... Joleene Naylor's works and her Amaranthine series is my favorite vampire stories
588114
I am a huge fan of Joleene Naylor's works and her Amaranthine series is my favorite vampire stories. I can't wait for each new book to come out and I usually finish the entire book in 3 or 4 days. There's vampires (of course), romance, action, and humor. She takes her readers into the depths of vampire lore and you feel as if you're right there experiencing everything. In the first book, Shades of Grey, the main characters Jorick and Katelina fall in love and it's a down-to-earth realistic relationship between a man and a woman. And that's what I like about her writing - the realism. In Masque of the Vampire, so much happens that the action just keeps going. Joleene employs real-life situations along with vampire life and it's what keeps the book interesting, and the fact that Katelina is growing and evolving and has definitely moved out of her small town thinking. In this book, they are staying with an older vampire and Katelina gets a real surprise from one of her friends. I don't know how Ms. Naylor continually comes up with these great plots but I'm grateful she does, and I can't wait for the next book.
1194549
It had been six months since a fire ended a string of terrifying murders.  Believing the killer died in the fire, the town of Abby Hills, Missouri began to relax and slowly return to their routine.  However, questions lingered when police revealed they could only confirm the death of the mysterious Markus Chisom, since they were unable to find the body of the suspected killer.  Even though most of the media frenzy surrounding the murders and the fire had subsided one internet blogger, Miranda, continued her crusade to convince the public vampires lived in Abby Hills.

The work of cataloging, appraising, and auctioning Markus' beautiful home and valuable antiques went to Lauryn McBride.  Due to Alzheimer's disease, her father's health was rapidly declining and she needed the commission from the auction to meet his growing medical needs.  Among Makus' belonging she discovered letters more than 100 years old belonging to the Dastillon family of New Orleans.  She mailed the letters to who she presumes is a family descendant, Amede Dastillon.  For Amede they are a welcome gift and a link to her sister, who she has been trying to locate for decades.  Hoping to find her sister she travels to Abby Hills.  Unfortunately, with her arrival, the murders begin again.  Is Amede responsible for these new deaths or is it vampires as Miranda has been blogging about for months?

Tandem is a sequel to Thirsty, but is essentially a separate story.  There are threads that tie them together, but Bateman does a nice job of filling in the reader and catching them up to the current events without rehashing the previous book.  It does contain spoilers for Thirsty, so if planning to read both, it's best to read them in the order they were released.

For a vampire novel, Thirsty didn't have much vampire in it.  It was a good story without the vampire element, so the lack of those themes did not negatively impact the book.  Tandem is more in line with my idea of a vampire novel.  Not only does the reader get the hunting and blood drinking, they also get fun, imaginative vampire lore, and history.  While I don't read a lot of vampire fiction, my favorite parts tend to be the background authors create for these undead and Bateman did a nice job of setting this one up.

I love how this story was written and developed.  The flashbacks to Lauryn's past combined with the present events of Amede's captured sister, are great story elements.  They work together to build a triple level of suspense.  Additionally the short bursts gives the reader great insight into the main characters' backgrounds without intruding or interrupting the main story.  The result is nice tight plots that progress each element beautifully.

Lauryn is an excellent lead character.  The emotional struggles she contends with trying to care for her dad are dramatic and touching.  It highlights the reality of an aging parent and a child trying to tend to their needs while still maintaining their own life.  The situation with Lauryn parallels nicely with Amede's past and raises thought provoking questions concerning who and what one lives for.  These themes are worked in nicely and eventually set up a beautiful and hopeful conclusion.

I enjoyed Thirsty, but Tandem is the stronger book with a more complex plot, highly engaging characters and a shocking twist at the end.  I hope Batemen plans to bring these characters back for a third book.  I'd love to follow up with Lauryn and see how things work out for her and her dad as well as her love interest.  For those that are good with a little vampire in their fiction, this is a great book and one I highly recommend.
4710355
J.R. Rain is now one of my favorite authors. The vampire stories are so good. Its a easy read that i can finish in a day!
4273881
I enjoyed this one of the Blood Series so much.

We got to learn so much more about Avah, she is my new Book Chick, I love a girl vamp who has a mind of her own, knows what she wants and goes after it as best as she can,  she became a much more defined Vamp/witch or Hybrid as they are known.

I don't want to give too much away, but I cried so hard at some places in this book, but then I love a book that makes you cry in a good way, Malik seems to be warming up to Avah, but then emotions like those will bring anyone closer together,  I hope this is the start of a relationship that grows.

All the characters have grown and have become a beautiful family unit, there is still animosity between a couple but its family and that happens, regardless of whether you are human, vamps or witches.

Danielle's writing is growing on me with each book I read from her, she writes how I love to read, as though you were reading a script, it helps make me imagine all the scenes and how they happen in my mind

 I know a lot of you don't like cliffhangers but you will enjoy this one, there is a happyish ending which should keep you going until the next one comes out, one of the reasons I am really looking forward to Book 3
3825112
I read her novels and her blog and although we've never met, I'm guessing we'd be friends if we ever did.

I first read Voice of the Blood when I was going through a wierd period in which I found myself reading a lot of vampire fiction.  I've always liked horror and I found VOTB a terrific read. Fast, easy with plenty of spice to its flavor. I like Ariane and missed her as the central character in the sequels.  She was always there, but in Wound and Fiend, she was relegated to a supporting role in favor of Daniel Blum and then Orfeo Ricari.

In A Drop of Scarlet (henceforth referred to as ADOS), we shift to a multicharacter focus.  Ariane's research into her vampiric condition is beginning to bear fruit. Her research is about finding something to help her only-half-sane-yet-still-likable husband John who was improperly made into a vampire at the end of VOTB.

And then we see some of the supporting characters to the rest of the sequels coming together.

I won't say more about plot but instead focus on the writing.  Ms. Jefferson's writing has matured, grown more capable of telling a complex story efficiently.  I complained some time ago that I still had no idea what happened to Daniel (still reminds me for no good reason of Daniel Ash of Love and Rockets fame) at the end of one of the books (name withheld). His relationship with the sybaritic and destructive Sybil seemed destined to be the end of him...but at the conclusion of the story, I wasn't sure.

Then with Fiend, Orfeo became the central focus and a character that I didn't even like all that much became my favorite.

This book is very very good. All along, Ms. Jefferson's writing has been compared to that of Anne Rice except I stopped reading Ms. Rice's writing when it was clear that she'd forgotten how to tell a story anyone cared about. By the last series, could anyone actually tell the difference between any of Ms. Rice's vampires other than Lestat?

But now with ADOS, we have multiple vampires.  Unlike Rice, they have very distinctive voices and they're fun to read.  I like the stories and have reread them multiple times.  I'll reread ADOS again, probably soon...and I am very much looking forward to the next one!
236210
I actually read this years ago and I loved it and didn't realize there were more to this series! I loved this author she writes really well and did her research on history.  for sure I will now be reading more in this series. A really good vampire story. Not one of the romance types I read normally but i live a good suspenseful type too.  I
1105335
As a huge fan of J.S Morbius, I was very excited when I found out he had a new book being released on this All Hallow's Eve, and how appropriate that it is about Vampires and lust (my favorite topics).

It is a change to see JS write something outside of his normal genre and not only excel at it but give his readers of a glimpse to another side of his talents.

From the first line to the last line, each story keeps you riveted and wanting more. The characters were portrayed with such exactness, that the fact that they were only short stories made no difference.

I enjoyed the way each story ended and loved how he dealt with each of their trysts.

Lust of the Vampires, is a great read for anyone who is looking for a quick, well executed and bloody sizzling read.

Kudos JS, I look forward to reading more stories of this calibre
2477034
Another book by Brooklyn and I've barely read into it, and I already love it! I really love this series, because I actually feel like I am a part of the story. I highly recommend any of her books if you love Vampires! Can't wait to start on the next book! :) WRITE MORE, PLEASE! <3

*Edit - I just finished this book, and I am so happy with it! I did not want it to end. I felt like I connected with Jayden so much more than I did with Akasha in the first book. I really loved Razven. I so suck at writing reviews, I'm sorry! You just have to read it and see for yourself why I keep falling in love every time I read another of her books! <3 I really hope you continue writing more for this series, Brooklyn! :D
2713755
This is the third book in the VV Inn series I read, and I have to say they get better with every story. Not only do we have vampires here but werewolfs, and real wolfs/hounds, and a randy witch, and humans all mixed together in a newly forming seethe. And although vampire politics and pack law are in the forefront, and super strenght and senses abound, all the supernatural characters have very human ticks, foibles, and reactions.
I really enjoyed those three books and will go right to the fourth one.
4641467
I've never really been into novels about vampires or anything paranormal for that matter, but when I saw the chance to review Undying Destiny I decided to give it a try.  The first thing I loved was the cover.  Obviously you should never judge a book by its cover but in this case it fit perfectly with this book.

This story is about Emily Ross.  She's a nurse that is looking to start over after ending a relationship with a man who abused her.  She's been broken down one to many times and vows that she will never allow another man to control or dominate her ever again.

Kenric is a vampire who is three hundred years old.  He was the creation of a vampire named Marguerite who wanted him as a mate only so she could become a more powerful vampire than she already was.  Kenric hasn't loved another since Marguerite took away the one love of his life and has been alone for centuries.  He's content with his Enclave and protects the humans from the DEADs vampire that enjoy killing humans.  He never realized what he was missing from his life until his world collides with Emily's late one night.

Kenric was out on patrol alone and was attacked by another vampire and left to die in the alley.  Emily was late for work late one night and took another route to get to the hospital and ended up on the same alleyway that Kenric was lying in.  She calls 911 when she discovers he's bleeding and follows to the hospital.  Right from the start Emily is entranced by Kenric and how handsome he is.  She's about to head home for the night when Kenric awakes and desperate for some blood drinks from her neck.  From that moment Kenric was attracted to Emily but vowed that he would never make her his.  He takes her home and when she awakens tries to explain everything to her and asks for her help to clear his visit to the hospital.  While Emily is reluctant to comply, she finds herself helping him and at the same time falling for him.  They both try as hard as they can to keep their distance from one another but it's more difficult than either one of them imagined.

But with every story there are those who want to rip their happiness apart and in this case it's his creator who still dreams of one day making him her mate.  Unknown to him she is much closer than he thinks and will use those around him against him to draw him back to her even invading his dreams while he is sleeping.  I loved the other characters in this book and also that there was another forbidden love story in the background of this story between one of the enclave warriors and a human who lives within the enclave.  This was a great start to the series and Kenric completely changed my mind towards paranormal novels and I will be looking for more of these types of books in the future.  I absolutely loved Kenric and cannot wait to see what the other books in the series will hold.  Thank you Jessica for writing such an amazing book, 5 stars!

***Copy provided by publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review***
4275249
I love the tales in this book. I can't get enough :-) Although I have not bought Three Tales of Vampires I have read each of the individual books. Here are my reviews from when I read them.

Murderous Little Darlings:  I am a huge fan of vampire books and films so when I came across this book I just had to read it. I am so glad I did. Once I started reading it I couldn't stop and although the book is short it is a great read. It is also the perfect length for a vampire newbie to read. The book had a very unexpected twist. Some books are totally obvious but this one is great because it really is unexpected. I won't say any more because I don't want to gibe away what happens. I will definitely be reading more by John Hennessy. I also love the book cover :-)

The Blood and the Raven:  I loved this book from start to finish. The opening really grabs your attention and you just have to keep reading to find out what happens next. This book has a story with in a story. There is the story of Seth and his group of friends telling each other horror stories late at night. Then there is the dark story that Seth is telling his friends. A very compelling story about vampires. I loved the ending. It's really, really cool. I just wish I was good at writing reviews because this book is so much better than I could ever describe it.

Innocent While She Sleeps:  I have also read the previous 2 books in this series and I was excited to read this one. I will also be reading the rest of the series. John Hennessy's vampire tales are unique and intriguing. I loved reading more about Juliana and I also loved reading about Nina. The book is full of surprises and keeps you guessing. When I read this book, I read it from start to finish without stopping. I thoroughly enjoyed it and highly recommend it. Keep an eye on John Hennessy. I am sure he has many more good things to come.
969444
I loved "Voice of the Blood" (1st of the set) and (#2) "Wounds" was equally good.  I had originally bought these as vampire novels to give to my neice.  I always read books before passing them along to her and I discovered way more sexual activity than her parents would approve of.  However, I loved them for myself.  They're well written, the vampires are in the modern world (which I like), and the author brings a fresh view to the vampire myth.  I can't wait to read more.
1436011
I'm new to Jaymin Eve but as a paranormal YA fan, I've been recommended her time and again. And I have to say, they were right! After sucking down this fascinating tale in the time it took my to fly across the US, I've added all her other work to my TBR list!

This is a unique take on vampirism in which we are introduced to the attractive, mysterious, dangerous, and solely male species of male-vampire hybrids: the Ash. But of course the little that is known about these recluses who live in the Hive is retracted when Charlie becomes the first female human-vampire offspring to crave blood. Charlie--the narrator--is a very strong-minded character, although being unwillingly thrust into the brutal Hive world forces her to harden enough to put on a warrior exterior, while she still adamantly maintains her caring and protective attitude for those in her 'family'. It both helps and hurts that she is being trained by one of the head Ash: hot-stuff Ryder, even though he is very closed off, uninterested and ruthlessly cold regardless of how much Charlie and all their friends try to get him to relax. I love the interplay between all the characters, with many snort-out-loud moments (especially with gutter-focused, outspoken Jayden, and Ryder's group the "Sexy Six"). The downside is there were some plot holes (or at least skipping over a few things that needed explaining or more detail) and a few unbelievable she-gets-her-way moments especially when she's being very stubborn or rude (although she is the only female in a male world, so maybe that's not that fantastic), but I am intrigued to see what happens next with the mystery that is Charlie and how she will save herself and those around her as the threats pile up.
528585
Burned out by all the vampire romances out there? I can pretty much guarantee that this series will draw you right back into the vampire world, and keep you reading until you finish them all. This is the fourth in the series, and this series hasn't let me down yet!

Victoria is a member of the ton, otherwise known as the high society of 1822 England. She is also known in vampire circles as the Summa Gardella due to being the last of the Gardellas bloodline. Its a bloodline that means its her duty to be the leader of the Venators, a group whose mission is to kill vampires. When this series started, she was a debutante, and just learning about her heritage. Its all very hush, hush, and she can not even tell her mother. She wears a talisman that makes her stronger then most humans, but still has to train often.

So by day, shes being called upon by members of the ton, evenings are mostly spent at balls, dinners, and other frivolities. But its night that finds Victoria roaming the streets of whatever city she happens to be in, sometimes by carriage, sometimes on foot, hunting evil vampires in their quest for blood. Dont get me wrong, she also manages to kill more than her share of vampires at some of the events she attends, and it makes for quite the story and adventure.

There are two men in Victorias life. Max is a venator-one of the few not of the bloodline but one that won the title after many trials. He is enigmatic and fiercely loyal to the venators. Recently, he lost his venator powers and is not taking it well. Sebastian is the great (many greats)grandson of one of the strongest vampires, Beauregard. He is charming, good looking, and Victoria has spent a few pretty sensual moments with him in the past. Even so, Max has been my favorite throughout the series up to this point.

So much has happened to this trio thoughout all of these books. I really don't want to tell specifics, but things are always changing in Victorias life. Her mother and her two friends are still trying to calm Victoria down so that she can find another husband from the members of the ton. She, of course, knows she can never again marry someone that doesnt know her secrets, but she also is aware that she must have a child to carry on the bloodline. Her mothers two friends are also the cause of much needed levity during parts of the story.

This installment fulfilled one of my wishes for Victoria, and that just added to my enjoyment of this read. Lilith the vampire queen is back, and causing all sorts of havoc in the characters life-as is her usual. This book is a bit darker then the others, although the last one had its fair share of darkness as well. Theres plenty of tromping around in the bowels of London, lots of staking of vampires, and of course it has its moments of gore to the extreme. This one features the coronation of King George IV, and the author had fun with involving Victoria, and her cohorts in that event.

I could ramble on and on, but I wont. Suffice it to say, if you love vampire books, love a good urban fantasy, with a side of romance and don't care what the time period is, I feel certain you will love this read, as I do. (RabidReads.com)
278952
First of all, I have to say that I am not usually a fan of horror, vampires, blood, etc. BUT this series and especially this first book grabbed me and I think I have read them all at least twice, some more than I care to admit.  Sookie is a fantastic heroine surrounded by such an interesting bunch of characters that you can't put this book down and will run out to get the next one (my recommendation- just buy the box set and save yourself the trips).  Charlaine Harris is a wonderful author!
2412431
I love JCP's world building, and she's done it again with this great story set in alternate Chicago.  I love the vampire as illness take.  As per usual, the romance is only part of the story, and it's all the more sweet for it (though there's still some serious heat!).  The short story at the end was a lovely coda.
1188440
I have read all the books in the" Vampire chronicles" series and have been able to enjoy them in spite of their flaws. Perhaps because of the endearing qualities of the characters and the way that their lives intersect- I never tire to hear about them, in fact I always welcome it!-
 I found myself spellbound by the eerie and mysterious atmosphere of Blackwood farm and its captivating owner Quinn. The description of the mansion and its swampy surroundings was so detailed and meticulous, I felt I could  picture them just by closing my eyes. From the initial letter he writes to Lestat, Quinn's innocence, naivete and melancholy trigger in the reader a sense of empathy, that persists even after his forced vampiric metamorphosis. In spite of all the glamor surrounding the vampire life, one cannot help feeling sorry for him and his touching efforts to put behind the cruel fashion in which he was brought over and to continue his human life. I can understand, how at his age, he finds himself so confused about his sexuality, drawn  to both genders and to vampire and spirit. I admire  Ms Rice's courage and freedom in exploring all of it  through her characters.  What bothers me most however, is the rapidity with which the Blackwood Farm protagonists (Quinn and Lestat-and Lestat, you should know better!-)  fall in love so deeply,so totally, so obsessively  within minutes. After reading about lestat's infatuation with David Talbot and the seemingly profound relationship that developed between them, I was not ready to see it fall into oblivion for someone like Rowan Mayfair that he barely gets to meet.  I had some trouble, I admit, accepting Merrick's transformation into a vampire and just as I was getting used to it and waiting to hear more about her and Lestat's other companions- I had to mourn her unexpected demise. I kept on hoping for some explanation that never truly came.
Overall, my interest in the book endured however and it has become, along with "tale of the body thief " and "Interview with the vampire", my favorite of the series.