Love Romance Passion » Vampire http://www.loveromancepassion.com Because Books Don't Fall Asleep Afterwards! Fri, 10 Feb 2012 09:00:00 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 Review: Bound by Night (Bound, Book 1) by Amanda Ashley http://www.loveromancepassion.com/review-bound-by-night-bound-book-1-by-amanda-ashley/ http://www.loveromancepassion.com/review-bound-by-night-bound-book-1-by-amanda-ashley/#comments Thu, 01 Dec 2011 09:17:47 +0000 Keira http://www.loveromancepassion.com/?p=13075

Heroine: Elena Knightsbridge lives in the 21st century and until the age of 12 grew up in America before the tragic deaths of her family. Despite that she refuses to leave creeper uncle until the start of the novel even though he wants to marry her so he can have lots of rough painful (on her end) sex with her all because she has no money and he’s a police chief in their hometown of Romania/Transylvania/some vampire country? Say what?! Excuse me. No. Hell No.

Hero: Drake Sherrad is a vampire prince in line for a throne he doesn’t want because the coven lives by rules he can’t abide. His oasis is the crumbling Wolfram estate and even though it’s forbidden when he discovers Elena in his lair he wants to claim her as his own… forever (cue scary/but happy music… and a ton of vicious vampires, including one that would love to and does neck/blood/bite “rape” Elena because he likes getting his blood in the most violent way possible)

Review: Why oh why did Elena and her cousin, Jenica, stay with the sick twisted uncle when his own daughter says he’s raped her repeatedly and violently? I have a big BIG issue with that. Major WTF. I struggled to get past the first several chapters because there was all sort of crazy going on... ridiculously cheesy lines, setup, etc. I just didn’t buy it. I read on because I wanted to get to the part in the story that I had read about a kiss. Needless to say it wasn’t worth reading the book for.

Rating: ½☆☆☆☆

Buy: Bound by Night

Online Stores ]]> http://www.loveromancepassion.com/review-bound-by-night-bound-book-1-by-amanda-ashley/feed/ 0 Review: The Embrace of Life and Death (A Dark Kiss Tale) by Liz Strange http://www.loveromancepassion.com/review-the-embrace-of-life-and-death-a-dark-kiss-tale-by-liz-strange/ http://www.loveromancepassion.com/review-the-embrace-of-life-and-death-a-dark-kiss-tale-by-liz-strange/#comments Thu, 17 Nov 2011 09:50:43 +0000 Sandra Scholes http://www.loveromancepassion.com/?p=12848

Reviewed by Sandra Scholes

When two people are drawn to each other, it is hard to keep them apart. In this case, Kieran, an immortal of over a hundred years knows all about hope and the pursuit of it, from his old times in Ireland, he has cheated death of his catch from the earliest time, and in that time also gained knowledge of life and death, as well as untold wealth.

On the other hand, Azrael is the angel of death and doesn't like to be cheated of his catch, so when the two finally meet, it is up to him to bring him over to his side, but what will that amount to? Will he go to him of his own free will, or will they actually form a bond that cannot be broken.

This tale is a saucy one, as the cover shows. It is about two unusual souls who are used to getting what they want, but have never felt true love before. The characters from this novel were also in a three book series called The Dark Kiss Trilogy, but the author wanted this particular novel to remain as a stand alone, and as far as she is concerned, it is Kieran's story.

Kieran though, isn't the sort of male anyone would want to feel sorry for as he is a vampire and has used his manly wiles to hypnotise even the most streetwise women to go off alone with him to some deserted place in order to drink their essence. He has continued his existence through deception and guile and readers would not think he deserved any form of redemption until he is visited by a strange male presence who seems to haunt his nights. When he sees the man known only as Azrael, he finds what an imposing figure he is, his huge and muscular frame, he finds could not be that of a normal mortal; a further clue as to his supernatural lineage is also the dove coloured wings that hang at his back and are just as large and imposing as him. Kieran is instantly drawn to Azrael even though at that point he doesn't know who he is or the risk he is taking by getting involved with him. He finds him irresistible and can smell his own scent, wanting to have him then and there - such is Kieran's passion, intense and unbridled.

Readers will find it interesting that he is fixated on his blue eyes as he reminds him of the one who had given Kieran the Dark Kiss, and the fact his parents all had the same eyes makes him somehow trust Azrael. Azrael, in turn finds him an attractive male, and can't help but be drawn to him even if it means that he will be punished for wanting to spend time with him. This, as readers will know almost always involves heated sexual encounters, and as he finds Kieran different from those of his vampire race, he thinks him even more of a challenge.

With this story comes a form of soul searching and question answering for Azrael, who does not understand why vampires exist, and why they accept being this way. Sometimes Azrael talks like a child wanting continual explanations, but as a reader you can't help but understand why he wants more knowledge in the same way that Kieran wants to know more about him, bearing in mind he hasn't met an angel of death before.

It is easy to see why this is an engaging book, as it hooks the reader from the very start, and once you get to page five, it starts to get racier:

"A throbbing, Pulsing energy enveloped us, and a deafening, otherworldly wail broke the silence. The arms holding my body withdrew and I crumpled to the damp ground. Curling into a ball, I waited for the painful sound to end and reality to return."

The story is made more interesting and complicated by Kieran having a housemate, Daniel, who notices how he has changed so quickly since his encounter with Azrael. It is something he picks up on straight away and can't shift the feeling he is no longer interested in him as a lover. The problem for Kieran is, he has come into some serious money, and wouldn't want to push him away as he provides him with all he needs, and is there for him most of the time. Daniel acts as a comfort blanket when things go wrong, and has a way of helping out.

The story has a good build up, and the characters act larger than life right from the beginning. This is one novel that is hard to tear your gaze from. For those who have already read some of Liz Strange's other novels, they will get a real thrill from this one.

Rating: ★★★★½

Buy: The Embrace of Life and Death (A Dark Kiss Tale)

Online Stores ]]> http://www.loveromancepassion.com/review-the-embrace-of-life-and-death-a-dark-kiss-tale-by-liz-strange/feed/ 0 Top Ten Best Vampire Paranormal Romance http://www.loveromancepassion.com/top-ten-best-vampire-paranormal-romance/ http://www.loveromancepassion.com/top-ten-best-vampire-paranormal-romance/#comments Tue, 15 Nov 2011 10:00:00 +0000 Sandra Scholes http://www.loveromancepassion.com/?p=12927

Guest post by Sandra Scholes

There are those among us who prefer reading Western novels and family sagas to horror, yet for those of us who like our vampire novels, there are plenty to choose from. I present to you today the top ten vampires in paranormal romance, only the best will do. There should be at least a couple of favourites for you shout, 'Yeah! I love that one!' and some more besides for you to sink your fangs teeth into. Below are some of the most interesting and popular vampire novels out there...try some out and don't forget to keep the light on.

1.) The Twilight Saga by Stephanie Meyer

The Twilight novels have been some of the most successful ones yet, more so than when Irishman Bram Stoker first penned his Dracula novel, and unleashed it to an audience that did not like it at first - he barely earned anything from the sale of the books during his life. If only he had been born in the 21st Century - he would have had a movie deal out of Dracula as well!

In Twilight, quiet and withdrawn Bella Swan moves into a new town, unaware that it is populated by a family of vampires. She has friends around who want her to join in their fun, yet the Cullens are one of those mysterious families that demand an audience, and one of them, the unusual eyed Edward takes her fancy, and in return makes him feel different around her.

They start to form a relationship, but she also has feelings for another boy, Jacob who is part of another family who live not far away - which makes for a great love triangle and lots of moody looks from the boys. The Twilight series has that special something that girls seem to like - a moody bunch of vampires, and one who is even more brooding than the lot put together. Then there's Jacob for all the wolf lovers out there!

2.) The Reluctant Vampire by Lynsay Sands

Port Henry is the setting for this series of novels by Lynsay Sands.

Harpernus "Harper" Stoyan has lost the love of his life, Jenny, and like most vampires in the less modern world he lives a life full of darkness and self-loathing, as well as blame for her death. When his friends bring another immortal to him to take his mind off things, he doesn't realize he is about to be plunged into a world of pain.

Then there’s Leonius, who is a mortal and wanting to destroy her. It is up to him to protect her, but how far can he go? As a teenager, Stephanie can provide a lot of good humor, and as the fifteenth book in the Argeneau series, it is sure to cause a stir. Drina and Harper have a lot going for them and he is a rangy, handsome vampire with a
lot of passion just waiting to get out...

3.) Dead Reckoning by Charlaine Harris

Everyone's favourite heroine Sookie Stackhouse is in the midst of a dilemma. It's not enough that she is a psychic who finds it difficult keeping out of everyone's minds, but then there’s her lover Eric and his friends, plotting something behind her back! She doesn't like the fact she is being left out of what would otherwise be an interesting equation. And for her that's not good. It doesn't help either that she pushes things too far, and with her boyfriend, sometimes she has to let him get on with what he's trying to do - or else!

I like how all the novels have dead in the title, which for the un-dead is rather ironic, don't you think?

4.) Dark Peril by Christine Feehan

Regarded by many as the undisputed reigning Queen of paranormal romance, Christine has her protagonist, Dominic of the Dragonseeker lineage going out into the great wide open in search of the enemy camp he wants to infiltrate. His intentions are clear, he wants to find a vamp and partake of his blood so that he can get all the information he needs from his enemy, and pass it on telepathically to his own people.

It is a mission he doesn't think he will come back from, and one no one else knows about, he hopes. All he wants is the knowledge that his people will live on and be safe, and know what the enemy is planning for them. Who can blame him?

He is a mysterious man himself, and the story in particular can sound tragic in many ways, but there is someone else he has to consider along the way - Solange, one of the last of the jaguar people, their queen, and she needs to find someone of similar mind to turn to. These are two people who have lived their entire lives alone, and who find each other by fate.

5.) Deeper Than Midnight by Lara Adrian

If a darker sort of vampire is what you want, then look no further than these novels, as the last in the series this one shows how depraved and dark vampires can get with a little help from a cruel overlord, Dragos.

Dragos is the power hungry vampire in the midst of a blood war and everyone around him is prepared for a skirmish no matter what.

The Order's Breed Warriors leader, Sterling Chase is the one who could defeat Dragos, yet inside he is fighting his own war against his blood addiction, and it is ravaging his mind and his body as he tries to control it.

I like the fact he is called sterling, as in silver - it's a nice play on words for the reader and helps them get to know him better.

6.) Night Embrace (Dark Hunter) by Sherrilyn Kenyon

As the title suggests all too clearly, the protagonist of this novel is a dark hunter who prowls the night looking for victims to take their blood, but like Angel from the Buffy the Vampire Slayer series, he is destined not to be a happy fellow.

He does have reason to be happy though, he has plenty of women he can be around who are just falling over themselves trying to be his lover. But he knows he is never the type to just have one woman, even after so many years as a vampire, he would find it impossible to settle down.

7.) Bloodlines by Richelle Mead

The Vampire Academy is the place where all kinds of stories can be old, and have been. The Bloodlines Series features Sydney, an alchemist who integrates with the vampire community on a higher level than most of her kind. She serves to protect the humans who are their prey, and in turn she also protects the vampires and their secrets from other factions who might want to terrorize them. Sydney has already had a run in with Rose Hathaway, a dhampir, and Jill Dragomir. Readers will wonder who she will have a run in with next! Jill it seems has to go into hiding, and attends a boarding school in secret where Sydney acts as her guardian all the way through.

8.) Lover Unleashed by J R Ward

Lover Unleashed is part of her esteemed series of novels, The Black Dagger Brotherhood series. They focus on one person's story at a time. This one concerns Payne's story. Payne is the twin sister of Vishous, and is as dark and menacing as her brother. When she suffers an accident, she enlists the help of a human surgeon, Manuel who takes care of her needs, but what he doesn’t expect is being drawn into the world of deadly vampires, clan issues and fighting for causes. He doesn't understand any of that, but he is brought into it nonetheless as he is with her.

9.) The Hunters: Interlude by Shiloh Walker

Byron and Kit are hunters in this series of novels, and Byron swore he would look after the Inherants daughter at any cost to his own life. His dedication to her and his oath, has had her grow up to be quite the woman, unfortunately for him, he has fallen for her beauty and her mind, and his desire for her far outweighs any responsibilities he may have for running the territory. This is a must for any fan of paranormal novels, werewolves and vampires!!

10.) Blood Ties: Ashes to Ashes by Jennifer Armintrout

Carre Ames is the new vampire on the block and there are plenty of other monsters who want her dead. The human race is relying on her to keep them alive as the VVEM, or The Voluntary Vampire Extinction Movement headquarters are no longer around. They have been destroyed. Of the monsters on the loose there are: a vampire deity, The Oracle, and an ancient vampire. She does have some fun with Cyrus, her human sire, but she has a lot of problems to get through along the way. If you are a big fan of the Twilight and Charlaine Harris novels, then this is likely to be right up your street.

Online Stores ]]> http://www.loveromancepassion.com/top-ten-best-vampire-paranormal-romance/feed/ 0 Review: The Storm that is Sterling by Lisa Renee Jones http://www.loveromancepassion.com/review-the-storm-that-is-sterling-by-lisa-renee-jones/ http://www.loveromancepassion.com/review-the-storm-that-is-sterling-by-lisa-renee-jones/#comments Tue, 01 Nov 2011 09:53:58 +0000 Lynn Reynolds http://www.loveromancepassion.com/?p=12174

Reviewed by Lynn Reynolds

The reader first meets Rebecca Burns as a very studious high schooler. She’s so smart that she tutors during the summer. Sterling Jeter is a young man that hacks into computers for money. He uses the money to take care of his grandmother. We think that they will be sweethearts right away but then Sterling gets into trouble and Rebecca doesn’t see him after that.

The story then jumps fourteen years. Sterling is now part of a special elite team. He then goes to see Rebecca. This is where Lisa gives her reader an indication of what makes Sterling a hero. This is also where our adventure begins.

If you have not read Lisa’s first book in the series, The Legend of Michael, you may not understand a lot of what’s happening in the story. Originally, I read this book first and was totally lost in what was going on. I then went to my local library and took out Michael’s book. This time everything was less confusing and it made sense. You do need to read this series in order.

This book is darker than the first - the evil in Michael’s book continues here. You can tell that this is a book about good vs. evil but that the evil is getting stronger. As you get into the story, you will question as to which will win.

The first time I read this book, I was reading it as a paranormal romance. This second time, I read it as a paranormal romantic suspense. The book is good as a paranormal suspense but it is a little light on the romance. Danger always seems to get into the way of any type of romance between Sterling and Rebecca.

In other paranormal romances, that I have read, the life mate appears early on and we see the instant connection between the two main characters. As I started to read the first few chapters of Sterling’s story, I just didn’t see that connection. At the end of chapter 5, Sterling and Rebecca finally admit that they want each other but as a reader I just don’t feel it.

In Chapter 21, Becca says how badly she wants him but as a reader I’ll have to take her word for it. I just never saw it in the pages previously. At the end of this chapter, we finally start to see their romance take shape. But as a romance reader, I felt that the author had to put in a love scene somewhere and this is where she decided to put it. To me it felt out of place. It just didn’t seem to flow with the rest of the story.

Once the romance finally starts it seems like the dark side of the story seems to take a back seat. You see glimpses of it so that you know it will continue into the next book but the feeling of the story changed.

Would I buy this book? No. Would I borrow this book from the library? Yes. Would I read the next book in the series? Yes, I would like to see what happens next. I will say that I did like Michael’s story better.

Rating: ★★★½☆

Buy: The Storm That Is Sterling

Online Stores ]]> http://www.loveromancepassion.com/review-the-storm-that-is-sterling-by-lisa-renee-jones/feed/ 1 Review: Dark Awakening (Dark Dynasties, Book 1) by Kendra Leigh Castle http://www.loveromancepassion.com/review-dark-awakening-dark-dynasties-book-1-by-kendra-leigh-castle/ http://www.loveromancepassion.com/review-dark-awakening-dark-dynasties-book-1-by-kendra-leigh-castle/#comments Thu, 27 Oct 2011 09:00:00 +0000 Sharon S. http://www.loveromancepassion.com/?p=12640

Reviewed by Sharon S.

This story is set in a closed world. Vampires have divided into dynasties based on a powerful ancestor. Each dynasty has its own special powers and a distinctive mark that appears when you take their blood. The vampire society as a whole functions like a caste system with the “Highbloods”, the aristocracy, and the “Lowbloods” who are treated as slaves. The lowbloods are considered tainted blood and the lowest are the Cait Sith, a cat shifting vampire. Someone is killing off one of the oldest and most powerful dynasties and it looks like the Draculs (yes, Vlad is the head of this dynasty) are behind it, and a brutal war is about to erupt.

This story didn’t ever grab me. The overall plot was predictable and moved in a linear fashion. No plot twists or big reveals, especially considering how complex the world building was. A lot of research went into setting up the dynasties based on actual ancient characters, but I was never able to really buy into it and unfortunately I can’t give you any concrete reasons other than it just didn’t work for me.

Lilly, unknowingly, is a descendant of the ancient dynasty of Lilith that had been wiped out because of jealousy by another dynasty. Our hero, Tynan belongs to the Cait Sith race of vampires and they are considered nothing more than slaves. He is sent to bring her to his Queen to help in the fight against the Dracul. You have a destined queen and a lowly slave whose love will bring back the old ways where everyone is treated equally (expect for the werewolves who are in the next book). The romance between Lilly and Ty never captured my interest. Nothing set them apart from all the other stories out there.

It might just be the author’s writing style didn’t mesh well with me, but this just wasn’t a book for me. I suggest checking out other reviews to see if this one is for you.

Rating: ★★½☆☆

Buy: Dark Awakening (Dark Dynasties, Book 1)

Online Stores ]]> http://www.loveromancepassion.com/review-dark-awakening-dark-dynasties-book-1-by-kendra-leigh-castle/feed/ 0 Breaking Dawn Party Ideas http://www.loveromancepassion.com/breaking-dawn-party-ideas/ http://www.loveromancepassion.com/breaking-dawn-party-ideas/#comments Tue, 11 Oct 2011 12:00:00 +0000 Keira http://www.loveromancepassion.com/?p=12654

I have racked my brain for some really great and super fun ideas for a Breaking Dawn party and I believe I have created the ultimate list!

Best/Worst Bride's Maid Dress Contest:

Breaking Dawn is centered around Bella and Edward marrying, so why not have a Breaking Dawn party reflect their happy union? We should all be taking part and with that I present to you the Best/Worst Bride's Maid Dress Contest. You can do one or the other or both and hand out an assortment of prizes (more on that later) to the person with the ugliest and/or prettiest outfit. Take pictures and make an album (real or Facebook) out of it to share with everyone later.

Wedding Cake Design Contest:

Another great idea for a Breaking Dawn party is to have your very own Designer Wedding Cake Cook-Off. Or perhaps Cake Wrecks Off - Twilight Style. Everybody could either bring their cake or prepare their Twilight Wedding Cake on site for more fun filled hilarity. If the idea of eating that much cake is off-putting go smaller scale and make Breaking Dawn Wedding Cupcakes.

Toast Off:

Another thing people do at weddings and you should do at your Breaking Dawn Party is toast! Grab some champagne or sparkling grape juice (depending on your age/preference) and kick off your evening by saying what Twilight or Edward Cullen has meant to you. Share how you first came into contact with Twilight and what you've been doing since the books ended to curb your craving. Might be a great way to introduce new, not to miss books to read after Twilight!!! What will you say to toast the happy couple?

Breaking Dawn Dance Party:

You can't have a Breaking Dawn Wedding Party without dancing! That's the best part! So kick off your heels, throw on the tunes and get ready to dance some of the most fun Wedding Line Dances around! Here's a great list to get you started (check out the videos they show you how to do the line dance:)

TOP 15 WEDDING LINE DANCES:

But don't take my word for it, try them out and have a blast!

1. Electric Boogie (Electric Slide) - Marcia Griffiths

2. Cha Cha Slide - DJ Casper

3. Cotten-Eyed Joe - Rednex

4. Cupid Shuffle - Cupid

5. Chicken Dance - various

6. Boot Scootin Boogie - Brooks and Dunn

7. Jitterbug - various

8. Macarena - Bayside Boys Mix

9. The Locomotion - Grand Funk

10. Booti Call - BLACKstreet

11. Bunny Hop - Applejacks

12. Cool Jerk - Capitols

13. Hoedown Throwdown - Miley Cyrus (Hannah Montana)

14. Watermelon Crawl - Tracy Byrd

15. Wobble - V.I.C

Party Games and Activities:

Your Breaking Dawn Party would not be completed without these fun games and activities.

Vampire Kisses:

  • You will need plastic fangs for each member of the party.
  • 1 Medium Size Apple

How to Play: You have to pass around an apple without hands, using your mouths while wearing the fangs. Every time it drops the person who dropped it has to do a 10 second chicken dance.

Arm Wrestle Emmett:

  • You will need a strong guy
  • A sturdy table

How to Play: Everyone in the party challenges the strong guy (now named Emmett) to a wrestling match. If anyone shows up Newborn strength and beats Emmett they win and get permanent bragging rights!

Note: You could set up the arm wrestling in a series of matches and hold a tournament. No strong guy needed unless wanted. ;)

Random Imprint:

  • You will need a hat
  • Papers with character names

How to Play: This is basically charades, but each two person team is going to pull two papers with character names. They will now randomly act or improv a scene from the Twilight series involving those characters or pretend those characters are in love and try to get the rest to figure out who they are.

Pillow Fight:

  • Feather pillows for everyone
  • A vacuum - lol :D

How to Play: It's a pillow fight to act out the infamous morning after feathers scene in Breaking Dawn. Game on! First to break the pillow and make it rain feathers wins. Be careful of others and don't hit each other too hard. Bella might be okay with bruises, but we're not! If someone says to stop hitting them with pillows you should listen and stop.

Marathon Movie Watching:

You can't beat a Twilight Saga movie marathon before hitting the theaters to see Breaking Dawn.

Make Twilight Jewelry:

Make or buy Breaking Dawn jewelry.

Decorate Shirts:

Make or buy Breaking Dawn shirts to wear at midnight.

Alice and Rosalie Makeovers:

Bella gets one on her wedding day, why not you? You'll need to bring makeup, find some gifts with purchase, samples, etc. and just have fun as you prep for the main event!

Breaking Dawn Food and Drink:

You can easily pull off any food and drink ideas that fit any of the other books but this menu is based on Breaking Dawn food and drink.

Blood Punch:
Bella drinks blood during her pregnancy to keep the baby healthy. You don't have to go quite so far to enjoy a red beverage. Here are some ideas:

  • Fruit Punch
  • Red Gatorade
  • Red Wine
  • Tomato Juice
  • Cranberry Juice Cocktail
  • Apple/Strawberry Fanta

Breakfast for Dinner:
Bella eats a lot of breakfast (eggs especially) in Breaking Dawn so your party should host breakfast for dinner! Check out the menu:

  • Scrambled eggs
  • Pancakes/Waffles
  • Bacon
  • Toast
  • Omelets
  • Grilled Cheese Sandwiches
  • Cereal
  • Fruit Salad

And any other breakfast favorites!

Breaking Dawn Party Favors and Supplies:

30 Mini Twilight Breaking Dawn Hersheys Nugget Candy Bar Wrappers Party Favor

30 Mini Twilight Breaking Dawn Hersheys Nugget Candy Bar Wrappers Party Favor

 US $2.69
Sale
Twilight Breaking Dawn Edward Lenticular Keepsake Stadium Cup Party Favor

Twilight Breaking Dawn Edward Lenticular Keepsake Stadium Cup Party Favor

 US $4.89
Sale
12 Twilight Breaking Dawn Cake Cupcake Rings Birthday Party Favors

12 Twilight Breaking Dawn Cake Cupcake Rings Birthday Party Favors

 US $3.45
Sale
twilight saga breaking dawn party favor cup bella edward jacob

twilight saga breaking dawn party favor cup bella edward jacob

 US $17.00
Sale
twilight saga breaking dawn party favor cup bella edward jacobtwilight woods

twilight saga breaking dawn party favor cup bella edward jacobtwilight woods

 US $6.00
Sale
Twilight Breaking Dawn Jacob Lenticular Keepsake Stadium Cup Party Favor

Twilight Breaking Dawn Jacob Lenticular Keepsake Stadium Cup Party Favor

 US $4.89
Sale
Twilight BREAKING DAWN 4 BOOKMARKS Party Favors Decoration Supplies NEW IN PACK

Twilight BREAKING DAWN 4 BOOKMARKS Party Favors Decoration Supplies NEW IN PACK

 US $3.95
Sale
Twilight BREAKING DAWN 4 STICKERS Party Favors Decoration Supplies NEW IN PACK

Twilight BREAKING DAWN 4 STICKERS Party Favors Decoration Supplies NEW IN PACK

 US $2.95
Sale
the twilight saga Breaking Dawn Birthday Party Invitations and Favors

the twilight saga Breaking Dawn Birthday Party Invitations and Favors

 US $1.03
Sale
16 Card Personalized Twilight Saga Breaking Dawn Bingo Game Party Favor NEW

16 Card Personalized Twilight Saga Breaking Dawn Bingo Game Party Favor NEW

 US $12.99
Sale

See more Twilight Party Ideas!

Online Stores ]]> http://www.loveromancepassion.com/breaking-dawn-party-ideas/feed/ 4 Review: Dark Passages by Kathryn Leigh Scott http://www.loveromancepassion.com/review-dark-passages-by-kathryn-leigh-scott/ http://www.loveromancepassion.com/review-dark-passages-by-kathryn-leigh-scott/#comments Fri, 07 Oct 2011 09:24:14 +0000 Lynn Reynolds http://www.loveromancepassion.com/?p=12093

Reviewed by Lynn Reynolds

Genre: Paranormal Romance

In Kathryn Leigh Scott’s story, she puts a new spin on what a vampire is. We meet Meg as a young girl trying to act as “normal” as possible. Meg is different from most vampire characters than I have read in the past. She is a vampire that can talk to dead people.

I did love how Kathryn put a different spin on our vampire. Meg grows up in the year 1962 and becomes a Playboy Bunny. I also loved the fact that Kathryn references actual historical events instead of making up history to fit her story line.

As I start getting into the story, I read more about Meg’s “Bunny” lifestyle and her trying to become an actress then I do about her being a vampire. There were times that I felt that the character, Meg, could just have been anyone and not someone with special “gifts”.

A personal tragedy occurs and then we start to see Meg thinking about her vampire powers. But so far she doesn’t really act on them. Kathryn also gives us a look into more of what Meg’s childhood was like.

Every once in a while we do get a glimpse of the vampire – we see Meg “feed”. In most vampire stories, our vampires “feed” from humans but Meg uses alternatives. This makes Kathryn’s story a little different from most.

I found that the first couple of chapters were moving a little slow. Kathryn is giving the reader a lot of information about what is going on in Meg’s life. Sometimes I felt that it was a little too much.

Then we see Meg become a member of a soap opera entitled “Dark Passages”.

I do like that Kathryn is very descriptive. It helps the reader get an idea of what is going on in the story. But I also think this works against her because it makes the book hard to read because the scenes move so slowly. It also makes the reader feel that they are watching an actual soap opera - albeit a slow one.

And we haven’t even seen the romance end of it yet. Who is her love interest? Will we ever find out who he is? I’m hoping by the start of chapter 4 that the love interest will show himself and then maybe the story won’t appear so slow. But I was to be disappointed.

In chapter 5, Meg mentions a guy named Eric who appears to be special to her. We have to take her word for that because there is no mention about him in previous chapters. I felt he was “plopped” into the story line because a love interest had to show up somewhere. But I didn’t feel a connection between the two characters. Then we find that Meg has a crush on another actor. This just confuses the reader as to who her love interest is.

Kathryn wrote a beautiful love scene between Meg and Eric. But when it came, it was a surprise. I didn’t expect it because I don’t see a past romance between the two. And they don’t even stay a couple.

Meg gets a “lucky charm” from a very dear friend. One you don’t think she will ever give up. But then we see that she gives it away. Can’t be much of a “lucky charm”.

We then find out that Meg’s nemesis, Camilla, joins the cast of “Dark Passages”. Now we get into a story of good versus evil. It isn’t until chapter 18 that we see what type of vampire Meg really is. It takes Meg’s mother to let the reader know why Camilla hates Meg so much. This conflict between the two of them is what brings out Meg’s powers that we haven’t seen before.

And still at this point I don’t see any real romance. Romance grips you and you can feel the chemistry between the two characters. I don’t feel that anywhere in this book. There is plenty of suspense but the romance is lost in the story line. Usually the romance builds through the book and sometimes they “live happily ever after.” Maybe I missed something but I just didn’t see that here.

I got to a point in the book that I had a hard time concentrating on the story. I found that I had to keep putting it down, go do something else, and then pick it back up again. I didn’t feel that the story picked up until a few chapters from the end. It took me the longest time to read this book (the first time ever).

A lot of my good paranormal romances I have read more than once. I’m sorry to say that once was enough for this book. You as the reader will have to decide if you agree with my feelings about this.

When I received the book “Dark Passages” I was very interested to see that the author was on my favorite show when I was growing up. I always looked forward to watching “Dark Shadows”. It was like an addiction. I had to watch it every time it came on. That was when I first fell in love with vampires.

I had such high hopes that Kathryn would grab my attention right from the beginning but this book failed to deliver. Maybe if the book had fewer pages it would have helped. But I don’t know if that would be true or not. It is not a book that I would go out and buy but I would recommend that if you want to read it, get it from your library.

Rating: ★★½☆☆

Buy: Dark Passages

Online Stores ]]> http://www.loveromancepassion.com/review-dark-passages-by-kathryn-leigh-scott/feed/ 0 Review: Lord of the Vampires by Gena Showalter http://www.loveromancepassion.com/review-lord-of-the-vampires-by-gena-showalter/ http://www.loveromancepassion.com/review-lord-of-the-vampires-by-gena-showalter/#comments Sat, 01 Oct 2011 09:52:54 +0000 Lynn Reynolds http://www.loveromancepassion.com/?p=12069

Reviewed by Lynn Reynolds

Gena Showalter brings her readers a book that starts a new series titled “Royal House of Shadows”.  Hers is the first book of this series.

Our heroine’s name is Jane Parker.  The story starts with Jane receiving a mysterious package.  We see that she is unemployed, has no family, and has been injured.  She has also been having some very strange dreams.  She dreams of a vampire – Nicolai.  We find out that the mysterious package has a book in it and that the story matches her dreams.

As Gena tells you the story, the reader can feel the sensuality weave itself around Jane and Nicolai.  The story weaves itself so well you just have to find out what happens next.  It’s a story you don’t want to put down.

Jane’s life changes when she goes to sleep in one world and wakes up in another.  As Jane tries to figure out why she is where she is, she finds out that Nicolai is there too.

When we first meet Nicolai he seems to have amnesia.  The only thing he is sure of is that he’s a vampire.  When the two finally meet, Nicolai wants Jane very badly.  As you read on in the story you can feel the connection between the two characters.  We see how stubborn Jane can be and how this frustrates Nicolai.  Jane also tends to think too much.

Gena makes Jane a character that is both strong and intelligent – a woman who can take care of herself.  It’s great to see a woman character that can stand up to the “big guys” and almost hold her own.  You can also tell that this surprises Nicolai.  Nicolai acts just like a knight in shining armor – someone who will protect his lady-love at all costs.

One of the evil characters in the book is named Princess Laila and she is Jane’s sister.  The other evil character is Jane’s mother the Queen of Hearts.  We have to keep reading to see if good (Jane and Nicolai) can overcome evil (Laila and the Queen of Hearts).

As you continue reading this story you can feel the connection between Jane and Nicolai grow.  Gena creates great chemistry between the two.  It got so “hot” that I had to turn my fan on.  This story sizzles!

Every time you think that Jane and Nicolai are going to romantically connect, Laila and her mother seem to interrupt.  You would think this would slow the story down but it doesn’t.  It actually turns up the heat more.  I was drinking my ice tea at the time I was reading this story and was I glad.  This book turns the temperature up a notch!

In all good romances, our lovers are torn apart and then have to find their way back to each other.  Gena doesn’t disappoint her readers in developing this story.  She also knows how to make her evil characters really “bad”.  You really have to hate that they keep coming between Jane and Nicolai.

Gena also does a great job of putting a plot twist in.  You would think that it would ruin the story because it comes so close to the end of the story but Gena works it to perfection.  It keeps the reader’s attention because you want to know how it all ends.

This is the type of paranormal romance that I love to read.  It reels you in with the promise of something but that something just stays out of reach.  This forces the reader to turn the page.  You have to continue the story to see what happens.  Gena keeps the readers involved throughout the whole story by allowing them to use their imagination.

With this great book to start the “Royal House of Shadows” series, I can’t wait to see what the other authors do with their books.

Rating: ★★★★½

Buy: Lord of the Vampires (Harlequin Nocturne)

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Online Stores ]]> http://www.loveromancepassion.com/review-lord-of-the-vampires-by-gena-showalter/feed/ 1 Review: Defining Twilight by Brian Leaf, M.A. http://www.loveromancepassion.com/review-defining-twilight-by-brian-leaf-m-a/ http://www.loveromancepassion.com/review-defining-twilight-by-brian-leaf-m-a/#comments Thu, 29 Sep 2011 14:30:22 +0000 Keira http://www.loveromancepassion.com/?p=4423

bookreview2

I’ve said before about how romance novels will improve your vocabulary and that they were responsible for my high SAT scores. Now it's time to show how that's possible...

Brian Leaf is brilliant. He takes Twilight and pulls from it the words most likely to be seen on a standardized test. The book is very simple to use and was so engaging some middle school girls that I know took turns quizzing each other from it for hours purely for fun. Think about that. If that isn't an endorsement right there I don't know what is.

There are 40 groups of vocab words – 8 words in each group. That’s 320 words (directly from Twilight) plus synonyms, antonyms, and word parts for a staggering 600 words. Each word is isolated in the text so students can look it up in context. A glossary is provided in the back of the book as well as after each page of words.

Brian Leaf has obviously read Twilight and writes engagingly in his explanations pulling from the novel to enlighten readers. The book teaches how to find synonyms, make analogies, fill in sentences, and figure out meaning from word parts. Each section and quiz builds on itself for repetition and memorization purposes. After every five groups there’s a quiz for practice.

I love the group titles: Tousled Hair, Enigmatic Answers, His Topaz Eyes, and Vampire Etiquette. You can picture where they come from in the novel.

If literacy parts of an exam scare you to pieces, nothing makes learning more fun and less scary than a sparkly vampire or two.

Rating: 5 Stars

Buy: Defining Twilight: Vocabulary Workbook for Unlocking the SAT, ACT, GED, and SSAT

Online Stores ]]> http://www.loveromancepassion.com/review-defining-twilight-by-brian-leaf-m-a/feed/ 5 Review: The Bride of Casa Dracula (Casa Dracula Book 3) by Marta Acosta http://www.loveromancepassion.com/review-the-bride-of-casa-dracula-casa-dracula-book-3-by-marta-acosta/ http://www.loveromancepassion.com/review-the-bride-of-casa-dracula-casa-dracula-book-3-by-marta-acosta/#comments Wed, 28 Sep 2011 12:00:01 +0000 Keira http://www.loveromancepassion.com/?p=8169

In the third installment of the Casa Dracula series, Milagro finds out that marrying into a vampire family isn’t nearly as glamorous or easy as one might think. The Council has a bunch of hoops she has to jump through and the more she learns about them the less appealing it becomes and the more estranged she and Oswald are.

It should have been as easy as signing some papers and all the extra security Oswald wanted her to have would have been bestowed. Instead they want her to renounce her American citizenship for Vampiric citizenship and abstain from sex with her fiancé until after the wedding. What business is it of theirs anyhow? If that wasn’t enough they stick her with a vampire wedding coordinator for the family side of the ceremonies! Can you guess who they got? Cornelia, Corny, Ducharme.

Corny claims to be on Milagro’s side but she’s sticking Millie with all sorts of unpleasant tasks – creating a vampire fruitcake and sewing wedding clothes for herself and Oswald. Then while borrowing Cornelia’s car to run wedding errands the car quits and Millie nearly dies. Police get involved and Oswald doesn’t believe her when she says she’s not acting paranoid… but it’s not paranoia if everyone seems to be out to get you.

One of the things Millie is most concerned about is the bloodletting that Oswald seems to expect once they get married. She hasn’t been able to stand getting cut up and licked since Ian saved her with is blood. She’s also not interested in cutting Oswald and half the time she doesn’t realize her own strength and hurts him. When she runs into Ian she tries to deal with her issues and get him out of her system at the same time – it leads to an unexpected revelation – that Ian has a heart and Milagro can indeed break it.

Outside of wedding plans, Millie is ghostwriting for Don Pedro. While the job is about her writing his memoir, she’s fabricating everything. Joseph Alfred Joseph, someone she met while setting up the deal with Pedro, comes to visit and gets involved with Corny. Oswald wants to hire a new partner and expand his business, something that really bothers Milagro and the two fight over it among other things.

At every turn, instead of bringing them together, the wedding seems to be breaking them up and worse Millie’s confused about her feelings for Ian and Oswald’s parents dislike her with a burning passion. What’s a girl to do?

Rating: 4.5 Stars

Buy: The Bride of Casa Dracula (Casa Dracula, Book 3)

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