My Soul to Lose by Rachel Vincent (Prequel to the Soul Screamers Series)

Publisher:  Harlequin Teen / Harlequin
 Pages:  74

From the Cover: 

Kaylee Cavanaugh's trip to the mall ends with a brutal panic attack and a brainscrambling shriek she can't stop. Her secret fear is exposed. It's the worst day of her life.

Until she wakes up in the psychiatric unit.

But the hospital isn't a safe place for Kaylee, and getting out won't be easy because everyone thinks she's crazy. Everyone except Lydia, who has a secret of her own...

SOUL SCREAMERS

The last thing you hear before you die...

Kaylee Cavanaugh is your average teenage with the average problems.  Her boyfriend, Toby, dumped her right before Homecoming to ask her best friend Emma to the dance.  Now together, they plan their revenge on the unsuspecting Toby.  But on a trip to the mall, a panic attack takes Kaylee, one like she's never had before.  She wakes up to find herself strapped to a metal bed, scratches on her neck, and she can't remember how she got there.

My Soul to Lose by Rachel Vincent is a prequel to her Soul Screamers Series.  In this series, Kaylee is something different, something other, and her aunt and uncle don't know what to do.  When she has the panic attack at the mall, no one can bring her back, not Aunt Val or her best friend, Emma.  To prevent herself from injury, her aunt, who really doesn't like the interruption of her normally placid life, sends Kaylee to a mental facility for observation.  Upon visiting, and seeing the other patients as the facility, Uncle Brendon can't leave her there, she doesn't belong there.  But, just when Kaylee thinks release is in sight, the panic comes again, worse than before, keening threatening to burst from her throat.  Lydia, fellow patient, drags Kaylee away from the mayhem caused by another patient and through her touch, takes Kaylee's pain away.  But maybe at too high of a cost.

My Soul to Lose is an excellent little taste of Ms. Vincent's YA series, and I highly recommend giving it a try.  If you haven't tried this series yet, and you like YA, good story telling and paranormal, it's a free read if you click here.  The next two books in the series, My Soul to Take (Book One) and My Soul to Save (Book Two) are available now, and the three book, My Soul to Keep will be available in June 1, 2010.  I do love the cover art and colors chosen for this series.

I downloaded this book as a free eread.  All opinions expressed are my own.

Love Fang by Susan Blexrud

Publisher: DCL Publications
Pages: 65

From the Cover: A sexy vampire with an infected fang falls in love with his dentist. Dental drills whir and hearts pound as this unlikely pair struggles to find happiness. Will he come to terms with his 500-year-old guilt and grief? Will she trade her fear for a set of fangs?

Dr. Lauren Marsh has had her share to odd patients, but a patient with an infected fang is a new one on her. But, being the night owl that she is, seeing patients after hours works well for her and she has no problem squeezing John Wright into her schedule.  And he turns out to be great, cute, funny, sexy, and just a little quirky, who could resist?

John Wright has no intention of becoming involved with any women, dentist or not, if only his fang would quit throbbing. When his assistant, Doreen, suggests seeing a dentist, he can only imagine the blacksmith he saw a very long time ago. He wants no part of that, it's nothing he wants to repeat.  But upon meeting Dr. Marsh, the tables turn, and maybe it time he becomes part of the world again.

Forced to deal with his throbbing fang, John realizes an immediate attraction to Lauren who turns out to be better than any prescription.  Lauren is immediately struck by his wit, who even remembered blacksmiths were the local dentistry? Together, they seem a perfect match, but dating a human is almost impossible, especially with the attraction John feels for Lauren. A blood exchange is a lifetime commitment. Can Lauren imagine her existence as a vampire? Can John risk his heart to another woman?

Love Fang by Susan Blexrud is a fun short story and a quick read.  It is uniquely told as the old world vampire meets a new world modern woman.  The ever chivalrous John won't force his ever increase magnetism on Lauren and Lauren isn't sure she's ready for a lifetime commitment to a vampire, even if he's a feast for her eyes and makes her body and heart sing.  And it's been a long time between songs.  She didn't even know that vampires really existed and now one wants to claim her as his.  John has been burned before, so before he commits, he has to know it's for a lifetime, and vampires lead exceedingly long lives.  As Lauren realizes that John is part of her life for better or worse, there can only be one answer.  Ms. Blexrud gives a perfect blend of humor, romance, and action in this short story.  Her book released in print form on February 2, 2010, and is now available on various book sites.  I'll be looking to pick up her other short stories.

I received this short story from Ms. Blexrud as a prize in a contest.  All opinion expressed are my own.

Reviewette: Unearthed Anthology: Illusion by Edmond Cheng

Publisher: Midnight Showcase
Pages: 92-171

From the cover: A haunting, a vision, a nasty headache, and a murder…
What’s next? Illusion will distort and re-shape your view.

Author’s Bio
Edmond Cheng, nationality: Chinese currently living in Hong Kong, he
is interested in writing mystery. Illusion is his first story.
Apart from writing, he teaches English as a full time job.

Thomas and Karen are happily married or so he thinks. But could it all be an illusion? When Aunt Wai Ha comes to visit, he becomes disturbed by her allegations. Jonathon and Helen, his best friends, are also concerned, but then again, is it all just an illusion?

As the story continues, it becomes more and more convoluted and confused, reality and illusion mixing until one is hard to tell from the other.

Accusations fly, is Helen having an affair and plotting Jonathon's murder? Is Karen who she appears to be? Is Thomas being haunted by ghosts, spirits, apparitions? As the story unravels, confusion ensues, life and death struggles begin and end. Who will remain?

Illusion by Edmond Cheng is just what the title states, it's all an illusion, the fevered imaginations of the protagonist in the story, Thomas. As Thomas' life ebbs and flows, the reader begins to see that all is not right. His story, his reality contradicts itself as a way of preserving his sanity. Because, instead of seeing what it before his eyes to believe, he chooses to look through rose colored glasses to perceive what he would like reality to be.

Illusion is a fun little read that was confusing at times. The use of American English is not perfect, nor are the speech patterns. It entwines Chinese mysticism and Western ideas, bringing us a story that is unique in it's rendition. I once read a Chinese fable about an attacking army, and while reading this story, I was reminded of the fable in the manner in which it was told. There is strong cultural influences used in the story that increase the enjoyment of the reading, but at the same time, cause to reader to stop and re-reading passage to gain the full impact of it's meaning. It was almost like reading a fast pace action movie filmed in Hong Kong, which just happens to produce some awesome movies that includes some of my favorites. It's a twisting, turning, gut-retching read. This is Mr. Cheng's first attempt at writing and since English is not his first language, it is my opinion that he did an excellent job. I truly enjoyed reading this novella, the story is exciting and a real psychological thriller. The use of imagery was good though sometimes simplistic, and at other times, bold and engaging. I loved the influences of his Chinese culture throughout the story. It was pleasure to read something, though Americanized, retained it's cultural influences. If you looking for an uncomplicated read, try something else. If you don't mind an involving read, give it a try, you might enjoy it, but be prepared for the fast pace and tone.

I received this book in ebook format from the author. All opinions expressed are my own.

Reviewette: Released by Kimber Chin

Publisher: Champaign Books
Pages: 33

From the Cover: Fifteen years ago, Alvar went to prison for a murder he didn't commit. Finally released, he comes face to face with the real murderer - the only woman he has ever loved.

Edenia wanted fifteen long years for the murderer of her husband to be released from prison. If only she could release him as he had her those many years ago.

Alvar didn't need to look upon the murderer he had spent the last fifteen years trying to forget, lying eyes and lying lips that he had willingly served time for.

Only, could they both be wrong, what if another had pulled the trigger, ending the bastard's life and his sick cruelty along with him. The answer may not be what either one expects.

Released by Kimber Chin was an intense drama belying the few pages it was written upon. In the short space of pages, the reader learns what the hero and heroine have given up, each for the other, without ever recognizing the truth. Quickly, the story unfolds, revealing a love story that has been unrequited. Alvar for his youth and inexperience, and Edenia for her fear of reprisal. Only her best friend, Stigr, has allowed her to keep her sanity through Alvar's imprisonment. Each thinking the other guilty, it's only through confrontation that they realize a third party is involved. But the threatening messages to leave the past alone only serve to wet Alvar curiosity and anger. Who did he go to prison for if not Edenia?

Released was a quick read, sweet love story, and mystery all wrapped up in a nice little package. If you'd like a quick little crime drama to read, I recommend Released. It's available in ebook format from Amazon as well as other ebook distributors.

I received the short story from the author. All opinions expressed are my own.

Reviewette: Faeries Gone Wild ~ Tall, Dark, and Not So Faery ~ MaryJanice Davidson

Publisher: St. Martin's Press
Pages: 1 - 70

From the Cover: MARYJANICE DAVIDSON “Tall, Dark and Not So Faery”

Scarlett is not your typical pint-sized faery. At six feet, four inches tall, she’s an unlikely candidate for a match made in heaven. But when she ventures to Cannon Falls, Minnesota, on royal orders to survey its extraordinary residents, she stumbles upon the one man who just may measure up to size....

Scarlett is faery on a mission from the King of the Faeries, to count. It's what faeries do best. But Scarlett is OCD about counting....she wants to count, needs to count, WILL count. First, she must get by the Violent Faery's front door and the menagerie that makes up Violent Faery's household. As Scarlett takes 'count' of her surroundings, she discovers that Violent Faery's 'family' consists of: a faery, a dryad, a vampire, a werewolf, a human, and a ghost.

Judith is a SUV, a Ford Escape to be exact. She's been cursed into the SUV by a former boyfriend, who knew you shouldn't cheat on an archmage? Judith is suspicious of Scarlett. Is she here to break up her happy family?

Judith takes matters into to her own hands and decides her mechanic, Coffey Ray, is just what Judith needs to solve her problems. And Coffey Ray knows her secret, she knows his as well. He's safe to bring to the house, and may be the answer to the problem of Scarlett. Now the question remains, will Scarlett count and return to her King brother or can Judith convince her to stay?

Tall, Dark, and Not So Faery by MaryJanice Davison is a sweet tale of the unusual kingdom of Faery. When Scarlett is sent to count Violent Faery, she really tries to succeed in her quest. But, truthfully, she rarely leaves the kingdom and doesn't know what to expect. She's frighten of most mechanical things, and Judith at first terrifies her. Judith is worried that Scarlett will drive her family apart. This story is about Scarlett, but Judith plays a pivotal role in this story as well. Without Judith's intervention, Scarlett may have never found her one true love. Without Scarlett interruption of their lives, Judith would have never succeeded in her quest for freedom and love. The heroes in this story turns out to be the ADD mechanic, Coffey Ray and Owen, the werewolf. Coffey Ray lets Scarlett realizes that dreams come true and Owen allows Judith her freedom.

This is such a cute little story which reflects the humor that infects everything MaryJanice Davidson's creates. People are terrified of the gentle ADD mechanic, but don't see anything wrong with a houseful of supernatural creatures. I think MaryJanice Davidson's goal is to create novels and novellas that bring joy, hilarity, and fun back into your life. Tall, Dark, and Not So Faery is just pure fun. Usually when you hear about a faery story, you think of a tiny little firefly creature, but not in this story. It was a fast, fun read that I read twice to enjoy it a second time. For more information about MaryJanice Davidson or her books, please visit her blog or her website.

I found this beautiful rendition of Betsy Taylor by Jesse Cutler, of Melbourne, Australia on MJ's website. Too Cool.

Reviewette: Faeries Gone Wild ~ Dust Me Baby, One More Time ~ Michele Hauf

Pages: 173 - 274
Publisher: St. Martin's Press

From the Cover: A librarian by day and a tooth faery by night, Sidney has absolutely no time to find Mr. Right. Until she flies smack dab into sexy, sun-bronzed Dart Sand, a man who makes her wings a-flutter…and whose allure could get her banished from the Mortal Realm.

Sydney is a tooth faerie with a fetish for the Mortal Realm. She loves it, hasn't visited Faerie in decades. Why should she? There she's just one more of the many children of the Tooth family. The Mortal Realm rocks, where else could Sydney be on her on? As long as none of the rules are broken and she doesn't rock the boat....she can stay in the Mortal Realm. If only she could find someone that would twist her sheets!

Dart Sand is a sandman, no one escaped his notice, everyone who needs dusting was dusted, regularly. The Mortal Realm was fine and he planned to stay here. When he noticed Sydney, he wasn't sure if she was real or not. She didn't look faerie, maybe she'd spent too much time in the Mortal Realm, pretending to be mortal. But, there was definitely something about her.

The mothers of Sydney's town have decided that Santa Claus doesn't exist, they've run off the Easter Bunny, and now it's Sydney's turn. As she tries to go on her nightly retrievals, instead of teeth, she finds a note. "My mom says the tooth faerie doesn't exist." She doesn't know what to think, the moms are trying to run her out of town. Well, this is just not happening!! No Way! As she returns to the sleeping child, pow! She runs right into Dart Sand and promptly gets dusted. Out like a light!

Dart can't believe his eyes, who's the beautiful faerie? He can't resist, as he bends down to put his lips to hers, and, pow! again and this time it hurts.

As Sydney brushes herself off, who should she see? It's none other but the ever sexy sandman, Dart Sand. Talk about a sheet twister! Well, it served him right to get punched, kissing unconscious faeries! If only she could take a chance and kiss him for real, but that would be breaking the rules. What can a tooth faerie with a major need for love to do?

Dart wants to get to know Sydney better, but he's afraid to get too close; he has a secret that he doesn't want to spread around. He has a slight problem pre-ejaudusting. He gets all excited, hot and bothered; and before he knows what has happened, he's dusted his lover; never fulfilling his needs or hers. He dusts too early. What's a sandman to do?

Dust Me Baby, One More Time by Michele Hauf was fun, completely and totally! I had a blasted, laughing until the last page. I loved Sydney Tooth, I could just see her stomping her little faerie foot, refusing to take what they're trying to dish out to run off all the supernatural creatures. Dart Sand was hot, all the flower faeries thought so, if only he could control his dust. I mean, it's great to get dusted when you can't sleep, but bad when you're trying to twist the sheets. How are our hero and heroine going to get together you might wonder? Well, there are tricks that every faerie has to learn, right? This little novella was all about having a good time and maybe finding true love, and if that's what you're after, as well as a little hot sheet twisting romance, then Faeries Gone Wild and Dust Me Baby, One More Time is the book for you. I love how the faeries are mortal tall by day, teenie tiny by night to make their rounds, with beautiful wings that shimmer with a translucency. Great use of imagery. So far, I can highly recommend this book, and I'm sure the last story will be as great as the first three! If you haven't checked out Faeries Gone Wild, then what are you waiting for?? For more information about Michele Hauf and her fun reads, please check out her website or her blog. And don't forget about her free read.

Michele Hauf has also just released the new cover for book, After the Kiss, a Nocturne Bites.

(release date: September 2009)

This is the follow up book to Moon Kissed - Severo's story - the werewolf protector of Aby from The Highwayman.


I've read three of the four stories from Faeries Gone Wild so far and each is uniquely fun. Reviews of the other three stories will be posted soon.

Reviewette: Demon's Delight --- The Angel and The Hellraiser --- by Vickie Taylor

Publisher: Berkley Publishing Group
Pages: 241 - 314

From the Cover: Zane is hell-bent on danger --- the more he eludes death, the bigger the rush. Then he awakens from a near-drowning not only alive, but in the caring arms of a beautiful angel. But the ethereal Rosemary is driven by her own desires --- and full of surprises....

Only months to live, full throttle life, the only way to live, all out and full of danger.

Angel of death, moving souls from one existence to the next, no comparison to human existence.

Zane Halvorson lives life as he always has, full throttle, all the way to the edge and back again. First in the army, and now as a civilian; a dramatic stunt aviator. That means he jumps from flying planes, with or without parachutes, or maybe takes a walk on the wing. Zane doesn't have a death wish, he just wants to spend every minute he has making life count the most, and the count is getting higher.

Rosemary D'Amica is a reporter with the Times. But in another incarnation, she is the angel of death, waiting for the souls of the dying to move to the next plane of existence. Now she has a body, a mind, a soul, and a heart. What she needs to know is why, why has she take the form and memories of a woman. She usually waits for the soul to need her, but not this time, now she is stuck inside this confining human form being forced to feel a human's existence.

Zane may have gone one time to far, as he watches his parachute ignite. Well, this is as good a way to go as any. He only wishes he had more time; time for love, life, laughter; time to live.

Rosemary watches Zane fall to Earth and into the lake, first in angelic form and now in human form, and she realizes she is meant to save Zane, this time. As she gives him CPR, his body sputters back to life, opening his eyes to look into hers, almost as if he can see into her soul; guardian angel.

He's crazy, she thinks, he's trying to kill himself. Zane assures her that he's not crazy, just living life full out, the way it was meant to be. There are two kinds of people in the world, the doers and the thinkers. Zane is definitely a doer, he plans each stunt in detail for the best possible outcome, to walk away alive. Rosemary has serious doubts about his planning process, but begins to see life the way Zane does. When she talks to her boss, St. Peter (bar owner extraordinaire), he tells her that maybe Zane isn't the only soul that needs saving, to search her humanity for the answers her heart and soul desire.

Rosemary is like a newborn being born into an adult life. She knows about life, but has never actually lived it. Now, it's time for her to live. For once, she's not the guide, but the guided. Zane is her guide, a guide to living life to it's fullest. As Rosemary and Zane grow closer, the next natural step in their relationship must occur; Rosemary needs to feel Zane's life breathing through her body. Rosemary has to trust Zane enough to love him and to be loved; and Zane must give her that piece that is missing from both of their lives, love. Zane is dying, as we all are, and no one or thing can save him, not even his guardian angel, Rosemary. Now Rosemary has something else to worry her. Trey, an angel of darkness has joined Zane's airshow and he also wants to guide Zane's soul. But to a different dimension, one of darkness and destruction.

The Angel and The Hellraiser by Vickie Taylor was a beautiful story of life and love. I was in love with Zane's robust, feisty nature after the first page. He meets life head on, no holds barred. Zane is a hero who at first blush, looks like he might be tired of life, but in reality, it's just the opposite. He lives life to the fullest because he never knows when it's going to end. He doesn't want to miss a moment. Rosemary, the angel of death, has been an angel for so long that she has forgotten what life is about. She doesn't understand Zane's zest for life. The angelic plane is so much better in so many ways. She has lost the ability to feel, to live and breathe, and has forgotten the pleasure that a simple sunset or sunrise can bring. This is what Zane has to teach Rosemary in what time he has left. Rosemary needs to learn how to love another being. She is a heroine that needs to learn what life can only teach, how to live, she needs to learn to fight for what her heart desires. She has an unique scrappiness that holds Zane's fiery attention, and she doesn't let go. She is given a chance to help Zane and herself find true love, maybe the only love of their lives. I have to say that I cried through the last two chapters of this novella. I cried for Zane's life and the Rosemary's loss, my heart breaking for their time together and apart. It was one of the best short stories I have ever read. I highly recommend this novella for readers who love romance and full throttle living. I picked up this novel on the recommendation of Vickie Taylor, she thought I might like it. She was wrong, I loved it. For more information about all of Vickie Taylor great books, please visit her website. She's been away from writing for a while, but she's back now full time. The third book of her Les Gargouillen (Gargoyles) Series is in production and The Doctor's Watch, a Silhouette Romantic Suspense, will be released in January 2010 (start looking for it around the end of December).

Reviewette: Demon's Delight --- The Demon's Angel --- by Emma Holly

Publisher: Berkley Publishing Group
Pages: 159 - 239

From the Cover: A beautiful scientist in the realm of the Demon World falls in love with a human male she has experienced on.....and is changed forever.....

The humans live a life of drudgery, the Demon's a life of luxury....does this seem fair?

Dr. Khira Forette's one of the genius scientific geneticists in the Demon World. If only the Emperor can see it her way. She could help demons far and wide.

Harry Wirth, the King of Costermongers (Victorian street vendor), has lived a hard life from an orphanage to life on the street to the comfortable home he has struggle to make, but for what, he shares it with no one, has no one at home.

Khira has worked her entire demonic life to prove she the best geneticists and now her dreams have come true. Although she abhors the idea, she must kidnap a healthy strong human male to complete her research.

Harry sits alone in the bar, when he sees a beautiful demon come through the door. How does he know it's a demon? The light shimmers on her silver metallic eyes, Yama demon is he remembers his days on the streets. And she's looking right at him, as he stands, puffing his chest, his driving manly force barely contained. Suddenly, she leaves, Harry feels let down. Human society is far less advanced than that of the demon, and she apparently wasn't looking for a human tonight.

As Harry leaves the bar, two military class demons attack him, kidnap him, drug him with some weird demonic agent causing him to be paralyzed, that is with the exception his throbbing member which has reacted strongly to the demonic pheromones. He is transported by train and flying ship to a hidden mountain top lab.

At the lab, Khira begins her dreaded work. She's trying to enhance the genetic code, rewire the DNA to make it better and fix any anomalies she finds. But the price of experimenting on Harry is physical contact, skin on skin. Little does Harry know that human energy is an aphrodisiac to the demon body. Soon, Harry and Khira are connecting in ways that blows both of their minds.

Khira begins her experiments only to find Harry is resistant to her attempts. As she releases Harry, she realizes that she has become addicted to the energy force his body emits. Harry admits he just as addict to her. She thinks, just one night of madness, then her head will be clear. As Harry and Khira come together with the force of a small hurricane, Harry relaxes enough for Khira's experiments to take effect. Soon, he's floating off the ground with his very own angel wings.

Khira realizes that this development may cost Harry his life, if not hers. She must hide him, help him to escape. But where will they go? What will they do? Who can she trust?

The Demon's Angel by Emma Holly was an incredibly fast read. It brings together the feel of Victorian England and the advanced culture of a demon society. It's full of hot sex, hotter bodies, and love between a demon and a human. Khira has always felt that she unworthy of the demon class. She's smart, thoughtful, and kind to Harry in the only way she can. She's a heroine who's afraid to love and be loved in return. Afraid of the rejection she has seen in the eyes of others. Harry is a hard as nails man, a hero to be reckoned with; he's used to people following his orders. But he's lonely, he's tired of living just to make money. There has to be more to life than what he's been living. When the sexy demon captures him body and then soul, there is little he can do to stop himself. He wants her in the most primitive way, and come hell or high water, he will have her. Emma Holly is another new author for me, her stories are chocked full of erotic love scenes. I highly recommend this novella for adults because they are mega hot and extra steamy. Definitely not for the faint of heart. If you'd like for information about the steamy novels by Emma Holly, please check out her website. It's definitely an adult only site.

Reviewette: Demon's Delight Anthology --- Street Corner and Halos by Catherine Spangler

Publisher: Berkley Publishing Group
Pages: 65 - 158

From the Cover: Meet Rachel, hooker and vampire, plying both trades after hours until she meets Gabriel on the night shift. He's an angelic emissary on a mission to prove Rachel still has a soul. and to save it, But she offers him a mortal temptation he never suspects......

Rachel is a lost soul...turned by a Nazi vampire rapist while she watched her family die at Dachau. She suffered through a different death, an immortal one. She only wishes she could have joined them instead of losing her immortal soul or at least that's what she believes.....

Rachel is a vampire hooker who never actually performs the deed. Her specialty is slipping into the mind of her prey and giving them the best sexual fantasy they've ever had. Only when they have reached the height of pleasure does she take what she needs, blood. She has a nice little condo, a nice little car, and a nice little life with no temptations. She doesn't get close to anybody or thing, there's less disappointment that way. She never has to watch anyone die ever again.

One night, a well dress man walks into her undead life. Gabriel is on an angelic mission to save her and her soul. She tries to glamor him, but he is unaffected and he tells her the only way to get rid of him is to spend seven nights with him, one week. Though her glamor doesn't work on him, his power of compulsion works on her. Soon, she finds herself agreeing to one week worth of 'dates'.

As Rachel and Gabe get to know each other, he takes her shopping, to plays, concerts, and to a children hospital to see what she's missing. They grow closer, and before Gabe knows what's hit him; he desires Rachel for more than her soul. Rachel is afraid to let anyone in. Though she wants Gabe as much as Gabe wants her, since being raped, she's had sex with no one. Nada. That's why mind sex with her prey is her specialty. As Rachel tries to slip into Gabe's mind, he pushes her away. She needs to make to choice: have a real life with a real relationship or go on her immortal way. But will Gabe to there or will he slip away as an angel might have to do.

Rachel runs. Does she want to spend eternity alone? No. She has to learn to trust, but that may be impossible. Now that she's had a taste of a real life, can she go back to her safe undead world? Gabe can save her and let her enter the sunlight she has forgotten by saving her soul. Can she take what is offered, his very life's blood? Or is she too late to even try.

Street Corners and Halos by Catherine Spangler was another fast fun read. This also introduces a new author to me as well. Rachel is a vulnerable heroine who grew up in a Nazi concentration camp at the height of World War II. She trusts no one, not even the little cat, Gertie, that she found by the dumpster who she feeds every night, but vows to quit the next. She's so lost that she can no longer find her way and she doesn't really care. She as happy as an undead person can be. Gabriel is a strong hero who knows he can save her if she'll only let him. He pushes Rachel to her breaking point and then pushes a little harder. He likes the finer things in life and he considers Rachel one of the best things in life, if only she'll learn to share herself with those who want to love her. The odds are against Gabe, but he never gives up. This was such a sweet story and I fell in love with these two characters. Rachel is hurt almost beyond repair, but Gabe has the heavenly body to get the job done. A great little read. It reminds me about what's important in life, you're not really alive unless you live. Visit Ms. Spangler's site for more information about her books. She has a new book, Touched by Light to be released in June, 2009.

Reviewette: Demon's Delight --- Witch Way by Mary Janice Davidson

Publisher: The Berkley Publishing Group
Pages: 1 - 63

From the Cover: Can a witch and a witch-hunter find common ground ..... without killing each other first.....

Image being told your whole life that you're going to die at thirty...at the hands of your mortal enemy...that you're a witch to be killed by a witch-hunter.

Image that you have been trained your entire life to defend yourself...against an unknown enemy...and being told on your twenty-first birthday...that you have two years to live...two years until you must take a life to save humanity from the greatest evil ever known...

It's Rhea Goodman's twenty-first birthday and Flower and Power (Stephanie and Bob a.k.a. Mom and Dad) want to talk her. What have they done now? Robbed a bank? Protested animal cruelty? Whatever it is, she's sure she can fix it. But, not this time, this time they tell her that she is destine to fight a great evil, all the target practice they have forced their children to learn has been in preparation for the fight of her life.

Chris de Mere can smell a demon, literally smell it, they stink. He follows his nose and dispatches yet another evil dude. Does he get a thanks? No. And he still has to worry about the Goodman that's going to kill him. He's been going to every Goodman he can find to try to avoid being killed on his thirtieth birthday. Well, Boston's next on the list, maybe this will be his lucky city; Massachusetts is where the Salem witch trials were held.

When Chris pulls up at Rhea's family home, he is told to go away, Rhea has two more years to learn to kill him. They don't know is neither has to die if they come to an agreement.

The legend say that the curse can only be broken when the witch shares their greatest power with the hunter, and vice verse. A Goodman has to trust a De Mere, will that ever happen? When Power near kills Chris by running him over while Chris and Rhea tussling on the ground, Rhea has an epiphany! But Chris takes off before she can share what might be their only chance. Maybe the curse can be broken, now to find Chris.

Chris is back to hunting the demons stalking women around town. He wants to believe that the curse will be broken, because he really doesn't want to die. As he comes upon the demon pair, Rhea finds him. As they kill the demon duo and Rhea tells him her big plan. She teaches him to rhyme, and he doesn't kill her; and together, they make a baby. Curse broken, problem solved. Right? Well, at least no one has to die....

In Witch Way, Mary Janice Davidson comes through again. She writes an engaging little tale that you're sure is going to end in a dastardly deed. But, she turns the table and leaves it upside down. Rhea is a sweetie, who will do anything to protect her mom and dad and the various other ankle biters better known as her siblings. She's strong like all MJD's heroines, speaks her mind, and doesn't take any sh** from anyone, not even when it comes wrapped up in a cute little package by the name of Chris De Mere. Chris is a good guy who has been portrayed as the evil doer, when he's nothing of the sort. Well, there is this little voice in his head that keeps telling him to be evil, but he doesn't listen to it (at least not often, and he tells it to shut up all the time). When Rhea and Chris come together, sparks fly in more ways than one. Witch Way was a quick little read that was just a lot of fun. Demon's Delight is a great anthology from a group of talented writers that give a new meaning to the words angels and demons. I recommend this book to the reader who wants to take a sweet little break and have a blast. Literally, that Chris can cast a wicked spell, if only he could rhyme.

MJD - I hope you're feeling better, rest up!

Reviewette: Bite Anthology --- Blood Lust --- Vickie Taylor

Publisher: Jove Publishing
Pages: 221-297

From the Cover: The bite is back in vampire fiction.....

Daniel Hart is a research scientist that has made an amazing discovery....if only he lives long enough to share it with the world......

Daniel Hart has been doing research in Atlanta with a blood substitute. One that can be used to help with blood loss during surgery, accident, or injury. It is a large step forward for man.....what he doesn't know is the person supporting his research doesn't want to share it with the world, but keep it for himself. Little does he know that his most ardent supporter is none other than the Vampire Enforcer, Garth LaGrange, enforcer of the law for the Vampire Queen.

Garth has supported this pathetic human long enough. Finally, the blood substitute has been developed and he no longer need this swiveling excuse for humanity. He has been waiting centuries for this discovery. Time to dispose of the unwanted waste as he begins to destroy Daniel Hart's mind, body, and life. As Daniel fiancee sashays into to the room to pour herself across Garth's body, giving him neck, Daniel watches as Sue Ellen succumbs to the power Garth LaGrange or so he thinks.....

Now, months later with rehab and healing, Daniel Hart is on the prowl. He's looking to get even with Garth, to become like him, to become vampire.

Blood Lust....it's all Deadre Rue can feel, it's been so long since her thirst has been quenched. The Queen and the Enforcer won't allow it, and after being burned once, she won't be quenching it again anytime soon. When Daniel comes on to her, she is suspicious. What does Daniel want? Is he a vampire groupie, terminally ill, mentally imbalanced? Why would he want to be vampire?

Daniel only has one answer. Revenge. He needs to kill Garth and free Sue Ellen. To do this, he will go to any lengths, even kidnapping a vampire. When Deadre comes to her senses, it's late - almost dawn. Doesn't he know the sun will kill her, maybe she should let it happen. Daniel wants to let her go, but not until she has made him one of the undead. She can't, it is forbidden. To do so would be to consign herself to the sun.

As the dawn begins to break, Deadre is helpless to stop the pain. As she begins to burn, Daniel panics, frees her, and takes her to his grandparents property where a cellar waits. He slips them into the damp darkness and offers his blood to repair her body. Deadre has so long been denied that once she starts to feed, she losses her head and nearly drains his body. With no choices left, she gives him her blood, making him vampire as he wished.

When Daniel wakes the next night, it is to find a remorseful Deadre and a new vampire. He immediately wants to confront Garth, but he is a baby; he needs to gain strength. But with new blood substitute, he can gain the strength he needs quickly.

Back in Atlanta at Daniel's lab, a secret stockpile of synthetic blood awaits. Daniel and Deadre drink their fill and explore the wonders of vampirism together, loving and laughing, high on the rush of synthetic blood. Daniel knows that he loved Sue Ellen at one time, but now only Deadre occupies his thoughts. As they sneak into Daniel's house that Garth has stolen, they find many vampires starving. Garth believes Daniel to be the weak human that he almost killed. But Daniel is strong, too strong with synthetic blood. He kills Garth as he attempts to torture Deadre. Sue Ellen calls to him, but as Deadre sees Sue Ellen, she realizes that she is actually the Queen, trying to use Daniel. Daniel sees past the guise and burns Sue Ellen. He promises all the vampires steady meals of synthetic blood, freeing the vampires of the monstrous existence and the need to prey on humans.

Blood Lust by Vickie Taylor was a great little read. This short could have well been a book! This was the last short in the anthology, Bite. It was so amazingly good, a real page turner. Daniel is a hero who is torn between wanting to avenge himself and Sue Ellen that he is ready to become the unthinkable, vampire. After he frees Sue Ellen and eliminates Garth, he has every intention of killing himself. But as Deadre works her way into his undead heart, he rather be vampire than give up having Deadre. Deadre is a heroine that has grown tired of her existence, tired of denying her thirst, tired of her undead life until she meets Daniel. As the ever thoughtful Daniel gets under her skin, she realizes what has been missing in her undead life. Companionship, love, and the beauty of a new night seen through eyes of another. I loved these two characters, both hopeless but gaining strength, life, and love from each other. Vickie Taylor (Vickie Spears) is another new author for me, but this will not be her last story that I read. This short was a very fast fun read and I enjoyed it immensely. For information about other books by Vickie Taylor, please visit her website.

Reviewette: Bite Anthology --- Galahad --- by Angela Knight

Publisher: Jove Publishing / Penguin Group Publishing
Pages: 135 - 218

Cover the Cover: Step closer to the hot blood edge of passion as a mythology of the night is unveiled.

How would you liked to be ripped from everything that you knew and transported to a different place and then the loser who tricked and turned you, up and leaves? That what happened to Carolyn Lang and the story only gets better.

Carolyn Lang finds herself in the land of Avalon, a newly made Magae, a witch. Dominic her loser boyfriend and who she was sooo over, found her professing love, only to turn her into a witch with endless visions and a Magae. He then dumped her in Avalon without so much as a See You Later and took off for green pastures. Now she having visions of a swordsman and she could kill Dominic for leaving without any instructions.

Galahad is a vampire and errant knight for King Arthur and one time lover of Morgana. He has nothing better to do, having just completing his mission, but to sit and wait for the next one to occur. That's where Carolyn finds him, sitting in a vampire bar, waiting. And that new mission would be Carolyn.

Carolyn tells him of her vision, causing him to spring into action, contacting Morgana. Merlin's Grail has been stolen and is being used to manufacturing Geriolf's (a demon like creature) dark vamps, there are battles raging all over Avalon. Galahad sees that Carolyn is flushed and has seen the symptoms before; inquiries when was the last time she 'milked' or fed on by a vampire. She has never fed a vampire. Magae are meant to feed Magi, vampires. Dominic should have made sure she knew all about Magae and Magi before he left to seek another. It's the only way that each can exist for the other. If the Magae refused to feed the Magi, the Magae will die. Merlin's magic, which keeps Avalon alive, demands it.

Carolyn and Galahad thrown together in the battles, fighting side by side. Unknowingly, she has chosen Galahad's armor as her own for battle and he finds this incredibly cute. After the battle, he takes her to his castle to rest and recuperate, the dragon Soren takes human form to impart a spell that will finish the battles, but it can only be imparted with a kiss. Galahad never thought he would hate Soren, but Soren had never kissed Carolyn before. As Soren leaves, he tells Galahad that Carolyn will be his mind-fusion mate, to be a Truebond.

To be a Truebond mate means that Carolyn will be able to use magic though him. After spending a few nights together, Galahad and Carolyn are called back into serve. As they re-enter the battle, they are trapped and to be sacrificed. The only way out is to Truebond, becoming one, and stopping the evil priestess before she can sacrifice them. It takes all of their energies but the deed is done, and Carolyn and Galahad are bonded for life, and also destroy the evil priestess.

This was an action packed short that felt more like a book! It was a page turner that introduces the reader to an alternate Avalon. One that never died, but continues to exist on another plane. The knights aren't so gallant and all are vampires. Galahad is a sexy vampire who finds the lovely Carolyn and makes her his mate. Fun, short read! Visit Angela Knight's site to find out more about her great books.

Reviewette: Bite Anthology --- Biting in Plain Sight --- By Mary Janice Davidson

Publisher: Jove Publishing / Penguin Group Publishing
Pages: 59 -131

From the Cover: Feel the euphoria of fear in the shadow of a reluctant Queen of the Undead.

Betsy just can't get over the fact that she's a vampire. I mean the whole blood thing -- ewww! She's been pronounced the Queen -- Queen Betsy of the Vampires. Even if it does mean the perpetual hot Eric Sinclair is her consort and likes buying expensive shoes....

Sophie has lived in Embarrass, Minnesota on her houseboat for many years. She's known for her moonlight wandering and being the best damn vet in the county. And she doesn't even mind making late night house calls, that's always when you need a vet.

Liam Thompson has been watching Dr. Sophie since he was a boy. Everyone knew Dr. Sophie was a vampire, but no one said anything, not because they were afraid of her, but because they were afraid she'd leave. Liam looks for ill animals, he can always find a pregnant barn cat or two when he needs one, just so he can talk to Dr. Sophie.

When Dr. Sophie stops in to look in on his cats, she catches an odd news story. It would seem there as been as rash of young women committing suicide after their boyfriend calls it quits. It's odd because none of the girls appeared suicidal.

Sophie tells Liam that she must leave immediately. Liam asks if this has anything to do with vampire business. She's shock, how does Liam know her true identity? She asks, and he tells her everyone in town knows, but they don't want to scare her off. Sophie explains that it's vampire business, she has to go see the Queen in Minneapolis...and she's afraid of the Queen (Nostro had been a very cruel King, until Betsy did him in).

After enjoying a night together at the local Radisson, they locate the Queen, she and her consort along with various hanger-ons live in her best friend Jessica's mansion (a hanger-on). Liam and Sophie pop in to let them know they're in town (proper vampire procedure) and that there is something fishy going on. Upon hearing their news, Queen Betsy ready for stake.

Upon locating the dastardly villain and delivering the message "Dude. We. Don't. Want. You. To. Kill. Anyone. Else. Because. It's. Wrong." (p.123) He attacks Liam and then is promptly staked...through the heart...turning to dust...Now the happy couples can get back to what they were doing before...having a wild time.

As many of you know MJ Davidson is one of my favorite authors and the Queen Betsy Series is at the top of re-read stack. Whenever I need an instant pick me up, read MJ. She takes the supernatural and turns it on it's ear. And the beautiful shoes Betsy owns are beyond belief. So, if you need to laugh about life, love, or vampires, read Mary Janice Davidson and visit Mary Janice Davidson's Website for more information about all her great books. I've laughed til I've cried.

Reviewette: Bite Anthology --- One Word Answers by Charlaine Harris

Publisher: Jove Publishing / Penguin Group Publishing
Pages: 35 - 65

From the Cover: Meet a down home southern girl who's found out, much to her chagrin, that vampires are her type.

Meet Sookie Stackhouse, she's just a barmaid who can read minds. She's not psychic or anything, really, this is just her disability. Oh, and one more thing, vampires are like welcome vacation, a quiteness to her overwhelmed mind.....

As Sookie and Bubba (Elvis in a previous life) are raking leaves at dusk, a limo pulls up. One thing's for sure, there aren't any limos in Bon Temps. Out of town visitors have arrived, and Bubba makes himself scarce, he's shy around new people and Sookie hopes he has gone to fetch Bill Compton, one-time vampire lover and still good friend. She can smell trouble brewing, well see it actually, the limo has vampires and something else, a shifter maybe.
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When Mr. Cataliades and Waldo alight from the limo, something is up. Mr. Cataliades is a lawyer come to talk about cousin Hadley's estate. Sookie didn't even know she had died. According to Waldo, The Fellowship of the Sun followers staked her at a cemetery, leaving Sookie with her estate. How odd, Waldo - a vampire, couldn't tell there were humans at the cemetery, especially ones with stakes, human heart races, surely he should have felt them, better yet smelled them and their blood.

As Sookie voices these concerns, Waldo tries to attack her, causing Vampire Bill to go into protect mode, staking Waldo with a convenient stake brought by Mr. Cataliades. The Queen of Louisiana wanted to give Sookie the honor, and says so as she leaves the limo as well. She doesn't see anything special about Sookie, doesn't understand the big fuss. Sookie just smiles, sometimes she does that when she's nervous.

This is excellent short story written by Charlaine Harris following the Southern Vampire Series (The Sookie Stackhouse Series for all you True Blood fans out there.) This series started out known as The Southern Vampire Series, but with the growing popularity of Sookie, it has come to known as The Sookie Stackhouse Series. This story continues the Sookie Stackhouse saga loved by many including myself. To find out more about all the Sookie Stackhouse stories, check out Charlaine Harris' website where you can find out about all of her Sookie books as well as her other series: Aurora Teagarden Series, Harper Connelly Mystery Series, and several anthologies.

Reviewette: Bite Anthology --- The Girl Who Was Infatuated With Death --- By Laurell K. Hamilton

Publisher: Jove Publishing / Penguin Group Publishing
Pages: 1 -32

From the Cover: Follow a vampire hunter who can be as deadly as her prey.

This story takes place between BLUE MOON and OBSIDIAN BUTTERFLY.

As Ms. MacKenzie sat weeping in Anita Blake's office at Animator's Inc., Anita wondered why she was here....Her arch enemy...the Human First leader Jeremy Ruebens was now sending her clientele from jail, how lovely. It would seem Ms. MacKenzie's daughter, Amy, was preparing to be turned. She was only seventeen, one year away from the legal limit. Anita is used to dealing with dead people, zombies and vampires, the living were so not in her job description.

Amy was only considering becoming a vampire because cancer was robbing her of her legs. Very important in a teenager's life, well important in anyone's life. Ms. MacKenzie wanted Anita to save Amy before death won over another eager participate. Was this Amy's choice to make or her mother's?

Danse Macabre is the starting point for information where Jean Claude rules as Master of the City. Only Jean Claude knew every vampire in the city, he was Amy's last chance at life, be it what it may be. Life wasn't promising for Amy. But, no luck, until Jean Claude contacts the Church of Eternal Life.

Malcolm, Deacon of the Church of Eternal Life, has agreed to deliver the vampire involved in the deed, unfortunately for Amy, not soon enough. It will cost this vampire his life.

When I was on SciFiGuy's site, he was doing quick little reviewettes for the anthology he was reviewing, "The Mammoth Book of Paranormal Romance" Edited by Trisha Telep. It looked fun, thought I'd give it a try.

The Girl Who Was....was very short, a very quick read. But you really need to have read the series until at least Blue Moon to understand it because the story is so short, not a lot of background information given, no space for it. It was a decent read and filled in some of the missing pieces between books.

(Here's another peek at Anita Blake with her vampire lover, Jean Claude, Master of the City)