Spotlight on My Collection of Books by Jaid Black

Someone mentioned Jaid Black the other day and asked had I read any of her books. I know I had read quite a few, but could only remember Sins of the Father in that moment. It prompted me to look back in my e-book files and check out some of Jaid's titles and go through them once again. Here are few quick Romance Bytes and reviews on some of the stories I have previously read. I know some are pretty old, so I'll have to take a trip over to Ellora's Cave and she what's new on Jaid's list...(more)

Arcane Society upcoming books

Jayne Ann Krentz/Amanda Quick fans will be excited to here that the author's The Third Circle will be out in paperback this week. Book four in her Arcane Society, this book takes place in the past offering readers the chance to get to know what the society faced in history. Krentz also puts out a series of books about the same subject that takes place in the present under her Krentz pseudonym.

Here is a sneak peek at the book:
Leona Hewitt makes a somewhat precarious and not entirely respectable living reading dream crystals. Within the Arcane Society such talent is considered to be only a step up from being a carnival worker. One dark night she steals into a private museum filled with relics of paranormal power. She is determined to retrieve a rare crystal that was stolen from her family. Imagine her surprise when she encounters the mysterious psychic mesmerist, Thaddeus Ware, standing over the body of a savagely murdered woman. Thaddeus is accustomed to fearful reactions from others, especially women. After all, a man with the power to control minds could rob a lady of her virtue without her even knowing it. Leona, however, is no ordinary female. She has power of her own and she is not afraid of him. She is also not about to give up her claim on the crystal. 



A reckless and dangerous passion flares immediately between the pair as they flee into the night. But at dawn Leona disappears with the crystal. Thaddeus has no choice but to track her down. Not only is he fascinated by Leona -- the only woman who can resist his talent -- he knows that a ruthless hunter of preternatural skill is also hunting her. 


For those who are enjoying the series, Krentz has a whole history of the series and information on all the characters on her Website at www.jayneannkrentz.com. She has also recreated a new logo for the Arcane Society that was unveiled in a fan e-mail today. Above is a copy.

Quick will release Book #6, The Perfect Poison, on April 21. Here is a sneak peek at that book:
Plagued by rumors that she poisoned her fiancé, Lucinda Bromley manages to live on the fringes of polite society, tending her beloved plants—and occasionally consulting on a murder investigation. For the notorious botanist possesses a unique talent: she can detect almost any type of poison, especially ones that have their origins in the botanical kingdom.

But the death of a lord has shaken Lucinda to her core. At the murder scene, she picks up traces of a poison containing a very rare species of fern. So rare, in fact, that only one specimen exists in all of England—and it was stolen from her conservatory just last month. To keep her name out of the investigation and to find the murderer, Lucinda hires a fellow Arcane Society member. Caleb Jones runs a psychical investigation agency. A descendant of the founder of the Society, he is very good at protecting its secrets—and frighteningly good getting at the truth.

Immediately, Lucinda senses both a raw power and undeniable intensity in the imposing man. But as a nearly overwhelming desire blooms between Caleb and Lucinda, they are drawn into the dark heart of a deadly conspiracy that can be traced to the early days of the Arcane Society—and to a legacy of madness that could plunge Caleb into the depths of his own tortured soul. . .

Romance Book Review: The Blood Club

Author: Brit Blaise
ISBN-13: 978-1-60272-196-8
Genre: Paranormal/Vampire

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Description:
Psychiatrist Amanda Montgomery never dreamed she'd enter the infamous Blood Club on the arm of a handsome detective to see a group on stage performing sex acts for a full house. And her adventure goes from strange to bizarre when she becomes a reluctant participant of the show. Amanda's medical specialty is delusional patients who believe they're vampires. . .little does she know!

As token vampire on the force, Detective Mark Philips' position in the community and at work is already causing him no shortage of complications. With the vampire numbers growing disproportionately to the general population, a day of reckoning grows nearer with each passing second. Just when he thinks things can't get worse, a sassy doctor and an old foe join forces to bring him to his knees.

Detective Philips needs to find a vampire-wanna-be assaulting visitors of the Blood Club. He doesn't need the complications falling for the doc will bring and he especially doesn't want an old lover adding drama to an already explosive situation. Amanda's dormant sexual desires aren't just awakened, they're roaring out of control. But when she discovers Mark's ex is not only a vampire but a man, her new sexual exploits are some she'd never imagined. Can she handle the man-on-man vampire heat?

About the Author from her Website:
I write other genres, all the way from ultra-sweet to ultra-hot.
In my BRIT BLAISE persona…I write HOT!

It's a place I like to be and it shows.

I love to write erotic romances and love the people who read them.

In my old BIO, I said: “Long time Arizonan, Brit Blaise grew up with a deep and abiding love for books. She believes in dark and dangerous heroes; strong independent women who aren't afraid to think for themselves; head-over-heels love; fairy tale endings and that it's more fun to laugh than it is to cry, but doing both at the same time is the best of all.

I no longer live in Arizona. I'm in Ohio. And I now write under three names.

My View:
This book has it all from multiple upon multiple partners to exhibition to male/male sex. Usually I would say a book like this is just way to out there for me, but there is something about the authors writing style that keeps the readers attention and gets them to the end. Although this is a short story with so many things happening in such a short time, I really had the chance to get to know and like the characters. The hero and heroine were convincing as a couple. My only wish was that I had a little more time to get to know them.

Two hours is not long enough to do Nora Roberts's Books Justice

Two Nora Roberts Lifetime movies down, two more to go. This evening Lifetime aired Midnight Bayou, Nora Roberts G.P. Putnam’s Sons book from 2001. I am delighted to say that this one I finally liked. It only took five stories turned into movies before that happened.

I am actually a fan of Nora Roberts's books, but I haven't been too pleased with the movies. The first time around I learned quickly that two hours isn't long enough to compress one of Roberts's books in. Montana Sky was one of my favorite books of all time. Roberts put a lot of effort to write a well thought out mystery. As far as I was concerned the movie producers completely ruined the story.

This time around I really considered not watching, but I decided that since I hadn't read two of the books that I would give it a try. Last week after Northern Lights I was completely disgusted. Don't get me wrong for what it was the movie was good. If I hadn't remembered the book so well, I probably wouldn't have a complaint. Well, maybe not as many complaints.

Okay I just have to say it. No matter where they are located in Alaska in early January there was way too much light in that movie. Roberts did well in the book to describe the amount of daylight hours there would be, but the same didn't happen in the movie. Also, it seemed like they were walking around in Lake Tahoe, California in the winter, early spring rather than the dead of winter Alaska when the temperatures are below zero. Not that I was sorry to see sexy Eddie Cibrian running into the frigid temperatures with no shirt on and his light weight jacket opened to show off his beautiful chest, but...Well enough about that.

In the book Cibrian's character, Nate, it a tortured soul who has come to Alaska to take over the job as sheriff and to heal after his partner is killed. The Nate in the movie seems only mildly upset about his former partner's death. It would have been nice to explore some of the feelings of the characters a little more like Roberts did in the book. There just isn't enough time to do so in a two-hour movie.

Midnight Bayou worked a little better in that the screenplay writer, Stephen Tolkin, was able to dig into a good ghost story and leave the romance almost secondary. The book and the movie aren't exactly the same, but this time the movie was a whole lot closer than any of the previous attempts.

What Midnight Bayou lost in the differences between the screenplay and the original manuscript, the actors made up for ten fold. The movie starred Jerry O'Connell and Lauren Stamile as the lead hero and heroine. Both are fairly decent actors, but add to the mix legendary actress Faye Dunaway, and even secondary actors Ashley LeConte Campbell as Josephine Manet and Alejandro Rose-Garcia as Julian Manet who both play pretty convincing roles as menacing spirits, and it makes Midnight Bayou the best of the six movies that have aired so far.

I have yet to read either of the books which the last two movies, High Noon and Tribute, are based on so it will be interesting to see what kind of a take I will have on the movies after the air. Not reading the book before hand could make all the difference in the world.

My Space Adventures

I love browsing around My Space and Facebook checkout out authors pages and learning more about them. Last night I was looking around My Space and came upon Helen Ravell's page. I clicked the Friends' Link and soon received a nice reply with the offer of a short story of hers to read.

"None So Blind" was a pretty good short tale about a contemporary woman who has been trying the Online dating game and come up with nothing exciting. Then she meets her neighbor and becomes very attracted to him. The only problem is she thinks he's gay. Now what is a girl to do.

"None So Blind" was a well written short story and it had the desired goal for Ms. Revell because I'm sure I will be on the lookout for other stories by this author. It just goes to show, you never know what you might find surfing on the Web.

Romance Byte Smooth Talking Stranger

Check out this Romance Byte on Lisa Klepas' new romance novel, Smooth Talking Stranger available March 31.

Watch the book trailer here.

Romance Book Reivew: Catnipped

Author: Dakota Cassidy
ISBN: 978-1-59596-861-6
Genre: Paranormal/Shapeshifter

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Description:
Charlie Ledbetter has a big problem. She doesn't like cats. In fact, she's allergic to them. And now she is one. . . sort of.
Caught in the middle of a vicious argument between two men at the pet store where she shops for her dog Pinky, Charlie doesn't just end up nipped in the fight when it's over -- she ends up having a horrible allergic reaction and much sneezing, wheezing and gulping Benadryl like it's tequila ensues.
But that's not even the half of it.
When one of the two men involved in the scuffle, Quinn Piljor, comes to apologize for his part in the scuffle, he brings his brother Luke with him. Tall, blond, sexy, off the chain hot Luke. A man Charlie's immediately attracted to. The brothers explain her little allergy problem can be solved with a ritual that takes place upon the full moon -- a sex ritual.
Crazy that, huh?
Charlie finds out what the Piljor brothers say really is true. In order to stop her violent allergic reaction to her new body's chemistry, her only shot involves having sex with Quinn.
But what does a girl do when the man she really wants to be with isn't the man she has to be with? Charlie Ledbetter has a big problem. She doesn't like cats. In fact, she's allergic to them. And now she is one. . . sort of.
Caught in the middle of a vicious argument between two men at the pet store where she shops for her dog Pinky, Charlie doesn't just end up nipped in the fight when it's over -- she ends up having a horrible allergic reaction and much sneezing, wheezing and gulping Benadryl like it's tequila ensues.
But that's not even the half of it. . .
When one of the two men involved in the scuffle, Quinn Piljor, comes to apologize for his part in the scuffle, he brings his brother Luke with him. Tall, blond, sexy, off the chain hot Luke. A man Charlie's immediately attracted to. The brothers explain her little allergy problem can be solved with a ritual that takes place upon the full moon -- a sex ritual.
Crazy that, huh?
Charlie finds out what the Piljor brothers say really is true. In order to stop her violent allergic reaction to her new body's chemistry, her only shot involves having sex with Quinn.
But what does a girl do when the man she really wants to be with isn't the man she has to be with?

About the author from the back of her book:
Dakota Cassidy found writing quite by accident and it's "been madness ever since." Who knew writing the grocery list would turn into this? Dakota loves anything funny and nothing pleases her more than to hear she's made someone laugh. She loves to write in many genres with a contemporary flair. Dakota lives with her two handsome sons, a dog and a cat. (None of them shape shift -- that we know of.)

My View:
Charlie is out shopping for her beloved dog when she gets in the middle of a scuffle between two men in the pet food store. Unknown to her, one of the men is a shapeshifting tiger. When he accidentally bites her, she starts showing signs of turning into a shapeshifting tiger herself. That might not be so bad if she wasn't deathly allergic to cats and her dog wasn't so afraid he wouldn't come out from under the bed.

So here she is with a problem and her new shapeshifting friends tell her there is one way to change that, but she has to have sex with the one who bit her. The only problem is she isn't the least bit attracted to him, but his brother. Just what is a girl to do, when the Benadryl isn't working? Her new friends have just the answer.

I've always loved Dakota Cassidy's style. She has a great whit and playful way with words. "Catnipped" is just one more fine example.

Romance Book Review: Night's Pleasure

Author: Amanda Ashley
Series Connection: Night's Master, Night's Touch
ISBN-13: 978-0821780626
Genre: Paranormal/Vampire

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Description:
DESIRE CASTS A DARK SPELL. Savanah Gentry's life was so much simpler when she was a reporter for the local newspaper. That was before her father's sudden death drew her into a mysterious new world she was just beginning to understand. A Vampire hunter by birth, Savanah has been entrusted with a legacy that puts everyone she cares for in danger – including the seductive, sensual Vampire who unleashes her most primal desires .

Rane Cordova has always been alone, half hating himself for his dark gift even as he relishes its extraordinary power. But one look at Savanah fills him with the need to take everything she has to give and carry her to heights of unimagined ecstasy. And though he never intended their relationship to go this far, now Savanah is in more danger than she knows – and facing a relentless enemy determined to eliminate Rane and all his kind.

From the Author's Website:
"I'm happy to say that NIGHT'S PLEASURE has been on the USA Today Bestseller list for the last two weeks, and is also on the BookScan Top 100 books. I was hoping to make the New York Times list, but, alas, it was not to be. Thanks to all of you who have taken the time to email me and tell me how much you enjoyed the book. I love this family, and hate to see the series end. Of course, there's still Mara's book, and maybe one more.
At the moment, I'm hard at work on a sequel to a book I just finished. I love it so far, but then, I love them all while I'm writing them. It's only when I get the galley proofs that I start to have doubts...is it really as good as I thought? Will my readers like it? As I've said before, authors are notoriously insecure!"

My View:
Although this book is part of a series, I really found that it could be read alone. Savanah is a newspaper reporter who is forced into the world of vampire hunters after her father dies. Rane is a natural born vampire. For the past several decades he has been using his vampire abilities to earn his living as a small town magician. He first sees Savanah in his audience when she is a little girl. When she grows up and becomes a reporter, she decides she wants to interview Rane, who is now using a different name, but is still a magician. Rane has notice Savanah following his shows, but has refused to follow his attraction for her because he doesn't want to be involved with someone he desires so much. After Savanah corners him about an interview, Rane surprises Savanah and himself by asking her on date. She accepts and as the two explore their desire for each other they both are placed farther into danger. Now Rane has to battle against those that want to rid the world of vampires and save Savanah, as well.

I liked this book, as it doesn't try to hide the fact that vampires exist from the world. Amanda keeps the story moving for the most part, with some slow parts in the center and a fast paced ending. Vampire fans will enjoy this and the other stories in this series.

Romance Book Review: The Education of Madeline

The Education of Madeline
Author:Beth Williamson
ISBN: 978-0758234698
Genre: Historical/Western

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Description:
Plum Creek, Colorado 1872
The Right Man Comes Along
Madeline Brewster practically owns Plum City, Colorado. But at thirty-two, she knows she has missed any chance for happiness. Until she finds a tall, strong, handsome Irishman on the wrong end of the hangman's noose. Suddenly this unconventional woman comes up with an outrageous idea.
Teague O'Neal has rugged cheekbones, tousled black curls, and eyes as blue as the sky, even if he is caked in Colorado mud. The men insist they caught him horse-thieving, and there's something desperate about him that says he'd do anything for a buck.
Maybe it was pure chance, or maybe it was something more that brought Madeline and Teague together. But one thing's clear, between a woman who has just about everything she could ever want, and a man who's lost that and more, they might find something in between worth living for.

About the Author from her Website:
You can't say cowboys without thinking of Beth Williamson. Her love for all things western shines through in her writing. A true Scorpio, she once described her "word" as passion. Read her work and discover for yourself how hot and enticing a cowboy can be.
Beth is the author many novels and novellas with Samhain Publishing, Loose Id, and Kensington Publishing, with many more in the works for the coming years.
Born and raised in New York, she holds a B.F.A. in writing from New York University. Currently, Beth lives just outside of Raleigh, North Carolina, with her husband and two sons.

My View:
Not generally one to like period pieces or westerns, I was pleasantly surprised after reading "The Education of Madeline". I loved the authors writing style and the plot behind the story. The fact that women were so mistreated in those days is well documented and the author incorporates the issues well in her book. I liked both the heroine's strength and the hero's weakness for her. Both tortured souls Madeline and Teague make a perfect match.

Madeline is living in the shadow of her dead father, a man who owned half the town including the bank. He was not well liked by the people in town and when he dies the hatred for him transfers to Madeline. The town calls her the "Black Widow". Looking for revenge the town sheriff and judge decide to go after her bank assets and frame Madeline for the crime.

The sheriff catches Teague in the act of doing something stupid and he is pushed into helping the sheriff and the judge spy on Madeline. It isn't until Teague gets to know Madeline that he realizes that he wants to switch sides and help her instead.

When Madeline meets Teague at the wrong end of a rope, she decides he is perfect to help her with a little education she feels she is lacking. At 32 Madeline has never been with a man before. Without any likely prospects in the small town she's from, she decides that this man might just be desperate enough to take her up on a business proposition. She saves him from a noose and he gives her a few lessons in lovemaking. Teague can't help but take the bait. The attraction between the couple sizzles off the pages. This book has the perfect ending.

Romance Book Review: Teasing Danger

Teasing Danger
Author: Autumn Dawn
Series Connection: Darklands
ISBN: 978-1586080815
Genre: Paranormal/Shapeshifter

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Autumn Dawn is the Featured Author at www.romancebookscene.com this week.

A while back I happened upon Teasing Danger by Autumn Dawn and wound up liking the book so much I wanted to continue on and read the entire series. I was sure I missed the first book to the series because Teasing starts kicks off the series after Jasmine's friend Wiley goes missing and Jasmine, with the help of Wiley's search and rescue dog, Lemming, is tracking Wiley in the Alaskan wilds. After finding Wiley's camp, Jasmine becomes worried that something terrible has happened to her friend. This is actually the first book to the series. Wiley's story comes later.

While searching for her friend, out of the darkness Jasmine meets a stranger who takes her to where Wiley is being held, unfortunately she comes to find out that her friend is no longer being held on earth, but on another planet. By simply walking across a unseen border Jasmine is taken to "Darklands". A place where men are no longer human, but the Haunt, a cross between human and wolf. When Jasmine is taken to her friend, she finds that Wiley, a girl she has known most of her life, isn't human, but a Haunt. She is to be the princess of this part of the Darklands.

All of this is as much of a surprise to Wiley as it is to Jasmine and Jasmine vows to help free Wiley from her captors. At first the Haunt were going to just let Jasmine see that her friend was unharmed and then send her on her way back to earth, but when they realize that Jasmine's intentions are to rescue Wiley, that changes and they decide to keep her.

The Master of the Hunt, it is Keilor's job to protect his people. When he meets Jasmine he realizes quickly that she could be a danger to the Haunt, not only because she wants to rescue her friend but because she is a Sylph. Before the Haunt left earth and moved to the Darklands the humans used Sylph to tempt the Haunt and kill them. There is something in the genetic makeup of a Sylph that drives unmated Haunt men to extreme desire.

Keilor is determined that he will not get caught in Jasmine's net, but can he resist her.

Teasing Danger is an interesting change on the paranormal werewolf/shapeshifter theme. The Darkland's takes the characters from modern day Alaska to a sort of Medieval world with kings, queens, arranged marriages and castles. Of course there are some modern conveniences in Darklands like electricity and a bath and shutters that work on command. All and all sci-fi fans will enjoy the entire Darklands series.

Romance Byte: Alexandra Ivy's Darkness Revealed

Check out the Romance Byte on Alexandra Ivy's new Guardian of Eternity series, Darkness Revealed

Check out this week's spotlight

This week's author spotlight is Autumn Dawn. See her interview at www.romancebookscene.com

Book Review: A Perfect Darkness

Author: Jaime Rush
Series Connection: Book 1 of the Offspring series
ISBN: 978-0061690358
Genre: Paranormal

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Description:
They live ordinary lives, but they are extraordinary. They are the Offspring, children of a mysterious experiment gone awry—and they are in terrible danger.

A sexy stranger awakens Amy Shane in the dead of night. Lucas Vanderwyck barely has time to whisper a few words before three men burst into her bedroom and drag him away. But what Lucas reveals shatters Amy's safe little world forever.

Lucas and Amy share a psychic gift—a gift that could put them in mortal danger. And as they share night after night of savage passion, as a shadowy government conspiracy tracks their every move, they will fight to save each other. But only with their powers of second sight can they escape the terror of a perfect darkness.

My View:
Amy Shane keeps to herself living an almost secluded life repairing lost data on computer hard drives. About the only thing exciting in her life is the very erotic dreams she has nightly with a faceless stranger. That is until the man of her dreams wakes her in the dead of night and pulls her into a world she never knew. Amy always knew she was different, but she didn't realize that there was others just like her. Others she had once known as a child, but was separated from when all of their parents died mysteriously. Now it is them against the government trying to learn what their special gifts mean and what the government wants with them.

When Lucas is kidnapped from her house Amy works together with brother and sister team, Petra and Eric, to find him. Lucas is being held by a government agency who want to conduct experiments on the people they call "Offsprings". While the Amy, Eric and Petra work to release Lucas from those that hold him captive, they begin to unravel the mess their lives have become. Learning they are the "Offspring" of a group of experimentees from years earlier.

I thought that Jaime did an excellent job of bringing together the first book in this series. She introduces all her characters well and brings a compelling story to light. I loved the couple that Amy and Lucas make. Readers will just feel their love through the pages of the book as they communicate through their dreams. The supporting characters are also well thought out and interesting. Even as crazy and obnoxious as Eric seems, readers will be want to see him succeed in his missions now and in the future. The next book "Out of Darkness" is expected to be released in October of 2009.

Romance Byte: Deadly Desire by Keri Arthur

Check out this Romance Byte on Keri Arthur's new book Deadly Desire.

Book Review: Animal Attraction

Author: Charlene Teglia
ISBN: 978-0312537418
Genre: Paranormal/Werewolf/Erotic Romance

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Description:
One woman, eleven gorgeous men. One decadent night. And when it's all over, only one man will claim her...

Chandra Walker has a secret hidden in her genes—she's a rare female werewolf. Now that her all-male pack has located her, Chandra must perform an ancient initiation rite: a nightlong orgy with all eleven members of the pack. After sampling each man's pleasure, Chandra must choose a mate who will become the next pack leader. Soon the strongest alphas are competing to bring Chandra the most ecstasy, and she's consumed by raw animal lust and aching, primal need. But when the ritual is complete and she's forced choose her mate, she is torn between the needs of the pack...and her heart.

About the author from her Website:
I'm Charlene Teglia, an award-winning author of 20 steamy romances for St. Martin's, Pocket, Samhain and Ellora's Cave. When I'm not writing, I homeschool my hellions, open and close doors for cats, hike, and go geocaching. Sometimes I even clean the house.

My View:
At first glance when reading the back cover one might think this book is all about erotic romance and unfortunately some might think it has no substance. That could not be further from the truth. Sure the author has the character have sex with 11 different guys, but more than that this book has an outstanding plot and an exciting read. I loved the heroine, Chandra. She had true grit and intelligence to match. She never backed down to any challenge put in front of her no matter how strange her life had become in just a few days.

Maybe for some having so many lovers in one book might be a bit too much. The sex scenes however a truly hot for those who like these kinds of books and it falls to form. Nothing to out there like in some erotic books.

I say bravo to this author, and I can't wait to read another book by her.

Evangeline Anderson's Eyes Like a Wolf

Author: Evangeline Anderson
ISBN: 978-1-59632-506-7
Genre: Paranormal/Shapeshifter

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Description:
Rachel Kemet is a successful Assistant District Attorney living in Tampa. Engaged to one of the wealthiest men in town, her future seems assured. That is until her past comes back to haunt her. Barely a month from her wedding, she gets a call informing her that the most important person in her life has returned and he is being held at the Tampa police station on suspicion of murder.

Fiancee all but forgotten, Rachel races to the PD to find the man who has haunted her dreams since the age of seven--her foster brother, Richard. There is no blood tie between them but Richard reminds her of a deeper bond, one that was forged when the two of them were mere children—children of a strange, half human race called the Amon-kai.

Rachel doesn't want to remember the horrible night when her mother stole her away from Richard, she only knows that for the first time in seventeen years she finally feels whole. But Richard wants more than a simple family reunion—he needs Rachel in a way that goes against her deeply held convictions and beliefs. Rachel refuses to see him as more than her long lost brother but when Richard's murderous secret comes out she will have to make a choice between breaking the most forbidden taboo...or dying.

Publisher's Note: While Richard and Rachel have no blood ties and their relationship is consensual, some readers, particularly those with a history of sexual abuse or incest, may find this story disturbing. This book contains explicit sexual content, graphic language, and other situations that some readers may find objectionable: Dubious consent, attempted rape, sex while in shifted form, violence.

About Evangeline From the Author's Website:
Evangeline Anderson is a registered MRI tech who would rather be writing. And yes, she is nerdy enough to have a bumper sticker that says “I'd rather be writing.” Honk if you see her! She is thirty-something and lives in Florida with a husband, a son, and two cats. She had been writing erotic fiction for her own gratification for a number of years before it occurred to her to try and get paid for it. To her delight, she found that it was actually possible to get money for having a dirty mind and she has been writing paranormal and Sci-fi erotica steadily ever since.

My View:
For the most part this is a fairly decent read. The story goes into all kinds of details about what it would be like to be a child, and then an adult, who is confused about what is going on around her. As a child Rachel's parents kept certain facts about her heritage from her, presumably because she is too young to understand what was really happening. Her parents split up when she is young and she is separated from her father and her foster brother.

When she is older she suddenly meets her foster brother, Richard, again for the first time in 17 years. He knew about who and what he was when he was young. He understood that Rachel was to be his mate when they became older. Now suddenly Richard is in her life again and expecting things from her that she isn't sure she really wants.

I adored Richard's character in the book. He was always calm and patient with Rachel. Rachel on the other hand was a pretty wishy-washy character. Not just because she's confused about what is going on, but also because it seems that she can't make up her mind. The whole you're my brother thing, didn't bother me as much as the whole you're my brother, but come "sleep" with me in bed. This woman is a lawyer, engaged to another man and still doesn't see the problem with "sleeping" with her brother? Otherwise this is a pretty good paranormal/shapeshifter book. It has nice descriptive visuals, which I really like.

Saturday, March 21st will kick-off the Nora Roberts series of movies on Lifetime

It's time to kick off your cowboy boots girls and get ready for a different kind of ride. Country singer Leann Rimes will be staring in Nora's first Lifetime movie this go round in "Northern Lights". Also featured is the ever sexy . Don't make any plans for the next four Saturdays as this is just the kick-off. From March 21 to April 11 each Saturday at 9 p.m. will feature a different Nora story. Watch the trailers below to see if one of your favorites is becoming a movie.

Nora Roberts Lifetime Movie "Midnight Bayou" March 28

"Midnight Bayou" stars Crossing Jordan hunk Jerry O’Connell, along with Lauren Stamile and legendary actress Faye Dunaway.

Nora Roberts Lifetime Movie "High Noon" Saturday, March 28

The third Nora Roberts movie this go round is "High Noon". The movie stars Emilie DeRavin, the very sexy Ivan Sergei and the always incredible looking Cybill Shepard.

Nora Roberts "Tribute" April 11

Featuring Brittany Murphy and Jason Lewis.

Romance Byte: Dead Again by Lisa Andel

Just listed a new Romance Byte on Lisa Andel's now in print Dead Again. Click here for more details.

Romance Bytes--Veil of Midnight

Check out this Romance Byte featuring Veil of Midnight by Lara Adrian.

Passion by M.L. Rhodes

Check out the new review for Passion by M.L. Rhodes here.

Alpha shapeshifter finds his True Mate

True Mates
Author: Zena Wynn
Series Connection: True Mates Book 1
ISBN: 978-1-59632-627-9
Genre: Paranormal/Werewolf/Shape-shifter

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Description:
Kiesha Morgan is a plus-sized, bi-racial business woman who lives life on her own terms. Her life is all about control...her control. She owns her own business, her own condo, and conducts her relationships the same way she runs her business -- by her rules. Any man that doesn't like it is welcome to leave.

Alex Wolfe is the town of Refuge's only veterinarian. He's also a shape-shifter, and the Alpha of the Raven Pack. He's been waiting for the woman who can complete him, his one True Mate. Even though the odds of finding her are slim, he refuses to settle for second best. Once he finds her, he'll never let her go.

Their worlds collide when Kiesha is snatched out of her nice, safe world and mysteriously teleported to a clearing in the woods outside of Refuge. She's out of her element and things are out of her control.

Life just got a little bit more interesting.

From the back of True Mates:
I love to read. I love books that can take me out of my ordinary life into an extraordinary reality. I don’t just read. I become. To me, a really well written book is like a mini-vacation, without all of the hassle. My greatest hope is that after reading one of my stories, you’ll feel the same.

The mother of three (four, if you count Lady, our family dog) and grandmother of two, when not busy with family or church, I can most likely be found in front of the computer writing or escaping into a book.

My View:
True Mates is the first of so far three books under the series with the same name. The latest book, Nikolia's Wolf, is set to be released this month. Wanting to start the series from the start I picked this book up first. I just love werewolf books. The whole idea of love at first site when mates meets is always exciting especially when the wolf has to convince a human what she is feeling is real. This is a nice quick read and an interesting start the series. Kiesha and Alex make a nice average couple, which is actually the best part of the book. There are a lot of hot and steamy sex scenes that seem to take up just a little too much of the book. I would have loved to learn a little more about the pack's life and the town of Refuge. Zena has a great style and I loved Kiesha's personality. I'm looking forward to checking out the rest of the series.

Notorious adds book four to the Melanie Vargas series

Notorious
Author: Michele Martinez
Series Connection: Melanie Vargas
Genre: Romantic Suspense

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Description:
About to bring a famous rap star to trial for murder, Melanie Vargas becomes the sole witness when a car bomb kills the rapper's lawyer. Her career and her safety are on the line, but so is her heart: Melanie's relationship with the charismatic defense lawyer was more than strictly professional.

Determined to hunt down his killer, she finds herself in a dangerous world of subterfuge and double-crosses. The lawyer wasn't what he seemed. A lot of people wanted him dead, and as Melanie zeroes in on the answer, she finds she can't trust anybody -- not even those closest to her.

From the Author's Website:
Like Melanie Vargas, the main character in her novels, Michele Martinez had the privilege of serving as a federal prosecutor in New York City. For eight years she was an Assistant United States Attorney in the Eastern District of New York, which covers some of the most drug- and gang-infested areas of Brooklyn and Queens. She specialized in narcotics, and we're not talking about busting high school kids selling pot, either. The Eastern District includes the airports and the ports serving New York City, so Michele had jurisdiction over the biggest narcotics organizations in the world.

My View:
Notorious is the fourth legal thriller to feature Melanie Vargas. This book starts off where the last book Cover-up end. Melanie witnesses a friend, and opposing defense attorney, Lester Poe, being killed when his car is blown up outside the Manhattan federal courthouse. Poe is a distinguished defense attorney who was representing a rap legend named Atari Briggs. Before he is killed, Poe tells Melanie that his client wants to make a deal, but suddenly after Poe's death, Briggs is saying there was never any talk about any deals.

Added to the mix is the fact that Poe's partner, Evan Diamond, takes over the Briggs case. Diamond has a reputation of being on the take and not being completely honest. Diamond will stop at nothing to get information even starting an affair with a young female attorney that works with Melanie. Soon Melanie realizes she doesn't quite know who to trust.

One of the things that make Michele's work so easy to read is that the scenes are action packed and fast moving and she keeps everything simple to follow along with. The mystery she leads readers on in trying to decide who killed Poe is interesting and leads the readers to several different people who might have wanted Poe dead. There are several twists and turns in the novel that keeps the reader wanting to read more.

Where I felt the story fell short was Melanie's interactions with her former boyfriend, FBI agent Dan O'Reilly. I kept expecting there to be more of the steamy scenes that were in the previous books, but this one fell short in that regard. Otherwise, it was a well written book that fans will want to read and see to the end.

Reissue of Howard's Tears of a Renegade

Tears of a Renegade
Author: Linda Howard
ISBN-13: 978-0373200030
Genre: Contemporary Romance

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Description:
Susan has never known anyone like Cord Blackstone. His pale blue eyes shine with temptation…and dark menace.

Cord has a score to settle with his family—the same genteel clan that sheltered Susan after her husband's death. He will stop at nothing to punish the Blackstones—even if it means ruining the one woman who can't stop loving him.…

From the author's publisher's Website:
Linda Howard is an award-winning author whose New York Times bestsellers include Open Season, All the Queen¹s Men, Mr. Perfect, Kill and Tell, and Son of the Morning. She lives in Alabama with her husband and two golden retrievers.

My View:
We all love bad boys, but I found bad boy Cord just a bit to on the rough side for Susan's good girl image. That said I think this book was filled with strong characters and a good story line. Cord Blackstone feels he's been done wrong by his family and he is out for revenge. His motives are made quite clear from the start, even though most of the book is told from Susan's point of view. From what little the readers share from Cord's side he doesn't ever seem to redeem himself.

Susan is no wall flower, but she is definitely too soft a heroine. I find the biggest character flaw that no one trusts her, yet she is loved by all. That really doesn't match. Even those who seemingly know that she is a good, honest, trustworthy person don't really know her at all. She's stuck in the middle with both sides pushing her too far.

To the author's credit this book was written in 1985. A lot has changed in romance books in nearly 25 years, except for the fact that readers love their bad boys. Many times I hear readers complain that books like this seem unrealistic. Perhaps in today's world someone like Cord wouldn't get by, but 25 years ago women loved him. Okay, so maybe even today there are some who will find him irresistible. Just don't tell anyone.

Excellent Paranormal lineup in one mammoth of a book

The Mammoth Book of Paranormal Romance
Author: Trisha Telep
ISBN: 978-0762436514
Genre: Paranormal
Publisher: Running Press

♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

Click here to purchase this book at: Amazon

Click to order other Mammoth Books by Trisha Telep:

The Mammoth Book of Time Travel Romance
The Mammoth Book of Irish Romance
The Mammoth Book of Scottish Romance
The Mammoth Book of Regency Romance 
The Mammoth Book of Paranormal Romance 2
The Mammoth Book of Vampire Romance (Mammoth Books)
The Mammoth Book of Vampire Romance 2
The Mammoth Book of Special Ops Romance

Description:
24 new short stories from the hottest names

Fall in love with someone out of this world.

If love transcends all boundaries then paranormal romance is its logical conclusion. From the biggest names around, here are 24 tales to take you to another time and place.

Let Alyssa Day, Sherrilyn Kenyon, Cheyenne McCray, Jeaniene Frost, Ilona Andrews, Kelley Armstrong, Maria V. Snyder, Carrie Vaughn, Allyson James Marland and others show you powers beyond your wildest imaginings.

Within these pages mythical beasts, magical creatures of all shapes and sizes, heart-stoppingly handsome ghosts, angels, and mortals with extra-sensitive sensory perception play out the themes of extraordinary desires.

About the editor:
Trisha Telep manages the romance section of the world-famous Murder One bookshop in London, which specializes in American imports. She lives in London.

My View:
This is a great book to cut your teeth on when you want to get into paranormal stories. The different stories cover everything from demons to sorcerers to werewolves to vampires. Each story is only an average of 20 to 30 pages long, so they don't get to go in complete detail, but enough to entice people to check out other books by the same authors. Each of the stories is well written. With so many it is hard to talk about each individually. I particularly liked several including "Succubus Seduction" by Cheyenne McCray, "Light Through the Fog" by Holly Lisle, Blue Crush by Rachel Caine and The Wager by Sherrilyn Kenyon.

Here is a list of the stories and authors:
THE TEMPTATION OF ROBIN GREEN by Carrie Vaughn
SUCCUBUS SEDUCTION by Cheyenne McCray
PARANORMAL ROMANCE BLUES by Kelley Armstrong
JOHN DOE by Anna Windsor
TAKING HOLD by Anya Bast
HOW TO DATE A SUPERHERO by jean Johnson
DANIEL by CT Adams and Cathy Clamp
LIGHT THROUGH FOG by Holly Lisle
THE TUESDAY ENCHANTRESS by Mary Jo Putney
TRINITY BLUE by Eve Silver
GRACE OF SMALL MAGICS by Ilona Andrews
ONCE A DEMON by Dina James
NIGHT VISION by Maria V. Snyder
PELE’S TEARS by Catherine Mulvaney
PACK by Jeaniene Frost
WHEN GARGOYLES FLY by Lori Devoti
THE LIGHTHOUSE KEEPER AND HIS WIFE by Sara Mackenzie
BLOOD SONG by Lynda Hilburn
THE PRINCESS AND THE PEAS by Alyssa Day
AT SECOND BITE by Michelle Rowen
BLUE CRUSH by Rachel Caine
THE WAGER by Sherrilyn Kenyon
IN SHEEP’S CLOTHING by Meljean Brook
THE DREAM CATCHER by Allyson James

Love Never-Ending delightful fantasy romance

Love Never-Ending
Author: Anny Cook
Series Connection: Mystic Valley
ISBN: 9-781-4-1991-909-1

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Description:
When naked Bishop Llewellyn is kidnapped from his bed in the middle of the night by his angry best friend Trav, he has no idea of the enormous ways his life is about to change. After they are trapped in a cave, Bishop's search for help for his seriously injured friend leads him to a mysterious valley where he discovers his long-lost brother among the blue-skinned inhabitants.

His stubborn search for an escape from the valley is sidetracked when he meets Samara, a woman who is more interested in finding out what's hidden under his sharda than seeking out a mate. Soon he's blithely showing Samara all the sensual possibilities without understanding the consequences of his actions. Their no-strings-attached affair derails when Bishop unintentionally embarrasses Samara. Then an assassin's attack on Bishop nearly succeeds…

From the back of the book:
Anny Cook learned to read at five years old. Learning to write was a natural extension. Through her adult years while a wife, mother, grandmother, fast food cook, warehouse book packer, Girl Scout and Cub Scout Leader, perpetual college student, executive secretary, and adult education teacher, writing served as the anchor that kept her sane.

Well, maybe not exactly sane, but close to it. Today, after thirty-five years with kids, cats, dogs, guinea pigs, and hamsters, she and her husband are empty nesters. Sigh. Finally, there’s time—and quiet—to write in peace.

My View:
Love Never-Ending is book five from the Mystic Valley series, but can definitely be read as a stand alone book. The novel actually begins two books back when readers first meet Traveller. In Traveller's Refuge, Trav kidnaps his friend in a moment of insanity. Trapped in a cave with his injured Trav, Bishop has to find help as fast as possible. He stumbles upon the entrance to Mystic Valley. Realizing it is Trav's only chance he drags his friends body out of the cave and runs into his long lost brother and sister-in-law who went missing twenty-five years earlier.

Finding it hard to comprehend the new surroundings he has stumbled into, Bishop has a lot to work through before he can accept his new life in Mystic Valley. Maybe it wouldn't be so hard for him if he could come to terms with the strange looking blue people with pointed ears and fangs and their customs, but as it is he longs for nothing more except to find his way back into the cave and into his old life.

While he works to come to terms with his new life, Bishop meets Samara. Samara is a fallen woman in the eyes of the people in Mystic Valley. When she was sixteen years old she was raped. According to the rules of the Valley she can not bond mate or have children. Coming to terms with her situation, Samara carves out a new life for herself. She falls in love with Bishop, but he isn't ready to hear that he has no choice but to stay in Mystic Valley, much less that he can have a life with Samara. While they work their way toward each other there is an outside force that doesn't want Samara to be happy in life and wants her miserable.

Love Never-Ending is delightful tale that readers won't be able to put down. I was really happy to see that Anny told so much of the previous stories because there was a lot going in and as it intertwined with previous stories it was important to put it all in perspective. I'm also happy to see that Bishop had so much trouble getting used to the idea that he was stuck in Mystic Valley. Think how you would feel if suddenly you were told your old life is gone, just be happy and get over it. How realistic would that be? Readers who enjoy fantasy romance will like Anny's great imagination.

Fortunes of Texas: Return to Red Rock Book 3

Triple Trouble
Author: Lois Faye Dryer
Series Connection: Fortunes of Texas: Return to Red Rock
ISBN: 9-780-3-7365-4390

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Description:
As financial analyst for the Fortune foundation, Nicholas Fortune was used to crunching numbers—not changing diapers. But when he learned he'd just become temporary guardian—to triplets!—the overwhelmed new father needed to find a nanny, pronto.

Charlene London was the answer to the Texas bachelor's prayers, even if she couldn't see it. And though it took no time for the three baby girls to steal Charlene's heart, their substitute dad was another story. Because her sexy boss was strictly off-limits, even if her job was just temporary. Unless he made her another offer—one she couldn't refuse….

From the author's Website:
A successful career in the legal community was satisfying professionally, but her heart still longed to follow her dream of publication. After several years spent honing her craft, Lois sold her first contemporary romance in 1990 and retired from her day job shortly after to focus on her writing. Today, when not plotting her next bestseller, Lois enjoys walking her dog, seeing to the needs of her demanding cats, and spending time with her wonderful family.

My View:
Confirmed bachelor Nicholas Fortune has just inherited three little darlings after his best friend and his wife are killed in a accident. Just one one-year-old might have been a problem, but taking on three little ones is impossible. Lucky for Nick a chance meeting on his flight to pick up the girls, brings him in close quarters with Charlene.

Charlene had hoped she could start her new life away from Red Rock and her former fiance. Hoping she will be able to stay with her mother while she gets her life in order, Charlene finds that she has a little change in plans. Mom has moved in with a very nice man, and Charlene can't help to feel like a third wheel. Luckily she met Nick Fortune and he made her a deal, that now, she won't be able to refuse.

Back in Red Rock the couple cope with taking care of the three babies. The instant attraction they first found continues to grow. This story brings together a delightful couple and three adorable babies. While the story tells the story about Nick and Charlene, it takes a side tour, giving more clues to the continuing series of the Red Rock Fortunes. Fans won't want to miss this delightful piece to the Fortune puzzle.

Never Resist Temptation

Never Resist Temptation
Author: Miranda Neville
ISBN: 978-0061715914
Genre: Regency

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Description
A woman on the run

Beautiful, spirited Jacobin de Chastelux would have been the perfect prize for any man . . . but she never imagined one would win her at a game of cards! When she learns that her dissolute, dastardly uncle and guardian had wagered her virtue—and lost­—she flees. A cunning disguise and her culinary talents land her in the royal kitchen as a chef. All is well until her uncle is poisoned by one of her desserts. Jacobin must escape again . . . to the home of the very man who won her in that infamous game!

Lord Storrington knows nothing of Jacobin's true identity. All he knows is that things are heating up­—and the sparks aren't coming from the stove. A delicious ecstasy tempts the scoundrel and the chef . . . one that can only end with sweet, sweet surrender.

From the Authors Website:
I grew up in beautiful Wiltshire in southwest England. During my misspent youth I devoured the works of Georgette Heyer, Jean Plaidy and any other historical novels I could lay hands on. As a result I attended the University of Oxford to study history, ignoring all hints that economics might be a more practical subject. I spent several years writing catalogues of rare books and original letters and manuscripts for Sotheby's auction house in London and New York. Much of my time in this job was spent reading the personal correspondence of the famous. This confirmed my suspicion that the most interesting thing about history is people. I'm also a sucker for a happy ending: I howled in the back of geography class when I was supposed to be learning about German coalfields because I hated --HATED -- the end of Gone With The Wind. I still haven't forgiven Margaret Mitchell

My View:
After being told that she had been won in a card game Jacobin runs away from her uncle's estate. Relying on the one thing she has learned to make money while fleeing. Disguising herself as a man, she takes on the job as a pasty chef. When her uncle is poisoned at the estate where she is working, Jacobin must run again, this time to the man who won her in the card game. Figuring staying in plain sight, she doesn't bother with disguising herself and again takes on the position as pastry chef.

Lord Anthony of Storrington, doesn't recognize Jacobin at first. He had never really met the young woman he won in the card game. When he realizes that the woman, who is now his pastry chef and who he is extremely attracted to, is the niece of the man he feels is responsible for making his father's life miserable, he decides to use her to exact revenge.

This Regency era historical brings together a strong duo, each with their own set of issues. Anthony, although a bit misguided, is a strong hero in the story. He does some pretty unforgivable things throughout the story, but in the end realizes the errors of his ways. Jacobin has a few issues of her own. Although she has a strong character, I'm not sure I would be so quick to forget that Anthony tried to collect winning her in card game. All and all Never Resist Temptation is a good read for Regency era fans with an interesting mystery and a sensual love affair.

Love Inspired of the Month

Somebody's Hero
Author: Annie Jones
Series Connection: Somebody's... Burdett Brothers
ISBN: 9-7803-7387-5207

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Description:
Renovating and selling her late husband's cabin is just the chance young widow Charity O'Clare needs. With the money from the sale, she and her daughter can move to the city—away from her family! Of course, as soon as she gets to tiny Mt. Knott, South Carolina, Charity finds a whole new family stew. Jason 'Lucky Dawg' Burdett may be the handsomest man she's ever seen, but his meddlesome relatives are the last thing she needs. Still, Charity didn't count on Jason becoming her daughter's hero—or swaying her own heart. And now, she has to choose between old dreams of independence…and new dreams of love.

From her Harper Collins publisher's website:
Note: Annie Jones also writes as Luanne Jones. Winner of the HOLT medallion for Southern Themed Fiction, Luanne Jones has a personal mission statement: to delight, uplift, and empower others. Some days, she admits, she succeeds only in delighting her dogs (a rescued racing greyhound and a cocker spaniel/shag bathmat mix), uplifting the lid of the cookie jar, and empowering her hubby and kids to make their own dinners. She can live with that.

A former "Air Force brat" who was born in Japan and lived all over America, she cannot recall a time when stories rich with unique characters and interesting settings did not fascinate her. That she can now create such stories as a full-time writer is a source of wonder for her continually. Currently, she lives with her husband, daughter, and son in Kentucky.

Annie Jones is currently writing for Steeple Hill Café and Love Inspired.

My View on her Book:
In Somebody's Hero, Annie finishes the stories of the Burdett brothers with Jason "Lucky Dawg". Readers learn right off that Jason hates being called "Lucky Dawg" but he doesn't have the courage enough yet to tell his family. It isn't until he meets Charity and sees the similarities between himself and the widow of his best friend that he finally finds to courage to make the changes in his life he has wanted to make for a long time.

Charity and her daughter have come to Mt. Knott to clear out the property that her dead husband left her in hopes of selling it and getting enough money to start a new life of independence. Along the way she learns a lot of lessons she wishes she had figured out before. Now she has a whole lot more she needs to decide.

This is pretty much a stand alone book. The author does a good job of giving the background of the family dynamics and why Jason feels the way he does. My only true problem with this story is I wasn't so sure that the couple had the chemistry to fall in love. I did like Charity's nine-year-old going on forty daughter Livie. She's is definitely one of the best kid characters I've read in a while.

Singh Angel's Blood top vampire book of the season

Angel’s Blood
Author: Nalini Singh
Series Connection: A Guild Hunter Novel
ISBN: 978-0425226926
Genre: Paranormal/Vampire

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Description:
Vampire hunter Elena Deveraux knows she's the best—but she doesn't know if she's good enough for this job. Hired by the dangerously beautiful Archangel Raphael, a being so lethal that no mortal wants his attention, only one thing is clear—failure is not an option...even if the task is impossible.

Because this time, it's not a wayward vamp she has to track. It's an archangel gone bad.

The job will put Elena in the midst of a killing spree like no other…and pull her to the razor's edge of passion. Even if the hunt doesn't destroy her, succumbing to Raphael's seductive touch just may. For when archangels play, mortals break…

From the author's Website:
"I've been writing as long as I can remember and all of my stories always held a thread of romance (even when I was writing about a prince who could shoot lasers out of his eyes). I love creating unique characters, love giving them happy endings and I even love the voices in my head. There's no other job I would rather be doing. In September 2002, when I got the call that Silhouette Desire wanted to buy my first book, Desert Warrior, it was a dream come true. I hope to continue living the dream until I keel over of old age on my keyboard."

My View on this book:
Vampire books are definitely stepping up in the romance paranormal genre. Over the past few weeks I've seen several generally good vampire stories out there. Maybe I just wasn't reading the right ones before. Angel's Blood has to be one of the top ones I've seen yet. The story is fresh, with a lot of new twists and turns from normal vampire books. Strong heroines are always a must and Elena fits the bill in this novel. I loved how she stands up to the Archangel Raphael.

As a vampire hunter, Elena is one of the best, but now Rafael has charged her with finding another of his kind--an archangel. Rafael is to be feared like no other. Elena can't forget how he left a vampire with a mangled body after upsetting him, so even though she doesn't want to, she must comply with his wishes or face the same treatment.

The problem as Elena sees it, is that as a human it is almost impossible to track an archangel. She's not even sure what Rafael's goal is other than maybe playing games with her. Then Elena finds herself with other problems. Rafael is someone far out of her reach and still she can't help but notice him in a romantic way. And the way he touches and looks at her has her wondering exactly what is going on in his head. A relationship between the two is forbidden by all, but the passion the two spark together is incredible. Now not only does she had to do her job which puts her in the midst of killing spree, but she must keep her growing passion for Rafael under wraps.

Once again Nalini has brought another hit to the romance paranormal genre. I've loved several of her other stories and this one is just as good if not better than any of those. There are many new vampire books on the shelves these days, this one tops the list and is a must read for vamp fans.