RT Convention - Orlando Florida

Well our adventure to Orlando Florida began a few days before the Convention. We didn’t knew what to expect, so we took two suitcase per person with us, yeah I hear you guys thinking “why two”. Well if you saw our free books and goodies, you know why we needed the second suitcase.

Monday:
We left on Monday April 20th and after a long night without any sleep at all, Marisa and I went to the airport around 06.00am. Our flight left at 09.00am, so we had some time to drink coffee/tea and get something to eat. After some questions for customs and going through the security we’re ready to board. I have to admit I cannot remember much of the flight. As soon as Marisa took her seat she fell asleep, damn that girl can sleep anywhere, but not much later I was in dreamland too.

We had an extra stop in Newark NY, where we change planes before we finally flew to Orlando. A few hours later we were in the Wyndham Orlando Resort Hotel. We were tired from the long flight and after some dinner and a shower we went to bed. Well, Marisa did…LOL…I did manage to read my book.

Wyndham Orlando Resort

Tuesday:
Our first day in Orlando and we had the whole day to ourselves, no convention yet and my friends from Ireland and US weren’t there either. So we had some breakfast, checked the place out and discovered that our hotel was bigger than we thought it would be. We didn’t want to miss out a thing so we decided to go to Seaworld and WOW what a great experience it was. It’s sad to see the animals locked up like that, but I’m honest the Dolphins & Killer whales show was fabulous. I could feel the adrenaline flowing through my veins and wanted to swim with them for myself LOL…

SeaWorld Orlando

Back at the hotel we discovered we were pretty burnt by the sun, to be honest we didn’t thought about bringing sunscreen with us. Thank goodness it didn’t hurt. Later on that night Marisa and I finally met my online chat buddy Marcella (Solly), her sister Kerry and Renee (Ann N) for the first time. Those girls are great; we had a great evening with lots of laughing.

Wednesday:
Marisa and I joined Marcella downstairs so we could get to the registration to get our badges and schedule for the rest of the week. Our first workshop was “Vampire, a bite with a twist”, where we could see what some authors had to say about their books and where we were able to ask questions. “Naughty can be nice” was our second workshop and I have to say it was really nice. Marisa and I discover we liked the readers’ workshop more than the writing workshops. We got a lot of goodies and play some nice games.

At lunchtime we joined the others, where I finally met my other online buddy Kimmie (great girl). “Intergalactic Bar and Grille party was the next one on the list for today. What can I say about this little party, each table had to answers some questions and when the table got the answer right, the one with the “hunk label” in her hand won a prize. First we thought this was not something for us, but Marisa, Renee and I stayed till the end and really had some fun. Renee didn’t realize that C.L. Wilson was the Queen of our table; I have to say she is a nice lady.

Marisa and Renee stayed behind at the hotel for the E-book expo and the Jungle party, but the rest of us were off to Universal Boulevard to join Debbie, Rhonda, Chris and Adam for dinner at Emerilo’s to celebrate Chris’s birthday, Hardrock Café was our next stop.

Left: Marcella & Natasja / Right: Kimmie, Marcella & Natasja

Marcella, Chris, Deb & Rhonda

Thursday:
Our first workshop was “Demons Unplugged” with Jacquelyn Frank, Larissa Ione Jenna Black and Stella Price. Some great authors and we really had a great time discussing books, gorgeous alpha males and future books. I have to say Jacquelyn Frank made my day, we were discussing Noah and his heroine but for some reason she couldn’t remember the name. Well I helped her on the way and as a reward she gave me the ARC “Rapture”, the second novel in her Shadowdweller series. WOW, the day couldn’t have started better then that.

The second workshop was “Wild & Wacky reader party”, we didn’t quite know what to expect but it was fun. All the cover models 2009 were there and they answered some pretty HOT questions.

Cover models with authors Kayla Perrin & Tina Wainscott

After lunch we went to the workshop “Bunco Babes Bash” with author Maria Geraci, who we met at the registration table the first day. She was so nice that Marisa and I wanted to go to her workshop. Well, another hour full of fun and games, we had to play the game Bunco. We didn’t know exactly how to play it, but Marisa was good at it. She didn’t won but she was in the top 5, so that is not bad.

We had a busy schedule because after that we went to “Avon Dust to Dark mixer”, where a few authors were signing and giving away their books. At first we didn’t knew which authors were going to be there, but as soon as we found out we were thrilled, Pamela Palmer, Jocelyn drake, Kerrelyn Sparks, Melissa Marr and Jeaniene Frost who gave away her fourth book Destined for an Early grave (release date August 2009).

That night we had the Feary ball with dinner at all. I have to say some people were totally wacko with their costumes, but it was fun to watch. After dinner there was time for dancing and if they would have played “real music” then I would have, but it seems the music was lock and you couldn’t ask any request…grrr…At midnight Marisa, Renee, Kimmie and I went to Deidre Knight’s Gods of Midnight Party, where all the cover models were dressed up like Spartan warriors. Some of them were yummy and others were not. I have to say we had more fun with Stella Price, then we had with the chair dance.

Deidre Knight and her Spartan warriors

Friday:
Marisa, Renee, Kimmie and I all agreed to go to Jacquelyn Frank’s sunrise and shadowdwellers mixer at 8.15am. It was way to early, but the goodie bag was worth it. In the bag there was a book of the Nightwalker series, a really nice bookmark, a small glass with the logo of the shadowdweller and a nice book cover to protect your paperback while you read it. Our free books and goodies pile were growing and growing back at the hotel room.

“Sinfully Sweet” was the next workshop we went to, at first I thought this would be boring. But I had to say it was pretty cool, the authors were funny, especially Stephanie Burke. She and Marisa had a real click, so when some game went totally wrong she picked Marisa out to do the job. Marisa had to read with a straight face some text with “funny words”, she couldn’t laugh or otherwise someone else gets the price. Well anyone who knows Marisa, she perfect for the job, so she went home with a bag full of stuff from cover model Charles (poster, sweaty t-shirt).
“Harlequin’s 60th anniversary party” and after that the “RT Book reviews awards ceremony” were next on the program with more free books and goodies.

That night we had the Vampire ball with dinner and some sort of musical preformed by some authors. I have to say Heather Graham is a great author, but she can sing too. The music afterwards was as bad as the night before, we had a great time but only because we spend it together. It was not the music..LOL..

Left: Natasja, Kimmie & Marisa

Right: Kimmie, Marcella & Natasja

Saturday:
The workshops are over, but of course there were more free books to give away at the “Street Party”. But the all time favourite event today was the book fair, were we could meet a lot of authors and buying their books, which they of course signed. I had some books from home with me to get signed (Shayla Black, Jeaniene Frost, Jaye Wells & Jacquelyn Frank) but I bought a couple more (Jocelynn Drake, Larissa Ione, Stella Price, Kim Lenox, S.J. Day and Kerrelyn Sparks). After the book fair we had to say goodbye to Kimmie, because she was going to leave. Damn, I know for sure I’m going to miss that girl…thank goodness for Internet and text messages.

Left: Stella Price / Right: Natasja & Sylvia Day

Left: C.L. Wilson & Marisa / Right: Jacquelyn Frank

Renee, Marcella, Marisa and I went to the Mr. Romance Competition, not quite what I’ve expected because they didn’t strip...LOL..I have to say they look great in suit, but I was hoping to see some bare chest and legs. The winner was Charles Paz, not quite my type but he was nice and funny.

After that Marisa and I went to the “Cover model reunion reception”, I have to say we didn’t want to go after the long day we had. But we’ve paid for this reunion so we decided to go anyway and we had some fun. You could talk to the new cover models but also with the previous models. We were in line for some wine and snacks and we were talking Dutch to each other, what is normal when you’re not in company. Model Jimmy Thomas was in front of us and he could understand some of the conversation and he asks us if we were from The Netherlands. It seems he lived in The Netherlands for a few months and could understand some Dutch, what a small world. At the end of the event we could decide to stand between the models so they could take a picture, of course we did….LOL..

The last night with a party…well you couldn’t say it was a party, just some drinks, snacks and of course free books. Renee, Marisa and I join Stella Price and her friends, later on Marcella, Kerry, Adam, Chris and Debbie joined us too. The music was a little bit better than the nights before and it was nice to close the event with this.

Sunday:
Sunday was relaxing day for all of us, there were no workshops anymore, just some paranormal stuff if you wanted to go. Renee had the leave early, so we already said goodbye to her the night before. Marcella and Kerry were sleeping in and Marisa and I already pack our suitcases, so we had the whole day ahead of us. We decided to relax and read our book on the porch. You should have seen us, two women in a rocking chair reading our book.

The only thing we did visit was the “Resplendence romance at twilight”; over there you could watch movies all night long. We only stayed to see the movie Twilight but after that we left to get some late dinner and to relax back in the hotel room.

Monday:
Monday, the day we had to leave Orlando, our suitcases were ready. We were a little bit worried about the weight after we put all the books inside, but we had to wait and see. We stopped by Marcella and Kerry room to say goodbye and got the travel bus to the airport. We had a long flight ahead of us, but we were prepared, our hand baggage was full of books…LOL…

I have to admit meeting people for the first time after chatting online for a while is weird and exciting, but I have to say it was worth it. All of them are great and really nice.
Marcella, you’re my gal, meeting you my chat buddy was the tip of the iceberg. I will definitely visit Ireland soon and of course you’re welcome to come over anytime. Love ya Mars !!
Kimmie, you’re funny and fabulous. I couldn’t wish for a better admin buddy for our group and I’ll hope we stay friends for a very long time. Love ya girl !!
Renee aka “Miss chapter 32”, you’re a party girl. Damn, that woman wants to dance all the time, but she is funny to be around with. We definitely see each other next year at the AAD.
Rhonda, Debbie and Chris, it was great to finally meet you guys. We haven’t spoken much online, but I’ll hope to do that more in the near future.

At last but no least, Marisa my partner in crime, I'll hope to do this again soon. It was really fun to finally fulfill our dream.

Tash

Rachel Caine - The dead girls' dance

At the end of Glass Houses we had an awesome cliff-hanger and the story begins exactly where they left off. Claire, Shane and Eve are in shock what Shane’s father and his fellow vampire slayer have done to Michael. Shane’s father returned to Morganville after a disturbing phone call of his son, but he is there for one reason only; to kill as many vampires he can find and nothing or anyone stands in his way.

Shane lost his sister a few years ago during a fire, his mother wasn’t able to life with it and died shortly after that. Shane and his father blame the vampires for this event and have been planning for revenge ever since. Shane returned back to Morganville so he could give the inside information to his father, but living with Michael, Eve and Claire change his mind, but the mistake he made is already to late and now Michael has to pay the price for it.

The four young people realize that the problems Shane’s dad is causing will jeopardy their protection of the Founder. The rules are simple if they’re involved in killing vampires, the protection is gone and they all will be shooting ducks for some of the vampires who want them dead. When Shane is accused of killing one of the vampires, it’s up to Claire and Eve to find the real killer and save Shane.

The dead girls’ dance by Rachel Caine is the second novel in her Morganville vampire series and definitely a fabulous one.

The friendship between Shane, Michael, Eve and Claire is getting stronger by the minute, no matter what happens to one of them, the others are there to pick up the pieces. We even witness a romance between Shane and Claire, although Shane knows Claire is young and under age, he cannot ignore his feelings for her. So they are taking baby steps to give their growing love a chance, but it’s hard when most of the town is hunting you.

I love the fact that bully Monica is getting a little of what is coming to her, when she turns up at the other end of the table and is the victim for once. And if it weren’t for Claire and her friends, this could end up real bad for her.

Another great aspect of this series is that the books are following each other up pretty well, it’s better to read this series in the right order, or otherwise you’ll be missing some crucial parts of the storyline.

At the end Rachel Caine ends with a huge cliff-hanger, leaving readers panting and begging for the next novel. I have to say one of the best Young Adult novels I’ve ever read and I’m definitely going to read the rest of the series.

Lynn Viehl - Twilight fall

Liling Harper is a young woman on the run, she doesn’t spend to much time in one place, but lately she spends some time at the Lighthouse Rehabilitation Center, where she place beautiful flowers in the patients rooms and keeping the garden in shape. Liling even visit some of the patients and read for them, especially Luisa. But one day when she works in the garden, a photo was taken and ends up in a magazine all over the world. Liling knows it is time to run again and leave everything behind in order to save her own live.

Valentin Jaus is a Darkyn lord in pain; he lost the only woman he ever loved to one of his kind. But that is not all he also lost his arm in a duel with a friend and isn’t able to use this arm. He made a promise to his friends Michael & Alexandra to take care of wounded Luisa, so he put her in his rehab center with the best doctors and care he could find. When he visits Luisa he meets Liling, the beautiful gardener and isn’t able to stop thinking of her. When she needs help and a ride out of town, he doesn’t hesitate and offers her his help.

But Liling’s followers are close and they don’t hesitate to eliminate everything or everyone standing in their way. Will Valentin be able to keep Liling save and let her in his heart forever?

Twilight fall by Lynn Viehl is the sixth book in her Darkyn series and I don’t have to tell you this is another fabulous novel. I know now why she is on my favourite author list, her novels are hot, steamy and full of danger and excitement and that is all I need.

Valentin Jaus is a lonely man, he lost the only woman he loved to one of his friend, one of his own kinds and hasn’t been able to get her of his mind. When he meets Liling in the Rehabilitation center, he cannot believe the feelings he has for her. Will it be possible for him to love another woman, to hold another woman and forget all about the past? The only thing he knows is keeping Liling saves from her followers and finds out if she feels the same way about him. Liling is an orphan on the run, she grew up in an orphan home with her twin brother, but like all the other orphans they had special gifts. During an outbreak she was able to run and promise herself not ever to go back to that place and be used for her talent. But now her followers were close and the only right thing to do is trust this handsome Darkyn Lord and accept his help.

I really love to read about the secondary characters from the previous books. Especially Michael and Alexandra, they both have a very special place in my heart. Michael for being old fashion and wants to protect his wife from all the threats in the world. But Alexandra is a woman from the 21st century and believes she can manage all on her own and is determined to find the cure for all the Darkyn. When she hears about Liling and the place she grew up with, she knows the answer are near.

Twilight fall is an exciting book to read and I cannot believe the next novel Stay the night will be the last one in this series. But I’m curious to see if Robin of Locksley will find his match.

Rachel Caine - Glass houses

Claire Danvers is a sixteen year old teen and a freshman at college. Although she’s very young her parents decided to send her to school in Morganville, where she is living on campus. Popular Monica and her followers have the picks on Claire to the point that bullying Claire almost kills her. So Claire is determined to find an off campus apartment and she believes to have found the right place in Morganville. The three roommates reluctantly accept Claire even though she is underage. But when they discover who is bullying Claire, they cannot let her stay at campus. From her roommates Claire discovers that most of the town is under protection and control of vampires, but not their house or the people living inside.

Because the house has powerful protection of its own, it keeps the vampires out and the roommates save inside. When Claire returns to classes the attacks of Monica doesn’t stop, she even sends her vampire friends after Claire. But Claire gets help from her roommates, Shane hates Monica and he knows that with Michael unavailable during daytime he is the right choice to keep her save. Even Eve is determined to protect Claire from the bullies. Claire discovers that the vampires are looking for an ancient book, so she is determined to find it and trade it for her and her roommate’s safety.

Glass houses by Rachel Caine is the first novel in her Morganville series and I have to say I like it. Rachel Caine created a world full of powerful vampires but with a reality so you can relate to it.

Claire is a sixteen year old girl, who starts as a freshman at a new college. She’s smart, skip a class so she is the youngest of the class and when she made a correct to Monica about something they handle in class, she’s the target of this bully. From that moment Monica and her followers are making Claire’s life a living hell. So when they abuse Claire almost to dead, Claire decide to find a living place outside the campus and she finds with Michael, Shane and Eve. When Claire discovers vampires are for real and that they are living targets at night, she is determined to find the one thing they wanted the most…an ancient book. That special book has to make sure she and her roommates are safe from all the threats in this town.

But that’s not all what Claire discovers, by accident she discovers Michael’s big secret and why he’s keeping this from his roommates. She has to promise not to tell anyone, but can she keep this secret.

With a little cliff-hanger at the end this author lures you back to the second novel and find out what will happens to Claire and her friends.

Stephenie Meyer - New moon

This novel continues almost right where the last one ended, Bella is becoming more and more comfortable with her vampire boyfriend and his family. When Bella celebrate her birthday at the Cullens house and accidentally cuts herself, one of the family members cannot contain himself and makes a jump for Bella. Edward protects her, but this makes it all to clear to the family that keeping Bella close put her life in danger. Slowly Edward begins to withdraw himself from Bella in order to leave her and keep her save.

Bella’s grief of losing Edward and his family is heartbroken and she withdraws herself totally from her friends at school and her family. But Jacob, the young Native American and son of Bella’s father’s friend is around and he becomes a very close friend. He is the one who helps her through her depression and help her get on with her life. But will friendship be enough for Jacob?

When Alice appears on Bella’s doorstep with the message that Edward believe she is dead and wants to end his life, Bella drops everything and rush to him, hoping she’s in time to save him. Even if this means she has to face her father’s anger and Jacob disappointment.

New Moon by Stephenie Meyer is the second novel in her Twilight series and again I loved it. This is a young adult novel about a relationship of a young woman with her vampire boyfriend and her best friend who happens to be a werewolf shape shifter, and I don’t mind this being a young adult novel.

I totally understand Edward decision to leave Bella in order to keep her save and alive, but Bella’s grief is really heart wrenching. Every young girl at her age will totally loose herself in grief and forget all about the world. And when a young man comes along and pulls her out of the grief and gives her life meaning that is a huge bonus. Jacob is the guy who every young woman wants; he is attractive, strong and happens to be a werewolf. He is determined to make Bella forget all about Edward and hope for her love in return, but nothing is as it should be. Bella loves Jacob as a friend and when she leaves everything behind when Edward & Alice need her, it’s just so sad to see Jacob hurting the way he does, he really cares for Bella and he doesn’t give up.

I have to say the ending was good and even has a little cliff-hanger for the next novel to come, so I’m curious to see what will happen next with Edward, Bella, Jacob and the Cullen family.

Lynn Viehl - Evermore

During a raining night Jayr is attack by a group of thieves who wants to take him down, only for an expensive Rolex watch. But the thieves are shocked when they discover that this young boy isn’t an easy target, because Jayr is not only a woman but also a Darkyn. She can fight like any male Darkyn and she is not alone, her Lord Byrne and his best friend Robyn are near. Jayr became Darkyn at an early age, during the last battle by Robert she tried to help a wounded man, not knowing that would change her life forever. Turned by this man Aaden mac Byrne, she joins his realm and served him well after centuries and deep in her heart she loves him dearly.

Aadan mac Byrne is the seneschal of the Darkyn in his area and the Lord of the castle, the Realm where fellow Darkyn can come and celebrate some festivals. But Byrne feels he is losing control little by little over his berserker, his beast. So he is ready to step down and let someone else take over before he hurts someone, especially the woman he loves secretly, Jayr.

When Michael, the lead Darkyn of all America and his wife Alexandra make their way to the Realm to choose a new leader, nothing goes as it should be. Before any decision is made, an old enemy of Robin of Locksley shows up and throw some damper over the whole event.

Evermore by Lynn Viehl is the fifth novel in her Darkyn series and a real treasure. Just like the previous books Miss Lynn Viehl knows how to lure me into a world full of danger, conspiracy and great characters from fairytales. What I love most about the books is the real connection between them.

Main characters Jayr and Byrne are strong, determined and a little bit stubborn. They both have strong feelings for the other, but in secret. Byrne is the head of his area, but lately he feels restless and knows he cannot control the beast inside him. The only thing to do is to step down and let another run his realm. Byrne knows he will have to give up Jayr when he steps down. When Jayr hears about Byrne stepping down, she is furious because she doesn’t want another boss to serve and with the help of Alexandra she now knows how to seduce the only man she loves and wants.

I really love the fact that in every novel in this Darkyn series, Michael en Alexandra make an appearance. We learn more about the bond between those two and Alexandra’s journey to find a cure for all Darkyns.

Lynn Viehl writes fabulous and treats the readers on a huge doses paranormal that we can value and I’m curious to see what will happens next.

Jacquelyn Frank - Noah

Noah, the King of the demons has always been in control of his powers, but lately he feels restless. Family and friends close to him found their mates and are settling down, but his need to find his mate is becoming almost unbearable. With Samhain just around the corner, Noah feels the need and he knows he is no exception to the rules. If he fails and cross the line, he knows he has to deal with his enforcers Jacob and Bella. But Noah cannot ignore the dreams he has lately of his mate, although he doesn’t know who or where she is, he knows she is the one for him. The only way to save his mate life is to break some rules and risks almost the life of his precious little godchild, who happens to possess the power to do it.

Kestra Irons has a dangerous job but she loves it, she has spent most of her life on her own. Lately she is having dreams about an unknown gorgeous man and doesn’t know what to think of it. But when her last job turn into a bloodbath, this mysterious man shows up and takes her away from her home and country. She is grateful that he save her life, but she is not buying all those stuff about life mates and powers, so Kestra fight him with everything she’s got.

But Noah doesn’t give up that easily, so he has to convince her that they were meant to be together and he needs her and her newfound power to stop a threat that comes from the inside.

Noah by Jacquelyn Franks is the fifth novel in her Nightwalker series. Just like the previous novels I love the way Jacquelyn Frank mingles the different species together with danger and romance.

From the beginning of this series I was anxious to read King Noah’s story, but it was not quite what I hoped for. Noah is a fire demon, one of the highest and strongest of their kind, but I didn’t quite saw that in this novel. I love the fact that Noah did everything in his power to get to his mate and his determination to convince her that they belong together. I also love the fact that Noah accepted the punishment Bella gave him for using her little daughter in his game, even though he knew it would break his heart.
I have to agree that Kestra was indeed the right woman for Noah, one who matches to him in strength, power and especially her stubbornness. She is a strong woman with a mind of her own and isn’t afraid to say what is on her mind.

Together with the rest of the Nightwalkers they fight yet another threat to their kind, but I missed the biggest threat of all, which we saw from the beginning of this series. We all know Ruth is the traitor among the demon kind and she is determined to destroy Noah, but where was she in this novel. Especially because this novel should have been the last in this series and I was waiting for a confrontation between Noah and Ruth. The good news is that there will be another novel in this series and Jasmine is the leading lady, so hopefully the Ruth situation will be resolve then.

I believe the two strongest secondary characters where Jacob and his mate Bella. They both stole my heart from the beginning and in this novel Bella show herself to be the enforcer she is, but most of all the protected mother. The way she handle Noah after his little game, where he used her daughters powers to do the job really put a smile on my face.

Although this novel is not the best in this series I still am a huge fan of Jacquelyn Frank and her Nightwalkers. I’m looking forward to Jasmine’s novel and I’m curious to see who will deal with Ruth and her followers.

Shayla Black - Tempt me with darkness

After her mother’s death, American art dealer Olivia Gray packs up her things and move to England to find the father she never known. Olivia is determined to stay in England and opens an art shop. She hires a detective to look for her father, but her case reaches a dead end. But Oliva gets help from her new friend Bram, who happens to be part of a long line of magical wizards with huge powers. But Bram has his own reasons for helping Olivia, so he introduces her to Marrok of Cadbury and his beautiful carvings, in the hope to get something from Marrok.

Marrok of Cadbury was one of the most skilled warriors of King Arthur, but falling in love with witch Morganna wasn’t a good idea. Centuries ago Morganna placed a curse on Marrok and he is still trying desperately to break the curse. He knows the answer lies in the magical book he possesses; the only thing is how to open the book. To pass his time through the centuries Marrok carves wood figures and caught the eye of Olivia, an American art dealer.

When Olivia and Marrok meet for the first time, sparkles are flying, but Marrok cannot believe his eyes, because Olivia looks a lot like Morganna. Marrok is convince that Olivia can break the curse and lures her to his home, not knowing that will change his life forever and becoming involved in a magical war.

Tempt me with darkness by Shayla Black is the first novel in her Doomsday Brethren series. I have to say it surprise me, I like this new world with connection to Merlin, Arthur and Morganna.

Main-characters Marrok and Olivia have a connection from the first moment they meet. Marrok is shocked to see the resembling between Morganna and Olivia; he is convinced she is Morganna. So he lures Olivia to his home with all the wrong reasons, but he cannot ignore the huge attraction between them. When he finally discovers Olivia is not Morganna, but one of her descendant he will do anything to get her help with breaking the curse, so he can died peacefully. But he didn’t expect to fall in love with her.
Olivia left America after her mother died, she found some papers about her father and she is desperate to find him. So moving to England was the first thing on her list and opening up an Art shop the second, after all a girl got to eat and art was her life. The moment Marrok of Cadbury walks into her shop, her whole world is turning upside down. Olivia not only falls in love with this gorgeous artist, but discovers she maybe has some magic in her.

Every book I’ve read by Shayla Black swept me of my feet and this novel isn’t exception. She really knows how to create a world full of magic, legends and steamy love scenes. I’ve said this before she is definitely one of the best erotica authors I’ve read and after reading this novel she is also very good with magical legends connecting this to Merlin & Arthur.

Magic, legends and great love scenes, this is a novel that takes your mind of the daily routine and lures you right into its fabulous world.

Laurell K. Hamilton - Circus of the damned

Anita Black, a former vampire hunter and necromancer gets a visit from two former members of the HAV (Humans against vampires); they have joined a new group who act more radical than HAV. The rumours are that the government are considering giving the vampires the right to vote. The new group want to kill every vampire, starting with the Master of the city. Reuben and Inger want Anita’s help finding this master vampire, but she refuses. She is not giving them the hiding place of Jean-Claude, the master vampire who has marked her twice, only two marks away to convert her to his human servant.

But Anita has other thing to worry about than helping those former HAV members; she’s dealing with murder victims having several fang marks on their body and not from a single vampire, but from several. Anita knows this is wrong because vampires don’t hunt in packs, but prefer hunting alone. All the signs are telling her there is a rogue master vampire in town and he is very dangerous. There are a few vampires who fit the description, including Jean-Claude.

Circus of the damned by Laurell K. Hamilton is the third novel in her Anita Blake series and another great one. Just like the previous novels I was hooked from page one. Laurell K. Hamilton really knows how to create a world with multiple species, danger and a very strong and determined heroine to fight against evil.

Animator Anita Blake is good at her job, that is why people specifically ask her for the job, when they want to raise the dead. But Anita also works closely with the police special zombie squat, when the need her opinion about different creatures.

Anita’s relationship with Jean-Claude, the master vampire is still tense. The huge attraction between them is a good reason for Jean-Claude to want her as his human servant. Anita is determined to prevent that from happening, she cannot change the fact she already got two of the four marks, but she will do anything to stop Jean-Claude giving her the last two, even though he is the most gorgeous vampire she ever seen.

It seems there are more men in town who are interested in Anita’s affection. Alpha were Richard develop some feelings for Anita and hope she will forget Jean-Claude and maybe choose him. But Jean-Claude isn’t the only master vampire who wants Anita as his human servant and if this other master vampire succeeds all the marks Jean-Claude put on her will disappear.

Just like the previous novels I really enjoyed reading this book and loved every minute of it. I’m curious to see what will happen with Anita, Jean-Claude and Richard in the future novels, will she choose one of them or will a third party take the price.

Lara Adrian - Veil of midnight

Thousand years ago alien race called the Breed vampires settle themselves on Earth among the human race. Nobody knows they exist but now the Breed must fight for their existence, because something is eliminating every Gen One warriors.

Breed warrior Nikolai was sent to warn Gen One warrior Sergei Yakut of the eliminations, but was lured into a trap by one of Sergei’s beautiful bodyguards, a young woman with a special gift. Sergei grants Niko an audience, but he wishes no involvement from the warrior. Niko accepts the hospitality so he can avoid sunlight and maybe even learn more about this mysterious young woman.

Renata has a gift unlike no other; she can bring trained vampire warriors instantly to their knees without using any weapons. But she is also quite skilled with blades and guns. The only downside of her gift is that it leaves her weak afterwards. But now this warrior walks into her life and Renata refuses to admit her attraction to him, because she trusts no man.

When someone in Sergei’s camp turn traitor and kills him, all the evidence turns to Niko and Renate is the one who assists in his arrest, but only to realize later her mistake. In order to save the little child she loves dearly and her own life, Renata needs a plan to free Niko, the only man able to keep them save.

Veil of midnight by Lara Adrian is the fifth novel in the Midnight Breed series and really a treasure. I don’t think I have to say Miss Lara Adrian has created a dark but powerful world that will keep your attentions all the way through the book.

The main characters Niko and Renata are right for each other from the start, I would say a perfect couple. The leader of the Breed warrior Lucan sent Niko to warn Sergei, a Gen One that someone or something is killing all Gen One warriors. But the search is not easy, because Sergei doesn’t want to be found. During his search Niko finds a beautiful young woman, who definitely knows more than she’s showing. Before Niko figures out that something is wrong, he is down on his knees by this woman.
Renata has a rough life growing up, when some vampire took her of the streets she didn’t knew what to expect. But during their games and hunting Sergei discovers Renata’s secret gift and decide she might be useful to him. When Renata meets warrior Niko she knows he might be the answer to all her prayers. He is definitely the one who can help her escape her prison and maybe even love her.

What I like about this couple is that apart they are strong fighters, but when they are together…. well, all hell can break loose. I’m curious to find out more about the ancient and the breeding plan. What about Hunter, what will become of him? I can only hope to see more of him in the following novels. He is definitely a big key in this whole battle. You can see that I cannot wait for the next novel to come out.