Real Vamps Don't Drink O-Neg by Tawny Taylor

Real Vamps Don’t Drink O-Neg
Tawny Taylor
Kensington Books
August 28, 2007
ISBN# 978-0-7582-1509-3

Sophie Hahn is worried about her friend Dao. After a few months of marriage to Lisse, he is working like a fiend and getting sicker by the day. Her boss, Tim, investigates the paranormal for a living and he seems to believe that Dao is dying quickly and it’s Lisse who’s responsible. Meeting up with Ric at the library was just what Sophie needed, because with someone knowledgeable on her side she may be able to save Dao before his time runs out. Problem is, Ric has his own agenda and Sophie can’t be sure whose side he’s on.

Ric Vogel is a biology professor at the local university, and a centuries old vampire as well. Borrowing a book from the library, he meets Sophie. When they appear to be researching the same subject Ric can’t resist spending more time with her by offering to share the book. A partnership is formed and their search begins, but Ric is holding on to some secrets that could destroy their fragile alliance. In the end Ric will have to make some big decisions that could not only change his future, but it could alter the future of his people forever.

Real Vamps Don’t Drink O-Neg heats up the pages in this sexy as sin paranormal romance. Sophie is an honest young woman desperately trying to save her best friend’s life when Ric enters the picture and turns her life upside down. Ms. Taylor pens a fabulously entertaining tale of friendship, love and deception. With an intriguing plot, engaging characters and passionate love scenes, this story has it all.

Kimberly Swan, Darque Reviews

Dead Girls Are Easy by Terri Garey

Dead Girls Are Easy
Terri Garey
Avon Books – Harper Collins
August 28, 2007
ISBN# 978-0-06-113615-3

Nicki Styx experiences death for a brief time and walks away with a new ability. Unfortunately it’s an ability that is causing her more trouble than she ever could have dreamed of when the dead decide she’s there to help. Forced into helping what appears to Nicki to be an evil spirit of a former friend, she finds herself being drawn further into the world of voodoo. If she doesn’t do as it asks or figure a way to rid herself of the duppy, it will go after those she loves and come back for her when it’s through.

Dr. Joe Bascombe tried to bring Nicki back when her heart stopped, but it wasn’t really his hand that did the job. Drawn to Nicki on many levels, Joe wants more than just a casual doctor and patient relationship with her. Intrigued by near death experiences, he asks Nicki to participate in a study that would enable him to spend more time with her. Genuinely concerned about her bizarre actions Joe keeps her close, but he’s keeping a few secrets from Nicki that could shock her more than seeing dead people has.

Dead Girls Are Easy is a slightly dark and delightfully entertaining paranormal. Nicki is witty, feisty and an all around enjoyable character to spend time with. Ms. Garey starts off her new paranormal series with a well-built world and a wonderfully diverse cast of characters. The intriguing storyline has quick action with sweet romance, and will leave readers anxiously awaiting Nicki’s next contact with the other side.

Kimberly Swan, Darque Reviews

The Gold Covenant by Roberta Clark

The Gold Covenant
Roberta Clark
Medallion Press, Inc.
March 2007
ISBN# 978-1933836010

Katherine Nikulasson is a journalist who’s dealing with the loss of her father, Gustav, a historian and archaeologist. Reported to have been killed in a plane crash, Katherine seeks more information on what his latest project was and why she’s been unable to find his paperwork on it. Gustav’s longtime friend and associate, Sheppard Wilde, seems to be her best bet for the answers she seeks. A trip to Sheppard’s estate in England quickly turns life threatening, and it’s not long before Katherine finds herself the unwilling guest of Enrique Quisette, an art smuggler. Katherine is about to have all of her questions answered, but that information comes with a price. It’s a price she won’t want to pay.

Sheppard Wilde is trying to keep his word on protecting an ancient treasure. When he invites Katherine to his home he fails to consider the trouble that follows close behind. Quisette, the man who has taken her, is a ruthless smuggler who will stop at nothing to get what he wants. Sheppard knows that time is running out on Katherine’s life, and without a rescue she’ll have no chance of survival.

The Gold Covenant is a fast moving adventure that provides plenty of twists and turns along the way. Katherine is whisked away from one country to the next as Sheppard tries to get to her before time runs out. Ms. Clark weaves an intriguing tale for her characters in this wonderfully detailed journey. The action will keep readers on the edge of their seats, and the mystery of what awaits Katherine makes this book a thrill ride that’s riveting to the end.

Kimberly Swan, Darque Reviews

Many Bloody Returns - Anthology

Many Bloody Returns (Anthology)
Tales of Birthdays with Bite
Edited by Charlaine Harris and Toni L. P. Kelner
ACE – The Berkley Publishing Group
September 4, 2007
ISBN# 978-0-441-01522-1

Dracula Night by Charlaine Harris shares a tense night at Fangtasia as Sookie Stackhouse and her supernatural friends celebrate with a birthday bash for Dracula.

The Mournful Cry of Owls by Christopher Golden is Donika’s sixteenth birthday and a night for revealing a past secret that leads to a surprising future.

I Was a Teenage Vampire by Bill Crider tells the tale of how Carlton’s young life changed the night of his sister’s birthday party.

Twilight by Kelley Armstrong takes Cassandra DuCharme on the yearly hunt she needs to extend her vampiric life.

It’s My Birthday Too by Jim Butcher follows Harry Dresden and his assistant to deliver a birthday present when things turn dark and dangerous.

Grave Robbed by P. N. Elrod has PI Jack Flemming intervening when a woman is desperate to contact her deceased husband and the séance appears to be a con.

The First Day of the Rest of Your Life by Rachel Caine is Eve’s eighteenth birthday in Morganville, and the night she’s expected to sign away her future.

The Witch and the Wicked by Jeanne C. Stein brings Sophie to the Deveraux home where she caters a vampire’s birthday filled with surprises.

Blood Wrapped by Tanya Huff has Henry on the hunt for Vicki’s birthday present when he’s influenced to do a good deed.

The Wish by Carolyn Haines shares Sandra’s forty-third birthday and the painful tale that leads her to live and die on her own terms.

Fire and Ice and Linguini for Two by Tate Hallaway celebrates Sebastian’s birthday with more surprises than Garnet had planned for the evening.

Vampire Hours by Elaine Viets is Katherine’s birthday to face the reality of her current life and make the decision to have the future she dreams of.

How Stella Got Her Grave Back by Toni L. P. Kelner travels along with Stella and Mark as they set out to solve the mystery of a Jane Doe.

Many Bloody Returns is a carefully crafted anthology that envelopes readers in the dark and often humorous world of the paranormal. A fabulously fun visit with the characters, both old and new, of some of the best paranormal fiction authors in print today.

Kimberly Swan, Darque Reviews

Be Still My Vampire Heart by Kerrelyn Sparks

Be Still My Vampire Heart
Love at Stake, Book 3
Kerrelyn Sparks
Avon Books – Harper Collins
March 27, 2007
ISBN# 978-0-06-111844-9

Emma Wallace is working for the Stake-Out team, part of the CIA. Dedicated to killing the monsters that murdered her parents, Emma believes that all vampires are evil. Meeting Angus MacKay is an eye-opening experience, but the handsome Scotsman has a long way to go in convincing Emma to let go of living her life for revenge. Slaying has been a solitary activity, but now that she has Angus and his men shadowing her every move, Emma might have to reconsider everything she thought she knew about the creatures who stalk the night.

Angus MacKay is the kilt wearing owner of MacKay Security and Investigation. In his many years as a vampire he has worked for some very high profile people such as the Queen, to the most powerful and wealthiest vampire on the East Coast, Roman Dragonesti. When Angus meets Emma, the slayer who has nearly started a war in the vampire community, he sets out to convince her that he’s a trustworthy man with only her safety in mind. Just as Angus thinks he has a chance with Emma, a bitter enemy from his past unveils her own plan for revenge and could destroy every bit of trust he’s worked so hard to earn.

Be Still My Vampire Heart is the third installment in the Love at Stake series, and can also be read as a stand alone book. Angus has his work cut out for him as he takes on Emma, the feisty slayer who quickly fills his thoughts. Ms. Sparks artfully blends revenge, humor and delicious sex appeal as she unleashes her characters in this well imagined world.

Kimberly Swan, Darque Reviews

Thin Air by Rachel Caine

Thin Air
Weather Wardens, Book Six
Rachel Caine
ROC – New American Library
August 7, 2007
ISBN# 978-0-451-46163-6

Joanne Baldwin wakes up naked and battling frostbite in a forest. Disoriented and having no memory of her past, Joanne is naturally cautious when two men appear and offer her help. David, a Djinn and the lover she can’t remember, and Lewis, a strong Weather Warden who informs her that she can control the weather as well. Feeling lost and not at all safe, Joanne has little choice but to trust her saviors or freeze to death alone.

The Weather Wardens aren’t the only ones searching for Joanne, it seems she’s made a few enemies along the way and attracted the attention of those that would prefer to see her dead. Swiping one memory at a time, Joanne will have to fight to take back her life. With a demon that has its own agenda, the Djinn and Wardens near enemies and the Earth in trouble, Joanne’s time is running out quickly.

Thin Air is the sixth book in the Weather Warden series. Joanne has been through some difficult times since becoming a Weather Warden, but none have left her as lost and afraid as having her memories ripped from her. Ms. Caine’s brilliant world-building skills really shine in this series, and the intriguing plot makes it impossible to set down. A story filled with twists, turns and an absolutely scorching romance.

Kimberly Swan, Darque Reviews

Poltergeist by Kat Richardson

Poltergeist
A Greywalker Novel, Book 2
Kat Richardson
ROC – New American Library
ISBN# 978-0-451-46150-6

Harper Blaine isn’t your average Seattle PI, she’s a Greywalker. After a brush with death Harper gained the ability to walk both sides of the line that divides the mortal world from the Grey world beyond. Now most of her cases include a touch of the paranormal. Her latest client, Professor Tuckman, is heading a research group at the local university. The project’s goal was to create an artificial poltergeist from their combined will. When the results begin escalating Tuckman thinks that one of the participants is faking the results. What Harper finds when she investigates the claim is something entirely different.

When one of Tuckman’s group is found dead in a way that the police can’t explain, Harper finds herself being drawn ever deeper into the bizarre mystery. Following threads into the Grey, Harper can track down the paranormal entity they call Celia, but she has little idea what to do from there. As the activity continues to increase in strength and violence, Harper seeks advice from friends who are better versed in the paranormal. As a last resort she meets with Carlos, a vampire who leaves her shaking but owes her favors. Harper knows that if Carlos can’t help then there’s little hope for anyone who crosses the murderer’s path.

Poltergeist is the second book in the Greywalker series. Harper is an intelligent, witty and all-around likeable character who sweeps readers up into the excitement of her adventures. Ms. Richardson weaves a compelling mystery filled with danger, non-stop action and a whole lot of surprises. A paranormal tale sure to capture the reader’s attention and leave them eager for the next of Harper’s escapades.

Kimberly Swan, Darque Reviews

Kitty Takes a Holiday - Contest Winner!

Hi All!

Thanks so much to everyone who came out to leave a comment for the Kitty Takes a Holiday Contest. :) The winner is: Debra! Congratulations Debra! Please contact me with your snail mail info at DarqueReviews @ gmail.com (no spaces) so we can get your new copy of Kitty Takes a Holiday out to you. I hope you'll enjoy Kitty's adventures as much as I have!

Thanks again everyone, and please be sure to check back soon for more new reviews and contests in the future.

Kimberly Swan, Darque Reviews