Marked by the Vampire

Olivia Maddox has made studying paranormal killers her life's work.  So when she is given the opportunity to interview paranormal prisoners at the maximum security prison, Purgatory, she jumps at the chance. Only Olivia has no way of knowing what exactly she signed up for.

On her way to Purgatory she meets Shane.  A very sexy, alpha vampire.  However, the only problem is that Shane is a prisoner being transferred to the infamous prison Purgatory.  But all is not what it seems and Olivia is slowly learning that fact.

I liked the character of Olivia.  She seemed competent and didn't suffer from insta love.  But what she did suffer from was head-in-sand-distressed-need-a-man-to-rescue-me syndrome.  Which detracted from what would have been a strong leading female character.  She has her own secrets and dark side.  Ok fine, I can deal with that. As a matter of fact, I kinda like that. Her flaws gave her more depth and likability.

Now on to Shane.  Yum!  Shane is an alpha vampire.  When I say alpha I mean ALPHA!!!!!  I can't say much more about him without giving things way.  But I will say Shane is the ultimate BAMF!  If you ever find yourself at a maximum security paranormal prison Shane is the type of guy to have on your side.

I enjoyed reading this book. It was a quick fun read that satisfied my need for a paranormal romance. Marked by the Vampire is the second book in the Purgatory series.  But fear not, it can be read as a stand alone novel.

Awakened a Paranormal Romance

R
This is the second book by Virna DePaul that I have read and yet again I am not disappointed.  I received this ARC in exchange for an honest review.  This newest installment in the Belladonna Agency series focuses on Barrett an ex-soldier and former lover of partner in arms Nick.  Barrett and Nick once upon a time had a very passionate love affair.  However, it cooled when Barrett walked away in order to save herself from potential heartbreak.  Now Barrett is force to seek Nick's help when her best friend's daughter is kidnapped and taken into a sex ring.  I liked the aspect of the kidnapped girls forced into a sex ring.  It allowed each of the characters to get past their own bullshit and work toward achieving a common goal.

I found myself enjoying this second installment much more than the first book.  The foundation and vampire lore had already been established and DePaul doesn't spend much time rehashing that.  Which I loved!!!  DePaul trusted that her readers had a smidgen of intelligence and could either re-read the previous book or um use Goodreads..HELLO!  So the story isn't bogged down in an effort to remind readers what they should already know.  That being said, you really need to read the first book before attempting this one.  It will not make as much sense to you and you will have wasted your time and money attempting to read it.

I recommend this book to anyone that enjoys paranormal romance and I cannot wait until the next installment!  Happy reading!!

In Your Corner by Sarah Castille

With the second installment in the Redemption series, Sarah Castille doesn't disappoint. While I highly recommend you read the first book in this series before beginning this one, it is not absolutely necessary. You should be able to follow the story and put together the pieces without reading the first book in the series. While it does bring back characters and settings seen in the first book, it is a stand-alone with a definite conclusion. NO CLIFFHANGERS!

This installment focuses on the relationship between Jake and Amanda. (view spoiler) Jake is a MMA fighter that is torn between family obligations and his true desires. Amanda is a strong-willed lawyer that has a very hard time with true intimacy.


This book also highlights the societal double standard when it comes to a sexually active woman. Amanda has been around the block and makes no qualms about her experience. HALLE-FREAKIN-LUJAH! Too many times in the romance/erotica genre we are force fed the virginal heroine that needs to be saved and educated by the strong, well-experienced alpha male. This is not the case. Amanda has needs and doesn't feel ashamed by those needs. She knows what she likes and isn't afraid to ask for it.


The storyline progresses well. Although Jake and Amanda's one step forward two steps back relationship, does cause the story to feel a bit bogged down at times. That being said, I feel the progression and regression of these two is needed to allow for character growth. Amanda has to learn to deal with her fears of intimacy and Jake has to learn how to be patient with her; and this takes time. There are no immediate fixes for these two. Each one has to work through their own issues.

I really enjoyed Sarah Castille's latest and would highly recommend it. You get a definite conclusion and the HEA you hunger for. Happy reading!!

Reflection by Elene Sallinger

Sallinger's latest installment doesn't disappoint.  True to her style, Sallinger delivers a dark and delicious tale of two souls who seek each other out in order to find healing.
Bridget is a woman with a tormented past.  Having gone through a traumatic event, she finds it hard to connect with the opposite sex.  However, when she meets Conner she finds a man that is willing to move slowly and give her what she needs.
Conner also suffers from his past.  He is instantly taken by Bridget and wants to get to know her.  Only, he's finding it difficulty to get past Bridget's walls. 

I love the way Sallinger delivers a realistic erotica novel.  There is no love at first sight, no lets move off and have babies either.  It is two people that have to overcome the haunting of their past in order to move forward.  This is the second book I have read by Sallinger and I find myself enjoying it just as much as the first.  I definitely recommend.