Vampire Mine by Kerrelyn Sparks

Nothing on earth can make this vampire fall in love . . .

After 499 years of existence, Connor Buchanan has arrived at an inescapable conclusion: he is a cold-hearted SOB. He's been watching his friends—those poor romantic fools—plummet off the cliff into love like a dazed herd of sheep. But not Connor. He knows that love leads to nothing but heartache.

Until Marielle . . .

She is an angel cast down from heaven for disobedience. Trapped in mortal form, she finds a protector in Connor, a Scottish vampire haunted by a dark past. Marielle hopes to heal his broken heart and earn her way back home, but suddenly she has these . . . feelings. This strange yet pleasant physical yearning—for a vampire! Is this the work of a demon luring her into hell, or has this angel found heavenly bliss? (courtesy of HarperCollins.com)

Kerrelyn Sparks Love at Stake series is fun and sexy.  This is book 10 for the series and I picture at least 2 more from the set up we find in this book...

Our main vamp is one of my favorite in the series - Connor - he's holding the sanity and security of his friends and family by straws.  All around the vampires are succumbing to love.  He's helped make connections and tried to keep his friends on track, but he's a red-headed scot with a chip on his shoulder.  I'm so happy he's finally getting his own book!  

Sparks pulls in a new paranormal element with a fallen angel and a few demons.  Could there have been a little more heat?  Maybe, but Connor is not with out honor and how can you defile an angel?  

I love the humor with the things that come out of Marielle's mouth as she tries to learn the ropes on earth.  She stops Connor dead in his tracks (no pun intended) and picks up quickly on how to twist her innocence.  

Over all, Loved how Sparks keeps up the action with Caismir, gives us the humor, and keeps up the steam --- anxiously awaiting to see who's next on the list for a book. 

4 slices  

Darkest Mercy by Melissa Marr

The Summer King is missing; the Dark Court is bleeding; and a stranger walks the streets of Huntsdale, his presence signifying the deaths of powerful fey.

Aislinn tends to the Summer Court, searching for her absent king and yearning for Seth. Torn between his new queen and his old love, Keenan works from afar to strengthen his court against the coming war. Donia longs for fiery passion even as she coolly readies the Winter Court for battle. And Seth, sworn brother of the Dark King and heir to the High Queen, is about to make a mistake that could cost his life.

Love, despair, and betrayal ignite the Faery Courts, and in the final conflict, some will win . . . and some will lose everything.(courtesy of Amazon)

Can not believe this series is over, truly wanted longer with this wonderful cast that Marr created...but I'm thrilled Melissa Marr, got in, charged us up, got it done, and wrapped it in a snaztastic package!

Darkest Mercy is the finale to the Wicked Lovely series.  At 5 books and a couple shorts, I was wow'd for sure.  (check the blog for the reviews of the other books in the series)  Marr opened up the young adult genre and shows us that it's not just about high school teens.  These characters stay static over the series, bringing in new twists and turns, and have you falling in love with them like your own friends.  

Torn between two loves, Ash has tough decisions to make, and her guys don't make it easy on her...Seth and Keenan retch emotions from her heart and push her up against the wall, trying to stand her ground she has choices on top of choices to make.  Niall is torn between his court and his two loves...how can you live if you have nothing?  

As the story concludes the series, true tests are given and some will pass and some will fail.  Marr takes it out of the park with this book.  I was shocked several times at some of the choices and couldn't believe the turns.  

5 Slices

Lover Unleashed by J R Ward

Payne, twin sister of Vishous, is cut from the same dark, seductive cloth as her brother. Imprisoned for eons by their mother, the Scribe Virgin, she finally frees herself-only to face a devastating injury. Manuel Manello, M.D., is drafted by the Brotherhood to save her as only he can-but when the human surgeon and the vampire warrior meet, their two worlds collide in the face of their undeniable passion. With so much working against them, can love prove stronger than the birthright and the biology that separates them?(courtesy of Amazon)

This has to be the third best Black Dagger Brotherhood yet – ok maybe I’m a little bias because this is Payne and Manny’s book and there is a TON of V - - - you know how I love V!  He’s one of my favorite brothers. .

Ward is shockingly amazing as she continues to weave this world of the Black Dagger Brotherhood.  She’s going strong and captivates her audience. 

Payne – I kinda want to be Payne – she is the hard as nails fighter with a soft center.  It’s the perfect combination next to Xhex (who I really want to be).  The bad ass girls are definitely in the ranks. 

As Payne and Manny’s story unfolds, V and Jane and Butch (can’t leave out Butch) are challenged to work out some huge kinks.  Until V can come to terms with himself, his twin can’t be happy.  The story takes a big focus on V and smaller on Payne.  Emotions roller coaster with Jane and V; Payne and Manny manage to steam it up; and some how, we’re caught right in the middle where we want to be.  Could we have had more Payne?  Maybe, but honestly I think there is more to come.  While Wrath, Rhage, Z and V had over the top action, we know the last 3 previous books have shown our more emotional brothers.  This book, meshes them together.  If you’re looking for a spoiler about Blay and Quinn, let’s just say, their saga continues…

Ward knocks me over again as she manages to get so much into a book less than 500 pages.  The story runs like a well-oiled machine, given the number of situations Ward normally has going on in the books and the switch back and forth, this one is done over the top the best.  As a mom of boy/girl twins, I loved the Payne/V relationship. 

If you have never read the series, jump up and get to the store to find Dark Lover – Book 1 in the series.  You will not be disappointed.  If you are just waiting for your copy of Lover Unleashed to arrive, when it gets there, rip open the package, close and lock your door, and read on!  Ward’s announced the next book, I’ll say it’s not Blay and Quinn L But I’m hoping with the new characters in this book, it grabs the action again….

5 slices

Book Giveaway Winners!!

We have our winners for the book giveaways from Dakota Cassidy's visit!!

The winner of Accidentally Catty (or The Accidental Werewolf) is annalisa! 

The winner of a book of their choice (mass market, already out) is LadyVampire2u!

We've e-mailed the lucky ladies and let them know they have 3 days to claim their prizes.   If not, we'll have to pick new winners.

Thanks to Dakota for coming to visit, and for bringing Nina. 

And thanks to everyone else that stopped by, too!!

Winner - March Mayhem Blog Hop and Giveaway!

We have a winner!!!

Congratulations to  Lexie @ Book Bug - she's the winner of our giveaway for the March Mayhem Blog Hop.

Her prize is a $20 Amazon gift card.

We've contacted her by e-mail and she has 3 days to respond and claim her prize.  Otherwise we'll have to chose another winner.

Thanks to everyone who came by and became a follower!