Vampire Book Club

Love letter to Barrons (Karen Marie Moning’s Fever series)

By Chelsea, on February 10th, 2012 (18 comments)

From VBC: Like we could have a Character Love Letters feature and not write to the champion of our Alpha Showdown? Pssh! Bells says what we all think to Barrons in the letter below. She tells him he’s an arrogant jerk, but we love him for it. Remember why you wanted to say his name by reading her letter to Jericho Z. Barrons.

Dear Barrons,

Let me start this letter off by saying… you rock my world! I knew you were something special the moment your character appeared in the book Darkfever. Yes I thought you were a prick because let’s be honest, you were acting like one! In fact, I remember saying to myself, “When is that asshole going to show up again?! I kinda like him.” OK, you may think that this letter is going to be all about calling you bad names, but it’s not really. Just like Mac, we all had to get to know you better. Well how about some good name calling then? Sexy, provocative, dark, sensual, mysterious. There is so much more to know about you and you leave your readers wanting more!

There is nothing like a man having confidence and, yes, because you have so much it turns to arrogance, but it works in your favor. I think there are times that it makes you even more irresistible. Then there are times that I love to hate you and then I hate to love you. I hate it when it seems like you’re thinking of only yourself and I love it when all you can think about is Mac. And then there are the moments where you let your guard down and we get to see the softer side to you. Like when Mac was Pri-ya and we got to see you dancing and laughing. We know that you’re not all hard edges and angles all the time and it’s nice to see that other side of you. I hope we will see more of that side in the future.

All in all, I love you for being you. Simple as that. Everyone’s complicated in some way and while I love all of your strengths, I love your faults as well. Together they make the man…umm…not sure if that’s the correct term to use since we don’t really know what you are, but you get the gist of what I’m saying. You entertain me, thrill me, and excite me like no other. I’m anxious for your story to continue and I hope you realize just how much you are loved. Not only by the ones around you, but by others all across the world.

I’d like to end this letter with a quote from Shadowfever. Actually these words are from your own mouth. “And nothing else matters. Never will. You exist in a place that is beyond all rules for me.” Jericho Barrons, you rock my world!

Bells
Hanging with Bells

Haven’t met Barrons?
Barrons is the antihero of Karen Marie Moning’s Fever series. It begins with Darkfever and plays out to an epic end with Shadowfever.

Love letter to Vishous (J.R. Ward’s Black Dagger Brotherhood)

By Chelsea, on February 9th, 2012 (7 comments)

Note: We’ll have letters to four characters from J.R. Ward’s Black Dagger Brotherhood series by the end of Character Love Letters. Rehvenge was on Monday and Kelly — excuse me Khelly — solicited shirtless photos from the sympath. Today, Synde barters with Vishous on wax color and inflates the Brother’s ego a bit more. She doesn’t say it, but we’re willing to bet she wouldn’t mind him coming up behind her at a sink. You wouldn’t either, would you? We wish Synde luck in tearing that badass BDB member from Doc Jane. Really, Syn is corporeal all the time.

Dear Vishous,

I know you have Doc Jane now, but I don’t care. I still love you.

You are such a badass. You have more tattoos than all the other brothers put together. They are such girls.

Your self-deprecating manner makes me want to hug you and never let go. Let’s just talk about your leathers for a minute, could they be any sexier? Only if they were off I think!!!

Plus you know how to use a foundry! You could make daggers while I make jewelry, what an amazing versatile couple we would be!

Your little affectations like “true” and ” you feel me” make me giggle, and, incidentally, yes I would be happy to “feel you,” just sayin’. You could “educate” me about rap music and I could teach you about… nothing really, but we could pretend.

FYI I am not a fan of black candle wax, but we could talk about peach maybe. (Rhage said I should write that. I think you should beat his ass down)

Your loving ~~stalker~~ best gal,
Synde aka Syhn

Blog: Tombstone Tails
Twitter: @psynde
Literary-based jewelry store: Cemetery Cat Jewelry

Haven’t met Vishous?
You can find V in the Black Dagger Brotherhood novels by J.R. Ward. The first book is Dark Lover, but Vishous’ story can be found in book 5, Lover Unbound.

Karen Mahoney Guest Post & Giveaway: Xan’s love letter to Donna

By Chelsea, on February 8th, 2012 (14 comments)

As you read yesterday, I loved Karen Mahoney’s latest novel The Wood Queen. The just-released-today novel has a love interest who can be incredibly sweet and gentlemanly. He can also be a bit infuriating at times. Xan is often shirtless. The letter below isn’t spoiler-y, so if you’ve yet to read The Iron Witch, you’re safe, too. Read on as Xan tries to be romantic and write Donna a love letter. Bonus: We’re giving away a signed copy of The Wood Queen at the end of the post.

Dear Donna,

Last week you said to me, “Why don’t people write each other ‘real’ letters anymore?” I said, “You mean, like love letters?” And you blushed, so I figured that’s exactly what you meant. (You’re cute when you blush, you know that?) So here’s a letter for you. If all goes to plan, I’ll slip this into your coat pocket tonight and you’ll find it when you get home after I walk you across the Common.

You can imagine me sitting in front of the fire at dad’s place, thinking about you – trying to picture you as you find the envelope and wonder what it could be.

From the very first moment you climbed onto the roof at that stupid party, I recognized a kindred spirit – a soulmate. Yeah, that sounds like a total line, but I mean it. Honestly… I don’t think I’d still be here in Ironbridge if it weren’t for meeting you. I’d have to get out, far away. I’m no good at staying in one place for too long. I need to move and see different sights – different skies. Looking into your eyes that night – teasing you – made me feel lighter than I had done in years. There aren’t many people in the world who understand what it is to be damaged by the fey, the way that both of us have been. We were permanently marked by the dark elves and share the same nightmare memories.

Are these things even romantic? Probably not. Sorry. Click to continue reading Karen Mahoney Guest Post & Giveaway: Xan’s love letter to Donna

Early Review: The Wood Queen by Karen Mahoney (The Iron Witch #2)

By Chelsea, on February 7th, 2012 (One comment)

The Wood Queen (The Iron Witch #2)
Karen Mahoney
Published: Feb. 8, 2012 (Flux)
Purchase at: Book Depository or Amazon

Rating (out of 5): 4 stars

Note: This review contains no spoilers for The Wood Queen, however it does make reference to events in the first novel The Iron Witch.

If you liked Karen Mahoney’s The Iron Witch, be prepared to love The Wood Queen. While the first novel introduced us to Donna’s world, the latest entry into the world of alchemy, fae and magic brings in heavier complications, more answers (leading to more questions) about the alchemy Orders and a better connection with Donna.

Oh, and Xan is shirtless in most of his scenes. You may not be happy with his behavior — even while shirtless — but like Donna, you won’t be able to avoid appreciating the view.

Much of The Wood Queen focuses on the fallout of Donna’s actions from the first book. Navin isn’t talking to her. She’s been on house arrest, so no Xan either. And the four alchemy Orders have convened for a hearing (and to dole out punishment) for her destruction of the last bits of the elixir of life. The authority figures in her life aren’t the only ones reacting to the change. The Wood Queen, who Donna foiled in the destruction of said potion, now wants a sitdown. She’s ready to leverage Donna’s loved ones to get the meeting — and that’s just the beginning.

Donna is in a difficult situation. Her options are limited, each offering only less favorable outcomes. Sometimes it’s better to work within the system to tear it down. Donna will learn that someday. Until then, enjoy the journey of self-discovery and the lengths one goes to for friendship.

Sexual content: Make-out scene, references to sex

Love letter to Bran (Patricia Briggs’ Mercy Thompson and Alpha & Omega) [UPDATED]

By Chelsea, on February 7th, 2012 (24 comments)

UPDATED WITH RESPONSE FROM BRAN!

From VBC: Today we’re swooning over a werewolf from not one, but two urban fantasy series. Mandi just can’t shake her attraction to Bran, and the fact his wife hates him only makes her want him more. Read on to find out why the shifter from Patricia Briggs’ series tops Mandi’s list.

Dear Bran,

I am choosing to write a love letter to you not only because I am a hussy for all fictional men, but there is something special about you. First of all, you are powerful to say the least. Being the Marrok, or the head alpha werewolf of all of North America is a big deal. I’m impressed Bran, really. But see, what really intrigues me is that you look so unassuming. In wolf form you are kind of small and you can contain your power so well. And the first time we meet you in human form in Moon Called, again, nothing stands out:

A sandy-haired young man with a nondescript face held a plastic tray loaded with two plastic-wrapped sub sandwiches, a pair of styrofoam cups of hot chocolate, and a dark blue winter jacket. Maybe it was the food, but it occurred to me that if Bran looked that much like the cliche of a delivery boy, it was probably on purpose. He liked to be unobtrusive.

But then we learn you have some tricks up your sleeve:

Bran is scary. He’s a little psychic – at least that’s what he says if you ask. What that means is that he can talk to any werewolf he knows, mind to mind. That’s why Charles was able to be his spokesperson out in the woods. Bran uses that ability, among others, to control the North American packs. He claims it is all one way, that he can make people hear him but not the other way around.

You are at least 1,000 years old and have one of the calmest demeanor of any werewolf I’ve met. Except when you get angry, everyone and I mean EVERYONE bows down to you. I’d like to bow down to you myself. I’d roll on my back and show you my neck. You can have your wicked way with me Bran! Screw your evil wife, Leah! (yes, another reason why I’m obsessed with you – your wife hates you!) You married Leah because you wanted someone so selfish and stupid to be sure you never really fell in love with her because the pain of losing someone you truly love was almost too much for you to take. But you needed a mate to keep the Beast at bay. Oh Bran. You deserve true love. I have no idea if Leah will ever be redeemed, but Smexy will always be here for you, neck bared in my submissive position.

Love your stalker,
Smexy

Mandi’s blog: Smexy Books

Haven’t met Bran?
Bran appears in two series — Mercy Thompson and the Alpha & Omega series (both written by Patricia Briggs). He plays a prominent role in both and should be read in order. The first Mercy Thompson book is Moon Called.

UPDATE! BRAN RESPONDS…

Bran caught wind of Smexy’s public confession, and had to respond. (Big thanks to Patricia Briggs for this.) Read on for the response from the sexy Bran.

Dear Smexy:

I am honored to be the object of your affections…not so much that you posted an open love letter, though. I’m a very private person and the less everyone knows about me, the better. For them, that is. I don’t want to have to kill them.

And heaven help you if Leah gets wind of this…you don’t want to be in her sights if she gets a mad on, trust me! It’s not that she loves me, but she does love the power and prestige that my position brings to her, and she won’t tolerate competition. The last time she thought someone was challenging her, we had to replace the carpet because the bloodstains just would not come out. The Clorox commercials lie.

All the best,
Bran

Early Review: Eternal Captive by Laura Wright (Mark of the Vampire #3)

By Candace, on February 6th, 2012 (2 comments)

Eternal Captive (Mark of the Vampire #3)
Laura Wright
Published: Feb. 7, 2012 (Piatkus Books)
Purchase at: Book Depository, B&N or Amazon

Reviewed by: Candace

Rating (out of 5): 4.5 stars

Eternal Captive, the third installment in the Mark of the Vampire series, was the one I have been anticipating the most. It had some big shoes to fill. Nicholas Roman brought sexy back in a big way in book two of the series. But this time, it was Lucian Roman’s time to sit in the spotlight.

To Laura’s fans, Lucian (or Luca) is the wildcard Roman brother. Alex and Nicky have their mates, their purpose in life clearly defined. Lucian is the type of vampire that would make a fanged Freud drool. He knows he’s up to become the Breeding Male, he distances himself from everyone by being a certifiable ass. And now he’s done the one thing he never intended: He’s fallen in love.

Side note: the Breeding Male status sounds like something that every immortal male would aspire to. It’s not. Once the genetic changes happen, the Breeding Male becomes a being focused on one thing – sex and lots of it. No thought to consequence or who he is having sex with. He is driven by a blind lust and a single-minded ferocity to have any woman in his path, regardless of whether she consents.

Lucian Roman’s father was the former Breeding Male and it was Lucian’s worst nightmare to become the next. Luca, welcome to your nightmare. Click to continue reading Early Review: Eternal Captive by Laura Wright (Mark of the Vampire #3)

Love Letter to Rehvenge (J.R. Ward’s Black Dagger Brotherhood)

By Chelsea, on February 6th, 2012 (12 comments)

From VBC: Time for another character love letter. Kelly’s adoration for the mohawked club owner from J.R. Ward’s Black Dagger Brotherhood series is blatant, and we love her for it. We also really love how she negotiates for a shirtless picture of Rehvenge. Now, if only we can get her to share that photo…

Dear Rehvenge,

You might remember me from Zero Sum. I was the girl stalking you through the halls and accosting you in dark corners. You know, the one who kept trying to get her hands under your sable. Oh, those were good times, weren’t they?

Anyway. I was thinking about you the other day. Okay, fine, twist my arm. I think about you all the time. The point is that I was thinking about you and I … you know, this letter would be easier to write if I had a shirtless picture of you. Not that the one I have right now isn’t good or anything but, well, shirtless would be better. I’m pretty sure you have some new ink since the last time I caught you without your shirt on. Tattoos should be admired, shouldn’t they? You’d really be helping them fulfill their purpose in life if you gave me a picture.

What was I talking about again? Oh, yeah. You shirtless. Err… I mean, how I was thinking about you the other day. See, I know that you’re not always a nice guy. My friends tell me that you’re a pimp and a drug dealer (like I didn’t know that already after all the nights I spent lurking in the shadows, watching you drop the hammer on those who didn’t respect your authority) but I think they just can’t see past the Mohawk and badass car. They’re intimidated, see? Don’t worry, though, I’m not.

Underneath all the sexy trappings and the stone-cold killer stare, you’re really a good guy. A good guy with beautiful purple eyes. And muscles. And there’s that thing you do when you get into my head that makes me shiver in both terror and delight. *dreamy sigh*

Rehv, I just want you to know that I’m here for you if you ever need any late night back scrubs with the Dial. I’m here for you if you ever need someone to hold your hand when you’re going in for your anti-venin. I’m here for you when you’re grocery shopping in the wee hours of the night for your DiGiorno pizza.

We’ll negotiate on the shirtless picture.

My eternal, undying and not-so-secret love will burn for you forever,

Kelly aka Khelly
Blog: Reading the Paranormal
Twitter: @soulswallo

Haven’t met Rehv?
While you’ll first see the sin-eater in the third book Lover Awakened, Rehvenge takes center stage in Lover Avenged, the eighth Black Dagger Brotherhood novel.

February releases: A Perfect Blood, A Sliver of Shadow, Darkest Seduction, Midnight Enchantment

By Chelsea, on February 5th, 2012 (Leave a comment)

Midnight Enchantment by Anya Bast In an effort to help you keep that to-read list updated, I’ve compiled the hot urban fantasy and paranormal romance releases for February 2012. All dates are U.S. and tentative.

I’ve included genre classification with each book: UF is urban fantasy, PNR is paranormal romance, F is fantasy and YA is young adult.

FEBRUARY 2

Harbinger by Sara Wilson Etienne YA
Pulse by Tricia Rayburn (Siren #2) YA

FEBRUARY 7

Alpha Instinct by Katie Reus (Moon Shifter #1) PNR
Born Wicked by Jessica Sportswood (Cahill Witch Chronicles #1) YA
Claws and Effect by Amanda Arista (Diaries of an Urban Panther #2) PNR
Dead to You by Lisa McMann YA
Eternal Captive by Laura Wright (Mark of the Vampire #3) PNR
Fury of Fire by Coreene Callahan (Dragonfury #1) PNR
Midnight Enchantment by Anya Bast (Dark Magick #4) PNR
Shaded Vision by Yasmine Galenorn (Sisters of the Moon #11) UF
Siren’s Desire by Devyn Quinn (Dark Tides #3) PNR
Something About Witches by Joey W. Hill (Arcane Shot #1) PNR
Stud by Cheryl Brooks (Cat Star Chronicles #8) PNR
Unbroken by Rachel Caine (Outcast Season #4) UF
Under the Never Sky by Veronica Rossi (Under the Never Sky #1) YA
Vengeance Born by Kylie Griffin (The Light Blade #1) F
Year of Eating Dangerously by K. Bennett (Mallory Caine, Zombie at Law #2) UF
Yours, Mine and Howls by Kinsey W. Holley (Werewolves in Love #2) PNR

FEBRUARY 8

The Wood Queen by Karen Mahoney (Iron Witch #2) YA Click to continue reading February releases: A Perfect Blood, A Sliver of Shadow, Darkest Seduction, Midnight Enchantment

Love Letter to Zane (Jill Myles’ Succubus Diaries)

By Chelsea, on February 3rd, 2012 (5 comments)

From VBC: Welcome to Character Love Letters. We often have our book boyfriends, and as it’s the month of love we’re telling those guys just how we feel. Today Jen tells Zane how she loves him in spite of his cockiness and maybe wants to touch his wings.

To my beloved Zane:

I wanted to take a few moments to tell you how much I love you. You caught my eye from day one, when I met you in Gentlemen Prefer Succubi by Jill Myles (Pocket Books, Dec. 2009). Your dark hair, hard body and bad boy attitude piqued my interest. But it was the way you longed to help Jackie, even if she didn’t want the help, that won me over. Sure you are cocky – arrogant – and a pain in the ass, but you are true to those you care about. And your wings… *swoon*

The day I knew it was love was when I read what you did for Jackie in Succubi Like It Hot (Pocket Books, Jan. 2010). Just thinking about how you were banned from seeing her, but you needed to know she was alright and you saved her. When you confessed your feelings for Jackie on a silent rooftop in New Orleans, I knew you were really talking to me – your favorite redhead! I had tears in my eyes as you said goodbye.

Zane, you have it all… you are dark and mysterious, a bad boy with a beautiful heart, a vampire with wings and sexy beyond belief. I am so happy to call you mine! I look forward to a time we can be together again (hey Jill, can we have Succubi are Forever soon?!) Until then, I will look longingly into you eyes and know you love me too!

Your truest love and sweetest gal,

Jen
aka Twimom227
That’s What I’m Talking About

Haven’t met Zane?
You can read all about Zane, along with Succubi Jackie and Remy, and the angelic hottie Noah, in Jill Myles’ Succubus Diaries Series. The first book is Gentlemen Prefer Succubi.

There are three published novels and three novella-length stories. I highly recommend reading them in order, and you can start with a teaser of how things came to be in the novella Foreplay.