean, and then attempts to keep Genny at his side with the knowledge of a video of the indiscretion, one wild night of abandonment. Max's philosophy is to keep your friends close and your enemies closer, even if you have to use blackmail to do it. He's a ruthlessly evil and cruel character, one by which Genny has lost her innocence. When Max turns up dead three day later, she assumes the worst, Sean has killed him in a fit of rage. Sean also has his doubt as to Genny innocence when long time employee, Albert Rook, comes to him with evidence of Genny's guilt. He suspects Rook's a lair and manipulator, but he can't and won't take a chance of losing Genny. His need to protect Genny wins out over the need to find the truth. But with such a horrific crime between them, they are driven apart. The chance encounter in the penthouse changes that, but will either survive to tell the tale of what really happened to Max?

Release was a very fast read, I couldn't put it down. I read all 336 pages in two days. It's one of those books where you become immersed in the characters and they're lives. When you're not reading it, you're wondering what's happening. It's one of those books, that when the final page comes, you have a smile of your face, knowing these characters are made for each other. And that's how Release captured my attention and held it, physically and emotionally, bound to the story. Now, most of my blogger buddies know that I don't read a lot of contemporary romance, just a sprinkling to keep my reading spicy and unpredictable, my interest captured. But if you're going to read only one contemp this year, pick up Release. It was that good. It's a romantic suspense that moves quickly and quietly as it works it magic, you don't even feel the pages turning. I highly recommend this book to lovers of hot and spicy romance, romantic suspense, and anyone who just wants to try a hot fun romance. I most certainly enjoyed it. Warning: This is an extremely HOT read (a little bondage and games), oven mitts will be required or fingers may be singed.

I won this book in a contest on Beth Kery's blog , which is still on going, so go check it out. Also, check out Lea's sprouts for Ms. Kery's contest and book, too cool. All opinions I have expressed are my own.

Here's a peek at the book trailer, again by the amazing and talented Lea .