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The Mortal Vampire in The Mystic Desire Anthology
The Mortal Vampire by author Suzanne Smith is a short paranormal romance story from The Mystic Desire Anthology that will immerse you in the world of vampires.
Remy has been a vampire for three hundred years, he doesn’t even remember his past life as a human anymore. He spends his nights searching for his next victim, hungry for their blood. But, at his core, he might be a little different than the average vampire. Remy still has his own rules and limits that he dares not cross, avoiding causing too much pain to innocent people. While he creeps the streets behaving as a wild beast, he suddenly and unexpectedly is charmed by a mysterious young woman that he senses might change the course of his life forever. As he immediately starts to feel physical and psychological sensations that he didn’t think he could feel, he’ll have to figure out what’s going on with him and why his cold cruelty seems to be evaporating by the minute.
Suzanne Smith’s story is concise and it grips you straight away. From the beginning Remy acts as you would expect any vampire to act. He thinks coldly and sees humans as tempting meals to be devoured. However, we get to see different dimensions of him. As his life is engulfed by a passionate romance, he has to debate whether he’s been on the right path all along. We get to see his internal conflict and his moral compass, setting him apart and transforming him into a monster that one can pity and empathize with. With the progression of the plot the world expands a little and gives us an idea of the extent of this strange paranormal world.
This short story moves at a good pace, keeping readers consistently engaged throughout. The appearance of this mysterious woman, Angela, will keep both Remy and the reader intrigued, trying to figure out what’s different about her and what makes her so special. This creates an atmosphere of mystery that brings some tension into the story, making the pages fly by. Throughout the book the author lets you savor the special romance between Remy and Angela, making you wish by the end that you could see more of their relationship and their development as characters.
The Mortal Vampire is a short yet compelling paranormal romance story with some emotionally tense scenes that I devoured quickly.
Pages: 30 (Page 157-187 in the paperback anthology) | ASIN: B07WPQX7HQ
Blood Thinners
Blood Thinners starts with a great first line that immediately hooks readers and throws them right into the storyline. Detective Mina Summers, the daughter of the leader of the organization known as SHAP (Supernatural Human Accountability Partnership), is just one assignment away from becoming Regional Director for the agency. Should she obtain this position, she will be the youngest one in the agency’s history. There is nothing and no one that will stand in her way. That is at least until she receives her one last assignment.
Detective Summers’s final assignment is to look into a celebrity-endorsed retreat that guarantees weight loss permanently. SHAP finds this claim suspicious, especially in light of the increased number of cases involving rogue vampires randomly making attacks. Mina and her partner Jake are anxious to wrap up this case and move on. However, the Vice President and daughter of Thinner CEO, Carma, might have other ideas.
Mina is the leading lady in this story, and even though she is a bit standoffish, you cannot help but love her character and the character she becomes. Novak does an excellent job of character development, not just with Mina but with all the characters in the book. Sebastian is Mina’s ghost roommate who is obsessed with the movie Titanic. Jake is Mina’s SHAP partner and best friend. He is the level-headed one of the two and tries to keep Mina grounded.
While reading Blood Thinners, I was reminded of the writing style of Lauren Weisberger, i.e., The Devil Wears Prada, and shortly into the book, there is a comparison of the CEO to Miranda. This familiar writing style is engaging, draws readers into the action, and builds attachment to the characters.
Blood Thinners is a fast-paced romantic mystery with LGBTIA+ characters. With excellent and robust world-building, readers will be able to escape into the world created and experience a love story that is heartwarming and heartbreaking.
Pages: 303 | ASIN : B09CK8GHTH
Wrath of Justice
Wrath of Justice by author Denna Holm dives into a bleak future where many people sacrifice nearly everything they have just to survive. It’s a world where food is limited, and raising a family isn’t an option for most people in a global wasteland. As a result, many parents make the difficult decision to sell one or more children, or make a deal with demons, to secure a better chance in life. For some, an adventurous, dangerous path is the ticket to salvation.
If you’re looking for an exciting indulgence, Wrath of Justice will keep you engaged from the very start. The story centers around Justice, who finds himself sold to a run-down brothel, where he’s destined to exist among the most brutal layer of society. His only chance of escape is an offer from a hunter, where he faces a new level of darkness. However, he finds a glimmer of hope and love throughout his journey between demons and debauchery.
This story weaves through the layers of a futuristic, post-apocalyptic world that offers more beneath the surface, with more significant risks, facing demons, and a thirst for basic survival. Justice learns more than he bargains for, and his life takes unexpected turns when he joins forces with Michael Santos. The characters are well developed and captivating, weaving a thrilling narrative through a dark future with a few plots twists. I enjoyed the pace and vibrant contrast of witches, demons, and brave characters weaving through a dreary landscape with lots of surprises.
Wrath of Justice is a thrilling novel that combines paranormal romance with action and suspense. This engaging book moves along quickly, with lots of steamy tension and unexpected turns, so readers will want to keep going to see what happens next. Overall this is a well-crafted and exciting story.
Pages: 379 | ASIN : B09PWLCMC8
EverGreen (EverGreen Trilogy Book 1)
Have you ever read a book and wished that you could escape into the pages and experience the adventures you are reading about? This is what Lily Rhodes wants to do, and the universe has a way of making things happen.
Lilly is an introverted smart, brainy girl that always has a book in her hand. She is also fearless, kind-hearted, and cares deeply for those that earn her trust and friendship. When Lily falls in love for the first time in her life her senior year, this love adventure takes her into the realm of magic. Although faced with adversities and dilemmas between friendship and love, Lily never losses her kindness towards the people she cares about the most.
EverGreen, by author Abby Farnsworth, is a well-paced young adult novel with enchanting world-building and a good combination of real-world and fantasy elements. The author expertly establishes characters that set good examples for young adult readers of genuine friendship and true love, especially from optimistically outgoing Giselle and Ginger. These two may be the most incredible friends you will ever meet. Readers will also learn to sympathize and develop a degree of understanding towards people like Delilah. Rowan’s character may be too ideal, but his role will make readers fall in love with his chivalry and mature personality.
The author creates a plot that moves the story along quickly, keeping readers engaged. The language is suitable for older elementary and middle school students and even young adults who are looking for a quick and light read. Readers will learn a lot from the characters as they navigate the challenges and obstacles the author puts forth.
EverGreen is a riveting novel filled with action and adventure, taking place in the real world and slowly drifting into the paranormal fantasy world. While discovering the world of the fae, friendships and romance are built that will extend into the next book in the series.
Pages: 138 | ASIN : B08TVWTW5F
Damned
![Damned (The Circle of the Red Scorpion World Book 1) by [Charlene Johnson]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51AOiH9q-fL.jpg)
Damned is a captivating romantic fantasy novel written by Charlene Johnson. Follow along as Desiree Black, a soul-stealing demon, hunts for a pure soul before her time is up in the demon world. As she searches a new realm for a pure soul, she ends up finding something unexpected. Love. Forbidden from love, she is in disbelief that she feels love for an angel named Rayven Stone. Rayven, a warrior angel, can hardly contain his feelings for this beautiful red-headed demon. As they go from the new realm back to the present day, they explore their love, and Rayven knows he would do anything for Desiree.
Author Charlene Johnson did a fantastic job of bringing this spellbinding book to life! The beginning is full of information, which readers will find helpful to understand the setup for the intriguing plot. Readers will be drawn into this world and will be able to visualize everything from the beginning because of the authors comprehensive style of writing.
This riveting novel has romance, fantasy, and a bit of erotica. While some of the terminology used to describe the sex scenes were incredible, the mood of the book overall remains consistently alluring. This is a seductive paranormal story that sets up a captivating entanglement between two supernatural beings that is just as provocative as it is entertaining.
Damned by Charlene Johnson is a fast-paced paranormal romance novel with an exciting twist on the demon vs. angel dynamic. This stimulating supernatural love story will appeal to readers that enjoy romance, paranormal fiction, fantasy and adventure. This is a great start to what is sure to be an enthralling new series.
Pages: 284 | ASIN: B09FKLH1RK
Rhyker’s Key
Rhyker’s Key, Orion’s Order: Book Two by M.C. Solaris follows Calypso’s Heart, which delves into a new direction with Rhyker and Keena. As the story pivots from Caly and the strong character development in the story, Rhyker becomes the focus of attention. He plans his next quest: to seduce and win over the love of his healer, Keena, despite her resistance and solid position as his friend. While she cares for him deeply, she’s aware of his attraction and eventually learns how hard he will fight for her.
The story continues with a strong plot and a richer, more satisfying look at the characters and their quest together. While Rhyker initially appears to be the standard “alpha male” whose short-sighted focus, he quickly demonstrates a stronger, more in-depth personality to win over Keena. Their complex but romantic interaction progresses into an intense level of enjoyment.
In this book, the pace quickens, building brilliantly on the first book’s foundation, where readers are introduced to Caly, a recruit, into another world of unexpected adventures and experiences. Rhyker and Keena, along with the rest of the team, offer an entertaining and steamy story that will satisfy any reader’s taste for some hot twists and developments. The intense love between the couple grows, creating a dynamic story against the intense dramatic action and suspense throughout the book.
I found this read pleasant, fun, and easy to enjoy without putting the book down. M.C. Solaris keeps readers engaged while elevating the intensity of steamy action to a new height of pleasure. It is the ideal paranormal romance coupled with suspense, action, and a hint of comedy. Rhyker’s Key, Orion’s Order: Book Two by M.C. Solaris is a fast-paced paranormal romance story with an exciting plot and exceptional character development that makes this story hard to put down.
Pages: 702 | ASIN: B08MZJJRZM
Scarlet Ambrosia
![Scarlet Ambrosia: Blood Is The Nectar Of Life by [David Gittlin]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51dtno7XsKL.jpg)
Scarlet Ambrosia by David Gittlin is a gritty and steamy vampire novel laced with an air of criminal mystery that follows Devon Furst as he meets the enigmatic Mathilde de Roche. Devon is a sleek businessman used to expensive taste and a successful routine. His connection with Mathilde occurs in the middle of several disappearances happening around downtown Miami, claiming the lives of many who look just like Devon.
While it seems that there is a mysterious threat on the Miami streets, Devon finds himself intimidated by the power that Mathilde herself holds. She seems to know more about him than he thought possible as they’ve only just met and spent time engaging in a casual relationship. But Mathilde has seen Devon for some time, and kept her sights trained on getting him. He’s suspicious of her allure and her cunning words, until he finally learns her devious secret: Mathilde is a vampire.
I enjoyed this new take on the typical vampire genre. The story itself was seductive and pulled me in, with Mathilde being such an enigmatic character. I liked the fact that the female character in this story had power in creating other vampires around her, while trying to escape the hold of her cruel companion. Her relationship with Devon was steamy and exciting and gave us an opportunity to learn about this vampire realm with unique clarity. As a reader, we got to discover so much about the world just through Devon’s growth as a new vampire, the villains he met, and the hardships the people around him went through under vampire influence.
While I enjoyed the story, I felt that it was a bit rushed at the beginning, pulling us right into the world of Mathilde with little information about Devon. I would have liked to see a regular day in his life before he met Mathilde to give more context to what his life was like. However, I thought that once the story kicked into Devon’s life as a vampire and the loss he faced through this change, the fast pace helped keep the story exciting and lively.
If you want to read something fast-paced, intense, and dark, Scarlet Ambrosia is an amazing novel for you. The vampire underworld explored in this story is alluring and sexy and will draw in any reader. This book is perfect for someone looking for their next exciting read.
Pages: 355 | ASIN: B00PBCA0HU
LITERARY TITAN 