Nightwalker by Jocelynn Drake

Favorite Lines: “The naturi wanted nothing more that to rid the entire earth of all humans and nightwalkers. For them, protecting the earth was only possible through removing its greatest threat-mankind. (p. 30)

Mira, aka Fire Starter, has been a nightwalker (vampire) for centuries. She is 603-years-old and an enforcer in America. She is different from the other nightwalkers because she can control fire, something that devours the dead.

For a month she has watched the hunter Danaus destroy vampires in her territory, but she hasn’t intervened. The vampires aren’t hers; they have no master. Her observations come to an end when Danaus tells Mira that the naturi are back and looking for her.

Mira’s content living away from the other dark creatures of the night, but she refuses to allow her town to fall prey to a deadlier force than she. When she learns of the naturi being sighted, Mira has no choice but to look into her own past. That means revisiting the Ancient vampires who formed a trinity and saved the world centuries ago.

With nobody being what they seem, Nightwalker, is an interesting new addition to the paranormal world written by Jocelynn Drake. There are faes (naturi), vampires, witches/warlocks and werewolves in the Nightwalker world. There is betrayal, a possibility of redemption and an unexpected truth, too. Love rears its head in many areas, yet I’m left feeling undecided about Nightwalker.

While it is fully rounded, I’m still left wondering about motives. I know what motivates Mira, but who is the real hero of the book? Is there a hero? The main male character is Danaus, but he’s a tad bit shifty. I appreciate they didn’t discard centuries of hating the labels on each other (vampire and vampire slayer) by falling in love, but is there a relationship in the future?

I guess it’s really not fair to pose those questions in a fantasy series, but as a romance junkie I crave the light that usually comes with the lead male and female characters. I know that I’m not guaranteed anything other than a good story with a fantasy book. I know that Happily Ever After belongs to romance books, but that doesn’t stop my yearning for more.

For me the next installment will make or break the series. Until that happens check out the story of secondary character, Tristan or read other reviews at Darque Reviews, Waiting for Fairies and Amberkatze’s Book Blog.

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Lucinda, Darkly by Sunny

Favorite Lines: “I looked down and saw my womb glowing with his light where he filled me, where he lay buried deep inside me. And I watched with awe and wonder that dance of iridescent light play upon my dusky skin, lighting me from within and without as he began to move. Then I could only feel him, sliding within me.” (p. 33)

Lucinda is a former Queen of the Monere (people of the moon) and the demon daughter of the High Lord of Hell. With little to occupy her time other than the occasional return of runaway Monere warriors, she finds interest in visiting the living world.

Then one day she finds a Monere warrior, Stefan, living apart from his people while raising a Mixed Blood boy and erotic twinges begin to plague and intrigue her. Not only that, but her inner beast begins flexing its muscles.

Lucinda leaves Stefan with mixed emotions and the promise to consider making Stefan her man. She returns to Hell and receives an order to return a runaway warrior to his queen never imagining she’d feel drawn to him. It doesn’t take long for her body and beast to begin pushing her to taste life’s blood and passion.

Sometimes I forget what draws me to an author. I had forgotten the appeal Sunny held for me until I read Lucinda, Darkly. The thing I most enjoy about her books is that they’re well written erotica. If you like erotica you’ll probably like Sunny. Likewise, if you’re not a fan of erotica you prob. won’t like Sunny.

The demon princess chronicles is different from the Sunny’s Mona Lisa series in the obvious manner: Mona Lisa is light and Lucinda is dark. Lucinda is a book that looks into the dark and embraces it. It dives into bondage and ensures that the woman remains in charge. The book is about Lucinda (obviously), a demoness living in the dark and it shows. Her tastes are dark, demanding and not for the faint of heart. They’re bloody. Lucinda, Darkly isn’t completely without light though.

Moments of joy and pleasure accentuate the story; one of which is when her familial baggage is lifted. The story isn’t for people who don’t like erotica or can’t handle bondage scenes. It’s also not my favorite Sunny book, but it did what it was meant to do. The book transported me to a different dimension and gave me enjoyment for the few hours it took to read.

Don’t take my word for it check out other reviews at Two Lips Reviews, Just One More Chapter or Just Erotic Romance.

Today I got

two packages. Yippee!!!! I got Vicious Circle by Mike Carey and Beautiful Liars by Kylie Adams from Romance Review Today, and a good buddy sent me Nightwalker by Jocelynn Drake.

My website is at

a standstill for the moment. I’ve got a ton of reviews to reformat, and even more to write. I need a full two or three days to focus completely on scooperspeaks.com if I’m ever going to complete it.

I think I’m going to start playing Thursday 13 again on a variety of topics. The site is also going to have more than book reviews now that I’ve got the website. The plan is to put the book reviews up on the blog and at the website at the same time. The website will only be focused on books (all kinds that I read) while the blog will begin to encompass more. Any thoughts?

Happy Hour of the Damned by Mark Henry

Favorite lines: “Their tiny hands stretched out toward him, becoming claws, their blunt little Chicklet teeth gone needle pointy. Their eyes were deep black death holes,portals to somewhere else-where the screams live (or go to die). (p. 266)

Amanda Feral is an undead, zombie socialite crunching her way through Seattle one homeless person at a time. Wading through humanity with her stilettos and small pack of friends, she is determined to stay hot and learn the ropes of the supernormal world she’s discovered.

One night while out on the town, Amanda receives a text for help from one of her new friends and suddenly she is learning more about the afterlife and her creator then she ever wanted to know.

Happy Hour of the Damned is not for the weak stomached. It is a biting reversal of all that society expects of its inhabitants. It mocks everything and for some people that’s great. I, however, had a problem finding non-offensive ground in the story.

The book is all about Amanda fitting into a world newly revealed to her, but it is a harsh world that preys on humanity and I had a hard time with that. Because everything is told to us by zombie Amanda, and her paranormal peers, the world looks down on humans similar to humans looking down on cows. It took me three quarters of the story to begin to appreciate the wit involved in Happy Hour because I was horrified with the glib way everything is presented. It is a sarcastic book.

My biggest problem with the book has to be the footnotes. I absolutely hate footnotes. They detracted from the story and left my inner voice screaming for Mr. Henry find a way to work the information into the story. Don’t make me read a footnote.

Happy Hour of the Damned is well written, but it was not for me. I seem to be a minority on this one so check out a few other reviews at Romantic Times, Graeme’s Fantasy Book Review, or Fantasy Book Critic.

His Wicked Sins by Eve Silver

Favorite lines: “Catching her wrist, he drew her hand up, turned her palm forward. With no concern for propriety, he pushed her fingers inside his coat and his vest, against the thin linen of his shirt. Against his heart.

Warmth flooded her, the heat of his body. The heat of his gaze, so focused, so intent.

“Feel my heart, Beth. Feel the beat of it. Let my heart beat in time with your own.” He knew.” (p. 155 ARC)

1828 Yorkshire, England

Elizabeth Canham is on her way to a new teaching position at a boarding school. She is desperate to succeed because much depends on her success.

Her family is desperate for the money the job will bring and a small troubled child awaits in Burndale School for the love and support Elizabeth is capable of giving. She has no plans for romance, but when she meets enigmatic Griffin Fairfax on the dark road while waiting her ride to the school, indecent thoughts begin to plague her.

Griffin lost his wife and his child at the same time. His wife was lost to death, his daughter was lost in her own mind. Punishing himself for the situation his family is in, he tries to ignore his budding emotions for Elizabeth. But when he notices slight changes in his daughter’s attitude and reactions, he rightfully equates them to Elizabeth’s touch.

Even if they over come their own insecurities, Griffin and Elizabeth might not have a chance at life together. A serial killer is stalking, mutilating, and killing women in Yorkshire. Women similar to Elizabeth.

I really enjoy Ms. Silver’s gothic romance novels. They showcase good writing with a great plot. His Wicked Sins is no exception. It has several facets and a story line that flip-flops in time. The book starts with a murder that happened in 1813 London and then fast forwards to 1828  Yorkshire.

It is cleanly executed. Every time a time change occurs it is labeled. There is no confusion as to characters or the time and place events take place. Most importantly it adds to the suspense and the ‘what if’ factor.

I really enjoyed the mystery aspect of His Wicked Sins. I kept thinking I knew who the killer was. I’d change my mind as different clues were exposed, but in the end I was taken by surprise. That felt good.

His Wicked Sins is a great book. It is even better when you’re looking for a romance that’s a little dark and full of mystery. His Wicked Sins goes on sale Aug. 5 but you can read an excerpt that’s up on Ms. Silver’s site.

Dead people and Twitter

I’m finally doing what a co-worker told me to do a month or two ago. What? I’m working with dead people (obit clerk) and learning to Twitter. I’m hoping to pick it up quickly, but please have patience with me as I learn. Tomorrow I should have Eve Silver’s soon to be released book reviewed.

Twilight Fall by Lynn Viehl

Favorite lines: ” Watching Jaus even from across the room made her imagination go off in wild directions, taking her to other places that were not so modern or civilized. She could easily picture Jaus as a marauder at the helm of a Norse ship, or issuing orders from the throne of a barbarian king, or even riding at the front of an ancient army of warriors as he led them into battle.” (p. 16)

Valentin Jaus lost the use of his arm at the same time he lost the woman he loved from afar, Jema. He isn’t looking for romance and he can’t forgive himself for accidentally infecting Jema with is Darkyn blood when she was a baby. Valentin contents himself with his work at Lighthouse Rehabilitation Center until he meets the beautiful gardener, Liling Harper. Suddenly he can’t get her off his mind.

Liling’s work with flowers is amazing and her touch therapeutic to the patients in the rehabilitation center where she works. She is quiet, but makes friends with Luisa, a burn victim in hiding at the center. Liling is hiding from her past though. A past that has been hunting her for years and that has never forgotten of her existence.

With a dark storm drifting towards Valentine and Liling and a tempest swirling them into passion’s embrace, they had better beware. A dark presence threatens to tear them away from all they know. It’ll take vampire blood and human emotion to give the lovers a future.

One thing I love about Viehl’s Darkyn series is the stability of the world. Each story gets better than the last and the rules never change. I know that I’m buying a paranormal romance book about vampires. I know the rules of their world and as changes occur in that world, I’m kept apprised. There is not more a reader can ask for than that.

When I read about Valentine in Private Demon I ached for him. I knew that he deserved his own story and heroine. A heroine that could love him as much as he was capable of loving her. The woman would have to be strong, but able to bend.

That’s exactly what I got with Liling. She is a woman who doesn’t need a man to fight her battles, but isn’t afraid to let down her guard. She is silently strong. She’s not mouthy or brash. She’s a breath of fresh air or the fire that burns the dead brush for a new life.

The scenes where Ms. Viehl takes us to meet the villains do not disappoint either. The Brethren are the bad guys. They are evil and this book shows more than any other how deeply rooted the darkness is. They aren’t the only villain in the book though.

A hunter is stalking Liling and watching him do it is a joy. His abilities are amazing and listening to his inner dialogue enlightening.

I can’t think of one thing that I disliked about this story. I guess that’s what makes Lynn Viehl a must buy for me. She types a great tale, with interesting characters and a storyline that bridges each book without regurgitating every aspect of the previous books.

Yep, computer issues

I’ve been struck by computer issues. I think the computer has a personality and it knows that I really want to be online posting, commenting and getting my site up. Hopefully I’ll be back at full force by next week (maybe sooner).

So, it’ll take me a minute to respond to comments, but don’t worry I will respond. Just not as quickly as normal.

Kiss of Fury by Deborah Cooke

Favorite Lines: “She screams and thrashes, and she shouts out for Mark. Then she cries.” (p. 11-12 ARC)

Donovan Shea is one of the only dragons that does not want a firestorm. He is a warrior and battles for the Pyr against the Slayers, but he draws the line at  being forced to take a mate.

Alexandra Madison is a scientist on the verge of a major environmental breakthrough. Her lab is attacked, her partner killed and she suffers terrible burns. While she is recovering, she has horrible nightmares about dragons.

In the hospital she overhears a doctor tell her nurse to transfer her to the psychiatric unit and she plans a daring escape. Well, with the help of a handsome, mysterious man.

Donovan is told that Alexandra is the key to the Pyr winning the war and goes to the hospital to take her where he can guard her. He arrives at the nick of time and whisks Alexandra away, but not before he discovers she’s his mate.

Ms. Cooke, you have done a great job incorporating real world issues into a fantastic romance. I love the world you created in Kiss of Fire and am extremely pleased to learn more about it.

I must admit that you fit one of my newest obsessions into the book. I love literature. I especially enjoy literature that couple modern life and technology with the story. It’s a great way to update romance and a way for people to look back at a particular time and see what was happening in the world. That is definitely possible with Kiss of Fury.

I read the book and couldn’t help but think of automotive issues that are on the news. I thought of the environment and loved the approach you took to it. It was believable and took the story in a new direction. The realistic approach to  makes Kiss of Fury stand out from other paranormal romances by giving a deeper message while delivering a romance with yummy male characters.

Donovan and the other Pyr are hot hot hot. They’re alpha men who look out for their women, but also give them respect and space. Well a little bit of space. *grin* They are sexual and territorial. The women are smart and brave. They’re willing to accept the impossible, but unwilling to believe that fate is in control. Together your couples face their fears and enemies headfirst, before fading into the sunset.

Obviously, I have no complaints and look forward reading the next book in the series, Kiss of Fate, in February of 2009. Kiss of Fury will be released Aug. 5, 2008.