Halloween is coming and the Witch Elders Council needs a new High Priestess. Despite her Nana’s disapproval and her still-secret vampire stain, Persephone Alcmedi reluctantly joins the competition — but only to keep a corrupt contender from winning.

Meanwhile, Seph’s mind-blowing intimacy with sexy rock’n’roll werewolf Johnny makes her fear the stain’s grip on her is tightening.

Misunderstanding her reaction, Johnny moves out and slakes his lust with band groupies.

A heartbroken Seph can’t properly prepare for the tournament and, worse, Sebastien, the vampire-wizard whose stain she bears, turns up to judge.

When finalists start turning up dead, the competition becomes a quest for survival.

Coming December 29, 2009!

“I hope you like General Tso’s Chicken!” (p. 81) Me too, because that’s what you’ll be eating while you read Linda Robertson’s Vicious Circle, a story about a witch involved in werewolf business who is targeted by vampires. You can read my review of it at Scooper Speaks.

Favorite Line: “Tell her to give it to me tonight, in front of Victor.”

Yeah, I know that doesn’t tell you much, but I bet you want to know what I’m talking about. It has to do with Sookie and Eric and it’s a biggie.

Check out my review of Dead and Gone at Scooper Speaks. Then come back here so we can talk about it.

Favorite Lines: “There were no ex-monarchs among the vampire clans. Crowns were always taken by a combat to the death. It was the one fight where champions were not allowed. Without her power, Omara was as good as dead.” (p. 160)

Witches aren’t all ugly with warts on their noses and Holly Carver’s existence if proof. A young ghost buster trying to pay for college, Holly is a witch placed in a bad situation after her attempt to clean a house ends with her facing off with a demon. The first of many weird events to take place in their town.

Luckily for her she has a great business associate, Alessandro Caravelli, who is able to assist her whenever necessary. Yes, he’s a vampire and a little bit mysterious. Okay, he’s also the vampire queen’s champion. But Allesandro always comes through which is much more than Holly can say about her boyfriend.

As Holly and Alessandro investigate the strange happenings they discover that not only is Holly a much sought commodity, but now she needs to use her magical abilities to prevent a war. This is difficult though because a childhood accident rendered Holly’s magic unpredictable and her usage of magic exacts a high price. However, a witch has got to do what a witch has got to do.

The first book in Sharon Ashwood’s series of the Dark Forgotten, is an interesting take on Hell and its inhabitants. Filled with interesting characters and a twist I didn’t see coming, Ravenous is an exciting addition to the paranormal romance pool. It features a strong heroine and a dangerous/possibly deadly hero.

The fully developed cast of characters work to keep the pacing steady while giving the reader a reason to want more from Ms. Ashwood. When this is combined with the vampire mythology and the description of Hell a different kind of romance is born. One with many directions available to it. It could stay with vampires and witches or move on to demons, Hell, shapeshifters. I’m left believing anything is possible.

This is a series I plan to continue. (P.S. The vamp queen is a bitch and I seriously hated her by the end of the book. I think Ms. Ashwood did a great job creating creating a character worthy of my hate, not because it was poor work, but because it was so well done.)

Read an excerpt or buy the book.